ColumbiaMagazine.com
Printed from:

Welcome to Columbia Magazine  
 

































 
Daily News for
Friday, May 22, 2026
← 2026-05-21 Previous DayNext Day 2026-05-23 →

To view another day, enter a year, month and day, and press enter:
NOTE: Date must be in the form YYYY-MM-DD, like 2026-05-22.

Memorial Day Program at VFW 6097

From Joe Hare, VFW 6097

On Sunday 24 May 2026 at 2pmCT, there will be a Memorial Day program at the VFW. Our post is located at 500 Greenhills Rd., Columbia, KY.

There will be a program inside the hall consisting of music, a speaker and more. The speaker will be CSM Raymond Wrensh (retired) who recently moved here and is a new member of our post.

After the indoor program we will retire outside to the Memorial for the Laying of the Wreaths, in honor of our fallen brothers and sisters.

The public is earnestly invited to come and honor these fallen heroes. We have seating for 140+ and would love to see the need for more chairs.


2026-05-22 16:39:14 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Veterans and Veterans Day

<-Previous PhotoPhoto 1 of 34Next Photo->
Lynn Franklin, 53, Columbia, KY (1972-2026)



2026-05-22 - Columbia, KY - Photo courtesy Grissom-Martin Funeral Home.
Read More... | Permalink | Comments?

Agenda for May 26 Fiscal Court meeting

From Bridget Compton
Adair County Deputy Judge Executive, Road Administrative Assistant & Solid Waste Coordinator

The Adair County Fiscal Court will meet in regular session at 4:30pmCT on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in the basement of the Adair County Annex building located at 424 Public Square, Columbia, KY. The public is invited to attend.

Meeting Agenda:


Article continues... click title or click here to read whole article.
2026-05-22 16:31:19 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Local Government

Lynn Franklin, 53, Columbia, KY (1972-2026)

Lynn Franklin of Columbia died on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his family, after an illness. He was 53 years old.

The funeral service will be held at 1pmCT on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home, 200 Campbellsville Street, Columbia, KY, with Bro. Gary Roy officiating. Burial will follow in Haven Hill Cemetery.

Visitation is requested after 2pmCT on Monday.


Article continues... click title or click here to read whole article.
2026-05-22 15:02:43 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

ACHS Class of 2026: 32 students receive LWU Scholarships

Hannah Peck was on hand at this year's Senior Awards Event, held in on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in John Burr Memorial Gymnasium, to present Lindsey Wilson University scholarships to the following graduating seniors:

  • Natalie Bardin
  • Landon Blakey
  • Kennedie Bowers
  • Kelsay Breeding
  • Peyten Chumbley
  • Bailey Coffey
  • Charleigh Dews
  • Jaylyn England
  • Daniel Glass
  • Maycee Hovious
  • Remington Huckaby
  • Kara Jeffries
  • Cady Kimbler
  • Kaydence Kimbler
  • Tianna King
  • Alexzander Baerg
  • Katherine Lemmon
  • John Peter Lopera
  • JT Loy
  • Darius Luttrell
  • Lily Neat
  • Trina Nguyen
  • Kayli Patterson
  • Brynna Powell
  • Gabriela Riola
  • Bryce Russell
  • Anna Beth Sharpe
  • Anslie Spoon
  • William Stargel
  • Jaden Turner
  • Kaylee Vance
  • Creedence Wolfgang
For more Class of 2026 scholarship awards, see: ACHS Class of 2026: Seniors honored for scholarships


2026-05-22 14:47:29 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Education

ACSO: Ricky Shirley sworn in as Deputy

From Sheriff Gary Roy
Adair County Sheriff's Office

We are excited to announce the hiring of Ricky Shirley as the newest member of our staff. Deputy Shirley has 9 years of law enforcement experience and is a graduate of DOCJT.


2026-05-22 14:31:51 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Police and Fire Reports

Memorial Day closure at Research Center

From Mike Watson

The Adair Genealogy & History Research Center will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day.

Come see us Tuesday through Friday next week from 9amCT to 5pmCT, and Saturday from 8amCT to NoonCT. The Adair Genealogy & History Research Center is located at 307 Greensburg Street, Columbia, KY. Phone: 270.380.1024.


2026-05-22 10:53:47 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Adair Co. Public Library

Lynn's Service Center closed until further notice

In deepest sympathy, we share the news posted by Phoebie Franklin that her husband Lynn has passed away.

The popular service station on Jamestown Street will be closed until further notice as she and their children begin to work through grief. We will post service arrangements as we have them.


2026-05-22 10:18:12 | Comments | Printable version

Brian Lynch, 54, Russell County, KY

Brian Alan Lynch, 54, of Jamestown, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2026. He was born in Columbus, OH on August 6, 1971, a son of Carolyn Lowery and Harold Lynch

Article continues... click title or click here to read whole article.
2026-05-22 09:46:33 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Concert moved to next Saturday at Holmes Bend

Due to the days of rain we're experiencing, the GENEXX live music event has been rescheduled from tomorrow to next Saturday evening, May 30th, 2026 at Holmes Bend Marina from 7pm-10pmCT (8pm-11pmET).

A food truck will be on site and will start serving at 5:30pmCT Located at the Pavilion next to the playground, 5380 Holmes Bend Rd, Columbia, KY - See you there!!


2026-05-22 09:40:19 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Local Arts Scene

KADB approves over $600K funding for area projects

From Madison Pergrem Cannon

Frankfort, KY - The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $5,271,015 for agricultural diversification and rural development projects across the Commonwealth at its monthly board meeting on Friday, May 15, 2026, including more than $617,000 in local area projects.

The Deceased Farm Animal Removal Program in Taylor County was approved for $14,625, Casey County Veterinary Services, PLLC was approved up to $83,000 in state funds and $17,000 in multi-county funds to build a handling and treatment facility, and County Agricultural Incentives Program awards included Adair County ($150,000), Casey County ($230,000), and Cumberland County ($123,515).

"Diversity in agriculture creates a more robust industry and that's exactly what we are striving for in Kentucky," Commissioner of Agriculture and Board Chair Jonathan Shell said. "The projects awarded today by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board builds that foundation of diversity, adding resiliency and strength to our farming communities."


Article continues... click title or click here to read whole article.
2026-05-22 09:22:35 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Farm and Garden

Amber Pegram honored for PE/Health Education

From Jessica Basham

WKU's College of Education and Behavioral Sciences (CEBS) has announced the winners of its 6th annual Distinguished Educator Awards, including Amber Pegram with Green County Schools.

The Distinguished Educator Awards honor the exceptional P-12 teachers who form the backbone of the state's education system. Through these awards, WKU reinforces its commitment to recognizing the hard work and vital contributions of educators across the Commonwealth.

This year's category winners are:


Article continues... click title or click here to read whole article.
2026-05-22 08:39:54 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Education

Gov. Beshear announces $148K road project in Russell Co.

From Robin Hartman

Frankfort, KY - Gov. Andy Beshear announced $475,224 in new funding to resurface roads and improve driver safety in Russell County, Hardin County and Caldwell County on May 22, 2026, including $148,800 to resurface Clifty Creek Road in Russell County.

"Every Kentucky family deserves access to safe roads so they can get to work, school, or that next doctor's appointment," said Gov. Beshear. "This program is allowing us to deliver safer, longer-lasting roads for our people while helping reduce waste in the process."

The grants, awarded through the Division of Waste Management's Rubber-Modified Asphalt (RMA) Program, use rubber-modified asphalt, created in part from recycled waste tires, to make roads quieter, more durable, and more resistant to tough weather conditions, extending the lifespan of roads by 7 to 10 years and supporting responsible waste tire management.


Article continues... click title or click here to read whole article.
2026-05-22 08:34:37 | Comments | Printable version

City Hall will be closed on Memorial Day

By Tiffany Collins

Columbia City Hall will be closed on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day. Night drop is located in the back of the building.


2026-05-22 00:10:49 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Local Government


Birthdays and Anniversaries for May 22
Happy Anniversary, Chris and Jill Wilson | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Chris and Terri Gibson | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, James and Vickie Jessee (1982) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Jeremy and Andrea Thomas | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Joe & Margaret Feese (1976) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Jonathan and Jill Jessee | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Robbie and Cindy Burton | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Alexandra Morgan (1994) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Bessie Jewell Dile | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Chad Wiley (2004) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Derek Cape (1990) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Garet Sandusky | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Glenda Taylor | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Jax Kemp | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Jazzlyn Douglas | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, John E. Moss (1947) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Katie Stone | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Lacey Morgan (1994) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Matt Downen | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Phillip Joe Burton | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Ruth Opal Smith | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Shelby Powell (2005) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Stanley Wethington (1960) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Travis Shirley | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, William Arthur Jones, Russell Co., KY (1936-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Juanita Lynn Callahan Tucker, Greensburg, KY (1959-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Bennie Russell Lawhorn, Liberty, KY (1933-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mrs. Mary Hazel Durrett, Green Co., KY (1919) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, William "Fred" Goodin, Adair Co., KY (1944) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Kemel Work, Taylor Co., KY (1922) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Bob Beimdick, Elizabethtown, KY (1944) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mrs. Betty Jeffries London, Knob Lick, KY (1943) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mr. Wayne Nelson Compton, Green Co., KY (1938) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Phillip Marshall Campbell, Chicago, IL (1973) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mrs. Jane Geneva Dillon Glidewell, 94, Burkesville, KY (1917) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, James T. Givens, Green County, KY (1918) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Rae Jean Crosier, Casey Co., KY (1955) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mrs. Opal Elizabeth Matney, Green Co., KY (1920) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, James E. Abell, Casey Co. KY (1983) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Dalena Stiles, Taylor Co., KY (1921) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Lucille West, Adair County, KY (1929) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Melissa Kay Melson, Adair County, KY (1963-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Cordellia May (Polly) Lobb, Green Co., KY (1938-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Johnnie W. Matney, Green Co., KY (1923-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Opal Grider, Russell County, KY (1916-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Flossie Carey, Russell Co., KY (1924-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Raydena (Dana) Lobb, Green County, KY (1959-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Reba H. Herriford, 75, Russell County, KY (1939-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In memory birthday, Norrita June Miller, Russell Springs, KY (1952-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Dollie Harmon, Campbellsville, KY (1921-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Vanessa Joy Furkin Jessie, 54, Barren Co., KY (1961-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Essie Mayrene Gibson, 75, Metcalfe County, KY (1940-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Charles Watson, Casey County KY (1957-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Dr. James H. Wentworth, Taylor Co., KY (1937-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mrs. Judy Carolyn Shofner Hunt, Taylor County, KY (1959-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Nellie Brewer, 86, Taylor County, KY/Marion County, KY native (1930-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mr. Eugene Peavley, 77, Casey County, KY (1939-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Sarah (Liz) Cochran, Center, Metcalfe Co., KY (1930-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Pauline Hubbard, 88, Russell County, KY (1929-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Gavin Dale Vetter, 15, Taylor County, KY | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Bernice Juanita Thompson, 88, Green Co., KY (1932-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Bessie Jewell Dile, 81, Columbia, KY (1939-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Eugene (Gene) Bradshaw, 76, Russell Springs, KY (1945-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, JC (Blackbird) Harrison, Russell Springs, KY/Knifley, KY native (1943-2018) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Judy Dixon Draper, 70, Taylor County, KY (1948-2019) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Judy Luttrell, 81, of Columbia, KY (1942-2024) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Loretta Roy Thomas, 77, Dunnville, KY (1944-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mary Frances Visnick, 70, Adair Co. native Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mildred Ann Royse Cundiff, Adair Co. KY native (1937-2018) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Nadine (Carr) Fights, Russell Co., KY/Casey native, (1936-2018) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Randall L. (Docker) Espey, 65, Knifley, KY (1959-2024) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Raydean Pierce, 71, Russell Springs, KY (1949-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Rexford (Rex) Paxton, 82, Greensburg, KY (1938-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Rondell Davidson, 82, Burkesville, KY (1940-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Shirley Watson, 84, Columbia, KY (1941-2026) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Vanola B. Coomer Estes, Adair Co., KY native (1927-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, William Clavis Wright, 43, Green County, KY (1975-2018) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)

Events scheduled for Friday, May 22, 2026
All events are listed in Central Time. Submit your upcoming event using our Contact Form.
9:00amCTCommodities Distribution for pre-qualified Seniors | (ID:70682, Comment)
10:00amCTDedication Ceremony for Columbia Veterans Banners | (ID:70666, Comment)
7:00pmCTACHS Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony | (ID:70654, Comment)

 






























 
 
Quick Links to Popular Features


Looking for a story or picture?
Try our Photo Archive or our Stories Archive for all the information that's appeared on ColumbiaMagazine.com.

 

Contact us: Columbia Magazine and columbiamagazine.com are published by Linda Waggener and Pen Waggener, PO Box 906, Columbia, KY 42728.
Phone: 270.403.0017


Please use our contact page, or send questions about technical issues with this site to webmaster@columbiamagazine.com. All logos and trademarks used on this site are property of their respective owners. All comments remain the property and responsibility of their posters, all articles and photos remain the property of their creators, and all the rest is copyright 1995-Present by Columbia Magazine. Privacy policy: use of this site requires no sharing of information. Voluntarily shared information may be published and made available to the public on this site and/or stored electronically. Anonymous submissions will be subject to additional verification. Cookies are not required to use our site. However, if you have cookies enabled in your web browser, some of our advertisers may use cookies for interest-based advertising across multiple domains. For more information about third-party advertising, visit the NAI web privacy site.