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The City of Columbia is currently having a Surplus Auction sale where they are off loading surplus, or extra items and materials.
The City is selling 16 unique lots ranging from a Bobcat S185 Skidsteer to a television, to office furniture and many things in between.
We invite everyone to have a look at the items online, and if you see something you like, bid! There are several lots starting as low as $10 with many very interesting items.
The auction is running until Tuesday, September 15th and is being held fully online. Anyone interested can see items at the link below.
Link:
At approximately 1:00 PM Central Time on Thursday, September 3, 2026, Russell County Search & Rescue responded to a call involving a worker who had fallen nearly 20 feet while operating on a barge, performing repair work at Wolf Creek Dam. Due to the location and severity of the fall, a technical rescue was required to safely remove the patient from the barge.
Rescuers utilized the barge’s multi-ton crane to lift both the patient and a rescuer from the barge up to the roadway, where an awaiting ambulance transferred care. The patient was then flown by helicopter to the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington, KY for further treatment.
We extend our sincere thanks to the following agencies for their strong teamwork and rapid response:
• Russell County EMS
• Jamestown Fire Department
• American Bridge Company
• Air Methods and
• Russell County 911.
Your coordination and professionalism ensured a safe and efficient rescue under challenging conditions.
In remembrance of Sheila Blair, the Adair County Clerk’s Office, the Adair County Judge Executive’s Office, the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, the Adair County PVA’s Office, and the Adair County Attorney’s Office will close on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 2:00pmCT.
Please remember her family—and all of us—in your prayers as we grieve the loss of a cherished friend and co-worker. Sheila Blair was a long-time Deputy Clerk, former Adair County Clerk, and Occupational Tax Director. She served as County Clerk from 2006–2014. After retiring, she continued to serve as bookkeeper, election tally officer, and part-time staff in the recording department.
She was not only a dedicated public servant but a dear friend to us all. Thank you for your kindness and patience during this difficult time.
Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 due to Monday being a scheduled holiday (Labor Day).
Adair County Clerk’s Office
Effective as of 11:40amCT on Thursday, September 3, 2026, the boil water advisory for West Highway 80 in Russell Springs, starting at Tonkin Drive to the Adair County line, Gentry Mill Road from Woodland Drive to Highway 80, Shepherd Drive from Sherry Lane to the end of the road, Jewel Street and Rose Street has been lifted.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 3, 2026) -Gov. Andy Beshear today announced more than $18.8 million in grant funding for 18 transportation projects across the commonwealth that will improve safety and accessibility for Kentuckians. From walking to biking, wheelchairs and more, Team Kentucky is committed to making our commonwealth more accessible for everyone.
“Transportation isn’t just about the work we are doing to improve roads and bridges across our state; it’s about creating communities that support every Kentuckian and their needs,” said Gov. Beshear. “These projects will help give peace of mind to parents knowing their kids can walk safely to school, while improving access to local businesses and more.”
The funding is from the federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), which reimburses local governments for 80% of the costs of non-motorized transportation projects that focus on bicycle and pedestrian pathways, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act, the Safe Routes to School program, and safety enhancements for vulnerable roadway users.
Today’s most recent round of funding includes 18 projects in the cities of Auburn, Beattyville, Benton, Brooksville, Columbia, Elkton, Hodgenville, Jackson, Jenkins, Lexington, Morgantown, Mortons Gap, New Haven, Paintsville and Prestonsburg, and in Bath, Kenton and Robertson counties.
Project funding ranges from $4.7 million for the construction of phases four and five of the Town Branch Trail project in Lexington to $80,000 each for pedestrian improvements in Hodgenville and Main Street sidewalk design in New Haven.
The city of Columbia, in south-central Kentucky, was awarded nearly $1.4 million for a sidewalk improvement and expansion project as part of the Safe Routes to School program. That project will create a safe, continuous and accessible pedestrian route from downtown to the Adair County school complex, where nearly 200 students regularly walk to class.
“We are so excited to be a recipient of a TAP grant,” said Columbia Mayor Pam Hoots. “This will bring sidewalk connectivity to our school complex. Thank you for caring about Columbia and Adair County.
The city of Prestonsburg, in Eastern Kentucky, will use its $976,000 funding award to construct a pedestrian and bicycle bridge to safely connect the city’s Passage Rail Trail to the Middle Creek National Battlefield, creating a safe link between the city, the battlefield and the community of David. This project will eliminate a key gap in the trail network, improve safety and expand access to a nationally significant Civil War site.
“The Middle Creek Battlefield linkage project is a great service to the city,” said Prestonsburg Mayor Rick Hughes. “It is linking three entities: Archer Park, the Passage Trail, and the historic battlefield area. So, this helps not only our local residents, but all of our visitors, especially when reenactments are going on.”
Russell Springs City Hall will be closed Friday, September 4, 2026 for cybersecurity updates to their computer system. The online payment portal will remain available for payments.
The City apologizes for the inconvenience and appreciates your patience.
42-year-old Jeremy Owens of Liberty, KY was arrested by KSP on Wednesday night in the Sano community near the Adair/Russell County line. Owens was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration (2nd or greater offense).
The Columbia Police Dept. Activity Report for August 2026...
Calls for Service/Contacts: 828
Citations: 50
Motorist Assists: 16
Escorts: 7
Accidents Investigated: 27
Injury Accidents: 2
E-Calls/Incident Reports: 15
Criminal Cases Opened: 8
Department Updates & Activities
Corey Meyer was hired as an ACHS School Resource Officer (SRO) and Patrol Officer. Congratulations and welcome, Officer Meyer!
Colton Nunn was hired as a Patrol Officer. Congratulations and welcome, Officer Nunn!
Lieutenant Justin Cross completed four (4) hours of Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) online training in Emergency Vehicle Operations.
Chief Evan Burton attended a Human Trafficking Awareness Seminar in Russell Springs, Kentucky.
Chief Evan Burton participated in the DOCJT Law Enforcement Leadership Quarterly Conference Call.
Officers provided extra patrol coverage for Morgan Smith Industries LLC and conducted a Rand Paul visit.
Officers provided extra patrol coverage for the Adair County Fair.
Officers provided extra patrol coverage for the Adair County High School Marching Band Mark Twain event.
Officers provided extra patrol coverage for Adair County Schools and Lindsey Wilson University.
The Adair County Sheriff’s Department handled 951 emergency calls in August, according to Sheriff Gary Roy’s monthly activity report.
Along with logging 280 hours of court security for Adair Circuit and District courts, deputies managed the following workload: Legal Papers & Process: Served 76 arrest warrants, 60 civil process papers, 50 subpoenas, and 16 criminal summonses.
Investigations & Cases: Opened four criminal cases, worked 14 domestic abuse incidents, investigated 16 traffic crashes, and responded to 11 alcohol- or drug-related offenses.
Enforcement & Community Assistance: Issued 32 criminal citations, fielded 21 animal complaints, completed 12 motorist assists, and conducted eight out-of-county transports.
First National Bank of Russell Springs is warning customers that scammers are spoofing local bank phone numbers to steal personal and financial data.
The Threat: Caller ID can be faked to display a trusted bank number.
What to Avoid: Never share online banking logins, debit card numbers, PINs, or account details with unexpected callers.
What to Do: Hang up immediately on suspicious calls and dial the bank directly at 270-866-4343.
Russell County Hospital recently donated Emergency Gear Bags to three local volunteer fire departments: Jamestown VFD, Eli VFD, and Russell Springs VFD.
These dedicated organizations play a vital role in keeping Russell County safe, stepping up whenever neighbors need help most. Their commitment and service form a critical part of the area's emergency response network, and the community is deeply grateful for everything they do to protect and serve Russell County every single day.
No injuries reported in a Casey County School Bus crash...
A Casey County school bus collided with an internet service truck on Tuesday afternoon along the 1800 block of Kentucky Highway 1859, according to the Casey County Sheriff’s Office.
Six students and the bus driver were on board at the time of the collision. Local officials confirmed that no injuries were reported.
Following the incident, the school district issued a social media statement thanking local first responders for their swift action and reinforcing that student and staff safety remains their highest priority.
Kentucky State Police Post 15 will be conducting periodic traffic safety checkpoints in the Post 15 area, which includes Green, Taylor, Marion, Washington, Russell, Casey, Adair, Metcalfe, Monroe, Clinton, and Cumberland counties.
These checkpoints will be conducted as part of Post 15’s highway safety efforts. Troopers will be checking for violations of Kentucky traffic and regulatory laws including, but not limited to, motor vehicle equipment safety, licensing of drivers, motor vehicle registration, child restraints, and operation of motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants.
A complete list of traffic safety checkpoint locations can be found at the following link:
https://www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/post15checkpoints
BOIL WATER ADVISORY UPDATE
The boil water advisory currently in effect for Jewel Street and Rose Street has been expanded to include the following areas:
• West Highway 80, from Tonkin Drive to the Adair County line
• Gentry Mill Road, from Woodland Drive to Highway 80
• Shepherd Drive, from Sherry Lane to the end of the road
The advisory will remain in effect until further notice. Boil all water for at least 3 minutes used for drinking and cooking.
Wolf Creek Dam Marks 75 Years Standing Guard Over Lake Cumberland
Our hometown landmark just hit a major milestone. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Cumberland celebrated Wolf Creek Dam’s 75th birthday on Tuesday—just a day before closing down lanes across the dam for upcoming upgrades.
Locals know the long history behind the structure. Ground was first broken right here in Russell County on September 1, 1941, though World War II paused construction for roughly three years. The dam was officially dedicated a decade later on September 1, 1951.
That massive effort gave birth to Lake Cumberland, shaping our local economy, recreation, and daily life with 101 miles of water and 1,255 miles of shoreline stretching right through our backyard.
For 75 years, Wolf Creek has stood as an important part of our community and our region. We are proud of its history, proud of the work that happens here every day, and especially proud of the people, past and present, who have helped keep it operating and serving generations," Lake Cumberland officials shared.
Standing 258 feet tall and spanning over a mile wide (5,736 feet), the dam remains the giant holding up our local lake life—75 years and counting.
Photo and details on story from the US Army Corp of Engineers
The Columbia City Council held a special called meeting this week.
Items approved:
Audio Courtesy of Adair County Community Voice
The Forcht Bank Bowl will be held on Friday, Sept. 4th in Campbellsville, KY...
There is a boil water advisory in Russell Springs, KY for Rose Street and Jewel Street. Until further notice, boil all water used for drinking and cooking, bringing the water to a rolling boil for 3 minutes. The advisory was issued due to waterline work.
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