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Daily News for
Monday, July 20, 2026
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ACSO: Missing juvenile located

Update: The missing juvenile has been located.

From Sheriff Gary Roy
Adair County Sheriff's Office

The Adair County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating a missing female juvenile, 13 years of age, 5 feet 2 inches tall, approximately 120 pounds, with long dirty blonde hair. She wears glasses, and has braces with green bands. She was last seen at the 2000 block of Campbellsville Road in Columbia.

If you have seen her, or have information about her location, please contact Adair County 911 Dispatch or the Adair County Sheriff's Office.


2026-07-20 19:13:59 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Police and Fire Reports

<-Previous PhotoPhoto 1 of 5Next Photo->
Yayi Sonnabend



2026-07-20 - Columbia, KY - Photo courtesy Lindsey Wilson University.
Yayi Sonnabend, a 2023 Lindsey Wilson alumna, has been named director of the university's Bonner Scholar Program and civic engagement and leadership. This school year, Lindsey Wilson will have about 50 Bonner scholars, who will work with community partners in Adair, Russell and Taylor counties.

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ACES SBDM Council will meet July 21

From M. Jordan Williams, Principal
Adair County Elementary School

Adair County Elementary School's School-Based Decision Making Council will meet at 3:30pmCT on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in the Library at Adair County Elementary School, 870 Indian Dr, Columbia, KY.

Meeting Agenda:


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2026-07-20 16:03:52 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Education

Sonnabend to lead flagship service program at LWU

By Duane Bonifer

You would be hard-pressed to find a person more passionate about service than Yayi Sonnabend '23. And now Sonnabend has been named to lead Lindsey Wilson University's flagship service program.

Sonnabend has been appointed the university's director of the Bonner Scholar Program and civic engagement and leadership.

A former Bonner Scholar and student leader while a Lindsey Wilson undergraduate, Sonnabend has served in a number of roles in the Bonner Scholar Program, most recently assistant director.

"Her knowledge of the program, work ethic and mission-driven spirit made it an easy decision to promote her to director of this vital program," said Dean of Students Chris Schmidt.


Article continues... click title or click here to read whole article.
2026-07-20 15:47:29 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Lindsey Wilson University

Rachael Thompson is member of 2026 BRIGHT Kentucky Class

From Emma Roggenkamp

Frankfort, KY - Leadership Kentucky is proud to announce members of the BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2026, including Rachael Thompson with Taylor Regional Hospital.

BRIGHT Kentucky, which began in 2019, was designed to empower the next generation of leaders (ages 21-40) in Kentucky's Appalachian region. BRIGHT Kentucky drives participants toward innovation, collaboration, community and economic development -- while honoring the vision and values of the foundational leaders who came before them. The program builds on a strong legacy by equipping a new generation with non-partisan, ethical leadership training, and expanded networks designed especially for residents of the 54 Kentucky counties of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The program is made possible through private funding from the Whitaker Foundation, Kentucky Power Foundation, and other generous donors.

BRIGHT Kentucky consists of five, three-day sessions providing opportunities for aspiring leaders to connect with peers, develop leadership skills, and gain inspiration to create a positive impact within their communities. The program, which runs from July through November, will take participants across Eastern Kentucky: Berea in July, Columbia/Russell Springs in August, Ashland/Morehead in September, Pikeville/Prestonsburg in October, and Middlesboro/Pineville/Harlan in November. The program kicked off on July 8 with an engaging session on understanding and maximizing the participants' leadership style.

This year's class includes 36 participants from 20 ARC counties representing a variety of public and private sectors:


Article continues... click title or click here to read whole article.
2026-07-20 15:39:43 | Comments | Printable version

Adair Co. FFA attends State FFA Leadership Camp

By Katie Kean, Adair County FFA Reporter

Members of the Adair County FFA chapter recently attended camp at the Carol Martin Gatton Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center, where they focused on strengthening teamwork and preparing for a successful upcoming school year. FFA camp offered a unique environment for students to connect, develop crucial leadership skills, and establish objectives for the chapter's activities this school year.

Throughout the week, students engaged in a variety of workshops and collaborative exercises designed to improve communication and cooperation. These activities challenged members to work together to solve problems and provide mutual support, thereby reinforcing the bonds within the chapter.

As well, FFA members could pursue awards in areas at camp for being an outstanding leader and Abby Maulden (Adair County FFA Student Advisor) earned a leadership award and pin. In addition, Addie Baker (Adair County FFA President) served on camp counsel and was elected to serve as president during the final session at camp, which is an incredible honor.

The Adair County FFA chapter is enthusiastic about the upcoming year, with members feeling motivated and equipped to apply their newly acquired skills and insights.


2026-07-20 11:02:25 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Education

Letter: Old man of the woods is edible

Veronica Arnold writes:
Old man of the woods is edible! Not as tasty as chicken of the woods but I do find it fairly easy to ID with it's grey blackness. It is rated as a good one for beginners of foraging to try. The stem is often not eaten and just the cap. Best like many things, better when younger as it gets tougher and less palletable as it ages.

I haven't had much time foraging this season but maybe there is time.

PSA never eat a mushroom you are not 100% confident ID. Learn and build skills. Happy foraging.
Comments re: Mushroom: Old man of the woods


2026-07-20 11:00:33 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Letters and Reader Feedback

The Pain to Change has to be greater than the Necessity to Remain the Same

Graduate student David Browne of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, leads a life out of addiction and incarceration to one of education, recovery and service.

By Duane Bonifer

Elizabethtown, KY - Lindsey Wilson University graduate student David Browne is as relentless as he is focused. His determination comes from a life shaped by hardship, addiction, incarceration, recovery and ultimately transformation.

From addiction and incarceration to education, recovery and service, Browne's story is one of perseverance. His goal now is simple: use his experiences to help others believe that change is possible.

Today, Browne is focused on becoming a source of hope for others who are struggling. He is scheduled to graduate this summer from Lindsey Wilson with a master's degree in counseling while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. His goal is to dedicate his career to helping individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives.

Browne's journey has not been easy.


Article continues... click title or click here to read whole article.
2026-07-20 10:49:04 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Lindsey Wilson University


Birthdays and Anniversaries for July 20
Happy Anniversary, James and Robyn Curry (1984) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Shane and Teresa Gaskins (1996) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Anikin Scott Harris | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Brenda Higgins | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Danny Harvey | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Donnie Cornelison | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, James D. Bauer | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Kelley Curry (1988) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Latasha Gist | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Melissa Fletcher | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Sarah Beth Streeval | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Savannah Tweedy (1996) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Sherri Johnson | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Stephanie Jones Watson | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Stephen Turner | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, twins Kendyl Harmony Burton and Kamdyn Brock Burton (2009) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jimmie C. Lynch, Columbia, KY (1943-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Kevin Smith, 54, Adair County, KY (1966-2020) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Curtis "Fatboy" Hadley, Adair Co., KY (1981) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mary Ruth Anderson Dyer, 63, Eighty Eight, KY (1951-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, James C. (Jim) Blair, 87, Adair Co., KY (1927-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Arvil Ray Price, Dunnville, KY, Adair native (1939-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Alice Loy (1914) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Amos Avon Cooper, 94, Russell County, KY (1921-2015) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Clayton Timothy (Tim) Compton, 65, Columbia, KY (1956-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Cleston (Stump) Patterson, Green Co., KY (1938-2014) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Dewey Welby Brown, Russell County, KY (1940-2013) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Dorothy C. Weymouth, 81, Adair Co. KY native (1932-2013) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Edwin R. (Eddie) Jessie, 63, Metcalfe Co., KY (1959-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Emanuel Wooten, 93, Russell Co., KY Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Estelene Hill, 90, Russell County, KY (1926-2016) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Eugene (Bill) Voils, Russell County, KY (1927-2011) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Eugene Earl Underwood, 75, Taylor Co., KY Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Frances Mae Durham, Taylor Co., KY (1925 - 2011) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Garland Thomas Hieneman, 75, Burkesville, KY (1946-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Geneva P. Richardson, Casey Co., KY (1914-2011) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Gilbert Ray Cowan, 76, Columbia, KY (1947-2024) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Harold Afton Emerson, 82, Liberty, KY (1940-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Hubert H. Eads, 72, Russell Co., KY (1941-2013) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Imogene Benningfield, 78, Campbellsville, KY (1941-2019) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, James (Gilbert) Thompson, 84, Campbellsville, KY (1936-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, James T. Stearman, Green County, KY (1926-2012) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jay Cox, 87, Campbellsville, KY (1928-2016) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jenee Amelia Devine, 31, Bowling Green, KY (1990-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Kim Jolly, Edmonton, KY (1969-2013) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Larry G. Jeffries, 57 Russell County, KY (1958-2016) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Larry Vonzell Yocum, Sr., Marion Co., KY (1952-2017) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Laverne (Blondie) Speer, 90, Campbellsville, KY (1930-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Linda Kessler, 72, Adair Co., KY (1950-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Marie Pittman Burton (1931) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Marvin Devon Coleman, Casey County, KY (1942-2015) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mary Nancy Wilson, Casey Co., KY (1909) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Odos Lafavers, 85, Russell Co. KY Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Opal McAninch, 96, Casey Co., KY Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Randall G. Phillips, 79, Taylor County, KY (1940-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Roger G. Coffey, 83, Adair Co. native (1942-2026) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Ruth Gean Groce Smith Capps, 88, Summer Shade, KY (1932-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Sharon A. Clayton, 65, Cincinnati, OH (1956-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Sue Durham, Taylor County, KY (1944 - 2013) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Thearon 'Junior' Collins, 64, Russell County, KY Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Tom Beaty, 65, Cumberland Co., KY/Clinton Co., KY native (1951-2017) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Tommy Ray Clark, Taylor County, KY (1943-2014) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Vicki Black, Casey County, KY (1948-2014) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, William (Bill) Porter Vaughn, 84, Green Co., KY native (1939-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)

Events scheduled for Monday, July 20, 2026
All events are listed in Central Time. Submit your upcoming event using our Contact Form.
5:30pmCTVacation Bible School at Trinity Church | (ID:70941, Comment)

 
































 
 
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