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Daily News for
Thursday, May 21, 2026
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Pamela Haynes, 65, Russell County, KY

Pamela S. Haynes, 65, of Russell Springs, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at home.

Pamela was born in Jamestown, KY on October 1, 1960, a daughter of the late Linda (Lawless) Ashbrook.


Article continues... click title or click here to read whole article.
2026-05-21 17:45:06 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

<-Previous PhotoPhoto 1 of 11Next Photo->
Splash pad opens in Columbia on Saturday



2026-05-21 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Mayor Pam Hoots.
The splash pad at the City Park on Fairgrounds Street will open this Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11amCT for the season. We hope you enjoy your summer.

Permalink | Comments?

ACHS Class of 2026: Seniors honored for scholarships

More than 75 students from the Adair County High School Class of 2026 have earned scholarships to pursue post-secondary education. Students received scholarships to attend local favorites Lindsey Wilson College and Campbellsville University, Kentucky institutions such as the University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University, and Eastern Kentucky University, plus places as far away as the Savannah College of Art & Design and Sewanee University of the South.

The following students were recognized for their scholarship awards at the Adair County High School Senior Awards Event on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in John Burr Memorial Gymnasium:

  • Abigail Kemp
  • Addison Spoon
  • Alexis Gaskins
  • Alexzander Baerg
  • Anekah Albrektson
  • Angelica Bell
  • Anna Beth Sharpe
  • Anslie Spoon
  • Arianna Vance
  • Bailey Coffey
  • Bethany Peterson
  • Breanna Whitaker
  • Brianna Hillock
  • Bryce Russell
  • Bryleigh Wheet
  • Brynna Powell
  • Cade Wall
  • Cady Kimbler
  • Carson Brown
  • Cassius Cowan
  • Charleigh Dews
  • Charlie Grant
  • Chelsea Bennett
  • Chloe Flowers
  • Chloe Streeval
  • Chluey Acanto
  • Creedence Wolfgang
  • Daniel Glass
  • Darius Luttrell
  • David Alex Pendleton
  • Dillon Godsey
  • Dresden Espinoza
  • Emma Berry
  • Gabriela Riola
  • Gabrielle Kemp
  • Gracie Schorman
  • Hailey Bragg
  • Hayley Parnell
  • Isaac Rexroat
  • Isabella Harvey
  • Izabella Edwards
  • Jaden Turner
  • Jaylyn England
  • Jenna Claywell
  • John Peter Lopera
  • JT Loy
  • Kaili Adams
  • Kara Jeffries
  • Katherine Lemmon
  • Kaydence Kimbler
  • Kaylee Grant
  • Kaylee Vance
  • Kayli Patterson
  • Keely Kerns
  • Kelsay Breeding
  • Kennedie Bowers
  • Kiley Parker
  • Kinzlee Akin
  • Landon Blakey
  • Lannah Schrader
  • Leah Keith
  • Lily Neat
  • Maci Spears
  • Mateo Lopez
  • Maycee Hovious
  • Mia Wilkerson
  • Myla Curry
  • Natalie Bardin
  • Natalie Sneed
  • Peyten Chumbley
  • Preston Wilson
  • Remington Huckaby
  • Ryder Rodgers
  • Sammie Jo Sandusky
  • Sarah Gass
  • Shae Inchcliff
  • Skyla Cox
  • Steven Gage Thompson
  • Tianna King
  • Trina Nguyen
  • William Stargel
  • Zaylan Tucker

Representatives from colleges, universities, military organizations, local businesses and civic organizations were all on hand to officially recognize student achievements. Scholarship presentations were made by Ashley Janes, Beth Blankenship, Boomer Lewis, Chelsea Patrick, Chester Whittington, Past Master, CSM Raymond Wrensch (Command Sergeant Major), Deanna Grider, Denise Grant, Emily Streeval, Fred Rowe, Hannah Peck, Inette Goodin, JR Thompson, Kim Barbee, Kim Irvin, Levi Shenefield, Mariah Bright, Millie Brown, Susan Peck, Tony Rose, and William Helm.

Click headline to view photos from individual scholarship presentations.
Note: We'll post the Lindsey Wilson scholarship photos in a separate article.


2026-05-21 13:52:45 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Education

ACHS Class of 2026: Military Awards

Graduating Seniors in the Adair County High School Class of 2026 were honored for their achievements at an event in John Burr Memorial Gymnasium on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Awards for military achievement were presented by SGT Christopher Longo and SGT Christopher Hobaugh.

Recipients included Carson Brown, Gavin Larguero, Charles Powell, Kinzlee Akin, JT Loy, Trina Nguyen, Dawson Gilbert, Antonio Owens, and Kayli Patterson.


2026-05-21 13:28:13 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Education

ACSO: Columbia man charged with possession

From Sheriff Gary Roy
Adair County Sheriff's Office

On Tuesday, May 20, 2026, Adair County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a complaint in the Creek Bend area of Adair County. Deputies arrested a Columbia man multiple charges, including public intoxication and possession.

Deputy Hunter Tweedy made the arrest and was assisted by Deputy Nick Barber and CPD Officer Dustin Bunch.


Article continues... click title or click here to read whole article.
2026-05-21 13:18:19 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Police and Fire Reports

US Drought Monitor: Conditions worsened for Columbia

Conditions for Columbia, Kentucky worsened from Severe Drought (D2) to Extreme Drought (D3), according to this week's U.S. Drought Monitor. Columbia has been in drought for the past 7 week(s), since March 31, 2026.

The Climate Prediction Center's May Drought Outlook, released on April 30, 2026, predicted that drought conditions would persist in May.

View more Columbia drought conditions.


2026-05-21 13:15:56 | Comments | Printable version

Commodities Distribution for Seniors on May 22

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 tomorrow, Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Adair County Food Pantry, 203 South Monroe Street, Columbia, KY.


2026-05-21 13:13:45 | Comments | Printable version

250America! Project for Adair County

By Mike Watson

The Adair County Genealogical Society invites our members and the public to help preserve the stories of our county as we prepare for "America250!" celebrating our nation's birthday!

We are currently collecting one-page historical stories for a special commemorative project featuring memories, traditions, family histories and genealogies, and community stories that have been passed down through generations in Adair County.

Do you have a cherished family story, a memory of a local community, an account of an early settler, a beloved tradition, or a piece of local history that deserves to be remembered? We would love to include it. Stories may be serious, inspirational, humorous, or heartfelt -- as long as they help preserve the heritage and spirit of our people and communities.

Submission Guidelines:
  • Maximum length: One page
  • Include your name and any historical details you may know
Help preserve the voices and memories of Adair County for future generations as our nation celebrates 250 years of history. Contact the Adair County Genealogical Society or the Adair Genealogy & History Research Center, 307 Greensburg Street, Columbia, KY 42728; adairgenealogy@gmail.com; 270.380.1024; Mike Watson or Annita Dial or Serena Corbin.


2026-05-21 13:11:59 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Mike Watson - History

Words of Wisdom for May 21, 2026

From Miss Donna Rieder
"Protecting yourself from difficult people is not selfish; not everyone deserves a front-row seat to your heart."

Farm-fresh, free-range eggs just $4/dozen. Call 270-805-1527 to schedule a pickup.
Donna Rieder's Clifty Creek Farm is located at 3190 White Oak Church Rd, Russell Springs, KY (visitors by appointment only). You can reach Donna by email at cliftycreekkikos@aol.com, or on the Clifty Creek Farm Facebook page.


2026-05-21 13:09:15 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Today


Birthdays and Anniversaries for May 21
Happy Anniversary Zack and Mandy Bailey | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Bob and Alissa Barnes (1988) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Chance and Elizabeth Scholl | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Danny and Sandy Wilkinson | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Gary and Shea Wiley (2001) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Alexandra and Lacey Morgan. | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Bradley Bell | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Brandon McClintock (2004) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Brenda McQueary | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Charles Tarter | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Danna Burton (1988) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Della Woodrum | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Derrick Murphy | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Doris Carter | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, George Johnson | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Jansen Helm | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Kenny Smith | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, La Dawn Perkins | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Michael Parson (1987) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Rebecca Edwards Pedigo | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Susan Loy | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Tina Pyles (1969) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Vicki Brock | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday Bobby Mardis, Taylor Co., KY (1950) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Diane Bright Clark, Taylor Co., KY (1943-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Travis Corbin, Knifley, KY (1935-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Paul Womack, Russell Springs, KY (1930-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Nina Grace Carter Piercy, Columbia, KY (1931-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Nellie Bland Campbell, Campbellsville, KY (1928-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Michael Janes, Edmonton, KY (1957-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Timothy Dale (Timmy) Green, Columbia, KY (1970-2020) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Verina Laverne England Lile, Green Co., KY (1932-2020) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Harold Milsap, 71, Taylor Co., KY (1938) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Callie Mae Smith Davis (1922) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mr. Zachary T. Lile, 84, Green Co., KY (1926-2011) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mary Lee Wilson, Casey County, KY (1950) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, David J. Peyton, Casey Co., KY, native (1958) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Geneva Christine Dalton, Casey Co., KY (1930) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Leon Rodgers, Taylor Co., KY (1925) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Leola Moss, Taylor County, KY (1934) | (Updates/Corrections)
in Memory Birthday, Mary Alice Spears, Casey Co., KY (1948) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Gladys Colvin, Campbellsville, KY (1919) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, James Allen, Taylor County, KY (1950-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Lina Skaggs, 89, Russell County, KY (1924-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Tessie Alexander, Cumberland Co., KY (1921-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Gerald Stephens, 57, Russell County, KY (1956-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Marshall Lawrence Coffey, Russell County, KY (1940-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mildred Price, 95, Casey Co., KY (1920-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mr. Charles Samuel Brady, Taylor Co., KY (1968-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Frank Riley, Taylor Co., KY (1945-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, William Earl Evans, 76, Casey Co., KY (1940-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Dwight Rich, 54, Adair County, KY (1963-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jordan LaFavers, 31, Russell County, KY/Adair Co., KY native (1986-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Marshall L. Bunch, 66, Chance, Adair Co., KY (1951-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Keith Bagby, 61, Green County, KY (1956-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Albert Cundiff, 72, Cane Valley, KY (1952-2024) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Arnold Sallee, 83, Campbellsville, KY (1938-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Bobby Lee Spencer, Adair Co., KY (1947-2014) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Chris Gray, Taylor County, KY (1962-2013) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Dennis Wayne Nunn, 77, Greensburg, KY (1943-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Diane Bright Clark, Taylor Co., KY (1943-2015) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Donald Lee Thrasher, Columbia, KY (1943-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Dora Froedge, 88, Columbia, KY (1934-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Dorothy Wolford, 98, Adair Co., KY native (1924-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, George (Bobby) Robert Harmon, 82, Campbellsville, KY (1938-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jeannie Wheeler, 47, Columbia, KY (1976-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Joe Marsh, 90, Knifley, KY (1932-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Keith Appleby, 63, Jamestown, KY (1957-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Margaret Lee Wheatley, 83, Campbellsville, KY (1938-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Nancy Dixon, 94, Knifley, KY (1928-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Nicholas Kerns, Russell Springs, KY (1981-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Randy Corbin, 62, Columbia, KY (1960-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Robert Steven Kean Jr, 45, Russell County, KY (1973-2018) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Rosie Nell Matney Meadows, 81, Greensburg, KY (1941-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Ruby P. Graham, 85, Green County, KY (1932-2018) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Sue Cundiff, 76, Columbia, KY (1944-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Tina Louise Dial, 52, Columbia, KY (1969-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Walker McQueary (1915). | (Updates/Corrections)

Events scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026
All events are listed in Central Time. Submit your upcoming event using our Contact Form.
8:30amCTACHS Class of 2026: Senior Class Picture | (ID:70650, Comment)
9:00amCTBoard of Elections meeting | (ID:70612, Comment)
ACHS Class of 2026: Senior Walk-Through ACHS, ACPC, ACES, and ACMS | (ID:70651, Comment)
10:00amCTACHS Class of 2026: Graduation Practice | (ID:70653, Comment)
Service Officer at Columbia VFW | (ID:70664, Comment)
5:00pmCTAdair Co. Board of Education meeting (click for agenda) | (ID:70678, Comment)

 






























 
 
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