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Daily News for
Monday, July 6, 2026
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CPD: June Activity Report

Columbia Police Departent Activity Report for June 2026:
  • Calls for Service/Contacts: 836
  • Citations: 53
  • Motorist Assist: 13
  • Escorts: 18
  • Accidents Investigated: 23
  • Injury Accidents: 1
  • E-Call/Incident Report: 10
  • Criminal Cases Opened: 12
Additional activity:
  • SRO John Harris completed forty (40) hours of DOCJT In-Service Training located in Somerset, Kentucky. (Property and Evidence Room Management)
  • Sergeant Trevor Foster completed forty (40) hours of DOCJ In-Service Training located in Richmond, Kentucky. (Narcotics Investigations)
  • Firing Range Groundbreaking - overseen by Assistant Chief Drew Conn.
  • Evidence Room Audit. Completed by Assistant Chief Drew Conn and Lieutenant Justin Cross
  • Vehicle Inspection(s) - Completed by Chief Evan Burton.
  • Physical Fitness Testing - Completed by Officer Dustin Bunch.
  • Extra Patrol for Adair County Schools and Lindsey Wilson University.


2026-07-06 21:00:28 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Police and Fire Reports

<-Previous PhotoPhoto 1 of 7Next Photo->
Kayakers at Green River Lake



2026-07-06 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Tommy Bailey.
Some people were taking advantage of the beautiful weather at Holmes Bend today, Monday, July 6, 2026.

Permalink | Comments?

The Achilles Award for Q2 2026 goes to Herb Sparks

From Kim Harwood, Executive Director
Edmonton Metcalfe Chamber of Commerce

It is with great honor that the Edmonton-Metcalfe County Chamber of Commerce recognizes Herb Sparks as an Achilles recipient. His name will be added to the list of recipients since the awards inception in 2023.

This award is one of humble existence presented to a member of the community that does good deeds and gives of themselves with nothing expected in return. Many people have a job, and they do it well but there are those that do a job, serve on committees, donate their time and resources to worthy causes, love, and support the community and the people in it. Herb Sparks is that person.

Herb Sparks proudly served his country and has been a practicing attorney since 1974. He has served on numerous boards and was the recipient of the Jim C. Coleman Community Service Award in 2009 and the recipient of BRADD's Annual Tim Lee Carter Award for Community Contributions in 1999.


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2026-07-06 20:48:21 | Comments | Printable version

WKU takes 1st Place at National ASCE Competition

Western Kentucky University's American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) student chapter placed first overall at the 2026 ASCE Civil Engineering Student Championship. WKU was among 25 teams that qualified for the national competition. The event took place at Fairmont State University in Fairmont, West Virginia, on June 25-27, 2026.

Concrete canoe team members include Sophia Adams of O'Fallon, Missouri, Solomon Bawi of Bowling Green, Camden Carpenter of Russell Springs, Emarie Cates of Gallatin, Tennessee, Ben Clouse of Somerset, Luke Evans of Owensboro, Chase Fleenor of Scottsburg, Indiana, Kaya Goertz of Defiance, Missouri, Larissa Hernandez of Nashville, Tennessee, Nicholas Holenstein of Spring Hill, Tennessee, Keaton Kessler of Columbia, Sam Reader of Edwardsville, Illinois, William Reeves of Owensboro, Alex Reyolds of Jamestown, Jackson Rodgers of Bowling Green, Hector Santiago of Bradenburg, Jaxon Williams of Owensboro, Benjamin Ravellette of Dalton City, Illinois, Jack Rhody of Bardstown, Luke Phelps of Bardstown, Preston McDavid of Frankfort, Gloria Matta of Bowling Green, Lilly Fanning of Bowling Green, and Austin Dukes-Maeby of Bowling Green.

Advisors to the team include Jason Wilson, Tyler Baker and Robert Atchley.

This accomplishment was the first year WKU won the national concrete canoe competition and the fifth consecutive year they placed in the top five.


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2026-07-06 20:45:03 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Education

KY Secretary of State launches time capsule project

From Nick Storm

Frankfort, KY - Secretary of State Michael Adams announced on July 6, 2026, the launch of the Kentucky Time Capsule Project, a statewide initiative commemorating America's 250th anniversary.

As the nation marks this historic milestone, Kentuckians have a unique opportunity to reflect on who we are as a Commonwealth and what we want future generations to remember about this moment in our history.

The Kentucky Time Capsule Project invites Kentuckians from every corner of the state to contribute their voices, stories, photographs, artwork, and hopes for the future. Those interested in submitting can do so through the Secretary of State's website at sos.ky.gov.


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2026-07-06 20:41:13 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Kentucky

Kentuckians reminded to follow speed limits this summer

From Marla Marrs

Frankfort, KY - With Kentucky families on the move this summer, Team Kentucky is encouraging drivers to slow down and obey posted speed limits to help keep everyone on the road safe. Transportation officials and law enforcement statewide are teaming up to promote safer roads through education and speed enforcement.

The KOHS provides the following tips for dealing with speeding and/or aggressive drivers:
  • Wear your seat belt! It is your best defense against injury and death.
  • Do not challenge the driver by speeding up or attempting to hold your lane.
  • Give them plenty of space, as they may lose control of their vehicle more easily.
  • Avoid eye contact and ignore gestures.
  • If you can safely report an aggressive driver to law enforcement, provide a vehicle description, license number, location and, if possible, direction of travel.
  • If an aggressive driver is following you, drive to a safe place such as the nearest police or fire station, gas station or other areas where there are people. Use your horn to get someone's attention. Do not get out of your car and do not drive home.
"Slowing down could save a life," said Gov. Andy Beshear. "This summer, let's all do our part to keep each other safe by abiding by speed limits and looking out for one another on the road."


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2026-07-06 20:39:11 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Kentucky

Revival starts July 22 at Summersville Baptist Church

From J.W. Bennett

Summersville Baptist Church will have Revival beginning at 6pmCT nightly on July 22-25, 2026. Bro. Brad Davis will be the Evangelist July 22-23 and Bro. Thomas Metcalf will be the Evangelist on July 24-25. There will be special singing each night! Everyone welcome! Look forward to worshipping with you!

Summersville Baptist Church is located at 5199 Hodgenville Rd., Greensburg, KY.


2026-07-06 20:34:48 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Church News

Road work continues in Green and Metcalfe

The expected traffic impacts in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3 area through July 10 are listed below. All work is subject to change.

U.S. 68 (from near KY 729 to KY 745) - A project to improve safety and mobility along a section of U.S. 68 in Green and Metcalfe Counties continues. The project will realign U.S. 68 from near KY 729 in Green County to KY 745 in Metcalfe County. The 1.2 miles of new alignment will feature 11-foot travel lanes with 4-foot paved shoulders. The new alignment is designed to reduce curvature and grade variations and will include construction of a new bridge over Caney Fork Creek. Motorists should use caution in this area.


2026-07-06 20:17:20 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Local Government

Susie Crowder, 56, Taylor County, KY

Suzanne "Susie" Crowder of Campbellsville, daughter of the late Rev. Dorris Gene Crowder and Mabel Naomi Septer Crowder, was born May 1, 1970 in Henderson County, Kentucky. She died Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in Campbellsville at age 56.

She had made a profession of faith in Christ and was a member of Campbellsville Baptist Church where she faithfully served on the graphic design and social media team.


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2026-07-06 16:47:22 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

VBS starts July 27 at Columbia Church of Christ

From Melissa Stone

Join us at the Columbia Church of Christ for VBS as we set sail with Moana and Maui to find our way home! Just like wayfinders of old who navigated by the stars, we can follow God's direction wherever He leads -- at home, at school, in our neighborhoods, and around the world -- and unlock the power that lies within to change the world! When we encourage our children to "go beyond" and discover the power that lies within them, there's just no telling how far they'll go!

Join us from 6pmCT to 7:30pmCT nightly, July 27-29, 2026, for crafts, games, classes are for ALL ages, and a free warm meal!

Columbia Church of Christ is located at 501 Jamestown Street, Columbia, KY.


2026-07-06 13:16:09 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Church News

KSP: Fatal collision on KY70 in Casey County

From Trooper Jonathan Houk

Liberty, KY - Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a two-vehicle injury collision on KY 70 near Pruitt Lane in Casey County, just before 3pmCT yesterday afternoon, Sunday, July 5, 2026.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Ronnie Lee, 69, of Liberty, was traveling south on KY 70 in a 2000 Mazda pickup. Mr. Brown crossed the centerline and entered the northbound lane of KY 70 into the path of a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado traveling north on KY 70, operated by Christina Baker, 38, of Waynesburg. The vehicles collided in a head-on manner, and the Chevrolet overturned in a ditch along the roadway.


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2026-07-06 11:59:05 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Police and Fire Reports

Words of Wisdom for July 6, 2026

From Miss Donna Rieder
"Ask the heart for guidance, but don't chase the answer. It will come when the time is right."

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.


2026-07-06 11:15:04 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Today

VBS starts July 13 at Millerfield Brethren In Christ Church

From Kayla Abrell

You're invited to Vacation Bible School at Millerfield Brethren In Christ Church from 6:30pmCT to 8pmCT nightly on July 13-17, 2026. Come join us for a week full of fun, friends, games, crafts, music, and learning about Jesus!

Millerfield Brethren In Christ Church is located at 1891 Millerfield Road, Columbia, KY.


2026-07-06 11:11:39 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Church News

Reminder: ACGS meets on Monday

From Mike Watson

Reminder that the Adair County Genealogical Society's July 2026 is this afternoon at 5pmCT at the Genealogy & History Research Center in Columbia--307 Greensburg Street.

The Jane Lampton Chapter of NS DAR will conduct the meeting and speak about Revolutionary War ancestors and a list of Adair County patriots will be presented.

The public is invited to attend any and all ACGS meetings. Refreshments will be served after the presentations.

More info: adairgenealogy@gmail.com or 270.380.1024


2026-07-06 11:09:10 | Comments | Printable version

KSP: Fatal collision on KY 70, Casey County

LIBERTY, Ky. (July 6, 2026) - Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a two-vehicle injury collision on KY 70 near Pruitt Lane in Casey County, just before 3:00 P.M. CDT yesterday afternoon.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Ronnie Lee, 69, of Liberty, was traveling south on KY 70 in a 2000 Mazda pickup. Mr. Brown crossed the centerline and entered the northbound lane of KY 70 into the path of a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado traveling north on KY 70, operated by Christina Baker, 38, of Waynesburg.


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2026-07-06 11:08:38 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Police and Fire Reports

Sharon Gabbert, 77, Taylor County, KY

Sharon Gabbert of Campbellsville, daughter of the late Roscoe Shofner and Audrey Marie Thompson Shofner was born May 25, 1949 in Taylor County, Kentucky. She died Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in Louisville at age 77.

She had made a profession of faith in Christ and was a member of Southside Christian Church.

Sharon was a retired employee of Fruit of the Loom and worked as a Custodian for the Taylor County School System. Sharon was a faithful member of Southside Christian Church. She loved puzzles and spending time with her family as much as she could, especially her grandchildren whom she loved dearly.


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2026-07-06 11:07:33 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Barn Lot Theater secures grant for sound system upgrades

Edmonton, KY - Barn Lot Theater is pleased to announce it has been awarded a grant to fund essential sound system upgrades. The funding will be used specifically to replace a critical portion of the theater's audio infrastructure, including new actor-worn microphones, transmitters, receivers, and associated cabling to replace older units that have been losing functionality.

"We are incredibly grateful for this grant, which allows us to complete these essential sound system upgrades," said Kyle Hadley, Executive Director. "Replacing these older microphones, transmitters, and receivers is a major win for accessibility in our venue. Our goal is to ensure that technical limitations never get in the way of great storytelling, and that every voice on our stage carries perfectly to every seat in the house."


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2026-07-06 09:49:13 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Local Arts Scene


Birthdays and Anniversaries for July 6
Happy Anniversary, Danny and Pat Darnell (1973) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Lana and Wm. "Bug" Knight | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Alexis Foster | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Bobbi Leanne Coomer (1994) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Brenton Harvey (2007) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Bryan Walker | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Charlie Hancock | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Chris Murphy (1974) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Danielle Adams | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Danny Darnell | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, David Grigsby | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Derek Coomer | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Emily Brooke Price Galvez (2003) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Gavin Brockman | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Janis M. Garrett | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Jerrilyn Kay Ballou Emberton | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Katelyn Calvert | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Lucas Turner (1989) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Meleah Nicole Arnold (2005) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Robert Knight (1971) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Shirley Wall | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Tavon Kermeen | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Robert Lee Melson, Adair Co., KY (1950) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mrs. Helen Dial, Green Co, KY (1933) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Anna Christine Carroll, Glensfork, KY (1924) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Benjamin H. Smith, Cane Valley, KY (1936-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Phillip (Shug) Dunbar, Russell Co., KY (1941-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jason Brian England, 33, Burkesville, KY (1981-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Laverda Brockman, 68, Russell Co., KY (1946-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mattie Belle Bray, 82, Taylor County, KY (1932-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mr. Cecil Hall Dyer, 82, Burkesville, KY (1932-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mrs. Shelby Jean Tungate Miller, Taylor Co., KY (1949-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Rosemary Hancock Gillespie, 83, Taylor Co., KY/Adair native (1933-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Lena Mae Voils, 93, Russell Co./Adair Native (1923-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Nadine Milsap, Taylor Co., KY (1939-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Barbara Boudreaux Bennett, 80, Columbia, KY (1937-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mable E. Morgan, Russell County, KY (1933-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mary Hortense Wright, Greensburg, KY (1938-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Annie Louise Marr Bagby, 77, Greensburg, KY (1943-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, David Malcom Eastridge, 78, Casey Creek, KY Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Eleasia (Lisa) Rinehart, 59, Taylor Co., KY Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Glenda O'Hara, 66, Campbellsville, KY (1956-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Janis M. Garrett, Columbia, KY (1935-2026) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jerry Karnes, 73, Cane Valley, KY (1946-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Kathryn (Katye) Gabrielle Landis, 32, Greensburg, KY (1989-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Larry Bowman Franklin, 86, Campbellsville, KY (1936-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Lela Frances Hix, 74, Russell Co., KY native (1947-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mike (Diddle) Finn, 64, Adair Co., KY (1958-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mitchell Furkins, 54, Columbia, KY (1964-2018) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Theresa M. Loy-Bagby, 42, Columbia, KY (1983-2025) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)

Events scheduled for Monday, July 6, 2026
All events are listed in Central Time. Submit your upcoming event using our Contact Form.
8:00amCTRegistration deadline for Coach Breeze Basketball Camp | (ID:70895, Comment)
10:00amCTFirst Monday Siren test in Adair County
Recurrent, every first Monday event unless there is a possibility of inclement weather. | (ID:70885, Comment)
5:00pmCTCity Council meeting (click for agenda) | (ID:70904, Comment)
5:30pmCTVacation Bible School at Cane Valley Baptist Church | (ID:70862, Comment)
6:00pmCTVacation Bible School at Bloomington Chapel | (ID:70813, Comment)

 
































 
 
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