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Daily News for
Monday, February 16, 2026
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City accepting 2026 Veterans banner applications

From Mayor Pam Hoots

The City of Columbia is accepting nomination forms for the 2026 Veterans Banners. The City began this project five years ago; and, it has been received well by the public.

Banners are placed in the areas immediately around the square and just off the public square. Veteran banners are sponsored by family and friends of the nominees. This year the city will be accepting up to forty new banners.


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2026-02-16 23:44:54 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Local Government

<-Previous PhotoPhoto 1 of 4Next Photo->
Scenic Adair County - winter on Green River Lake



2026-02-16 - Adair County, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com.
There's plenty of driftwood for hunters on the shores of Green River Lake.

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Mary Elizabeth Johnson, Campbellsville, KY

Mary Elizabeth Johnson of Campbellsville, Ky, passed away Monday, Feb 9, 2026 in Greensburg, Ky. Mary was born in Boyle County, Ky October 21, 1939, to the late Frank Higgins and late Lorine Stokes Penman. Mary worked in the Campbellsville Independent School District as a cafeteria cook for 30-plus years before retiring.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. Everyone called her "Mama Lizabeth"; she claimed everyone as her sons and daughters. Mary professed holiness as a child of God, Sunday, May 1966, in Danville, Ky at Church of God of America, Inc. She was saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost the same day.


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2026-02-16 21:37:58 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Shirley Lee Miller Fortney, 89, Casey County, KY

Shirley Lee Miller Fortney, of Liberty, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026. She was 89.

Born on November 22, 1936, in Georgetown, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Harold Clark Miller and Catherine Louise Thackston. Shirley was a retired Licensed Practical Nurse after thirty years of service in Dandridge and Jefferson City, TN and finished her career at the health department in Dandridge, TN.


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2026-02-16 21:36:25 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

ACES SBDM Council to meet Feb 17

From M. Jordan Williams, Principal
Adair County Elementary School

The Adair County Elementary School SBDM Council will hold its regular scheduled monthly meeting at 3:30pmCT on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in the Library at Adair County Elementary School, 870 Indian Dr, Columbia, KY.

We will also have our Embr-ACES (booster organization) meeting at 5pmCT following the SBDM meeting. Thank you!


2026-02-16 19:49:56 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Education

Adair Co. Grand Jury Feb 13 indictments

On Friday, February 13, 2026, the Adair County Circuit Court Grand Jury met and handed down indictments against 7 individuals from Columbia and Campbellsville, KY, and Old Fort, North Carolina, on charges including DUI, reckless driving, flight, possession, trafficking, theft, terroristic threatening, disorderly conduct, and numerous traffic violations.

NOTE: Indictments are considered formal charges. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceeding.

The indictments can be viewed here:
2026-02-13-Adair-Indictments-4-12-Redacted (PDF, 8.4MB)


2026-02-16 19:46:26 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Police and Fire Reports

Safety First as Spring Wildfire Season begins

From Robin Hartman

Frankfort, KY - Gov. Andy Beshear is encouraging Team Kentucky to take precautions as Kentucky's Spring Wildfire Hazard Season takes effect February 15 through April 30. During this time, burning is prohibited between the daylight hours of 6am and 6pm, in or within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland.

"March and April are typically months where we see wildfires and we need everyone to stay alert and use caution," said Gov. Andy Beshear. "Let's work together to keep each other safe and to help protect our neighbors, our communities and our outdoor spaces."

The Division of Forestry (KDF) responds to more than 1,000 wildfires annually across the state. March and April are typically high wildfire occurrence months. Last year, 517 wildfires occurred during the 10-week Spring Wildfire Hazard Season.


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2026-02-16 15:36:17 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Kentucky

Brandon (Bubba) Sexton, 45, Columbia, KY (1980-2026)

Brandon "Bubba" Sexton was born April 3, 1980, in Campbellsville, KY, and passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Medical Center in Bowling Green, after an illness. He was 45 years old.

The funeral service will be held at 2pmCT on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home, 200 Campbellsville Street, Columbia, KY, with Bro. Perry Dobbs and Bro. Jimmie Dale Cox officiating. Burial will follow in Haven Hill Cemetery.

Visitation is requested after 3pmCT on Thursday.


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2026-02-16 15:31:55 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Basketball: Lady Indians host John Hardin on Monday

By Trey Stephens, Staff Writer

On Saturday, February 14, 2026, the Adair County Lady Indians Varsity Basketball team notched a win over the Central Hardin Lady Bruins 62-53 on the road, continuing an impressive streak on the road for the Lady Indians this season. They are 10-5 away from home and 8-4 in traditional road games this season.

They will instead face the music at home tonight, as they host the John Hardin Lady Bulldogs (17-9). John Hardin comes off a 63-58 loss to Meade County on the road on Friday which snapped a three-game winning streak. The names to watch on John’s roster are freshman Charlotte McCurry and 8th grader Ja’Leigh Bussey, who are averaging 28 and 18.2 points per game respectively. McCurry is averaging a double double, leading the team with an average of almost 11 rebounds per game. Charlotte McCurry is tied for the state’s second leading scorer and the regions’s top scorer and she is one of the regions leading rebounders. If the Lady Indians want a chance to walk away with a win tonight, they will need to slow down McCurry.

Tonight’s game will be the first of a three-game home stand for the Lady Indians, as they end the regular season in the lead up to the district a week from today. Tip off is scheduled for 5:30pmCT on Monday, February 16, 2026, in John Burr Memorial Gymnasium.


2026-02-16 14:26:19 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Sports

Basketball: Indians on the road at North Hardin

By Trey Stephens, Staff Writer

On Friday, February 13, 2026, the Adair County Indians Boys Varsity Basketball team fell on the road to the Russell County Lakers 70-65. The team will look to have a better outing as they are back on the road on Monday to face the North Hardin Trojans (18-6).

In the game with Russell County, the Indians were led in scoring by senior Landon Blakey, with 22, followed by John Shehan with 12, and Dawson Gilbert with 11. Shehan led the team in rebounding, with six of the team's 15 rebounds. The Indians shot 63% from the field, 36% from three point range, and 57% from the free throw line.

North Hardin comes off a 65-59 win over Warren Central on Friday, their ninth win in the last 10 games, compared to Adair County's 4-6 record over the past 10 games. The names to watch for North Hardin are senior Keriawn Berry and junior Terrion Mack, who are averaging 27.3 and 18.3 points per game respectively. Berry is also the team's leading rebounder, averaging over eight rebounds a game.

Fans of both of these programs will certainly remember the last two games between these teams, they have both been in the Fifth Region Tournament with last year's match coming in the Fifth Region championship game. Adair County won both of those last two matchups on their way to Rupp. The stakes for today's matchup are lower, but it's still a game the Indians would like to win to seize back momentum after a sluggish start to February.

The Varsity game is set to get underway at 6:30pmCT on Monday, February 16, 2026, at North Hardin High School, 801 S Logsdon Pkwy, Radcliff, KY. Tickets are available online at gofan.co.


2026-02-16 12:43:54 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Sports

Bill Patterson, 83, Green County, KY

William C. "Bill" Patterson of Greensburg, Kentucky, son of the late William Floyd Patterson and Lillian Geneva Woodward Patterson, was born on Wednesday, July 15, 1942 and departed this life on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the Norton Audubon Hospital in Louisville. He was 83 years and 7 months of age.

He had made a profession of faith in Christ, was a member of the Greensburg Presbyterian Church where he was an elder and grounds keeper. He was a retired Business and Accounting teacher for the Green County Vocational School with 32 years of service. He loved Greensburg and Green County and gave back to it in so many ways.


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2026-02-16 10:29:44 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Obituaries

Sign up now for Trinity Church food pantry

From Phyllis Burris

Trinity Church will be having a perishable food pantry for the elderly (65 and older) and the disabled (receiving a disability check) of Adair County from 9:30amCT to 10:30amCT on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Sign up will be Monday, February 16, 2026, through Friday, February 20, 2026, during office hours from 9amCT to NoonCT. Please call the church office, 270-384-3259 and speak to the secretary to get your name on the list. If no answer, please call the next day.

Even if you have been before, you must sign up each time. Trinity Church is located at 2418 Campbellsville Road, Columbia, KY, across from Betty's Country Cooking Restaurant.


2026-02-16 10:23:05 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Church News

Kentucky voter registration holds steady in January

Frankfort, KY - Secretary of State Michael Adams announced that Kentucky's voter registration held steady in January, with 6,830 new registrations, about the same number as in December of 2025, a non-election year.

"Candidates' appeals to date largely have been to donors, influencers, and other politicians, so voters are tuned out," Adams said. "I'm hopeful that soon these campaigns will turn their attention to Kentucky voters and address the issues that everyday Kentuckians are most concerned about."

In January, 4,220 voters were removed: 3,257 who were deceased, 835 felony convicts, 55 who moved out of state, 33 adjudged mentally incompetent, 19 who voluntarily de-registered, 14 duplicate registrations, and 7 non-citizens.


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2026-02-16 10:12:40 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Politics

KHS announces free school trips in celebration of America 250

From Dana Zinger/Kelly Brengelman

Frankfort, KY - Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) is excited to announce that it is now offering free school field trips to its campus in 2026 in celebration of America 250. This generous opportunity is made possible through the Elizabeth Lloyd "Libby" Jones Student Scholarship Fund, established by the former First Lady of Kentucky. The fund provides annual support for educational trips to KHS for students and teachers across the commonwealth and is dedicated to enhancing students' understanding of Kentucky's rich history by providing KHS resources and experiences. By removing a cost barrier, KHS aims to ensure that all students can explore the fascinating history of our state and country.

"As we approach America's 250th anniversary, and with the loss of access to our state capitol, it is more important than ever that students have meaningful opportunities to connect with the history of their communities, their state and the nation," said Scott Alvey, KHS executive director. "Thanks to the Elizabeth Lloyd 'Libby' Jones Student Scholarship Fund, we can welcome more students from across Kentucky to experience history firsthand." Interested teachers are encouraged to contact KHS to learn more about the offerings and schedule visits.

KHS is dedicated to preserving, interpreting and sharing the state's rich history. Through educational programs, exhibits and resources, KHS inspires current and future generations to appreciate and understand Kentucky's role in shaping the nation. For more information on the Elizabeth Lloyd "Libby" Jones Student Scholarship Fund and to schedule school visits, please visit history.ky.gov.


2026-02-16 10:11:14 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Education

Bryant, Powell say to help Adair Jail contact leaders

From Adair County Judge Executive Larry Russell Bryant

Adair County Judge/Executive Larry Russell Bryant along with Adair County Jailer Buddy Powell is encouraging local citizens to support House Bill 557, a comprehensive jail reform measure that was one of the most talked-about bills during this week's Kentucky County Judge/Executive Association (KCJEA) Winter Conference.

Judge Bryant attended the conference alongside county leaders from across the Commonwealth, where rising jail costs and the financial strain on counties dominated discussions.


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2026-02-16 10:04:50 | Comments | Printable version | See topic Local Government


Birthdays and Anniversaries for February 16
Happy Anniversary, Doug and Monica Moss Janes | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Gordon and Carline Smith | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Amelia Foster | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Cody Cowan | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Deborah Curry | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Diana M. Withers | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Dr. Roger Dale Smith | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Gola Burton | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Isabella Harvey (2008) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Millie Foster | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Patty Dixon Bunch (1953) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Randy Murray | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Ricky Bohannon (1958) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Sheila Wood | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday for Mable Clara Tarter, Adair Co. KY native | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Lela Witt Helm, Casey Co. native (1924-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Bloyd Franklin Oakes, Russell Springs, KY (1946-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Sharon Sue Brockman, Campbellsville, KY (1953-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Thomas (Sam) Dunbar, Russell Springs, KY (1935-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, James Wallace Hines, formerly of Campbellsville, KY (1937) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Robert Wayne Helm, Adair Co., KY (1946) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, John Wayne Kirkpatrick, Burkesville, KY (1951) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Fay Bradshaw, Adair County, KY (1933) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Ms. Barbara Jean Tungate, Taylor Co., KY (1949) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, W. Jack Stephens, Russell County, KY (1931-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Alice Stiles, Taylor Co., KY (1927-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mrs. Elizabeth Jean Sandlin , Adair Co., KY (1959-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mrs. Essie Pauline Jessie Hiser, Greensburg, KY, Metcalfe native (1931-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Freddie L. York, 82, Russell Springs, KY (1934-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Curtis R. Crew, Casey County, KY (1934-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Stephen (CJ) Phillips, 28, Liberty, KY (1990-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Peggy Jo (PJ) Burton-Fletcher, Adair County, KY native (1947-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Sarantos (Sam) Genakos, Sr., 67, Adair Co., KY (1951-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Annelies Foley, 85, Russell County, KY (1933-2018) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Charles Thomas Rhynearson, 82, Campbellsville, KY (1940-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Evelyne Edelen-Hayden, 51, Campbellsville, KY (1972-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Helen Turpin Peyton, 93, Casey County, KY (1927-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, James Moody Hughes, 68, Columbia, KY native (1954-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, John Durbin, Sr., 85, Jamestown, KY (1937-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Kenneth Dale Roy, 70, Casey County, KY (1948-2018) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Louese Phillips Russell, Campbellsville, KY (1924-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mae Lene Ervin, 83, Metcalfe County, KY (1936-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mary Lois Druin Durham, 91, Campbellsville, KY (1932-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Noralee Harris, 80, Columbia, KY (1942-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Rosa Betty Clements, Elkhorn, KY (1952-2014) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Sandra Kay Yates, 67, Columbia, KY (1958-2026) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Sharon Denise (Capps) Burns, 60, Burkesville, KY (1960-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Sharon R. Tackett, 64, Greenburg, KY (1958-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Steve Wise, 46, Taylor Co., KY Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)

Events scheduled for Monday, February 16, 2026
All events are listed in Central Time. Submit your upcoming event using our Contact Form.
7:00amCTPresident's Day | (ID:70261, Comment)
8:00amCT2026 Great Backyard Bird Count | (ID:70286, Comment)
11:00amCTServices for Donna Sue Furkin, 57, Columbia, KY (1968-2026) | (ID:70313, Comment)
5:00pmCTBasketball: ACHS Indians at North Hardin (JV/V) | (ID:70316, Comment)
5:30pmCTBasketball: Lady Indians vs John Hardin | (ID:70319, Comment)
6:00pmCT Adair Co. Cattlemen's Association Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet | (ID:70304, Comment)

 






























 
 
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Phone: 270.403.0017


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