• PUBLIC DISCUSSION FOR USE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE 
• PUBLIC DISCUSSION FOR USE OF COUNTY ROAD AID FUNDS. 
• ADJOURN 

• WELCOME, OPENING PRAYER & PLEDGE 
• MINUTES 
• PAY BILLS  
• DETENTION CENTER REPORT 
• SHERIFF’S REPORT 
• TREASURER’S MONTHLY SETTLEMENT REPORT & PRE-APPROVED AE TRANSFERS 
• 2ND READING BUDGET ORDINANCE 26-01 
• 2ND READING ORDINANCE 26-02 FALSE ALARM ORDINANCE 
• TRANSFER $75,000.00 FROM GENERAL TO JAIL 
• RESOLUTION 26-05 KYTC CRA PROGRAM 26-27 
• OPEN BIDS FOR JANITORIAL SUPPLIES 
• OPEN BIDS FOR FUEL, OIL, CHIP & SEAL, HOT MIX, BLACKTOP, POTHOLE PATCH, ROCK & TILE 
• PREAPPROVAL TO PAY LIBRARY WHEN FLOOD CONTROL MONEY COMES IN 
• SET SALARIES FOR MAGISTRATES FOR TERM 2027 – 2030 
• COMPLIMENT CHANGES 
• LIBRARY BOARD APPOINTMENTS 
• INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH STATE OF KY WIOA PROGRAM 
• KACO HEALTH PLAN RENEWAL RATES FOR FISCAL YEAR 26-27 
• OTHER BUSINESS   
• ADJOURN  

The Adair County School Board will have a Special Called School Board Meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM at the Adair County Board of Education, 1204 Greensburg Street, Columbia, KY.
 

AGENDA

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Final Hearing Report and District Facilities Plan
3. Approval to create a BG1 to surplus the Columbian Theater
4. Working Session
5. Adjournment

Recently, the City of Columbia was informed that it has been officially approved for an Economic Development Grant for a gas line expansion on North KY-61. The project will be expanding the Natural Gas capacity to customers for the purpose of supporting local business growth. The expansion will run from the current regulator station in the 3800 block of Greensburg Road to the Green County line. The expansion will expand the gas carrying capacity majorly as we will be going from a two inch line to six inch lines. There are currently 84 customers being served by this section of line, but while the project is underway, the City welcomes new taps being implemented. If interested, please contact the Gas Department (270-384-2006). The project will specifically allow J&L Gate to begin a powder coating operation which will create around 20 full time jobs.

This project is just the latest in a long line of economic development successes being brought about by this active City of Columbia administration led by Mayor Hoots. Other recent successes have included a gas line project which led to development of a new Don Franklin Dealership and 30 jobs created as well as a new expansion being undertaken by Circor. Massive gratitude goes out to the Lake Cumberland Area Development District and Congressman James Comer and his staff who both worked very hard in conjunction with the City to make this project happen.    

Jordan M. Alfaro of Knifley, KY has been indicted by a Taylor County Grand Jury for Burglary 3rd Degree, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition.

Kenneth C. Feldkamp of Columbia has been indicted by a Taylor County Grand Jury for Sexual Abuse 1st Degree, Victim under 12 years of age (Class C Felony).

An indictment is a formal charge and does not determine guilt or innocence.

According to Mayor Eddie Thomas, Russell Springs City Hall will be closed Friday as the City completes the final step of its computer system upgrade.

City officials say the new system is expected to be operational Monday morning. The new computer system will provide enhanced security as well as other features. Among those is bringing back the ability for the city’s water customers to pay their bill online.

It’s the first major upgrade to the City Hall computer system in 25 years.

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The City of Columbia, the Adair County Fiscal Court, and the Columbia-Adair County Chamber of Commerce presents a Legislative Update on Thursday, May 14^th, 2026 at 9:00amCT at the historic Trabue-Russell House at the top of Jamestown Hill in Columbia. Representative Amy Neighbors and Senator Max Wise will be in attendance for the update. The public is invited to attend.

Today (Wednesday, May 6, 2026) the City of Columbia was informed that they have been officially approved for an Economic Development Grant for a gas line expansion on North KY-61. The project will be expanding the Natural Gas capacity to customers for the purpose of supporting local business growth. More information will be coming soon.

(See press release from the US Dept of Commerce below)

WASHINGTON –Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is announcing $10 million in Disaster Supplemental funding awards to Georgia and Kentucky, which were impacted by storms and natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.

The EDA awards announced today are:

• Augusta Technical College Foundation, Inc. in Augusta, Georgia, received a $6.8 million grant for construction of an automotive workforce training facility.
• Lebanon, Kentucky received a $2 million grant for water infrastructure improvements to support local business expansion.
• Columbia, Kentucky received a $1.2 million grant for natural gas infrastructure improvements to support local business growth.

“The Economic Development Administration is committed to revitalizing America’s competitive spirit,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Ben Page, performing the nonexclusive duties and functions of the Assistant Secretary. “These projects will do just that – upskilling the American workforce in high-tech, automotive manufacturing and providing businesses with the infrastructure they need for growth and job creation.”

The EDA Fiscal Year 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program makes approximately $1.5 billion available to support economic recovery activities in areas that received major disaster declarations because of hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms and flooding, tornadoes, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024. EDA continues to review applications for portions of this funding on an ongoing basis – please review the application guidelines at eda.gov for more details.

EDA releases announcements for grants over $1 million. For more information on all EDA awards, please visit eda.gov.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 5, 2026) – As gas prices continue to rise due to the ongoing war in Iran, Gov. Andy Beshear took steps today to provide relief to Kentucky families by freezing the gas tax, activating the state’s price gouging laws and sending two letters to Congress requesting they suspend the federal gas tax. The Governor also signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency to reduce the gas tax by 10 cents, which he urged the Attorney General to sign, and proactively signed an executive order to freeze the motor vehicle assessment rate on Jan. 1, 2027.

“The American people are paying the costs of the war, and families are struggling at the gas pump, grocery and more – including right here in Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “I recognize the pain our families are feeling and I’m taking steps to help because it’s the right thing to do.”

First, the Governor signed an emergency regulation to freeze the gas tax at 26.4 cents per gallon ahead of an expected increase to 27 cents per gallon on July 1. The action to freeze the current rate is projected to save Kentuckians about $1.7 million, combined, each month.

Recognizing more steps are needed to help with rising prices, Gov. Beshear also signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency related to gas prices. The order will reduce the gas tax by 10 cents, which should result in a 10 cent per gallon price decrease for Kentuckians. The Governor requested the order take effect as soon as possible for both regular and diesel, with the potential to save Kentuckians $26.8 million combined over a one-month period.

“This would be huge for our families, but it requires one step for it to become a reality and that’s sign-off from Kentucky’s Attorney General, based on a Supreme Court case from years ago,” the Governor said. “My hope is that the AG also believes gas prices are too high and will sign quickly so we can deliver results for Kentuckians.”

To enforce the reduction and ensure providers don’t keep the 10 cents, Gov. Beshear also activated the state’s price-gouging statute.

In addition to these steps, this morning, the Governor sent two letters urging leadership in Congress and leaders in Kentucky’s congressional delegation to suspend the federal gas tax until the end of the year.

“These leaders have a real chance to help our people when they desperately need relief, and I pray they can put politics aside and take a long, overdue step to help American families,” said Gov. Beshear.

In a proactive step, the Governor also signed an executive order today to freeze the 2026 motor vehicle assessment rate ahead of an expected increase on Jan. 1, 2027. This step will ensure the rate remains the same so Kentucky vehicle owners won’t pay more for vehicle property tax.

Today’s actions come just weeks ahead of an expected price decrease in Jefferson, Bullitt and Oldham counties after the Governor’s request to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Louisville area to be removed from the federal Reformulated Gasoline Program (RFG) received approval in February. For 30 years, Kentuckians living in these counties were paying 10 to 25 cents more per gallon. The change will take place on May 27, 2026.
 

An Adair County Grand Jury has returned indictments against six individuals. Indictments are legal accusations and do not determine guilt or innocence.

3trees Church is proud to announce that Senior Pastor Eric Gilbert has earned his Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree, marking a significant milestone in both his personal journey and the continued growth of the church.

Pastor Gilbert completed his doctoral work through Oral Roberts University, where his research focused on Spirit-empowered discipleship and leadership development within the local church. His work was recognized for both its theological depth and practical impact in equipping leaders to make disciples more effectively.

In addition to earning his degree, Pastor Gilbert was named the inaugural recipient of the Younghoon Lee Spirit-Empowered Scholar’s Award, given for the most outstanding ministry research project. The award is presented in honor of Dr. Younghoon Lee, Senior Pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church—the world’s largest church, with over 850,000 members—and reflects a high level of excellence among graduating doctoral candidates.

“This journey has been one of deep growth and dependence on God’s grace,” said Pastor Gilbert. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue learning so that I can better serve our church and help people follow Jesus fully.”

Church leadership affirmed the significance of the achievement, noting that Pastor Gilbert’s continued investment in theological training strengthens the church’s commitment to biblical teaching and Spirit-led leadership.

3trees Church remains committed to seeking the lost, discipling the found, making room for God and others, and meeting needs. This milestone reflects its ongoing pursuit of growth, excellence, and impact as it continues to exist for one reason above all else: Everyone Needs Jesus!

Dr. William Wilson, Oral Roberts University president, presents 3trees Church Senior Pastor Eric Gilbert with his doctor of ministry degree. 3trees Church has locations in Russell Springs, Campbellsvile, Columbia and Louisville. 

Dr. Wonsuk Ma, executive director of the ORU Center for Spirit-Empowered Research, presents 3trees Church Senior Pastor Eric Gilbert with the Younghoon Lee Spirit-Empowered Scholar’s Award, given for the most outstanding ministry research project.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 4, 2026) – Warmer weather means there are more ways Kentuckians may choose to travel on state roadways. Whether riding, biking or driving, Team Kentucky urges everyone to stay alert, look twice and share the road to keep all travelers safe.

“Let’s all do our part to make our roads safer by sharing them with those traveling on motorcycles or bicycles,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Safety is a shared responsibility and looking out for each other can save lives.” 
 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind all road users to work together to help prevent crashes, injuries and deaths on Kentucky roadways.   

While motorcycles and bicycles have the right to use most roadways, they are typically much smaller than other vehicles in the traffic stream. As such, a motorcycle or bicycle may be in a larger vehicle’s blind spots.

In 2025, Kentucky recorded 1,490 motorcycle crashes, resulting in 1,092 injuries, and 114 deaths (109 were motorcyclists.) Compared to 2024:

• 175 fewer crashes (10.5% decrease)
• 143 fewer injuries (11.6% decrease)
• 8 more total deaths (7.5% increase)
• 3 more motorcyclist deaths (2.8% increase)
• 72 fewer multi-vehicle crashes (8.0% decrease)

There were 465 crashes involving bicycles, resulting in 305 injuries and 10 fatalities. Compared to 2024, bicycle crashes and injuries have increased in 2025; however, Kentucky’s total fatalities are down by two from 2024.

“Be aware of your surroundings. Looking twice and knowing who is near you can save a life,” said Transportation Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “When changing lanes, turning, or traveling on the road, ensure no one is in your blind spot.”

One way Team Kentucky is working to keep motorcyclists safe is through the RideSmartKY program. Administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety and overseen by the Motorcycle Safety Education Commission, the program was established in 1992 to help both new and experienced riders stay safe on Kentucky roadways.

With 11 training centers across the state, motorcycle riders can enroll in courses ranging from basic to advanced. Successful completion of a course waives both the written and skills tests required to obtain a motorcycle endorsement.

Whether you ride, pedal, or drive, we all have a role to play in making our roadways safer.

The KOHS offers the following tips for drivers: 

• Be aware: Put your phone down and eliminate all distractions. 
• Check surroundings: Regularly check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or entering intersections.   
• Signal intentions: Use turn signals to communicate your actions. 
• Respect all road users: Maintain a safe following distance, give adequate space when passing and do not obstruct bike lanes.  
• Drive responsibly: Adhere to traffic laws. Obey speed limits to better identify and react to potential hazards, drive sober and always wear a seat belt. 

The KOHS offers the following tips for motorcyclists: 

• Stay safe and visible: Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and brightly colored protective gear with reflective elements. Position yourself in the lane where you are most visible to other drivers. 
• Be aware: Maintain focus on the road and traffic at all times. 
• Signal intentions: Use turn signals and hand signals for every maneuver. 
• Ride responsibly: Adhere to traffic laws. Obey speed limits to better identify and react to potential hazards and always ride sober. 
• Take a rider training course: Find information on classes at ride.ky.gov.  

The KOHS offers the following tips for bicyclists: 

• Stay safe and visible: Always wear a properly fitted helmet that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commissionstandards and brightly colored protective gear with reflective elements.  
• Be aware: Maintain focus on the road and traffic at all times. Scan ahead for possible obstacles in your path, such as parked cars or cars pulling out or into parking spaces or driveways. 
• Signal intentions: Use hand signals when changing lanes or turning.  
• Ride responsibly: Adhere to traffic laws. Ride in the same direction as traffic and always ride sober. 
• Check equipment. Make sure your brakes are working and tires are properly inflated before riding. 

For more information visit https://bikesafeky.com/ and https://www.ridesafeky.com/.  
 

Mayor Hoots shares all the details from tonight's meeting....

On Friday, May 1, 2026, Adair County Sheriff Gary Roy responded to Bird Road on a suspicious male complaint. Sheriff Roy was able to locate the male, lying beside a driveway on Bird Road. 

On Thursday, April 30, 2026, Adair County Deputies made a traffic stop that led to a drug-trafficking arrest.

Harlan Judd, one of the owners of the new location, tells Wave News they're very excited to be locating in Russell Springs...

Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas tells us this is big for the community...

A Russell County Grand Jury has returned indictments against numerous individuals. Indictments are legal accusations and do not determine guilt or innocence.

From Trey Stephens
City of Columbia | Assistant to the Mayor

The City of Columbia will be holding the annual Columbia Duck Derby in Russell Creek at 11amCT on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from the City's McKinney Landing Trail Town kayak launch.

The Duck Derby, which is the most exciting 5 minutes in Rubber Duck sports, features rubber ducks, purchased by individuals, racing down Russell Creek to win prizes donated by members of our community. This year's Grand Prize is a new kayak generously donated by Walmart of Columbia.

You can purchase your ducks, at a cost of $5 each, by calling City Hall at 270-384-2501 during normal business hours any time before 4pmCT on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Justin K Coomer, 41, was taken into custody by Trooper Ford with KSP. Coomer was charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition (more than $10,000), Receiving Stolen Property ($10,000 dollars or more), and Persistent Felony Offender – First Degree. He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

COLUMBIA, KY (04/28/2026) Lindsey Wilson University will award a total of 499 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees at its 123rd commencement, which will be held in three ceremonies May 1-2, 2026, in Biggers Sports Center, 360 Spickard Drive, Columbia, Kentucky.

Lindsey Wilson College became Lindsey Wilson University on July 1, 2026, making the combined winter and spring 2025-26 class the first group of graduates to earn a Lindsey Wilson University diploma.

The 6 p.m. CT, ceremony on Friday, May 1, will honor graduates of Lindsey Wilson's extended and online programs; the 10 a.m. CT, ceremony on Saturday, May 2, will honor graduates of the university's A.P. White Campus in Columbia; and the 2 p.m. CT, ceremony on Saturday, May 2, will honor graduates of Lindsey Wilson's hybrid graduate program.

Graduates have been allotted tickets for guests in attendance.

Combined with 945 degrees awarded at last December's winter commencement, Lindsey Wilson will award 1,444 degrees to the Class of 2025-26, making it the second-largest class in school history.

Three members of the Class of 2026 will give addresses at the spring ceremonies.

Shawn L. Gardner of Louisville, will speak at the May 1 ceremony. Gardner will graduate with a master of education degree in counseling. Gardner is the founder and president of 2not1: Fatherhood & Families, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the safety and well-being of children by implementing strategies to keep fathers involved and families together.

At the 10 a.m. ceremony on May 2, Zachariah Lawson of Williamsburg, Kentucky, will give the student address. Lawson, who will graduate with a bachelor of arts in English, has served two terms as the Lindsey Wilson student body president. Lawson is a consistent and reliable presence on campus, providing support to administrative offices and playing a key role in the coordination and execution of events. Beyond campus, he has represented Lindsey Wilson on the Kentucky Board of Student Body Presidents.

Sanket Sahoo of Kay, Texas, will give the student address at the 2 p.m. CT ceremony on May 2. A native of India, Sahoo will earn a master of science in cybersecurity management. Sahoo has an interest in cybersecurity education and research. He has hosted events for students as part of an initiative promoting cybersecurity awareness among STEM learners. He has also presented posters and contributed to collaborative study on cyber risks and cybersecurity readiness in small businesses.

Spring commencement ceremonies will livestream via the Lindsey Wilson YouTube channel, youtube.com/lwcpublicrelations. For more information, contact the LWU registrar's office by email, registrar@lindsey.edu or call 270-384-8025.

Zachariah Lawson - LWU Class of 2026

The Columbia Police Department Interview Committee conducted interviews with eleven (11) candidates on April 17 and April 23, 2026. One (1) candidate did not appear for their scheduled interview.

Following the interview process, the Columbia Police Department has selected two (2) candidates to advance to the next stages of the hiring process, which includes Phase 1 and Phase 2 testing.

Phase 1 Testing Includes:

• Physical Fitness Agility Test
• Suitability Screening Test

Phase 2 Testing Includes:

• Polygraph Examination
• Drug Screening
• Medical Exam

The Columbia Police Department remains committed to a thorough and professional hiring process to ensure the selection of qualified individuals who will serve the community with integrity and dedication.

The Columbia Police Department was awarded approximately $140,000 through the Community Oriented Policing Services (C.O.P.S.) Grant from the United States Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. The recruit selected for the Columbia Police Officer position will be required to sign a three-year contract agreement with the City of Columbia.

For more information on how Kentucky law enforcement agencies hire and certify law enforcement officers, please visit the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training and the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council websites.

COLUMBIA, KY (04/29/2026) A gift to Lindsey Wilson University will support student scholarship and advance a new academic degree program tailored to meet the needs of the region.

Bank of Columbia has contributed $20,000 to Lindsey Wilson, including $15,000 to the Tommy D. Grider Endowed Scholarship and $5,000 to support the university's agribusiness program.

The Tommy D. Grider Endowed Scholarship, named in honor of a longtime Bank of Columbia board member, is awarded annually to an Adair County High School graduate pursuing a degree in business or finance.

Bank of Columbia President and CEO Mark Dykes said the bank's investment in agribusiness reflects both the region's economy and workforce needs.

"Agriculture is a dominant part of our local economy, and this new agribusiness program is a great opportunity for students in our area," said Dykes. "There are a lot of career paths - from lending and ag sales to risk management and crop insurance - and this degree can lead to strong, well-paying jobs."

Dykes said the bank continues to support Lindsey Wilson because of its impact on the region.

"It means so much to the local economy and to the people of this community," said Dykes. "We want to support opportunities for students to stay close to home and receive a quality education."

Dean of the School of Business and Communication Benson Sexton '04 said the gift comes at a pivotal time for the university's agribusiness program.

"This kind of partnership with the Bank of Columbia is especially meaningful as we develop our agribusiness program," said Sexton. "Their investment as we launch this program is humbling, and we're confident it will be an excellent seed as we prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders in this region."

Lindsey Wilson University President William T. Luckey Jr. said the bank's continued support reflects a longstanding relationship with the institution.

"The Bank of Columbia has been a vital partner with Lindsey Wilson since its founding in 1903," said Luckey. "Their continued investment in an endowed scholarship will support local students for years to come, and their additional support for our agribusiness program shows they recognize the growing need for graduates in this field."

From left:  Bank of Columbia Chief Credit Officer Michelle Powell, Bank of Columbia Chief Financial Officer Ashley Roy, Bank of Columbia President and CEO Mark Dykes, Lindsey Wilson President William T. Luckey Jr., Lindsey Wilson Dean of the School of Business and Communication Benson Sexton '04 and Lindsey Wilson Vice President for Academic Affairs Ray Lutgring.