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Daily News for
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
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Tommy Druen: Determination changes everything

Previous Column: The games we're playing

By Tommy Druen

We've all been there. You're in a public restroom and you go to dry your hands under an automatic dryer. The thing roars to life like a jet engine and, in the minute you stand there moving your hands, you wonder if your eardrums are going to survive the experience. You don't know if you're still in a restroom or suddenly in a Maxell tape commercial.

It's annoying, sure. But it's one of those minor irritations we all just accept without question. I've been doing it for decades. Never once did I think to complain or investigate or do anything but grimace and wait for it to be over. That's what we do, right? We accept the world as it is, right or wrong, and move on with our lives.

Unless you're Nora Keegan.

Back in 2015, Nora was a fifth grader in Calgary, Canada. Every time she used the hand dryer at her school, her ears would ring afterward. She noticed something else too. Her classmates were covering their ears when the machine kicked on. Even if they had noticed, most kids would have shrugged this off. Nora decided to do something about it.


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2026-06-30 20:37:03 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Tommy Druen

<-Previous PhotoPhoto 1 of 7Next Photo->
Helen Rogers, 93, Columbia, KY native (1933-2026)



2026-06-30 - Camden, TN - Photo courtesy Grissom-Martin Funeral Home.
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CPD: Storage units target of break-ins

The Columbia Police Department is encouraging all storage unit owners and renters to inspect their storage units following recent break-ins reported within the City of Columbia.

On June 29, 2026, at approximately 2:02 p.m. (CST), the Columbia Police Department was dispatched to another local storage facility in reference to a reported break-in involving a storage unit. This incident follows a similar burglary investigation that occurred on June 28, 2026.

To help reduce the risk of becoming a victim, the Columbia Police Department recommends the following:
  • Check your storage unit regularly for signs of forced entry or missing property.
  • Report any suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity around storage facilities immediately.
  • Use high-security disc or cylinder locks, which are more resistant to cutting and tampering than traditional padlocks.
  • Maintain insurance coverage for the contents of your storage unit.
  • Document all property stored inside by taking photographs and recording serial numbers, makes, models, and other identifying information. This information can be invaluable when investigating thefts and recovering stolen property.
The Columbia Police Department appreciates the cooperation of the community and reminds everyone that prompt reporting of suspicious activity can help prevent crime and assist law enforcement in identifying those responsible.

If you have information involving these incidents, please contact the Adair County 911 Dispatch Center at 270-384-6464 or submit an anonymous tip through the Columbia Police Department Crime Tip-Line, Cally's Line, at 270-378-2259.


2026-06-30 20:28:46 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Police and Fire Reports

Helen D. Rogers, 93, Columbia, KY native (1933-2026)

Helen Delorise (Coomer) Rogers of Camden, TN, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Humphreys County Care & Rehab. She was 93 years old. Ms. Rogers was born on March 8, 1933, in Columbia, KY to the late Bill Coomer and the late Mary Lizzie Sneed Coomer.

A graveside service will be held at 2pmCT on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Jones Chapel Cemetery, 2800 Jones Chapel Road, Columbia, KY. Burial will follow.


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2026-06-30 20:23:54 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Roger G. Coffey, 83, Adair Co. native (1942-2026)

Roger G Coffey of Dunnellon, FL, passed away on June 22, 2026, at his home in Dunnellon under the loving care of his family and hospice of Marion County. He was 83 years old. Roger was born on July 20, 1942, in Keltner, KY to Ural and Clarice Love (Rodgers) Coffey.

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2026-06-30 20:18:53 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Adair County Cooling Stations

From Grant Loy, Director
Adair County Emergency Management

Adair County Emergency Management is opening a temporary Cooling Station at the Adair County Annex Basement, 424 Public Square, Columbia, KY. With dangerously high heat and heat index values forecast this week, this site provides a safe place to cool down from the extreme heat.
  • Location: Adair County Annex Basement, 424 Public Square, Columbia, KY
  • Doors facing the historic courthouse will be open.
  • Will remain open from today, Tuesday, June 30, 2026, through Friday, July 3, 2026, at 4pmCT.
  • Will be open to the public
  • Will have an air-conditioned space, seating & water
Heat safety tips:
  • Limit time outdoors and take frequent cooling breaks.
  • Drink plenty of water; avoid alcohol and caffeine.
  • Check on neighbors, older adults, and those without air conditioning.
  • Never leave children or pets in vehicles.
For any questions, call Adair County Judge's Office at 270-384-4703 or Adair County E911 Center at 270-384-4760.


2026-06-30 20:11:16 | Comments | Printable version

High temperatures pose risk to Kentuckians

From Scottie Ellis

Frankfort, KY - Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on response efforts to the weekend's deadly flooding and warned of dangerously high temperatures forecast across the state, with heat indexes expected to rise well above 100 in some places. The Governor shared a map of cooling center locations and resources for those affected by the floods.

"Once again, Kentuckians are coming together to recover from a deadly flooding event, and I want to remind every community that we will get through this, and we will get through this together," said Gov. Beshear. "As we begin the damage assessments and work to help our people recover and rebuild, we want to make sure everyone remains alert with a considerable amount of debris left over from the flooding and temperatures on the rise. Please be careful, check on your neighbors, and let's do what we can to keep everyone safe."

Cooling Centers
Kentucky is facing dangerous temperatures, with heat indexes in some areas reaching well above 100 degrees. Team Kentucky is setting up cooling centers across the state. A map of those centers can be found here: kyem.maps.arcgis.com.

Region-specific information is available from the National Weather Service forecast offices in Paducah, Louisville and Jackson.

Gov. Beshear encouraged Kentuckians to hydrate, wear light clothing, stay in air conditioning, bring pets inside, and avoid outdoor activities during the warmest times of the day.


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2026-06-30 20:08:54 | Comments | Printable version

ACFA presents Independence on the Grounds

From Charles Grimsley

Come to the New Adair County Fairgrounds at 256 Industrial Park Road, Columbia, KY, on July 4, 2026, for "Independence on the Grounds" brought to you by the Adair County Fair Association.

The day will start at 3pmCT, with concessions and train rides by Zippy Land Rides from Greensburg, for just $5. Get there early and get a good spot to watch the fireworks from one block away and enjoy concession food trucks with mini pancakes, BBQ chicken, nachos, pizza and drinks and more.

Participate in our "Family Fun Games" at 4pmCT, as we bring back the games for all ages from the old fairgrounds:
  • Tug of War
  • Three Legged Race
  • Puzzle
  • Egg Toss
  • Needle In The Haystack
  • Watermelon Eating Contest
  • Tire Toss
  • Water Relay
Remember to sign up early for the family competition and the chance to win $500. There is a limit of 10 families for this competition with 4-6 members, so, to reserve your spot, please contact Charles Grimsley at 270-634-2253. There is no charge to enter and participate in games.

At 8:30pmCT, watch the Little League Park Fireworks.


2026-06-30 10:10:33 | Comments | Printable version

Registration open for Coach Breeze 2026 Basketball Camp

From Daniel Hedges

The Coach Deron Breeze 2026 Basketball Camp will take place from 8:30amCT to 11:45amCT on July 13-15, 2026, the gymnasium at Adair County High School, 526 Indian Dr, Columbia, KY. Each day will feature fundamental instruction and multiple competitions. Each camper will receive a t-shirt along with many games and awards. Camp is available for Boys and Girls who will be entering grades K - 6 in the fall of 2026.

Prices are $50 per camper / $40 for siblings if registered by July 6, 2026. Walkups or online registrations after July 6, 2026, will increases to $55 per camper / $45 for siblings, and t-shirt size will not be guaranteed to fit.

Register online at docs.google.com/forms. No payments are accepted until the first day of camp.


2026-06-30 09:55:36 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Sports

County Offices holiday schedule

From Bridget Compton
Adair County Deputy Judge Executive, Road Administrative Assistant & Solid Waste Coordinator

The Adair County Judge Executive's office, Adair County Road Dept., and the Green River Animal Shelter will be closed Friday, July 3, 2026 in observance of Independence Day! Many wishes for a safe and blessed holiday with family and friends!


2026-06-30 09:50:00 | Comments | Printable version

Another Boil Water Advisory issued

Update: Boil Water Advisory lifted

Columbia/ Adair Utilities District
Date Issued 06/29/2026, Time Issued 4:30pm

A Boil Water Advisory is in effect for all consumers on Richard's Hollow Road, Lampton Lane, Short Lane, Burris Sneed Road, Country Club Road, Dohoney Trace, 2988 Burkesville Road, and 3100 Burkesville Road. The advisory has been issued due to a main line break.

Following such an event, the potential exists for bacteriological contamination of the water supply therefore this Boil Water Advisory has been issued as a precautionary measure. Until further notice, boil all water used for drinking and cooking, bringing the water to a rolling boil for three minutes before using.

This advisory will remain in effect until the situation has been corrected and test results have shown the water to be of an acceptable quality. For more information concerning the Boil Water Advisory, contact Bradley Miller at Columbia Adair Utilities District, 270-384-2181.


2026-06-30 09:44:36 | Comments | Printable version

Boil Water Advisory lifted

From Columbia/Adair Utilities District
June 30, 2026

As of 8:20am on June 30, 2026, the Boil Water Advisory for all consumers starting at 44 Weed Sparksville Road down 61 including Bird Road and all side roads, Blue Ridge Circle, Toria Road and all side roads, Felton Fudge Road, Harrods Fork Circle and all side roads, Fire Department Lane, Breeding Loop, Independence Ridge Road, Greenbriar Road and all side roads, L. Smith Road, Reece Hurt Road, Copus Ridge and all side roads, and Old 61 Loop to the Cumberland County line. Also, Flatrock Road and all side roads, Chestnut Grove Road and all side roads, has been lifted by the Division of Water.

This means your water is safe for human consumption. You no longer have to boil your water.


2026-06-30 09:41:20 | Comments | Printable version

4-H Teen Conference held on UK campus

By Katelynn M. Molesky, Area 4-H Reporter
E1-E2 Representative, Kentucky 4-H State Teen Council


For 4-H members all over the bluegrass state, early June signals the start of camp season. But for some older participants, it can also mark the return of another signature statewide event: the Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference, held each year on the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington.

This four-day conference is one of Kentucky 4-H's most enduring traditions, having celebrated its 102nd anniversary earlier this month with a delegation of approximately 530. Behind the scenes of this event lay hours of hard work, planning, and dedication from extension specialists, Kentucky 4-H Foundation board members, university staff, State Teen Council representatives, and others with interest in the future of the organization.


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2026-06-30 08:02:28 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Education

Helen Rice, 94, Taylor County, KY

]Helen Rice of Campbellsville, daughter of the late Charlie Parrott Dearen and Ora Lee St. Clair Dearen, was born June 6, 1932 in Taylor County, Kentucky. She died Saturday, June 27, 2026 in Campbellsville at age 94.

She had made a profession of faith in Christ and was a member of Freedom Baptist Church. Helen was a retired employee of Fruit of the Loom and also worked for Home Health and the Taylor Regional Auxiliary Organization.


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2026-06-30 07:59:01 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Marie Zane Davenport, 89, Taylor County, KY

Marie Zane Neagle Davenport of Campbellsville, Kentucky, formerly of Greensburg, daughter of the late Gerthie Clifton Neagle and Ava Jones Neagle, was born on Wednesday, January 13, 1937 in Greensburg and departed this life on Saturday, June 27, 2026. She was 89 years, 5 months, and 14 days of age.

She had made a profession of faith in Christ and was a member of South Greensburg Baptist Church. She worked at Bandy's and Oscar's Restaurant as a cook and as an aide at Green Hill Manor.


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2026-06-30 07:58:05 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries


Birthdays and Anniversaries for June 30
Happy Anniversary, Eric and Candace Schorman (2007) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Joe B. and Lynda McKinley (1990) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Michele and Tony "Clutch" Coomer (1990) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Mike and Alice Curry | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Robin and Jeffery Willis (2000) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Amy Waldrif (1973) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Andrew Reliford | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Buddy Powell | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Charlotte Coffey | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Dr. Kelly Cooper Henson | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Jacob Isaac "Jake" Hill (2004) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Martha R. Foster | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Molly Keen | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Steven Wayne Harvey (1973) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Dana Cox Welch, Campbellsville, KY (1974-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Howard 'Elmer' Redmon, Russell County, KY (1924-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Rollin Nelson Branham, 95, Adair County, KY (1924-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Don A. Brockman, 76, Adair Co., KY (1933) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Beulah Elizabeth Sweeney, Green Co., KY (1937) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Glen (Big Boy) Napier, Kings Mountain, KY (1929) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Ancil Lee Farmer, Jr., 55, Taylor Co., KY (1957) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Bro. Omer Farmer, Taylor Co., KY (1934-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jean Jaynes, Taylor County, KY (1934-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jewell Dean Hash Chastain, Taylor Co., KY (1938-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, George Woodson Reed, Casey County, KY (1932-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Betty Carter, 85, Cumberland Co., KY (1929-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Rev. Ron Ferree, Taylor Co., KY (1946-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jane Johnson, 81, Russell Co., KY (1934-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Billy Wayne Pennington, Edmonton, KY (1962-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Dwight Lee Meyer, (1930-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mrs. Dorothy M. Solomon, 97, Marrowbone, KY (1918-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Hugh E. Appleby, Russell County, KY (1958-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Thelma Louann Webb Walker, Summer Shade, KY (1956-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Frances Herron Graybeal, 75, Taylor County, KY (1940-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Robert Edward Forrest, 70, Savoyard, KY (1945-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, David Leon Coffey, 70, Adair County, KY (1946-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Afton Clark Little Addington, Glensfork, KY (1913-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Peggy Lou Holmes Luttrell, 56, Columbia, KY (1960-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Ronan Lee Curtis Epperson, Knifley, KY (2017-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Gary Wayne Stapleton, Taylor Co./Adair native (1945-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Maggie Juanita Calhoun, 69, Campbellsville, KY (1948-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jim Milby, Taylor County, KY (1947-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Brenda Shofner, 72, Campbellsville, KY (1950-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Brenda Sue Keltner, 77, Columbia, KY (1944-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Charles Curtis (CC) Rooks, 82, Columbia, KY native (1939-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Cordie Hayes, 85, Liberty, KY (1936-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Eric Daniel Spires, Green Co., KY (1978-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jaxson Tate Akin, 9, Glens Fork, KY (2016-2026) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jimmy Dee Thurman, 79, Burkesville, KY (1941-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jo Ann Morris, 71, Adair Co., KY (1954-2026) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Kimberly R. Bryant, 66, Columbia, KY (1958-2025) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Linda Young, 79, Burkesville, KY (1941-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Lucille Brockman, 101, Campbellsville, KY (1919-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Martha Raye Foster, 82, Adair Co., KY (1943-2026) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Maxine Chapman Kinnett (1932-1983) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Paula Coy Baker | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Virginia Frances Maddox, 67, Russell Co. KY; Henry Co., KY native (1948-2016) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Virginia Rose Sinclair Burton-Bush, Adair Co. Native (1920) | (Updates/Corrections)

Events scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2026
All events are listed in Central Time. Submit your upcoming event using our Contact Form.
9:00amCTAdair Food Pantry, 203 South Monroe Street, Columbia, KY
Open 9am-12pmCT, Contact: Michele Fruth, Director, 270-250-5432 | (ID:70728, Comment)
10:00amCTSummer Reading at ACPL: Unearth a Story
America's 250th Birthday/Dinosaurs in America. We will make a Patriotic Dino Sign. | (ID:70631, Comment)
6:00pmCTVacation Bible School at Egypt Christian Church | (ID:70870, Comment)

 
































 
 
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