The Jamestown City Council will meet in regular session Thursday (10/5/26) at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Q

The Adair County Regular School Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM CT at the Adair County Board of Education, 1204 Greensburg Street, Columbia, KY.
 

AGENDA:

A boil water advisory has been issued for Stephens Ridge Road in Jamestown, KY. This includes all side roads off of Stephens Ridge Road. Boil all water used for drinking and cooking purposes, bringing the water to a rolling boil for 3 minutes.

The boil water advisory was issued on Tuesday, Oct. 13th at 6:20pmCT...

COLUMBIA, KY — The Columbia-Adair Chamber of Commerce has announced its annual Christmas Home Tour 2026, inviting community members and visitors to celebrate the holiday season by touring four featured homes and properties across Columbia and Adair County.

The holiday event is scheduled for Sunday, December 6, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM CST.

Featured Locations
Tour attendees will have the opportunity to visit four distinct local sites decorated for the holidays:
Kyle & Morgan Sandusky — 146 Derby Drive, Columbia, KY
Sandy Conover — 201 Fortune Street, Columbia, KY
JD & Ellen Zornes — 705 Glenmary Drive, Columbia, KY
Southern Nest Realty — 126 Will Walker Rd, Columbia, KY

Event Highlights & Ticket Details
Participants may begin the self-guided tour at any of the four locations.

Admission: $10 per person (ages 13 and older).
Tickets: Available for purchase in advance or at the door of any participating home.

Prizes & Drawing: Visitors who have their event ticket punched at all four stops will be entered into a grand prize drawing. Door prize registration will also be available at each location.

Refreshments: Complementary refreshments will be served at the Southern Nest Realty location during tour hours.

For additional information or advance ticket purchases, contact the Columbia-Adair Chamber of Commerce or visit participating local venues.

The 2-vehicle crash in Marion County on Friday morning, October 9, 2026 claimed the life of a Campbellsville man and left another hospitalized with serious injuries.  

According to Kentucky State Police, the fatal accident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. along the Campbellsville Highway near Highway 289. Authorities reported that 36-year-old Christopher Brian Black of Campbellsville was operating a 2011 Ford Focus when his vehicle collided with a 2016 Nissan driven by Mitchell Ginter, 61, also of Campbellsville. 

Mr. Black was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel. Mr. Ginter sustained severe injuries in the impact. He was initially transported to Spring View Hospital in Lebanon before being airlifted via STAT Flight to the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington for emergency treatment.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Dean Lunz is leading the investigation.

Story courtesy of Hal Goode with G & G Productions

Meet the Adair County Candidates running in the November General Election...

Brook Ann McDaniel, 28, of Columbia, KY was arrested by the ACSO on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 for Harassing Communications and Terroristic Threatening 3rd degree. She was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

The results are in for the Downtown Days 2026 Photography Contest, sponsored by the Adair Genealogy & History Research Center.

This year’s entries highlighted the rich cultural atmosphere, community connections, and classic slow-paced lifestyle that define Columbia and Adair County. A panel of three local photographers and artists judged the submissions based on how effectively they captured the people, places, and unique spirit of the area.

Amateur Category

• 1st Place: Brian Alexander – “Eli Enjoying the Fair” (Entry #21)
• 2nd Place: Mike Hamlett – “Sunrise/Sunset” (Entry #24)
• 3rd Place: Carolyn Cowan – “Back up the Hill” (Entry #19)
• Honorable Mention: Cynthia Ward – “Holmes Bend Guardian” (Entry #8)

Professional Category

• 1st Place: Chris Cavanaugh – “Spruce Pine Road” (Entry #30)
• 2nd Place: Chris Cavanaugh – “Dandelion” (Entry #25)
• 3rd Place: Chris Cavanaugh – “White Oak, Green River Lake” (Entry #1)

Crowd Favorite

• Community Choice: Harper Martin – “Rare Leucistic Hummingbird” (Entry #18)

Event organizers extended their congratulations to all the contest winners and expressed gratitude to everyone who participated in showcasing Adair County through their lenses. Photographers across the region are encouraged to keep capturing local moments in preparation for next year's contest.

The City of Columbia has officially kicked off preparations for the 2026 holiday season, announcing plans for early park decorations and inviting local involvement for its annual festive traditions.

Over the coming weeks, city crews will begin installing preliminary holiday decorations across various local parks to get the community into the festive spirit.

Annual Drive-Through Christmas Returns
A central highlight of Columbia's holiday season will be the 6th Annual Drive-Through Christmas, hosted at the Joe Johnson Little League Park on Doc Walker Road (off Industrial Park Road).

City officials are encouraging community participation to help make this year's event a success. Any individuals, local businesses, civic groups, or community organizations interested in setting up a holiday display at the park are invited to join in the effort.

“We hope that the community will enjoy the holiday decorations we have planned this year,” said Columbia Mayor Hoots.

How to Get Involved
To register for a display spot or for more details regarding the Drive-Through Christmas event, interested parties can contact Columbia City Hall at 270-384-2501. For holiday display registration, please leave your name and a contact number.

The Russell County Sheriff’s Department, led by Sheriff Derek K. Polston, has released its monthly activity summary detailing law enforcement operations and community services provided throughout September 2026.

According to the report, deputies responded to 585 calls for service through the 911 dispatch system—a figure that does not include walk-ins or calls handled directly inside the sheriff's office.

Calls for Service & Law Enforcement Activity
During the month, deputies conducted 110 traffic stops and carried out 31 arrests.

A detailed breakdown of key responses during September includes:

• 47 requests for a deputy
• 23 suspicious person complaints
• 18 motorist assists
• 17 welfare checks
• 16 motor vehicle accidents (1045)
• 9 alarm responses
• 8 domestic dispute calls
• 7 injury or property-damage collisions (1046)
• 6 animal complaints
• 3 reports of shots fired
• 2 juvenile complaints
• 288 other miscellaneous calls & administrative tasks

Transports, Inspections, and Community Services

In addition to emergency response, the department managed notable routine and court-related duties across the region:

• Prisoner Transports: Deputies recorded 176 prisoner transports and logged 2,909 total miles for court security transport.
• Vehicle Inspections: The department completed 219 vehicle inspections for residents.
• Concealed Carry: A total of 28 Carry Concealed Deadly Weapon (CCDW) licenses were processed or issued.
• Mental Health Transports: Deputies handled 2 mental health transports, with evaluations/care coordinated through Adanta and Eastern State Hospital.

Financial Collections
The Sheriff’s Department also remitted $512.23 in collected taxes from local oil and franchise bills during the month.

The Russell County Bass Fishing Team had another great weekend at the 14th Annual Bradley Roy Fishing Tournament. Competing against 123 teams, our anglers brought home some impressive finishes!

High School Division — 123 Teams

 5th Place: Caden Hall & Kaleb Wilson — 9.91 lbs
 6th Place: Owen Stephens & Max Roy — 9.25 lbs
 8th Place: Evan Bradshaw & Ryan Stanton — 8.03 lbs
 17th Place: Gabe Williams & Calan Long — 5.82 lbs
 38th Place: Kinley Pierce & Kooper Mellott — 2.39 lbs

Junior Division — 36 Teams

 2nd Place: Carter Hall & Rylan Holt — 7.04 lbs

County Judge Exec. Randy Marcum has details on the meeting...

A local man was arrested early Sunday morning following a police encounter at a gas station on Hudson Street that led to the discovery of suspected narcotics.

According to the Columbia Police Department, officers made contact with 58-year-old Tommy W. Wheeler of Columbia at approximately 2:03 a.m. on October 11, 2026.

A routine check revealed that Wheeler had an active Adair County bench warrant. During the subsequent arrest, authorities located suspected crystal methamphetamine on his person.

In addition to the outstanding warrant, Wheeler was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, First Offense (Methamphetamine).

Columbia Police Officer Colton Nunn served as the arresting officer on the scene and was assisted by Adair County Sheriff’s Deputy Hunter Tweety.

A Liberty woman remains in custody at the Russell County Detention Center following her arrest on felony assault and endangerment charges Friday evening.

According to booking records, 42-year-old Yolanda Mendez Gutierrez of Liberty, Kentucky, was arrested on October 9, 2026, by Deputy Parrish with the Russell County Sheriff’s Office.

Acordding to reports Gutierrez allegedly used a kitchen knife to cut the man’s face. The victim declined medical treatment and ambulance transport.

Gutierrez was lodged in the local facility shortly after 8:30 p.m. and faces the following charges stemming from the incident: Assault, 2nd Degree and Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree. Both charges remain pending, with no bond set at this time.

The investigation by the Russell County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing.

On Sunday, October 11, 2026, Adair County Deputy Ricky Shirley conducted a traffic stop on KY 92 for a traffic infraction. After conducting a roadside investigation, Deputy Shirley arrested two Columbia, KY residents on the following charges:

Patricia Morrison:

-No Registration Plates

-Failure of Owner to maintain required insurance

-Poss of Cont Sub, 1st Deg, 1st Off (Methamphetamine)

Zachary Janes:

- Parole Board warrant

Deputy Shirley was assisted by Deputy Joey Keith.


 

Christopher Brian Black, 36, of Campbellsville, KY, the son of Brian Nathan Black and Lisa Ann (Truax) Lewis, was born June 18, 1990 in Louisville and departed this life on Friday, October 9, 2026 in Marion County, KY as the result of an automobile accident. 

He was a supervisor at Curtis Maruyasu America in Lebanon and was of the Christian faith. Christopher enjoyed watching his favorite football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and shooting basketball, but most of all spending time with his children.

SURVIVORS:

His wife: Sarah Renea (Derman) Black of Campbellsville

His parents: Brian & Marsha Black and Lisa Ann & Thomas Bradley Lewis of Campbellsville

2 children: Karson Lee Black and Kylie Mae Black of Campbellsville

1 brother: Shawn Michael Nault (Joel)

1 sister: Grace Nevaeh Andrea Black

2 step-sisters: Brandi Lewis Moneypenny (Aaron) and Brittany Lewis Bartley (Ryan)

His grandfather: Jerry Black of Campbellsville

Father-in-law & mother-in-law: Tony & Vonda Derman of Columbia

Special friend: Dustin Burton

A host of other relatives & friends

He was preceded in death by a step-brother, Bradley Lewis and his grandparents: Phyllis Black, Roy Truax and Jean MaHaffey.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at L.R. Petty Funeral Home in Campbellsville, KY with Bro. Greg Lewis officiating

INTERMENT: Campbellsville Memorial Gardens.

VISITATION: 5-8 P.M. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at the funeral home

As the family faces the heartbreaking loss of a beloved husband and father, memorial donations are being accepted to provide financial assistance and support for his wife and children. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will be a meaningful expression of love and compassion. Donations may be made at the funeral home.

City officials issued an urgent appeal to residents friday as water levels at Lake Liberty remain at critically low levels, measuring 17.8 feet below full pool despite ongoing emergency pumping efforts.

Municipal crews continue to pump water daily from the Green River into Lake Liberty, drawing the maximum volume permitted under Division of Water regulations. However, local authorities report that exceptionally high water demand is offsetting those additions, preventing any significant recovery in the lake's water levels.

Officials emphasized that local infrastructure alone cannot resolve the shortfall without public cooperation.

"We need everyone's help," the city stated in an update to residents, urging the community to practice voluntary water conservation immediately. "Without significant rainfall and a strong community-wide effort to conserve water, it will take a long time for Lake Liberty to return to the levels it needs to be."

Residents are asked to reduce non-essential water usage across households and businesses until conditions improve. City leaders expressed gratitude for the public's patience and cooperation as they continue to monitor the situation and manage the ongoing water supply strain.