On Saturday, July 25, 2026 Adair County Deputies responded to 175 Overstreet Road in reference to the location of a wanted fugitive.

Upon arrival, Deputies encountered Christopher “Critter” McClister trying to leave the residence from the back door. Upon seeing deputies, McClister went back inside the residence and tried to hide from them.

Deputies got consent to enter the residence and were able to take McClister into custody without incident. The arrest was made by Adair County Deputy Ricky Shirley with assistance from Deputy Joey Keith.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 24, 2026) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) honored 84 troopers, detectives and officers who went above and beyond the call of service in 2025. The KSP annual Sworn Awards Ceremony highlighted those who are dedicated to protecting Kentucky’s 120 counties with a mission of creating a safer Commonwealth for future generations.

In 2025, KSP responded to 532,600 calls for assistance, conducted thousands of wellness checks during dangerous weather conditions, protected children from online predators, secured justice for victims, and assisted local law enforcement agencies as needed to promote safety throughout the Commonwealth.

“The accomplishments we celebrate today are the result of hard work, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to public service.” Said Post 15 Commander Captain Jeremy Smith. “These award recipients have distinguished themselves through professionalism, integrity, and a steadfast dedication to the citizens of the Commonwealth. They represent the very best of the Kentucky State Police.”

Recipients from the Post 15 area include: 

• Captain Jeremy Smith received a Meritorious Service Award with a V-device. Captain Smith is a 21-year veteran of the agency.
• Detective Dexter Colvin was named the 2025 Post 15 Detective of the Year and the Statewide KSP Detective of the Year. Detective Colvin is a 9-year veteran of the agency.
• Trooper Joshua Smith was named the 2025 Post 15 Trooper of the Year. Trooper Smith is a 3-year veteran of the agency.
• Master Trooper Jonathan Houk was named the 2025 Public Affairs Officer of the Year. Trooper Houk is a 16-year veteran of the agency.

A complete list of award recipients is available on the KSP website.

KSP is looking to recruit the next generation of law enforcement leaders. Individuals interested in a career of service, leadership and honor are encouraged to apply today at JoinKSP.com.

For more information about KSP’s commitment to creating a better Kentucky by making the Commonwealth’s streets safer, communities stronger and the nation more secure by providing exceptional law enforcement, click here.

(left to right) Master Trooper Jonathan Houk, Detective Dexter Colvin, Captain Jeremy Smith and Trooper Joshua Smith

Unemployment rates rose in 116 counties, including Adair, between June 2025 and June 2026, fell in Owsley and Russell counties, and stayed the same in Bracken and Harlan counties, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet.

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 4.5%. It was followed by Cumberland County, 4.6 %; Campbell, Fayette, Kenton and Scott counties, 4.7% each; Boone and Shelby counties, 4.8% each; Franklin County, 4.9%; and Clark, Graves, Jessamine, Oldham, Todd and Trimble counties, 5% each.

Martin County recorded the state's highest unemployment rate at 10.6%. It was followed by Wolfe County, 10.4%; Magoffin County, 9.6%; Elliott and Lewis counties, 9.5% each; Jackson County, 8.5%; Lawrence County, 8.2%; Carter County, 8.1%; Pike County, 7.9%; and Knott County, 7.8%.

Kentucky's county unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted because of small sample sizes. Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events such as weather changes, harvests, holidays, and school openings and closings. Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends.

Kentucky's seasonally adjusted June 2026 state unemployment rate was released on July 16, 2026, and can be viewed here.

In that release, Kentucky's statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are adjusted to observe statistical trends by removing seasonal influences such as weather changes, harvests, holidays, and school openings and closings. For more information regarding seasonal fluctuations, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics here.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks. The data should only be compared to the same month in previous years.

The City of Columbia and Morgan Smith Industries will be hosting United States Senator Rand Paul in a visit to Columbia and Adair County on Monday, August 17, 2026 at Morgan Smith Industries located on Industrial Park Road in Columbia.

Morgan Smith Industries has been operating in Columbia since 2012 becoming a cornerstone of the Columbia/Adair County Industrial Park in that time. They have completed several prestigious projects throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Recently, they have worked on the Adair County Middle School project, which is a continued reflection of their commitment to our local community. Other projects have included work at University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University, and Eastern Kentucky University. They are also involved in the ongoing renovation of the State Capitol in Frankfort and US Federal Courthouse in Lexington.

Senator Rand Paul has been the junior United States Senator from Kentucky since 2011. In the Senate he chairs the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and serves as a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations, Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

“We look forward to welcoming Senator Paul back to Columbia and are excited about his visit to Morgan Smith Industries,” stated Mayor Hoots. “The visit allows Senator Paul to see the blossoming business community that continues to grow throughout greater Columbia and will continue to grow with projects like the J&L Gate Expansion and others,” added Mayor Hoots.

The visit will start at 9:00amCT on Monday, August 17, 2026 at the Morgan Smith Industries location at 132 Industrial Park Road.

There is a boil water advisory for West Highway 80 starting at 1413 West Highway 80 to the Adair County line, Highway 1870 to the Adair Co. line and all side roads. Until further notice, boil all water used for drinking and cooking purposes, bringing the water to a rolling boil for at least 3 minutes.

Once again, the annual Adair County Floral Hall has successfully showcased the talent, harvest and creativity of the community. Entries were received at the Adair County Extension Office on Monday, July 20, 2026. Submissions ranged from photography and art to gardening and baked goods and were on display for public viewing on Tuesday.

Each item was judged and received a ribbon and a certain amount of points that were determined by placing. First place accumulated three points, second place was awarded two points and third place received one point.

The following individuals placed and earned points in one or more categories:

• Alicia Molesky 6 points
• Betty Knifley 14 points
• Beverly Rob 13 points
• Bridgett Powell 6 points
• Cathy Abel 3 points
• Diane Campbell 2 points
• Emily Keltner 6 points
• Geri Reynolds 10 points
• Giovanna Cammuca 3 points
• Jennifer Digirolamo 6 points
• Joy Arnold 8 points
• Peggy Brown 3 points
• Robin Lewis 5 points
• Sally Marple 9 points
• Taylor Stevens 6 points
• Veronica Arnold 6 points
• Wanda Patterson 6 points
• Whitney Scott 3 points

Congratulations to all those who participated!

(Information from Columbia Magazine)

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a single-vehicle injury collision on KY 63 (Old Glasgow Road) in Monroe County, just before 11:00 P.M. CDT Monday night.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Garrett Tingle, 18, of Tompkinsville, was traveling north on KY 63 in a 2000 Plymouth Neon.  The vehicle exited the right side of the roadway, struck an earth embankment and overturned. 

A passenger in the vehicle, Lesly Chalchi-Gomez, 18, of Tompkinsville, was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Monroe County Coroner.  Garrett Tingle was transported from the scene to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Monroe County Fire/EMS and the Monroe County Coroner’s Office.  Senior Trooper Brandon Roark is investigating the collision.

Russell County School Superintendent Michael Ford has details on Monday's board meeting...

On Monday, July 20, 2026 at approximately 9:23 a.m., the Russell Springs Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire on Oaks Drive, off Damon Creek Road.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the residence fully engulfed in flames. A total of 11 firefighters responded and quickly initiated an aggressive fire attack, bringing the blaze under control and extinguishing it.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the home was undergoing renovations and was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Fire Chief Bobby Johnson reminds everyone that fire prevention starts long before an emergency occurs. “Working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms where needed, and other fire detection and alarm devices are some of the most important tools you can have to protect your family and your home. They provide the early warning needed to escape safely and can make all the difference in a fire.”

The Russell Springs Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank all responding firefighters for their dedication and service to our community. We encourage everyone to test their smoke alarms monthly, replace batteries as needed, and ensure every home has a working smoke alarm on every level and outside each sleeping area.

Around 7pm on Saturday, LCCRS was dispatched to Soggy Bottom Campground for a water-related incident. A group of individuals were floating the river behind the campground. Rain from storms that day  had caused a significant rise in the river, and they encountered fast moving water and debris, causing them to get overturned. 

One member was swept from the group and was unaccounted for. Members of their group returned to the river as well as other bystanders and took off searching for the missing person, both on foot and by kayak. 

Once units from LCCRS, Liberty FD, Dunnville VFD, Clementsville VFD, CCEMS, and CCSO secured the scene, it was determined we had conflicting stories of how many individuals were unaccounted for. 

Drone 1 was deployed for aerial coverage as well as a 4-man Swift Crew and Boat deployed and directed down river. About 1 hour from the initial call, all units and individuals were accounted for and were found safe and unharmed.

The boat crew covered about 2.6 miles of river downstream of campground; Drone 1 covered roughly 45 minutes of flight and numerous pictures to help preplan and prepare for future deployments. 

We would like to thank the owners of Soggy Bottom Campgrounds for their quick response and assistance in setting up our staging area. While this run ended the way we hope every run does, subjects were found unharmed, there are a few things we would like to remind the community about for safe water-related activities. With current temps and high humidity, water is the common attraction to beat the heat. Please remember to wear your life jacket, be aware of swift or quickly rising water, and when floating the river make sure others are aware of your float path. These reminders can make the difference in an enjoyable day or a tragic one.

The boil water advisory for Stephen's Ridge Rd to the end of Pleasant Hill, including all side roads, has been lifted.

Thanks to your conservation efforts, combined with pumping water from the Green River, we’ve been able to maintain our lake level this week—and that’s exactly what we were hoping to achieve.

The goal of pumping water from the Green River was never to refill the lake overnight. The goal was to help stabilize our water supply by slowing the lake’s decline, and this week we’ve accomplished just that.

We also wanted to share that car washes will be back open for business tomorrow. As for the boil water advisory, we’re hopeful to have more information soon and will share an update as soon as it’s available.

While this week’s progress is encouraging, conservation still matters. Every gallon saved helps us continue maintaining our lake levels and protects our community’s water supply.

Thank you for your continued patience, cooperation, and support. Together, we’re making a difference.

Agenda for the R.C. School Board meeting on Monday, July 20th...

On Thursday, July 16, 2026, Russell County Search & Rescue responded to a mutual aid request for 7 individuals stranded on an island near Rock House Bottom after rising water cut off their access to the shore.

Crews arrived on scene and safely transported all 7 individuals back to the bank before the situation escalated. No injuries were reported.

Rising water can happen fast, and what starts as a fun day on the river can turn into an emergency in a matter of minutes. If you’re heading out on the water, keep an eye on conditions, wear a life jacket, and let someone know your plans.

Great work by everyone involved today. This is exactly why mutual aid partnerships matter — many hands make quick, safe work possible.

Jamestown Mayor Regena Hinton has details on the meeting...

Superintendent Jason Faulkner tells Wave News what took place at the meeting...

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 16, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on a budget surplus and property tax rate decrease for the commonwealth, as well as economic development, transportation funding, efforts to clean up and redevelop brownfields, affordable housing, Recovery Ready Communities, the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program, the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, Pre-K Pilot Programs and Disability Pride Month. The Governor named Owen County native John Brumback as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star following Brumback’s recognition as the Best Bank Pool Player in American History by the Best in Billiards.

7th Consecutive Budget Surplus, Property Tax Rate Decrease
Following a report from the Office of the State Budget Director that General Fund receipts for fiscal year 2026 saw a 1.7% increase, marking the seventh consecutive budget surplus for the commonwealth, Gov. Beshear recognized the opportunities this provides the state, including for the General Assembly to address some of its budget cuts to critical programs like the Department for Community Based Services, Medicaid, senior meals and more. The report is unexpected good news after the official budget estimate in December 2025 called for a $156 million revenue shortfall. For more, see the full release.

In more good news, the Governor announced the commonwealth’s real property tax rate has dropped for the sixth consecutive year, decreasing to 10.3 cents per $100 of assessed value in 2026, which will help Kentucky families save money when prices are too high.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear highlighted continued economic success across the commonwealth as two Kentucky counties were recognized in the top 20 per capita and one county in the top 20 for total projects in Site Selection magazine’s rankings of America’s Best Counties released this week.

Last week, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman joined local officials and leadership from Zotefoams to cut the ribbon on the $13.8 million expansion of the company’s North American headquarters in Walton. This year also represents Zotefoams’ 25th anniversary of its operations in Northern Kentucky.

Funding for Transportation Upgrades
Gov. Beshear announced that Team Kentucky has secured three federal grants totaling $73 million to increase designated truck parking spaces at rest areas, replace the historic Singing Bridge in downtown Frankfort and expand Paducah’s main riverport. The funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Governor also thanked Kentucky’s congressional delegation for their support in the state’s receiving the funding.

Click here for a Good News update on the Singing Bridge project.

Funding To Clean Up and Redevelop Brownfields
Gov. Beshear announced that six Kentucky communities and agencies are set to receive $11.5 million in grant federal funding to assess, clean up and redevelop “brownfields” – industrial and commercial properties that are known or suspected to contain contaminants.

New Affordable Housing
Gov. Beshear provided an update on affordable housing that Team Kentucky is supporting across the commonwealth. In Western Kentucky, Team Kentucky is partnering with the Kentucky Housing Corp. to provide over $200 million to build nearly 1,000 rental units. This is the single largest housing announcement in Kentucky’s history. These funds are helping build 11 developments across four counties, all of which are now under construction. At one of the developments, Echo Trail in Bowling Green, the first building is available for leasing this month.

In Eastern Kentucky, Team Kentucky is supporting eight high-ground communities that are planned to provide more than 500 new homes out of the flood plain. At Skyview in Perry County, nearly 30 of the almost 100 planned homes are complete. Two Kentuckians closed on homes at Skyview today with more closings to come soon. Two of the high-ground communities are complete: Thompson Branch in Letcher County and the Wayland Community in Floyd County.

Recovery Ready Communities
To continue the work that has led to Kentucky’s four straight years of declines in overdose deaths, Gov. Andy Beshear announced today that Meade, Pike and Wolfe counties are now certified as Recovery Ready Communities. More than 2.2 million Kentuckians now have access to enhanced addiction treatment and recovery services across 42 counties certified as Recovery Ready.

Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program
The Governor announced that the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program is receiving a 22% increase in funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This program provides breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services at no cost to those who qualify. The number of women screened by the program has increased steadily since 2022. Visit the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program website to learn more.

Four Years of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Kentucky
The Governor recognized the four-year anniversary of the launch of the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline in Kentucky. In 2022, the Beshear administration implemented the easy-to-remember, three-digit mental health crisis hotline, which is available 24/7. Since then, trained counselors have answered over 155,000 calls, 33,000 text messages and 19,000 online chats from Kentuckians.

Team Kentucky has 14 in-state call centers – and staff at these centers answer the phone at an average rate of 25 seconds, which is 10 seconds faster than the national average. There has also been a 100% increase in calls routed to in-state community mental health centers since the launch of 988.

“These numbers represent thousands of people supported – and possibly, lives saved,” said Gov. Beshear. “I want to thank the team members at our community mental health centers who answer these calls, take the time to talk to our people, make referrals for services and make follow-up calls to ensure people know someone cares. Mental health is just as important as physical health. If you are struggling, you are not alone, and Team Kentucky is here to support you.”

Pre-K Pilot Programs
On Tuesday, Gov. Beshear announced the expansion of the Pre-K Pilot Programs to Franklin County Schools and Glasgow Independent Schools, bringing the total school districts served through the program to four. Since May, the Governor and his administration have increased childcare access for nearly 3,000 additional children across the commonwealth through two major announcements.

Disability Pride Month
The Governor recognized July as Disability Pride Month. This coincides with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The Governor was joined by team members from the Department for Aging and Independent Living and the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities.

“Team Kentucky has made it a priority to ensure that people with disabilities have equal and accessible opportunities in healthcare, education, housing and more,” said Gov. Beshear. “Every single person should have the support they need to thrive.”

Team Kentucky All-Star
The Governor named Owen County native John Brumback as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star following Brumback’s recognition as the Best Bank Pool Player in American History by Best in Billiards.

“Over the years, Kentuckians have proven their talent on the national stage. And now, one Kentuckian is being recognized in the world of billiards,” said Gov. Beshear. “Congratulations to John Brumback for this outstanding recognition and congratulations on being named this week’s All-Star.”

The following press release is from the Russell County Coroner's Office...

****UPDATE*****

The scene is safe. Anyone asked to evacuate earlier can return to their residence. We would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding. Highway 127 is now open.

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Law enforcement personnel are currently on scene in the area of Basket Factory Road due to a barricaded suspect. Highway 127 is closed between Telephone Drive and Woolen Mill Road and will remain closed until further notice. Motorists are strongly urged to avoid the area, seek alternate routes, and follow all directions from law enforcement.

Updates regarding the situation and roadway closures will be provided as they become available. Please follow the Jamestown Police Department for the latest information.