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Daily News for
Monday, June 15, 2026
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Michael J. Burkhardt, 76, Columbia, KY (1949-2026)

Michael Jerry Burkhardt of Columbia passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, June 14, 2026. He was 76 years old.

The family will hold a visitation from 4pmCT to 6pmCT on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home, 210 Greensburg St., Columbia, KY.

Following this, another visitation will take place from 10:30amET to NoonET on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Skillman, McDonald & Vernon Funeral Home, 257 W Main St., Mechanicsburg, OH 43044. The final farewell will be offered through a graveside service, at 1pmCT on June 19, 2026, at Ferncliff Cemetery, 501 West McCreight Avenue, Springfield, OH 45504.


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2026-06-15 17:06:20 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

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Michael Burkhardt, 76, Columbia, KY (1949-2026)



2026-06-15 - Columbia, KY - Photo courtesy Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home.
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Bible School starts June 23 at Bethany Baptist Church

From Jada Atwood

Bethany Baptist Church will be having Bible School from 6pmCT to 8pmCT nightly on June 23-25, 2026. The theme is "True North." Everyone is invited!

Bethany Baptist Church is located at 4560 Greensburg Road, Columbia, KY. Pastor Tracy Moon.


2026-06-15 16:21:35 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Church News

CPD: Columbia man arrested for wanton endangerment

On June 12, 2026, at approximately 11:42pmCT, officers with the Columbia Police Department were dispatched to Carrie Bolin Drive in reference to a report of a male subject chasing a female with a knife.

Upon arrival, officers located the male subject inside an apartment and issued commands for him to exit the residence. The subject complied and was taken into custody without incident.


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2026-06-15 16:20:21 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Police and Fire Reports

Temporary Closure of US127 at Wolf Creek Dam on June 22

From Amber Hale

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will temporarily close U.S. 127 across Wolf Creek Dam (mile point 1.6) from 8amCT to 4pmCT on Monday, June 22, 2026.

This closure is necessary for ongoing rehabilitation work on the dam's spillway gates. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternate routes during the closure.


2026-06-15 16:18:21 | Comments | Printable version

VFW service officer to visit June 18

From Joe Hare

On Thursday 18 Jun 2026, Doc Cook the VFW service officer will be at the Columbia VFW post beginning at 10amCT. This service is available to any veteran needing help with a claim. Please bring your recent paper work from VA for any other claims. If you wish to apply for admission into the VA system bring a copy of your DD-214.

Remember this is for any veteran or spouse should you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility "Doc" is the man you need to see. All it will cost you is a little time as the service is absolutely free.

The post is located at 500 Greenhills Road, Columbia, Ky 42728.


2026-06-15 16:16:05 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Veterans and Veterans Day

Adair County FFA soars at 2026 Kentucky FFA Convention

From Brittany Smith, Gabby Barnes, and Robin Hancock
Adair County FFA

The Adair County FFA traveled to Lexington on June 8-11, 2026, to participate in various competitions at the 97th Kentucky FFA Convention. Congratultaions to these students for bringing home awards recognitions and degrees from the Kentucky FFA Convention:

  • Abby Maulden
  • Addie Baker
  • Alayna Marcum
  • Alexandria Pointer
  • Amelia Martin
  • Ava Froedge
  • Bailey Holmes
  • Brayden Fitzgerald
  • Brent Moore
  • Emma McGuffin
  • Ethan Wooten
  • Greyson Pelston
  • Isabella Harvey
  • James Jessie
  • John Gaskins
  • Jordan Willis
  • Kantlee Harvey
  • Katie Kean
  • Kayden Pegg
  • Kylie Thorpe
  • Lane Kelsay
  • Maria Burton
  • Mason Curry
  • Mason Taylor
  • Michael Hargis
  • Myla Curry
  • Myles Spoon
  • Samuel Feese
  • Weston Willis
  • Will Reynolds
It was truly an amazing week! Thanks to all the individuals who helped to make this week possible for our members! Now, time to prepare for FFA Camp and the Kentucky State Fair!

Click article title to view all their awards and achievements.


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2026-06-15 13:49:47 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Education

Video: A visit to the birdfeeder

William Feese took this video on Sunday morning, June 14, 2026. He says, "We enjoy watching this little acrobatic White-breasted Nuthatch. That old bird feeder has been hanging there for decades. We have several other bird feeders and we try to keep sunflower seed in them all year-round."


If you're reading on your phone or ipad, click here to view the full screen version: youtube.com.


2026-06-15 11:24:37 | Comments | Printable version

Kentucky agriculture celebrates dairy industry

From Madison Pergrem Cannon

Frankfort, KY - Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell joined dairy industry representatives and dairy producers on Friday, June 12, 2026, to sign a proclamation honoring the dairy industry and June as Dairy Month in Kentucky. The proclamation was signed during Dairy Night at the Ballgame with the Lexington Legends where Commissioner Shell also threw out the first pitch.

"Kentucky's dairy industry is a fantastic foundation for the Commonwealth's agricultural success," Commissioner Shell said. "In June, we honor these hard-working individuals and an industry that brings us wholesome, delicious, and nutritious products each and every day. Through the years, our dairy partners, as a group, have made the necessary changes to adapt to a changing environment. For that and the products the industry provides, I'm happy to declare June as Dairy Month in Kentucky."

Like the cattle industry, the dairy cattle industry decreased slightly in 2026, from 41,000 milk cows the previous years to 38,000 at the beginning of January. Despite the decrease, Kentucky remains a significant dairy producer. Kentucky's 38,000 dairy cows produce milk - the Official Beverage of Kentucky since 2005 - along with ice cream, artisan cheeses, and other tasty dairy products. Dairy farmers help provide Kentucky families with the calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals they need to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.


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2026-06-15 11:02:23 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Farm and Garden

Gov. posthumously pardons 43 wrongfully imprisoned individuals

From Scottie Ellis

Frankfort, KY - On Monday, June 15, 2026, ahead of Juneteenth, Gov. Andy Beshear took executive action to posthumously pardon 43 wrongfully imprisoned individuals who helped enslaved people escape to freedom. The Governor also proclaimed Friday, June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

"When we have a chance to correct a historical wrong, we should do it. That's why ahead of Juneteenth, I am posthumously pardoning 43 brave Kentuckians who were wrongfully imprisoned for helping enslaved people escape to freedom," said Gov. Beshear. "These leaders are heroes - not criminals - and they and their families deserve the justice of having their names cleared."

The executive order signed by the Governor lists the names of all individuals pardoned today.


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2026-06-15 11:00:07 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Kentucky

Bloomington Chapel VBS starts July 5

Bloomington Chapel Church will have Vacation Bible School from 6pmCT to 8pmCT on July 5-9, 2026. This year's theme is "Shining a light on who Jesus really is (John 8:12)". There are classes for all ages.

Bloomington Chapel Church is located at 55 Bloomington Chapel Rd., Columbia, KY.


2026-06-15 10:55:19 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Church News

Boil Water Advisory lifted

From Columbia/Adair Utilities District
June 15, 2026

As of 8:25 am on June 15, 2026 the Boil Water Advisory for customers on Baker Street, Mack Street, Cole Street, Mitchell Street and the side street off of Mitchell Street, 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.


2026-06-15 10:51:13 | Comments | Printable version

Kentucky ranks in top 20 most patriotic states in America

To identify where Americans show the strongest red, white, and blue pride, WalletHub evaluated all 50 states and found Kentucky ranks in the top 20 most patriotic states in America. Using 13 key indicators, the study showed Patriotism in Kentucky (1=Most Patriotic; 25=Avg.):

Overall Rank: 19th 8th – Active-Duty Military Personnel per 100,000 Civilian Adults

22nd – % of Adults Who Voted in 2024 Presidential Election

1st – Civics Education Requirement

22nd – Volunteer Hours per Resident

17th – AmeriCorps Volunteers per Capita


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2026-06-15 07:55:16 | Comments | Printable version

Quote of the day for Mark Twain Week in Columbia

"The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter." - Mark Twain


2026-06-15 07:48:06 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Today


Birthdays and Anniversaries for June 15
Happy Anniversary, Billy and Mitzi Burton (1974) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, BJ and Tasha Huff (2007) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Brandy and Brent Thompson (2002) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Kenny and Heather Kirby (2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Hannah Lee McKinley (2010) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Jeremy Hancock | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Julie Breeding (1974) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Kami Pike (2005) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Margaret Jones | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Mary L. Davis | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Teresa Richard | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Danny Sherrill McBeath, Russell Co. native (1945-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Merle "Tutor" Benningfield, Taylor Co., KY (1930) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Virginia (Ginny) Willoughby, Taylor Co., KY (1941) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, William Henry Hall, 80, Greensburg, KY | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Herschel T. Compton, 83, Adair Co., KY native (1927) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Darrell Shipp, Taylor Co., KY (1948) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Sherry Kay Long, 46, Cumberland Co., KY (1965) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Lula May Smiley, Adair County, KY (1931) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jerry L. Burton, Campbellsville, KY (1930) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mrs. Cozetta Pierce Snow, Green County, KY (1948-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Corrine Cobb Williams, Taylor County, KY (1928-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, LaRita Nueman, Taylor County, KY (1955-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Charles Ernest Mitchum, Glensfork, KY (1928-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Lucy G. Mings, Taylor Co., 1947-2015 | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Fred Arms, Russell County, KY (1918-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Billy Wayne Jones, Greensburg, KY (1942-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mr. Adrin Lee Shelton, Alvaton, KY formerly of Green County, KY (1940-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Peggy Roberts Hall, Taylor County, KY (1939-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Tyler Jordan Wilson, 25, Russell Co., KY/Taylor Co. KY native (1991-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, James Daniel (J.D.) Long, Sr., Adair Co., KY; Green Co. native (1932-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Alicia Irwin, 59, LeGrande, Center, & Campbellsville, Kentucky (d. 18 Jul 2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Donald Pettyjohn, Liberty, Casey County, KY (1944-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, J.D. Montgomery, 79, Adair County, KY (1938-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jim Garnett Burris, 90, Taylor County, KY (1928-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Diane (Tootie) Furkin, 63, Dunnville, KY (1957-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Doris Jean Newton, 91, Campbellsville, KY (1932-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Dr. Gary Ervin, 69, Green County, KY (1950-2019) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Dr. Llewelyn N. Hortillosa, 83, Columbia, KY (1941-2024) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Frances Jeannette Montgomery, 87, Columbia, KY (1937-2024) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Glenn Ernest Smith, 85, Liberty, KY (1931-2017) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Janette Hurt Grubbs, 93, Cumberland Co., KY (1932-2026) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Judith Caldwell, 73, Columbia, KY (1949-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Katharina Jagielka Kania (1875-1935) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mary Ann Durham Kelly, 63, Green County, KY Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Naomi Benningfield, 87, Campbellsville, KY (1933-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Nina Stephens, 90, Russell Co., KY (1932-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Ollie Opal McKenzie, 93, Edmonton, KY (1927-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Robert Bagby, 84, Campbellsville, KY (1937-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Ross Whitehouse, 82, Green County, KY (1936-2019) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Royce McQueary, 78, Russell Springs, KY (1944-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Sonnie Wayne Matney, 85, Greensburg, KY (1938-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Virginia Carol Thompson Polley, 74, Glasgow, KY (1942-2017) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Wilma Jean Stargel, 76, Columbia, KY (1947-2024) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)

Events scheduled for Monday, June 15, 2026
All events are listed in Central Time. Submit your upcoming event using our Contact Form.
9:00amCTPlanning & Zoning Commission meeting (click for agenda) | (ID:70802, Comment)
11:00amCTOfficial Mural Unveiling
Corner of Reed Street and Jamestown Street | (ID:70706, Comment)
11:45amCTCity Council meeting (click for agenda) | (ID:70803, Comment)
1:00pmCTServices for Leona Marie Akin, 73, Columbia, KY (1952-2026) | (ID:70797, Comment)
6:00pmCTVBS at Mt. Carmel Church | (ID:70749, Comment)
Vacation Bible School at Russell Heights Baptist Church | (ID:70755, Comment)
Bible School at Knifley Christian Church | (ID:70789, Comment)
Vacation Bible School at Purdy Separate Baptist Church | (ID:70808, Comment)

 
































 
 
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