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Daily News for
Monday, March 9, 2026
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Keith Anderson, 53, Adair County, KY (1972-2026)

James Keith Anderson, of Columbia, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Taylor Regional Hospital, in Campbellsville, with his family at his side. He was 53 years of age.

Keith was born on March 28, 1972, in Columbia, the son of Judy Johnson Anderson and the late William Douglas Anderson. Keith was employee of Motherson and a member of New Hope Separate Baptist Church. He had also previously been a forklift driver at Fruit of the Loom for 20 years, before being employed at Motherson.


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2026-03-09 23:31:23 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

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Adair Band receives gift of support from PriceLess IGA



2026-03-09 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com.
At the store opening Friday, Houchens Food Group District Manager Chris Dial presented community gifts of support to the Adair County Food Pantry, Adair County Fire Department and the Adair County Band, pictured here.

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Lt. Gov. Coleman releases new report on women's health

From JT Henderson

Frankfort, KY - On March 9, 2026, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman joined the Kentucky Commission on Women (KCW) and officials from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) to release a new report on the status of women's health in Kentucky.

"As we celebrate Women's History Month, there is no better time to assess the status of women's health in Kentucky," said Lt. Gov. Coleman. "As someone whose life was saved by early detection through screenings, we should celebrate the advances that have been made for women's health while also admitting there are severe deficits and far too many women cannot access the care they need and deserve. This work becomes more important as our state faces devastating cuts to Medicaid that will severely harm women's health in the commonwealth."

The report was developed in partnership with the Division of Women's Health at CHFS and is a collection of public health data indicators related to Kentucky women, such as rates of insurance coverage, chronic disease prevalence, cancer mortality rates, mental health data, domestic violence rates, perinatal and maternal health indicators, and data related to the well-being of high school girls.


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2026-03-09 17:08:38 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Health Care

Wanda G. Hovious, 76, Columbia, KY (1949-2026)

Wanda Gayle Hovious of Columbia passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Summit Manor Nursing Home. She was 76 years old.

Graveside services will be held at NoonCT on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Haven Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 10amCT until NoonCT at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home, 210 Greensburg St., Columbia, KY.


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2026-03-09 17:04:34 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Bonner Scholars forge strong connections with Florida groups

By Duane Bonifer

If you want to see the benefits of a long-term relationship, follow members of the Lindsey Wilson University Bonner Scholar Program the next time they travel to St. Augustine, Florida.

Every March, the Lindsey Wilson service-leadership group takes an alternative spring break trip to the northeast Florida community where its members volunteer their time with three local nonprofit groups.

It's an annual service trip that has taken place every year since 2011, except in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's trip -- which took place during the week of March 2-6, 2026, during Lindsey Wilson's spring break -- was the first the Bonner Scholar Program made as members of Lindsey Wilson University, and it included work with three long-standing nonprofit partners: St. Johns Housing Partnership, St. Johns County Conservation and the St. Augustine Lighthouse.

During their week in the Florida community, 20 members of the Lindsey Wilson Bonner Scholars Program helped clean up a house and its grounds, installed signs, performed other routine maintenance jobs and cleaned up beaches along the Atlantic Ocean.


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2026-03-09 16:57:51 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Lindsey Wilson University

CPD: Officers Complete Advanced SWAT 1 Training

Columbia Police Officers Dustin Bunch and Travis Bell recently completed advanced tactical training with Norse Tactical in New Albany, Indiana. Officers Bunch and Bell attended the training from March 2 through March 6, 2026.

Norse Tactical is a private training company that provides advanced tactical instruction for law enforcement and military personnel. The program focuses on close-quarter tactics, firearms proficiency, and breaching techniques through realistic, scenario-based training led by experienced instructors with law enforcement and military backgrounds.

Officers Bunch and Bell successfully completed the SWAT 1 Course, an intensive 40-hour training program designed for both new and experienced officers. The course includes instruction in firearms operations, breaching techniques, and close-quarter tactics. The SWAT 1 course is accredited by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC).

This marks the second consecutive year Columbia Police Department personnel have attended the Norse Tactical SWAT 1 training. In 2025, Assistant Police Chief Drew Conn and Sergeant Trevor Foster also completed the course.

"Training is crucial in the law enforcement profession," said Columbia Chief of Police Evan Burton. "I want the Columbia Police Department personnel to be ready for any situation at any given moment. This type of training is valuable and potentially life-saving, and we will continue striving to go above and beyond in preparing our officers."


2026-03-09 16:55:07 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Police and Fire Reports

Prayers for Lisa: tour group stranded in Dubai

Prayers were requested for one of our own at Columbia UMC Sunday. Adair County high school graduate, educator, world traveler Lisa Hutchinson, is stranded in Dubai, UAE - Iran's response to US bombing. Her tour group was grounded on February 28, 2026 when flights were cancelled at the start of the war. Air traffic remains in chaos.

Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene. Until the start of war, it was known as a calm, entertaining city. Lisa says emergency alerts of missiles and drones coming in the sky from Iran happen regularly, then things normalize so she and fellow tourists can get outside the hotel and see the amazing city while they wait to get home.

The UAE is one of six Gulf states, often referred to as the Arab states of the Persian Gulf or members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). They are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Please pray for Lisa and everyone who is affected by the US bombing of Iran and Iran's response. Find Lisa A. Hutchinson on Facebook where, for ten days she's been reaching out, trying to be calm while sending out calls for information, communicating with every possible entity that could help and waiting.


2026-03-09 12:21:03 | Comments | Printable version

Kentucky State Parks campgrounds to open March 13

From Anita Hatchett

Frankfort, KY - Kentucky State Parks will kick off camping season on March 13, 2026, at 20 campgrounds across the commonwealth.

Campgrounds opening on March 13 include Barren River Lake, Big Bone Lick, Blue Licks Battlefield, Carr Creek, Columbus-Belmont, Dale Hollow Lake, General Burnside, General Butler, Grayson Lake, Greenbo Lake, John James Audubon, Kentucky Dam Village, Kincaid Lake, Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland, Lake Malone, Natural Bridge, Paintsville Lake, Pennyrile Forest and Yatesville Lake.

"With warmer weather on the way, we look forward to welcoming guests back to our Kentucky State Parks campgrounds," said Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Mark Kellen. "We encourage campers to check our website, parks.ky.gov, for the latest updates. We are ready for spring and can't wait to host folks at our New Kentucky Home campgrounds."

Taylorville Lake, Cumberland Falls, Jenny Wiley, Carter Caves, Greenbo Lake, My Old Kentucky Home and Kenlake campgrounds will remain closed as they continue to undergo $23 million in renovations and upgrades that will improve the experience for Kentuckians and visitors alike. These campgrounds will open later in the season, featuring brand-new bathhouses, improved electric and sewage lines, bigger camper pads and other amenities.

Due to extreme flooding in 2025, Nolin Lake, Green River and Fort Boonesborough will remain closed during the 2026 camping season as they undergo infrastructure and electrical replacement, and additional upgrades.


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2026-03-09 11:46:07 | Comments | Printable version

Girl Scouts hold March meeting at Extension Office

Girl Scout Troop #1214 held their monthly meeting at the Extension Office in Columbia last week. Guests were Gabriela "Gabby" Zuquelo and Mayor Pamela Hoots. The Troop leader is Bobbie Barnett.

Gabriela Zuquelo is a volleyball player from Brazil. She just moved to Columbia in January and is looking for a host family. She is experienced in childcare and would love a family with children. She is also offering volleyball coaching lessons at Lindsey Wilson University in their gym. She has been in the United States since 2022.


2026-03-09 10:29:13 | Comments | Printable version

Lindsey Lester Kerns, 79, Russell County, KY

Lindsey Lester Kerns passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was 79 years of age.

Born April 1, 1946, in Russell County, he was a son of the late Luke and Mallie Guffey Kerns. Lindsey graduated from Russell County High School and was then drafted by the United States Army. He served his country proudly, and during his tour in Vietnam, he was awarded two Purple Heart Medals. After returning from the war, he began working as an auto body repair man and developed a love for restoring old automobiles.


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2026-03-09 10:27:12 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Claud Atchley, 89, Cumberland County, KY

Claud "Grandpa" Atchley, age 89 of Burkesville, Kentucky passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026 at Cumberland County Hospital. Claud was born on March 27, 1936 in Adair County, KY to the late John Tylor Atchley and Nettie Grider Atchley. He was a former employee of Emerson Manufacturing and was a longtime farmer. Claud was a member of Fairview Separate Baptist Church and loved UK basketball and his chewing tobacco. He was also a member of Hood Masonic Lodge #839. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Rada Antle Atchley and his son Jonathan "Peanut" Atchley, four brothers Eugene Atchley, Obie Atchley, Azure Atchley, and Buel Atchley and one sister Dolene Hoover.

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2026-03-09 09:46:50 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries


Birthdays and Anniversaries for March 9
Happy Birthday, Addison Faith Gibson | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Aiden Hinkle (2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Betty Fisher (1946) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Brent Baker (1975) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Brian Cowan | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Brittany Wall | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Camden Dwayne Harvey | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, DJ Ballou | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Dylan Hancock (2000) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Floren C. Morrison | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Jaxson Riley Bell (2006) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Kay Powell | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Kaylee Vance (2008) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Lisa Clark (1968) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Ramona Dial | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Rhonda Calhoun | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Roxanne Yarberry Hart | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Sarah Hancock (2000) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Tara Pierce | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Terry Flatt | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Walter Avin Janes | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Avin Janes, 81, Dirigo, KY native Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Barbara Wright, 76, Campbellsville, KY (1943-2019) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Betty Lucille Fisher, 74, Russell Springs, KY (1946-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Betty Pauline Pike, 85, Campbellsville, KY (1937-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Bryson Conley Skaggs, 18, Campbellsville, KY (2005-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Cecil W. Pearson, Jr., 57, Knifley, KY (1967-2024) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Chrystal Ree Martin Blaydes, 90, Taylor Co., KY Metcalfe native (1925-2015) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Dale Alfred Napper, 74, Adair County, KY (1942-2016) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Donna Kay Patterson, 66, Greensburg, KY (1956-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Fay Wade, Russell Springs, KY (1932-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Finis Burton | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Frances Murphy, 77, Taylor Co., KY Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Gary Foster, Taylor Co., KY/McCreary Co. native (1948-2017) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Gregory Todd Galloway, 52, Casey County, KY Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Harlan (Bubby) Anderson, 74, Burkesville, KY (1942-2016) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Heather Davidson, Laughlin, NV (1979-2012) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Hilda Juanita Vannoy, 84, Casey County, KY (1935-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Isaiah Gyle Rexroat, 16, Russell Co., KY (2004-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, JoAnn Allison Durrett, 76, Greensburg, KY (1939-2015) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jonathan Janes, 54, Columbia, KY (1972-2026) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jordan Redmon (March 9, 1992 - July 7, 2008) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Kathleen Johnson Randolph, Casey Co., KY (1935-2012) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Larry Dale (Lightning) Turner, Green County, KY (1956-2018) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Larry Randell Poindexter, Cumberland Co., KY (1953-2014) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Leon Salyers, Casey Co., KY (1939-2011) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mark Steven Ponder, 65, Casey Co., KY (1951-2016) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mary Catherine Russell Miller (March 9, 1911 - October 18, 1981) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Maymie Page Janes, 90, Adair County, KY (1926-2016) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Ola Bright, Taylor County, KY (1921-2012) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Reda F. Rooks, 64, Columbia, KY (1959-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Robert Bradley Bradshaw, 75, Columbia, KY (1947-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Robert W. Smith, 84, Taylor Co., KY Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Robyn Elaine Lear, 37, Liberty, KY (1983-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Sandy Gregory, Taylor County, KY, (1961-2014) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Shannon Whitlow Klassen, Green Co., KY (1973-2012) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Thomas Mark Tarter, 62, Dunnville, KY (1955-2017) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Unema Roberts | (Updates/Corrections)

Events scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026
All events are listed in Central Time. Submit your upcoming event using our Contact Form.
5:00pmCTDrug problems addressed by Sherrif Roy at Breeding Fire Department | (ID:70385, Comment)
7:00pmCTBasketball: Indians vs North Hardin | (ID:70395, Comment)

 






























 
 
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