Groundbreaking scheduled for this new JOY Ministries building 2023-06-07 - Columbia, KY - Photo from Maggie Coleman. After 10 years of operation, J.O.Y. Ministries will finally have a permanent home. The ministry works to serve those impacted by poverty, fragile family situations, homelessness and addiction through the J.O.Y. Crisis Resource Center and two shelters, Cally's House and Ruth's Place. The new Crisis Resource Center will serve as the permanent home-base of these operations and provide greater space for food storage and clothing and home goods storage and improved accessibility for clients. Read More... | Comments? | Click here to share, print, or bookmark this photo.

Russell Co. gets Mesonet station 2023-06-07 - Ono, KY - Photo courtesy Western Kentucky University. On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, the ribbon was cut on a new weather and climate monitoring site in Russell County near the community of Eli, about five miles east of Jamestown. Attendees at Tuesday's ribbon-cutting included Dr. Jerry Brotzge, state climatologist and Mesonet director; Dr. Timothy C. Caboni, WKU President; John Gordon, meteorologist-in-charge at Louisville's National Weather Service office and Kentucky Mesonet Advisory board chair; Donna McClure and Kristi Dearner Lipps, both representatives for U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell; Sandy Simpson, representative for U.S. Congressman James Comer; Russell County Judge-Executive Randy Marcum; Russell County 3rd District Magistrate Zach Wilson; Russell County Sheriff Dereck Polston; Russell County Chamber of Commerce President Lindsey Gosser; and Tiffany Clark, Gavin Connors, Shane Holinde, and Andrew Quilligan, all of Kentucky Mesonet. Read More... | Comments? | Click here to share, print, or bookmark this photo.

Unidentified Growing Object 2023-06-07 - Adair Co., KY - Photo by Sharon Whitehurst. Sharon writes, "I'm hoping some of the local plant folks can identify this monster which has taken over a corner of my greenhouse. Its about to hit the roof, so will need to be removed, but I like knowing the names of things. The leaves are thin and velvety. The single leaf in the photo measures 15 inches from tip to the indentation at the top. Willis-the-Cat enjoyed its shade--until it crowded him out." Have an ID? Send it using one of the methods on our Contact Page. Update from Sharon: "A determined online search this morning suggests my invading plant/tree may be 'paulownia tomentosa'--aka Princess or Empress Tree. The mature tree has lavender blossoms--and may be an offspring of a full grown specimen about a mile down the road. I'm basing my tentative identity on several online photo closeups which show the distinctive side shoots and growing tip. Confirmation would still be welcome." Confirmation from Billy Joe Fudge: Letter: UGO is Royal Paulownia Comments? | Click here to share, print, or bookmark this photo.

Derrick Helm at last City Council meeting 2023-06-07 - Columbia, KY - Photo from City Hall, Columbia, KY. Monday, June 5, 2023 was the last Columbia City Council meeting for City Attorney Derrick Helm who is resigning to give more time to his growing personal injury practice in Russell and Adair Counties and to his growing children. Councilman Dr. Ronald Rogers was first to comment and give praise to Helm's excellent work over the past four years. Pictured in front are Councilman Robert Flowers, City Attorney Helm, and Councilwoman Sharon Payne. In back are Councilmen Rogers, and Mark Harris, Mayor Pam Hoots, and Councilwoman Rhonda Loy. Comments? | Click here to share, print, or bookmark this photo.

Venie Moss Coffey at Adair History Center 2023-06-07 - Downtown Columbia, KY - Photo by Phil Hanna. At the Adair Genealogy and History Center Phillip Coffey's mother, Mrs. Venie Moss Coffey, observes the quilt made by Miss Venie Moss who drowned in the Gradyville Flood of June 7, 1907. Mrs. Venie Moss Coffey is a niece to Miss Venie Moss, her namesake. Phil Coffey's siblings are Roy, Margaret Coffey Jachym, and Deborah Coffey Atwell. Comments? | Click here to share, print, or bookmark this photo.

MasterWorks Festival Orchestra 2023-06-06 - Campbellsville, KY - Photo courtesy Campbellsville University. In the span of 28 days, the MasterWorks Festival, which is coming to Campbellsville University, will host 37 events, including concerts, recitals, masterclasses and more, all free and open to the public. Details can be found at www.masterworksfestival.org. Read More... | Comments? | Click here to share, print, or bookmark this photo.

Birds of Kentucky: Indigo Bunting 2023-06-06 - Jefferson Co., KY - Photo by Pen. All About Birds says of Indigo Buntings, "Sometimes nicknamed 'blue canaries,' these brilliantly colored yet common and widespread birds whistle their bouncy songs through the late spring and summer all over eastern North America" Comments? | Click here to share, print, or bookmark this photo.

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Contact us: Columbia Magazine and columbiamagazine.com are published by Linda Waggener and Pen Waggener, PO Box 906, Columbia, KY 42728.
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