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Daily News for
Thursday, June 18, 2026
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Commodities Distribution for Seniors on June 19

From Michele Fruth, Director
Adair County Food Pantry

The monthly commodities distribution for pre-qualified Senior Citizen recipients will be held from 9amCT to NoonCT on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Adair County Food Pantry, 203 South Monroe Street, Columbia, KY.


2026-06-18 23:05:02 | Comments | Printable version

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Ad: Crazy Calf Lady specials at FM2 Saturday!



2026-06-18 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Brandy Held, Laurel Ridge Farms.
The Crazy Calf Lady's Kitchen Farmers Market Specials for Saturday 6/20/26 will be:
BREAKFAST - Cajun Andoulli breakfast casserole platter $12. Cheesy, savory rice casserole filled with Laurel Ridge Farm Andoulli sausage, eggs, peppers and onions. Topped with even more cheese and green onions. Served with choice of bacon or sausage and griddled Buttermilk biscuit with market fresh jam or jelly of the day.

LUNCH - Thai sweet chili chicken smash taco plate $12. Freshly made chicken tacos, garnished with pickled cabbage and carrots, green onion, cilantro and jalapenos (all topping OPTIONAL). Served with Thai noodle salad and choice of drink. *Lunch is COMPLETELY alpha gal friendly, although the noodle salad does contain peanuts.)

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BCF All-American Grill Out on July 5

From Veronica Arnold

Berean Community Fellowship invites everyone to join us at NoonCT on Sunday, July 5, 2026, for our All-American Grill Out at the Fairgrounds Pavilion, 413 Fairground Street, Columbia, KY!

Start your day with us at morning worship, then head over to the pavilion and enjoy a relaxed time of fellowship as we gather together before the grill out begins.


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2026-06-18 20:22:39 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Church News

NOAA: Drought conditions predicted to improve

NOAA's Climate Prediction Center released its latest seasonal drought outlook for June 18, 2026 through September 30, 2026, showing where drought is expected to improve, worsen, or remain the same over the next 3 months.

Columbia is currently in Severe Drought (D2), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, but over the next 3 months, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicts that drought conditions are likely to end.

View More Columbia Drought Information


2026-06-18 20:18:34 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Farm and Garden

The Inspirations to sing at ECC on June 25

The Inspirations Southern Gospel Quartet will be in concert at Egypt Christian Church at 6:30pmCT on Thursday, June 25, 2026. (Doors open at 5pmCT). Everyone is invited to attend.

Egypt Christian Church is located at 4867 Knifley Road, Highway 551, in Columbia, KY.


2026-06-18 20:13:57 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Church News

Ronnie Burton, 72, Columbia, KY (1954-2026)

Ronnie Burton of Columbia passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Glasgow. He was 72 years old.

In honoring Mr. Burtons wishes the family has chosen cremation and no services are scheduled at this time.


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2026-06-18 20:09:51 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Bro. Terry Lee White, 76, Columbia, KY (1950-2026)

Bro. Terry Lee White of Columbia went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 18, 2026. He was 76 years old.

Funeral services will be held at 11amCT on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Columbia Christian Church, 206 Campbellsville Street, Columbia, KY, with Bro. John Davis, Bro. Adam Shepard and Bro. Dean Manuel officiating. Burial will follow in the Columbia Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Sunday from 4pmCT until 8pmCT, and will continue Monday after 8amCT, at Columbia Christian Church.


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2026-06-18 20:05:18 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

ACSO: New anonymous tip line

By Sheriff Gary Roy
Adair County Sheriff's Office

The Adair County Sheriff's Office is excited to announce that it is offering the citizens of Adair County one more way to get information to the Sheriff's Office by adding a new anonymous tip line.

So if you want to report any drug activity in your community, if you want to call and give information on anyone with an arrest warrant or any information you feel like that needs attention by the Sheriff's Office, please feel free to call 270-385-1155.

The phone will be under the control of a deputy and your call will remain confidential and anonymous. Together we can make a difference. Thank you and God bless you.


2026-06-18 12:19:42 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Police and Fire Reports

An open letter concerning construction of data centers

As part of a group of volunteers petitioning the county to pass a moratorium on data center construction until important questions are answered, Veronica Arnold has put together the following speech, with citations.

By Veronica Arnold

Thank you ladies and gentlemen for giving us the opportunity to speak. It is a vital part of our democracy that the people have voice in their government. Today, we, the people of Adair are speaking concerning the construction of data centers.

As of the writing of this speech, PEW research center says that there are upwards of 3000 data centers in the US currently operating, with the US leading the world in housing approximately 45% of the world's usage (1). It also states that the centers are being planned are majority in rural areas and largely in places where there are NOT currently data centers (2). It is not new for Americans to live in close proximity to large scale infrastructure; currently 38% of Americans live within five miles of an operational data center, not to mention the countless Americans who live near airports, rail lines and other major forms of infrastructure (3).

We understand that we need to maintain American dominance and progress in the world of technology. We just want to ensure that proper planning and protections are being made in advance to protect economic growth, quality of life, and environmental impacts.


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2026-06-18 12:16:00 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Local Government

Summer Feeding meal pick up moved to Friday

From Dayna Parnell
Adair Co. School Food Service Director

Due to the threat of severe weather today, the Summer Feeding Program pickup meals have been changed to tomorrow, Friday, June 19, 2026, from 2:30pmCT to 4:30pmCT, at Adair County Primary Center, 158 Col. Casey Dr, Columbia, KY.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause the families. Please stay aware of the changing weather conditions and stay safe. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!


2026-06-18 11:56:40 | Comments | Printable version

ACSO: Accident investigation on KY1952

From Sheriff Gary Roy
Adair County Sheriff's Office

On Monday, June 15, 2026, the Adair County Sheriff's Office responded to KY HWY 1952, to a motorcycle vs vehicle collision.

Bruce Thompson, age 41, of Columbia was operating a 2003 Yamaha motorcycle, on the wrong side of the roadway and struck a Chevy Tahoe head on. The Tahoe was operated by Dustin Alley, age 36, of Columbia.

Neither Alley nor his two juvenile passengers were injured. Thompson was taken to a Lexington hospital by Air-Evac for treatment of his injuries.

Traffic and criminal charges against Thompson are pending. The collision is being investigated by Deputy Derek Padgett. He was assisted on scene by Chief Deputy Brandon Hitch, Adair EMS, and the Columbia Adair County Fire Department.


2026-06-18 11:50:51 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Police and Fire Reports

City will host food trucks again in July

From Trey Stephens
City of Columbia | Assistant to the Mayor

The City of Columbia will be hosting food trucks in the City Parking lot at 105 Merchant Street, Columbia, KY, on Thursday, July 9, 2026, and Friday, July 10, 2026. There will be a Columbia Cruise In and Car Show on Saturday, July 11, 2026, making quite a summer weekend.


2026-06-18 11:46:35 | Comments | Printable version

KELC releases May 2026 unemployment report

From Mike Clark/Kim Saylor Brannock

Frankfort, KY - Kentucky's seasonally adjusted preliminary May 2026 unemployment rate was 4.5%, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet.

The preliminary May 2026 jobless rate was up from the 4.3% reported in April but was down 0.2 percentage points from one year ago.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate for May 2026 was 4.3%, which was unchanged from April and from the 4.3% recorded in May 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.


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2026-06-18 11:33:17 | Comments | Printable version

County Clerk to be closed June 19 and 20

From Lisa Greer, Adair County Clerk

The Adair County Clerk's office will be closed on Saturday, June 20, in addition to Friday, June 19, 2026.

Related: County Offices will be closed on June 19


2026-06-18 10:09:23 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Local Government

Painting the Twain mural was a dream come true for Mitchell

By Duane Bonifer

Lindsey Wilson University student Tezon Mitchell '27 had wanted to paint a mural since he was a student at Campbellsville High School. That motivation was born one day in an art class, when Mitchell heard from artist le diegue about how he created the mural "Flowganometric Composition" on a building's wall in Campbellsville.

"He showed us how it worked, his thought process behind everything and what kind of opportunities are available in the world with that type of project," said Mitchell, an art major from Greensburg, Kentucky. "It was very fascinating to me from the beginning, but I never really expected that this was something I would be doing with my future."

The future came to Mitchell on Monday, June 15, 2026, when he helped dedicate a mural of Mark Twain to celebrate and preview the upcoming "Mark Twain Storytelling Festival," which will be held June 19-20, 2026, at Lindsey Wilson.


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2026-06-18 09:57:25 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Lindsey Wilson University

J Batt rings in new era as UK Athletic Director

By Ryan Hoots
Sports Director, UntdWeStnd.com

Lexington, KY - The University of Kentucky Athletics Department turned a new page this week with the hiring of J Batt as the new Athletic Director and CEO of Champions Blue LLC. Officially marking the end of the over two decade run in the position previously held by Mitch Barnhart.

For over 20 years, Mitch Barnhart sat at the head of the table for the Wildcats. His fingerprints are all over the athletic department. New facilities, Coaches hired, Coaches fired, and more sports other than Men's Basketball found success on the national stage.

However, somewhere along the way the relationship between Barnhart and the Big Blue Nation became fractured and quite honestly resentful from both sides. That is why when his retirement was announced (without the "golden parachute" part) many fans sighed relief. It was time for it to end.

Hiring J Batt signals something different for Kentucky, it shows that they are serious about successfully navigating the new landscape (however treacherous it may be) of college athletics.


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2026-06-18 09:50:13 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Sports

Jane Lampton Chapter, NSDAR new member ceremony

By Lila Ford

On Monday, June 15, 2026, the members of the Jane Lampton Chapter, NSDAR held the final meeting of this 2025-2026 season at the Adair County Research and Genealogical Center, 307 Greensburg St., Columbia. We were so thrilled to be welcoming four new members into the chapter, with three of them present.

The meeting was called to order by our Regent, and we performed our Rituals and had our prayers. Our Regent then ask for the those becoming members to step forward. The three new members in attendance were Valerie Jane Murrell Adams, Tammy Combest and Kimberley Combest. Other member not present was Devon Jane Adams Jett.

Valerie and her daughter Devon have have their ancestor John Tupman, and Tammy and Kimberley have as their ancestor John Cundiff.


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2026-06-18 09:36:12 | Comments | Printable version

Truck it Up coming Friday, June 26

From Trey Stephens
City of Columbia | Assistant to the Mayor

The 7th annual Truck It Up will start at 11amCT on Friday, June 26, 2026, in the City of Columbia parking lot at the corner of Campbellsville and Merchant Streets.


2026-06-18 09:32:00 | Comments | Printable version

Spay/Neuter grants open to city and county

Frankfort, KY - The Kentucky Animal Control Advisory Board (KACAB) invites Kentucky county and metropolitan governments to apply for available grants to spay and neuter dogs and cats. Applications are due by July 15, 2026.

The board will award up to $3,000 to each government on a competitive basis. Spay/neuter grant candidates can learn more about the program and download the grant application at kyspayneuter.com. The application can be found under "Resources" at the top of the page.


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2026-06-18 09:13:15 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Local Government

Darrell Hunt, 91, Taylor County, KY

Darrell Hunt of Campbellsville, son of the late Oliver Hunt and Elva Hunt, was born October 17, 1934 in Taylor County, Kentucky. He died Monday, June 15, 2026 in Campbellsville at age 91.

He professed faith in Christ and was a member of Mt. Gilboa Baptist Church. Darrell was also an active member with the Gideons International for many years. He was a retired butcher with several different grocery stores.


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2026-06-18 09:01:17 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Letter: garage sale ad seen on Columbia Magazine

Pam Shearer writes:
I submitted my garage sale ad to CM for last Friday & Saturday and had a fantastic turnout! Most people said they saw it on Columbia Magazine.
Thank you for this service!
Thanks for sharing this good news, Pam! And thanks to all who are part of the CM family of readers and contributors and sponsors. - LW


2026-06-18 08:57:26 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Letters and Reader Feedback

It's Mark Twain Week in Columbia - Day 4

Celebrating literary arts during the first Mark Twain Week in Columbia, KY!
“Do the thing you fear most
and the death of fear is certain.”
— Mark Twain


2026-06-18 08:50:45 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Today


Birthdays and Anniversaries for June 18
Happy Anniversary, Wayne and Tammy Bryant (1975) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Addison "Addie" Rose Way (2008) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Brittany Janes (1989) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Bruce Willis | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, David Burris (1949) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Della Hughes | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Garnett Baker (1926) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Hayes Hadley | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Irene Harmon | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Jeffery Lynn Willis (1963) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Patty Rush Smith | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Relda Rucker Kerr (1954) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Sandy Smith | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Tammy Stearns Stotts | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Whitney Wade (June 18, 1995) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Bro. Cleveland Grant Johnson, Russell County, KY | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Herbert Richard, Columbia, KY (1929-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Ida Belle Lee Thomas, Casey County, KY (1932-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Karen Ann Milby Jeffries, Greensburg, KY (1968-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Ruth McFarland Hadley, Russell County, KY (1940-2020) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Pauline Rigney Scearce (1925-2006) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Myrtie Karnes Curry McAllister, Adair Co., KY native (1915) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Marian Grace Walker Woosley, Taylor Co., KY (1920) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Dewey Lee McGaha, Russell Co., KY (1946) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Margarett Keltner, Adair County, KY (1922 | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Betty Carol Bethune, 58, Green Co., KY (1954) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Pauline Sneed, Adair County, KY (1920) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Myra Ellen Smith, Dunnville, KY (1945) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Robert (Bobby) Foster, Campbellsville, KY (1957) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Elizabeth Thurman Scott Carter, Metcalfe Co., KY (1925-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mildred McGuffin, 63, Adair County, KY (1950-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mr. Elmer Earl Clark, 91, Green Co., KY (1923-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Frances Marie McCubbins, Green Co., KY (1931-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Walter C. Curry, Adair County, KY (1928-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mr. Marson Ray Scott, 72, Green Co., KY (1943-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Bonnie Louise Conatser Gordon, 76, Summer Shade, KY (1939-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Justina McCoy, 89, Cumberland Co., KY (1927-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, George Coe, 79, Russell Springs, KY (1938-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mrs. Gwenda Morris Hitch, 67, Taylor County, KY (1950-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Tammy Lynn Hare, Russell Co., KY/Adair Co. native (1967-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Bernice Wisdom, 76, Adair Co., KY native (1947-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Brenda Delores Matthews, 68, Campbellsville, KY (1954-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Debbie Demrow, 69, Liberty, KY (1953-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jeffery L. Willis, 59, Columbia, KY (1963-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Kenneth E. (Kenny) Davidson, 75, Columbia, KY (1950-2025) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Marsha Brown, 63, Hustonville, KY (1957-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Roger Arthur Ussery, 77, Columbia, KY (1943-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Sandra J. Smith, 77, Columbia, KY native (1948-2025) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Tresia Ann Morgan Dial, 67, Edmonton, KY (1956-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Wanda Joyce Branham, 74, Burkesville, KY (1946-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)

Events scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026
All events are listed in Central Time. Submit your upcoming event using our Contact Form.
10:00amCTVFW service officer at Columbia VFW | (ID:70817, Comment)
11:00amCT Disasters Don't Stand a Chance
Adair County Extension Office, 409 Fairground Street, Columbia, KY | (ID:70713, Comment)
Jane Lampton Clemens Birthday Bash at AGHRC | (ID:70825, Comment)
11:30amCTBusiness training and lunch offered by Adair Tourism | (ID:70763, Comment)
5:30pmCTAdair Co. 4-H Youth Photography Class | (ID:70781, Comment)
6:00pmCTVBS at Mt. Carmel Church | (ID:70752, Comment)
Vacation Bible School at Russell Heights Baptist Church | (ID:70758, Comment)
Bible School at Knifley Christian Church | (ID:70792, Comment)
Jeff Tolbert and Primitive Road in concert at Separate Baptist Campground | (ID:70795, Comment)
Vacation Bible School at Purdy Separate Baptist Church | (ID:70811, Comment)
6:30pmCTGreater Vision singing at Millerfield Brethren In Christ Church | (ID:70801, Comment)

 
































 
 
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