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Daily News for
Thursday, December 11, 2025
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Adair Tourism Commission grant announced

From Paige Nickel, Executive Director
Adair County Tourism Commission

The Adair County Tourism Commission is proud to announce that we have been awarded a Local History Trust Fund grant in the amount of $978 through the Kentucky Historical Society. This grant was secured to support and elevate one of Adair County's most valued cultural experiences, Mike Watson's historical tours.

Watson has provided both residents and visitors with engaging, educational, and deeply meaningful tours that highlight Adair County's rich heritage. His storytelling, research, and commitment to preserving local history have made these tours an entertaining and educational attraction within our community. Funds from this grant will be used to enhance the tour experience by in the following ways:


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2025-12-11 22:48:25 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Local Government

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Christmas in Columbia parade float bringing the snow



2025-12-11 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com.
The Columbia Church of Christ float in Saturday's Christmas in Columbia parade was a snow scene with a snow machine. The stars on the float were: Jera and Claira Kessler, Kyla Kessler and Peyton and Paxton, James Streeval, Max Hare, Stephen Holt and Michael Holt, Mikey Jessie, Cash Hare, Monica Howard Hare, Myles Hare and Melinda Franklin.

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Randall Estes, 84, formerly of Columbia, KY

Randall Lee Estes, formerly of Columbia, passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025 in Jamestown. He was 84 years of age.

Randall served proudly in the United States Army as a Medical Specialist from 1964 to 1970. He later worked as a CNA at the old Columbia Hospital. Randall was also the" grill man" at Richard Wethington's pool room for more than 20 years. He then worked for Four Seasons Apartments, doing maintenance work, again for more than 20 years.


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2025-12-11 22:46:24 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Columbia-Adair EDA to meet Dec 17

From Larry Walker, Chairman
Columbia-Adair County Economic Development Authority

The Columbia-Adair County Economic Development Authority Board will hold a meeting at 8amCT on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Welcome and Development Center, 201 Burkesville Street, Columbia, KY.

Meeting Agenda:


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2025-12-11 18:04:44 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Local Government

Basketball: Lady Indians host Elizabethtown Panthers

By Trey Stephens, Staff Writer

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the Adair County Lady Indians picked up their first win of the Hunter Cundiff era with a dominant 74-14 win on the road at Ft. Knox. The Lady Eagles of Ft. Knox were fully overpowered by the Tribe in every facet of the game.

The leading scorers for the Lady Indians were sophomore Reese Bardin, senior Kinzlee Akin, and 8th grader Ila Loy, with 16, 14, and 10 respectively. Junior Anika Jennings led the way for the Lady Indians in rebounding, with nine, followed by sophomore Callee White, with five. The team as a whole shot 53% from the floor and 27% from three point range.

The Lady Indians return to action as they host the Elizabethtown Panthers (1-2) at 6:30pmCT on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in John Burr Memorial Gymnasium, 526 Indian Drive, Columbia, KY.. The Lady Indians will look to build the first winning streak of the season against a Panthers squad that comes off a 68-84 loss at home to John Hardin on Tuesday. If you can, come out and support your Lady Indians tonight!

Tickets are available at hometownticketing.com.


2025-12-11 17:39:32 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Sports

Bobby D. Kelsay, 76, Adair Co., KY native (1949-2025)

Bobby Dean Kelsay of Campbellsville passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Taylor County Regional Hospital. He was 76 years old. He was born on April 13, 1949, in Gadberry, KY, to the late Paul and Alene Kimbler Kelsay.

Funeral services will be held at 2pmCT on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home, 210 Greensburg St., Columbia, KY, with his son-in-law Mark Whitley officiating. Burial will follow in the Freedom Cemetery, with mlitary honors provided by VFW post 6097.

Visitation will be on Saturday after 10amCT at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home.


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2025-12-11 17:33:07 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Thelma Lee Toy, 71, Columbia, KY (1954-2025)

Thelma Lee (McGhee) Toy of Columbia passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at her residence with her family by her side. She was born in Knoxville, TN on January 3, 1954, to the late Tony McGhee and Edna McGinnis McGhee Wolfe. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Wayman.

The family is honoring Mrs. Toy's wishes with cremation, and a Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.


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2025-12-11 17:29:14 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Ag Development Council to meet Dec 15

From Nick Roy
Adair County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources

The Adair County Agriculture Development Council will meet at 5pmCT on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the Adair County Extension Office, 409 Fairground Street, Columbia, KY. The meeting is open to the public.


2025-12-11 12:59:05 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Adair Co. Extension Service

Laura Lee Holland Fox, 71, Casey County, KY

Laura Lee Holland Fox, of Dunnville, was united with her Savior on Sunday, December 7th, 2025, at her home. The 71 year old retired teacher, dedicated her life to teaching history to the children of Casey County and found immense joy in bringing the stories from the past to life for eager minds.

Born November 8th, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Harry Lee Holland and Laura Ruth Bingham Kirby. Laura obtained her Bachelor's degree in education from Campbellsville University and both her Master's degree and Rank I from Western Kentucky University.


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2025-12-11 12:21:02 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Chamber of Commerce will meet Dec 16

From Ellen Zornes, Executive Director
Columbia-Adair County Chamber of Commerce

The Columbia-Adair County Chamber of Commerce will meet at NoonCT on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in Cranmer Dining Center at Lindsey Wilson College, 430 Helen Flatt Drive, Columbia, KY. Cranmer Dining Center is the program and lunch sponsor for the meeting, where Dr. Bill Luckey will present 'The State of Lindsey Wilson University Address'.

Classes are out for winter break, so there will be plenty of parking.


2025-12-11 10:52:03 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Chamber of Commerce

KELC: Kentucky unemployment fell slightly in September

Note: Publication of September data was delayed by more than 6 weeks because of a lapse in federal appropriations. BLS will not publish an October 2025 State Employment and Unemployment news release, and November numbers will likely be delayed.

From Mike Clark/Kim Saylor Brannock

Frankfort, KY -- Kentucky's seasonally adjusted September 2025 unemployment rate was 4.7%, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet.

The September 2025 jobless rate was unchanged from August 2025 and down 0.6 percentage points from one year ago.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate for September 2025 was 4.4%, which was up from the 4.3% reported for August 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.


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2025-12-11 10:48:22 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Kentucky

Kay's Cafe grand reopening on Thursday

From Ellen Zornes, Executive Director
Columbia-Adair County Chamber of Commerce

Kay's Cafe will hold a grand re-opening at 11amCT on Thursday, December 11, 2025, with light refreshments including free hot chocolate, sweets and other giveaways. They will be showcasing a new and improved menu.

The Columbia-Adair County Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11amCT on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, with light refreshments.

Kay's Cafe is located at 808 Jamestown Street, Columbia, KY.


2025-12-11 10:43:07 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Chamber of Commerce

Christmas program at Cane Valley Baptist

From Connie Young

Cane Valley Baptist Church will have their Christmas program at 6pmCT on Sunday, December 14, 2025. Pastor Bro. Clay Scott and congregation would like to invite everyone.

Cane Valley Baptist Church is located at 3145 Cane Valley Road, Columbia, KY.


2025-12-11 10:38:54 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Church News

The Spirit of Christmas float coming Dec 13

From Mike Bunch/Elvis E. York

The Elvis E. York Christmas float, "The Spirit of Christmas" will arrive at the Columbia Walmart parking lot at approximately 5pmCT on Saturday, December 13, 2025 (pending weather conditions).

Santa will bring gifts and treats for the children. There will be lots of Christmas music and the Grinch will make it fun for all.


2025-12-11 08:19:27 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Christmas


Birthdays and Anniversaries for December 11
Happy Anniversary, David and Paula Bell (1976) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Kasey and Holly Loy | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Anthony Hadley | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Blake Dial (1995) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Carl M. Johnson (1964) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Julie Taylor | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Marty Burton (1962) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Sandy Janes | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Steven McKinley | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Tammy Pree | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Terry Powell | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Walter Theodore Powell | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Wyatt Ashcraft (2021) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday,, Allee Campbell | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mr. Colva Ray Leftwich, Summersville, KY (1934-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Rev. Luther Garvin Blakey, Jamestown, KY (1923-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Janet Marie Smith, Columbia, KY (1980-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Helen Elmore, Russell County, KY (1942-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Tonia Sue Redford Allen, Campbellsville, KY (1960-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Bro. A.J. Parrish (1931) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mary E. Henson Griffith, Russell Springs, KY
(1924) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Beulah Burton Sinclair, Adair Co., KY native (1935) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Audrey F. Bell, Russell County, KY (1924) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Vernon Eugene Bagby, Green County, KY (1940) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mr. Garland Paxton, Green Co., KY (1924-2014), Green Co., KY (1924-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Rosaline Beck , 81, Taylor Co., KY (1933-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
in Memory Birthday, Everett (Tude) Simpson, 81, Casey County, KY (1934-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Eva June Wesley Wilkinson, Liberty, KY (1931-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Joseph A. (Jody) Keltner, 54, Green Co./Adair Co., KY native (1961-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Stevie Dale Harper, 53 Summer Shade , KY (1962-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Austin Wayne Buckner, Taylor Co., KY (1939-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mr. Welby Lee Hicks, Burkesville, KY (1982-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Roy Marshall Garner, Russell County, KY (1939-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Bruce Lee Popplewell, Russell County, KY (1931-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Delbert Lindsey Beard, Taylor Co., KY (1931-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Brandon Wayne Kinnett, Columbia, KY (1979-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Hubert Edwards | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, James K. Sheene, 54, Burgin, KY (1966-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Karen Eaddy, 64, Adair Co., KY (1960-2025) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mary Ann Garnett Dowling, 81, Adair County, KY native Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Tessie Tincher, 91, Campbellsville, KY (1929-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Tina Jo Tucker Pelly, 67, Campbellsville, KY (1954-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Walter Alexander, Jr., 61, Columbia, KY (1958-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)

Events scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2025
All events are listed in Central Time. Submit your upcoming event using our Contact Form.
7:50amCTACHS Senior Defenses of Learning: Capstone Presentations | (ID:69878, Comment)
1:00pmCTServices for Keith M. Smith, 42, Knifley, KY (1983-2025) | (ID:70024, Comment)
4:00pmCTACHS SBDM Council meeting | (ID:69891, Comment)
5:00pmCTAdair Co. Arts Council meeting | (ID:70014, Comment)
5:30pmCTLittle League Basketball: Black Indians vs. Orange Indians | (ID:69785, Comment)
6:00pmCTChristmas Concert by Adair Schools Choirs - please bring a canned food donation | (ID:70017, Comment)
6:30pmCTLittle League Basketball: Black Indians vs. Gray Indians | (ID:69786, Comment)
7:30pmCTLittle League Basketball: Red Indians vs. Blue Indians | (ID:69787, Comment)
Basketball: Lady Indians vs Elizabethtown Panthers | (ID:70036, Comment)

 































 
 
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