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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
Professional Category
Crowd Favorite
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:
Transports, Inspections, and Community Services
In addition to emergency response, the department managed notable routine and court-related duties across the region:
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.
The Russell County Fiscal Court will be meeting on Monday, October 12, 2026 at 10:00amCT. The meeting is open to the public.
AGENDA
The Columbia Adair County Economic Development Authority had a Bid Opening on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 for bids on the Speculative (shell only) Building to be constructed on the Build Ready Pad on Lot #3 in Green River Commerce Park.
There were 14 bids submitted with 13 representatives of the bidders in attendance. Bidders were asked to submit a base bid and a deduct for Alternative # 1. Base bids ranged from $1,998,991.00 to $3,412,000.00. Bids including the deduct for Alternative #1 ranged from $1,760,869.00 to $3,200,348.00. The bids with the deduct is for construction of the 38,500 SF one story Pre-Engineered steel-sided shell building without the additional office portion. The preliminary budget cost opinion was $1,979,000.00 when we applied for the KPDI grant with a $1,684,000.00 construction budget. Since we started the project, steel prices have drastically increased due to tariffs and increase in fuel costs and resulted in a higher construction cost. Our engineers suggested obtaining bids with an alternative to deduct the office portion in case the bids came in over budget and we were not able to secure additional funding for the construction.
On Friday, October 9, 2026, the EDA Board met and reviewed the bid tabulations and recommendation of our engineers and accepted the lowest bid with the deduct for Alternative #1 in the amount of $1,760,869.00 from Branscum Construction Company of Russell Springs, Kentucky. Once plans are approved by the Kentucky Department of Housing & Construction and performance bond is obtained, a notice to proceed will be provided to the contractor giving them 300 days to complete.
The $1,979,000 project is made possible by a $1,720,869.57 Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) grant (85%) and local match of $258,130.43 (15%) from Rural Development Agency Assistance Program (RDAAP) funding provided by the Adair County Fiscal Court.
The EDA Board is elated that we are able to proceed with the construction of a speculative building, a goal that we have been working on for some time. This gives us another tool in our toolbox to allow us to compete for industries looking to locate or expand their operations in Kentucky and create new jobs in Adair County. On behalf of our entire board, we want to thank our engineers MSE of Kentucky, Inc, our consultant Heather Spoon, the Cabinet for Economic Development, the KPDI Board, our state legislators, the Adair County Fiscal Court & Adair County Judge’s office, Branscum Construction Company and everyone who helped in getting us where we are.
While Hurricane Isaias is currently tracking to just brush our area with 0.75 to 1.25 inches of rain, the USACE Nashville District is actively managing our lakes to prepare for any sudden forecast changes.
The silver lining to this year’s historic drought?
Our reservoirs, including Wolf Creek, Dale Hollow, and J. Percy Priest, have plenty of room to safely store any heavy runoff. We urge all marina operators and dock owners to stay weather-aware over the next 72 hours and secure their property just in case. The public should pay attention to flood warnings and flash food alerts from the National Weather Service. Most of all stay safe!
Click the link below to learn more about how USACE Nashville is preparing for the storm!
https://www.army.mil/article/296043
Bank of Jamestown has been made aware of a fraudulent home warranty letter being sent to local homeowners that falsely appears to be connected to Bank of Jamestown.
Bank of Jamestown DID NOT send these letters and is not affiliated with the company or phone numbers listed in them.
The letter may reference your mortgage, property, or Bank of Jamestown and urge you to call immediately to “verify” your home warranty coverage. Please DO NOT call the number provided in the letter or provide any personal, financial, or property information.
If you receive a letter like this and have questions about your mortgage or whether a communication actually came from Bank of Jamestown, please contact us directly using our official contact information or visit one of our branches.
When in doubt, verify directly with your bank — not through the phone number or contact information provided in an unsolicited letter.
Please share this warning with your family, friends, and neighbors!
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