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Right this way, ladies and gentlemen

By Narda Tate

I've often wondered about all the professions/jobs that I have never had the chance to experience in my lifetime. I have always been fascinated by all things medical, but it's hard to be a doctor without a medical degree. Also love agriculture and had a garden for many years but was never a 'real' farmer. The intricacies of a modern-day forensic scientist - to take all those little puzzle pieces and put them together to come out with a solution - how much fun would that be? So many choices!

But there is one that tickles at the edge of my brain from time to time. A tour guide! To have people actually pay money and stand in line to hear what you have to say. That would be very gratifying. And I know I would have been a great tour guide, injecting just the right amount of enthusiasm - or gravitas - as the case might warrant at the appropriate time.

Last year, at the beginning of July, I managed to break both of my shoulders in one gigantic, crashing fall. And as friends and family came to visit and commiserate, over and over and over, I heard the question, "How did you manage to break BOTH of your shoulders at the same time??!!"

And that got me to thinking that maybe I could sell tickets and give people a tour, showing them with great passion and energy how it all happened...


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2026-07-23 19:35:43 | Comments


Scenic Kentucky: Big Clifty Creek


2026-07-23 - Adair Co., KY - Photo by Linda Waggener.
Big Clifty Creek in the perfect Thursday morning weather, July 23, 2026.


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U.S. Drought Monitor: Conditions improved for Columbia

Conditions for Columbia improved from Moderate Drought (D1) to Abnormally Dry (D0), according to this week's U.S. Drought Monitor. The Climate Prediction Center's July Drought Outlook, released on June 30, 2026, predicted that drought conditions would remain but improve in July.

View more Columbia drought conditions.


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2026-07-23 19:32:00 | Comments

Current Local Conditions
Adair: 67 F
Casey: 65 · Cumberland: 67 · Green: 67
Metcalfe: 66 · Russell: 66 · Taylor: 67
Updated at 8:30am Friday, July 24, 2026
  High/Low: 67 F / 60 F
SLP: 1017.4
Wind: NNE at 0
Dewpoint: 63 F
Relative Humidity: 87.6%
Precipitation: 0 in. today

Kentucky Mesonet Links:
Adair County - Casey County - Cumberland County - Metcalfe County - Taylor County

National Weather Service Links:
Burkesville. Campbellsville. Columbia. Edmonton. Greensburg. Jamestown. Liberty. Russell Springs


Cumberland Co. posts 2nd lowest unemployment for June

From Mike Clark/Kim Saylor Brannock

Frankfort, KY -- Unemployment rates rose in 116 counties, including Adair, between June 2025 and June 2026, fell in Owsley and Russell counties, and stayed the same in Bracken and Harlan counties, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet.

CountyCLFEMPUNEMPJun26May26Jun25
Adair8,1637,6964675.7%4.6%5.2%
Casey6,0535,6923616.0%5.0%5.5%
Cumberland2,9732,8351384.6%4.1%4.2%
Green4,4904,2222686.0%5.1%5.5%
Metcalfe4,4394,2042355.3%4.5%4.8%
Russell8,1357,6964395.4%4.6%6.5%
Taylor10,69910,0296706.3%5.0%5.5%

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 4.5%. It was followed by Cumberland County, 4.6 %; Campbell, Fayette, Kenton and Scott counties, 4.7% each; Boone and Shelby counties, 4.8% each; Franklin County, 4.9%; and Clark, Graves, Jessamine, Oldham, Todd and Trimble counties, 5% each.

Martin County recorded the state's highest unemployment rate at 10.6%. It was followed by Wolfe County, 10.4%; Magoffin County, 9.6%; Elliott and Lewis counties, 9.5% each; Jackson County, 8.5%; Lawrence County, 8.2%; Carter County, 8.1%; Pike County, 7.9%; and Knott County, 7.8%.


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2026-07-23 12:06:13 | Comments


Public invited to Adair Co. 4-H Rabbit/Poultry Show

From Missy Lemmon

The Adair County 4-H Rabbit/Poultry Showmanship Show will start at 5:30pmCT on Thursday night, July 23, 2026, at the Adair County Extension Office, 409 Fairground Street, Columbia, KY.

This show is open to all 4-H kids in all counties. The Adair County kids have been preparing and practicing all year to proudly show their animals. The public is welcome to come watch and view these kids in action!

Show Rules:


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2026-07-23 09:01:42 | Comments | See topic Adair Co. Extension Service


Events scheduled for today, July 24, 2026
All events are listed in Central Time. | Submit your upcoming event using our Contact Form.
9:00amCTCommodities Distribution for pre-qualified Seniors (ID:70971 | Permanent Link | Comment/Correction)
11:00amCTServices for Sandy Biggs, 83, Louisville, KY (1943-2026) (ID:70953 | Permanent Link | Comment/Correction)
6:00pmCTRevival at Summersville Baptist Church (ID:70918 | Permanent Link | Comment/Correction)
7:00pmCTHarold Chambers Theater Troupe presents: Moana
Metcalfe County Middle School Auditorium, 208 Randolph St., Edmonton KY (ID:70966 | Permanent Link | Comment/Correction)

Visit the Events Page for details about the events listed above and for events on upcoming days. Please use our Contact Form to let us know about your organization's upcoming events.

Local Arts and Crafts featured earlier this week


2026-07-23 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Katelynn M. Molesky.
Katelynn writes, "Several artists and creators from the community took the opportunity to have their works featured at the Adair County Floral Hall, which was open for public viewing on Tuesday."


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Funds available to expand EV Charging Stations across Kentucky

From Robin Hartman

Frankfort, KY - On July, 22, 2026, Gov. Beshear announced that $2.5 million is available to expand fast-charging electric vehicle stations across the commonwealth. Funds for the program come from $20.3 million awarded to Kentucky under the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust, which were part of $100 million secured by then-Attorney General Beshear after filing suit against the automaker for deceiving Kentucky consumers.

"Electric vehicles are no longer the technology of the future, they're here now," said Gov. Beshear. "These funds will help make sure families and businesses across our commonwealth never have to worry about where their next charge is coming from."

Visit the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy website for program guidance and application materials, as well as a recorded webinar that explains how to apply for funding,


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2026-07-23 09:00:32 | Comments | See topic Kentucky

LWU creates scholarship for Red Onion State Prison employees

By Duane Bonifer

Pound, VA - Lindsey Wilson University and Red Onion State Prison have launched a partnership to expand educational opportunities to employees at the state institution.

The agreement makes the prison's full-time and part-time employees and their immediate family members eligible to receive scholarship opportunities through Lindsey Wilson.

The scholarship will be available to students enrolled in Lindsey Wilson bachelor's programs in business administration, communication, criminal justice, human services and counseling, and nursing. It will also apply to the university's graduate programs in applied machine learning and artificial intelligence; business administration; counseling; cybersecurity management; data science; and technology management. The agreement also applies to the university's doctoral program in counselor education and supervision.


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2026-07-23 08:39:13 | Comments | See topic Lindsey Wilson University

Commodities Distribution for Seniors on July 24

From Michele Fruth, Director
Adair County Food Pantry

The monthly commodities distribution for pre-qualified Senior Citizen recipients will be held from 9amCT to NoonCT on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Adair County Food Pantry, 203 South Monroe Street, Columbia, KY.


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2026-07-23 08:31:14 | Comments

Floral Displays at the Floral Hall


2026-07-23 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Katelynn M. Molesky.
Katelynn writes, "As the name may suggest, there were indeed several floral arrangements on display at the 2026 Adair County Floral Hall."


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VBS Exploring God's Library starts July 27 at Columbia UMC

From Kyle Ballou

CampFire Stories - Exploring God's Library is the theme of the 2026 Vacation Bible School at Columbia United Methodist Church. Dates and times are July 27-30, 2026 from 6-8pmCT nightly.

There will be Music * Devotions * Crafts * Food, and in addition, on the Last Day, there will be Water Inflatables! Columbia United Methodist Church is located at 202 Burkesville St., Columbia, KY with parking in back and to the side.


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2026-07-22 22:54:41 | Comments | See topic Church News


Volleyball: LWU releases schedule for 2026 season

2026 LWU VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE | 2026 LWU JV VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE

Lindsey Wilson volleyball and head coach Josh Kreiner has announced the 2026 schedule. The Blue Raiders are coming off back-to-back appearances in the NAIA National Tournament and were receiving votes in the postseason coaches' poll.

Lindsey Wilson will play nine matches against 2025 NAIA Tournament teams, including national runner-up Northwestern (IA) and national semifinalist Concordia (NE), as well as final site teams Indiana Kokomo and Cumberlands (KY).

The Blue Raiders open the 2026 season at the Tigers Kickoff Invitational in Bourbonnais, IL, just south of Chicago, on August 14-15, 2026. All four opponents on the opening weekend finished inside the final 2025 RPI top 75.

Lindsey Wilson makes its home debut on August 18, 2026, hosting Indiana Southeast at Biggers Sports Center, 360 Spickard Drive, Columbia, KY.


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2026-07-22 14:32:50 | Comments | See topic Sports

Back to School Bash is July 29

The City of Columbia's Fourth Annual Back to School Bash will kick off at 11amCT on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the City Park on Fairground Street. The event will feature shows, food, and free school supplies to help kids get ready to return to school.

Master Magician Lance Burton will once again headline the entertainment, with help from magician Jimmy McKnight and musical performances by members of The Green River Band.

More than 60 sponsors/vendors have signed up for 2026 City of Columbia Back to School Bash, including:

  • Reed Brothers Insurance
  • TJ Health Columbia
  • Patriot Realty
  • Adair Co. Farm Bureau South - Beth Owens Agency Manager
  • Harris & Harris
  • Downey Eye Clinic
  • Adair Friends and Neighbors
  • Tree Passion
  • Prairie Farms
  • Circor
  • Town & Country Inflatables
  • Paul & Cathy Hoots Abell
  • Columbia-Adair Co. Chamber of Commerce
  • Landon Edwards, Adair Co. PVA
  • Taylor Regional Hospital
  • BYO Express Cuisine
  • Black Stallion
  • Shannon Sexton
  • Happy Cow Cafe
  • Walmart
  • Adair Co. Attorney Jennifer Hutchison Corbin
  • Shawn's Quik Lube
  • North Century Pharmacy
  • Gaddie Shamrock
  • Ridge Chiropractor
  • Douglas L. Hoots Attorney
  • United Citizens Bank
  • KY Sign Center
  • Chris Reeder
  • Jailer Buddy Powell
  • Golden Rule Wilson
  • Andrea Burke/Luxe Lemon
  • RLS Salon/Richard Swartz
  • Chris & Patricia Doolin
  • Southern Nest
  • First and Farmers Bank
  • Vendors:
  • 313Maple
  • Zaxby's
  • Columbia Church of the Nazarene
  • Signature Health Summit Manor
  • TJ Health Columbia
  • Taylor Regional Hospital
  • Walmart
  • Lake Cumberland Community Action
  • Adanta
  • Antioch Church
  • Priceless
  • Happy Hawg BBQ
  • Southern Nest
  • Cumberland Family Medical Center - Kid's Clinic
  • Taylor Co. RECC
  • Adair Co. Middle School FRYSC
  • Adair Co. Library
  • Taylor Co. RECC
  • First and Farmers Bank
  • Owens Dentistry
  • Subway Dhoney Trace
  • Post Office
  • Recovery plus
  • Circor
  • Brightview Health
  • Columbia Church of the Nazarene
  • Chandler Cundiff CASA
  • Aglow Columbia Lighthouse
  • Burger King of Columbia


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2026-07-22 14:24:16 | Comments


KY DOR: Temporary operations pause coming in August

The Kentucky Department of Revenue (KY DOR) is continuing a multi-year upgrade to the tax system to improve data security and provide faster and more efficient customer service. KY DOR will temporarily pause operations for the next phase of their tax system update beginning August 5, 2026.

During the pause, the MyTaxes portal will undergo system improvements that will affect business taxpayers who remit any of the following tax types: Rental Rideshare, Sports Wagering, Electric Vehicle Power (EVP), Insurance, Health Care Provider and Ground Ambulance Provider.

During the operations pause from August 5-13, 2026, KY DOR systems and online tax portals, including MyTaxes, will be unavailable. KY DOR staff will only be able to provide limited assistance, as they will not have access to view taxpayer information. KY DOR intends to resume normal operations on August 14, 2026. More information is available at revenue.ky.gov.


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2026-07-22 14:04:49 | Comments | See topic Kentucky


Kentucky Color: Predator and Prey


2026-07-23 - Adair Co., KY - Photo by Billy Joe Fudge.
Billy Joe writes, "The predator is a Rusty Spider Wasp. The prey is a large spider. It is most probably a wolf spider but I'm not sure. Of course, the wasp stings the spider but the sting only paralyzes it. Once she gets it to her nest, she lays an egg on it. Once the egg hatches, the little wasp larvae feeds on the spider until it matures and turns into an adult wasp."


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Gradyville Baptist Church welcomes new pastor

From Mike Bennett

Gradyville Baptist Church would like to welcome Bro. Gary Kelley as the new pastor of the church. Bro. Gary and his wife Sheree are originally from Georgia. They now live here in Adair County. Bro. Gary brings many years of pastoring experience to the Gradyville community.

We wish to invite anyone and everyone who doesn't have a home church to come. Service times are Sunday School at 9:30amCT, Sunday Worship at 10:45amCT, and Wednesday Nights at 6:30pmCT. Gradyville Baptist Church is located at 159 Old Gradyville Church Rd., Columbia, KY.


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2026-07-22 13:57:59 | Comments | See topic Church News

Adair County Floral Hall results

From Katelynn M. Molesky
courtesy Adair County Cooperative Extension Service

Once again, the annual Adair County Floral Hall has successfully showcased the talent, harvest and creativity of the community. Entries were received at the Adair County Extension Office on the morning of Monday, July 20, 2026. Submissions ranged from photography and art to gardening and baked goods and were on display for public viewing on Tuesday.

Each item was judged and received a ribbon and a certain amount of points that were determined by placing. First place accumulated three points, second place was awarded two points and third place received one point.

The following individuals placed and earned points in one or more categories:

  • Alicia Molesky 6 points
  • Betty Knifley 14 points
  • Beverly Rob 13 points
  • Bridgett Powell 6 points
  • Cathy Abel 3 points
  • Diane Campbell 2 points
  • Emily Keltner 6 points
  • Geri Reynolds 10 points
  • Giovanna Cammuca 3 points
  • Jennifer Digirolamo 6 points
  • Joy Arnold 8 points
  • Peggy Brown 3 points
  • Robin Lewis 5 points
  • Sally Marple 9 points
  • Taylor Stevens 6 points
  • Veronica Arnold 6 points
  • Wanda Patterson 6 points
  • Whitney Scott 3 points
The Adair County Homemakers would like to voice their appreciation for the Adair County Fair Board who generously sponsored this year's event. Congratulations to all those who participated!


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2026-07-21 20:13:57 | Comments | See topic Adair Co. Extension Service

Birthdays and Anniversaries for July 24
Happy Anniversary, Douglas and Edath Johnson Bradshaw (1960) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Sammy and Tammy Kassem (2012) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Steve and Sarah Burton | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Tim and Rhonda Bradshaw (1992) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Bobby Ray Roberts | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Carol Smith | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Crystel M. Stephens (1985) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Dana Oakes | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Darin Taylor (1972) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Donna Oakes | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Donovan Baker | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Dyllon Reece Kermeen (2009) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Eldon Lane Furkins | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Gina Pittman | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Jackie Hodges | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, James Petty | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Kynadie Brooklyn Hancock (1998) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Laura Willis | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Leslie Willis | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Marley Corbin (2010) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Martha Price Coffey (1947) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Mary Lee Cundiff | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Misty Claywell | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Stephanie Dykes | (Updates/Corrections)
View all birthdays and anniversaries for this month and next month on our Celebrations Page. Submit your birthday or anniversary using our Contact Form.

LCCRS responds to water incident in Casey County

"Wear a life jacket, be aware of swift or quickly rising water, and when floating the river make sure others are aware of your float path..."

By Mike Scales, WHVE Radio


Around 7pm on Saturday, Liberty-Casey County Rescue Squad (LCCRS) was dispatched to Soggy Bottom Campground for a water-related incident. A group of individuals were floating the river behind the campground. Rain from storms that day had caused a significant rise in the river, and they encountered fast moving water and debris, causing them to get overturned.

One member was swept from the group and was unaccounted for. Members of their group returned to the river as well as other bystanders and took off searching for the missing person, both on foot and by kayak.


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2026-07-21 11:23:32 | Comments | See topic Police and Fire Reports

No plans to close, plenty of fabric to share

By Mig Feuser

For the past several weeks, rumors have circulated around Columbia that Little House Fabric Shop would soon be closing its doors. Customers asked questions, quilters worried where they would buy fabric, and word spread from one sewing room to another.

The rumors, however, are simply not true. "I am not going to close," owner Kathy Jones said with a smile as she welcomed The Adair Progress into the shop. "I've been here 10 years, and I'm just about set in my ways."


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2026-07-21 10:28:40 | Comments

Heirloom chair stays in family


2026-07-23 - Adair Co., KY - Photo from Mike Bennett.
Phillip Coffey just gifted this family heirloom chair to his cousin Mike Bennett. The chair belonged to Cassius C. (Cash) Coffey (1884-1972), who lived in the Keltner community of Adair County, where both Mike Bennett and Phillip Coffey were raised. Cash was Phillip's Grandfather and Mike's Great-Grandfather.


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Moana by the Harold Chambers Theater Troupe

From Emily Coffey

The Harold Chambers Theatre Troupe will present Moana at 7pmCT on July 24, 25, and 31, 2026, and August 1, 2026, in the auditorium at Metcalfe County Middle School, 208 Randolph St., Edmonton KY.

Tickets are $10, cash only, at the door.


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2026-07-21 09:26:12 | Comments | See topic Local Arts Scene

TBT or AAU? There is No Difference

By Ryan Hoots
Sports Director, UntdWeStnd.com

Lexington, KY - If a genie popped out of a bottle and gave me three wishes I might wish to like The Basketball Tournament. I want to like it, I really do, but the players make it impossible.

Every summer teams of alumni from around the country assemble teams to compete in "The Basketball Tournament" with $2 million going to the winning team to divide amongst the players. The idea sounds incredible on paper. Bringing beloved players back for another run in their Alma mater's colors at historic gyms around the country. Winner-take-all ball with a significant payday on the line.

Instead, I find myself asking the same question.

If the players don't care, why should I?


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2026-07-21 09:21:46 | Comments | See topic Sports

What's Cooking in Columbia Today
Click restaurant names for hours, directions, and prices.

Betty's Country Cooking
MENU 2339 Campbellsville RD, Columbia, KY - Phone 270-384-5664. Bettys is open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6amCT to 8pmCT, and on Sunday from 8amCT to 3pmCT. Breakfast served anytime. Credit Cards accepted. Non-smoking.
On the hot bar today, Friday, July 24, 2026:
Catfish, Tenderloin, Country Ham, Chopped Steak with Peppers and Onions, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Corn, Mac and Cheese, Pinto Beans, Fried Apples, Broccoli Casserole, California Medley, Breaded Squash, Hush Puppies, Rolls, Cornbread

Come In, Grab A Plate, and Enjoy!


Fiesta Mexico of Columbia
819 Jamestown St., Columbia KY. 270-384-6004. Hrs.: 10:30amCT daily; Sun, 11amCT
Authentic Mexican Restaurant
Friday Special: Enchiladas Verdes, $8.50

Appetizers & Salads, Combination Dinners, Vegetarian Combinations, Especial of the House Grill, Especial Seafood, Especial Steak, A La Carte Orders, Side Orders, Kids Menu, Desserts and Beverages. Call in orders are welcome!

Special: Pollo Fiesta A whole chicken breast filled with bacon and cheese, and covered with cheese dip. Comes with rice, beans, salad and tortillas.


A Reminder - Make this Friday the day to Experience the Fantastic FRIED FISH available every day from our menu. Many like it even better grilled. Ask your server.

--Roy Ayala


Black Stallion Steakhouse
202 Will Walker Rd., Columbia, KY. 270-380-1800. Open seven days a week 11am to 10pmCT.
Nonsmoking. Credit cards accepted. Private rooms available. Full Bar Seating, Beer & Wine, 7-days a week

Black Stallion is open today from 11amCT to 9pmCT!
Steaks & Ribs, Seafood, Chicken, Combinations and Vegetarian Platters, Sides, Salads, Soups, Sandwiches, Wraps, Burgers

Click here to read our menu


Acapulco Authentic Mexican Grill
Columbia - Russell Springs - Nancy | Offering excellent, authentic Mexican food 7-days-a-week. Express specials five days a week, plus appetizers salads, soups, a children's menu and desserts!
Try a dinner combination and choose from beef, pork, chicken, or seafood, or select a vegetarian combination anytime.

Call our Columbia location at 270-380-1980, or order online at acapulcomexicangrillky.com.


Adair Senior Citizens Center
901 Hudson Street, Columbia, KY 42728. 8amCT to 2pmCT Monday through Friday. Phone 270-380-1899. JoAnn Smith, Director.
Menu for Friday, July 24, 2026:
Turkey and cheese, chips, cucumber salad, apple, bread, milk



Carter studies why student-athletes are attractive to employers

By Duane Bonifer

A Lindsey Wilson University professor has received a grant to study what makes former college student-athletes attractive to prospective employers.

Lindsey Wilson professor of sport performance Courtney Carter has received a grant from the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation to learn why some companies and organizations have initiatives to hire former college student-athletes.

She will also explore what those groups think should be included in a strong sport performance curriculum. Lindsey Wilson is beginning a sport performance major this fall, making it the second school in the country and the first in Kentucky to offer the major.


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2026-07-21 09:19:25 | Comments | See topic Lindsey Wilson University

Sonnabend to lead flagship service program at LWU

By Duane Bonifer

You would be hard-pressed to find a person more passionate about service than Yayi Sonnabend '23. And now Sonnabend has been named to lead Lindsey Wilson University's flagship service program.

Sonnabend has been appointed the university's director of the Bonner Scholar Program and civic engagement and leadership.

A former Bonner Scholar and student leader while a Lindsey Wilson undergraduate, Sonnabend has served in a number of roles in the Bonner Scholar Program, most recently assistant director.

"Her knowledge of the program, work ethic and mission-driven spirit made it an easy decision to promote her to director of this vital program," said Dean of Students Chris Schmidt.


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2026-07-20 15:47:29 | Comments | See topic Lindsey Wilson University

Mark Twain quote and art at Paint the Town


2026-07-22 - Downtown Columbia, KY - Photo by Karen Rowland.
At the Paint the Town event last week, artist and secretary of the Adair Arts Council Karen Rowland had fun bringing Mark Twain to life. She writes - Went to chalk my square in downtown Columbia wanting to beat the heat and enjoy the Paint the Town event this evening and see all the creations around the square. My subject is a quote from Mark Twain, "God created war so Americans would learn geography."


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Rachael Thompson is member of 2026 BRIGHT Kentucky Class

From Emma Roggenkamp

Frankfort, KY - Leadership Kentucky is proud to announce members of the BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2026, including Rachael Thompson with Taylor Regional Hospital.

BRIGHT Kentucky, which began in 2019, was designed to empower the next generation of leaders (ages 21-40) in Kentucky's Appalachian region. BRIGHT Kentucky drives participants toward innovation, collaboration, community and economic development -- while honoring the vision and values of the foundational leaders who came before them. The program builds on a strong legacy by equipping a new generation with non-partisan, ethical leadership training, and expanded networks designed especially for residents of the 54 Kentucky counties of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The program is made possible through private funding from the Whitaker Foundation, Kentucky Power Foundation, and other generous donors.

BRIGHT Kentucky consists of five, three-day sessions providing opportunities for aspiring leaders to connect with peers, develop leadership skills, and gain inspiration to create a positive impact within their communities. The program, which runs from July through November, will take participants across Eastern Kentucky: Berea in July, Columbia/Russell Springs in August, Ashland/Morehead in September, Pikeville/Prestonsburg in October, and Middlesboro/Pineville/Harlan in November. The program kicked off on July 8 with an engaging session on understanding and maximizing the participants' leadership style.

This year's class includes 36 participants from 20 ARC counties representing a variety of public and private sectors:


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2026-07-20 15:39:43 | Comments


Remembrances for July 24
In Memory Birthday, Matt Luttrell, Liberty, KY (1991-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mildred Shell, Hustonville, KY (1937-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Sheila Lynn Burress, Campbellsville, KY (1949-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, William Watson, Columbia, KY (1932-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Adell Brown Smith, Russell Springs, KY (1911) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Virgie Luttrell, Russell Co., KY (1912) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Andrew Wright, Jr., Adair Co. KY (1944-2011) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Coy Lee Godbey, Russell Springs, KY (1929) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Robert L. Miller , Mayor of Campbellsville, KY for 33 years (1927) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Shirley Brock, Adair Co., KY (1943) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mr. Aaron Thomas Davis, formerly of Cumberland Co., KY (1923) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Ruth M. Dunkin, Casey Co., KY (1947) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mary Lee Cundiff, Adair County, KY (1930) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Genola Ripley, Adair County, KY (1934) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Merle Wise, Taylor County, KY (1922) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Olene Chumbley, Russell County, KY (1924-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Elnor (Ann) Neat, Dunnville, KY (1922-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Homer Forest Lands, 72, Adair County, KY (1942-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Anna Mary Skaggs, Taylor Co., KY (1923-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Guy White, Taylor County, KY (1934-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Rodney Glen Wethington , 33, Casey Co., KY (1981-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jerry Ray Kibbons, Taylor Co., KY (1930-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jerry Ray Kibbons, Taylor Co., KY (1930-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Avis Bennett, 81, Russell County, KY (1934-2015) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Ervin Kemp, 61, Russell County, KY (1954-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mary Lou Shepherd, 71, Russell County, KY (1944-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Robert Paul (Bob) Rotschi, 82, Taylor Co., KY (1933-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mrs. Laverne Henderson Yarberry, Green County, KY (1926-2016 | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Donald David Gray, Cumberland Co., KY (1934-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Steven Wayne Williams II, Russell County, KY (1979-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Andrea Danielle Melton (Jul 24, 1980 - Feb 19, 2001) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Bettye Jean Kincheloe, 88, Campbellsville, KY (1934-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Bobbie Hadley, 87, Columbia, KY (1938-2025) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Bobby P. Campbell, 86, Adair Co., KY native (1935-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Carlos Coffey, 91, Russell County, KY (1927-2018) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Donald Doyle Waymon, 82, Taylor County, KY (1936-2018) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Joan B. Roy (1947) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Kenneth Howard Dulin, 66, Adair County, KY (1952-2019) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Kingsley Evan. (Smitty) Smith, Jr., 87, Columbia, KY (1936-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Lula Frances Selby, 94, Russell County, KY Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mary Irene Nell, 107, Columbia KY (1915-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Morris Ray Pace, 68, Cumberland Co., KY native (1953-2022) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Nelda Juanita O'Neall, 88, Russell Springs, KY (1933-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Patricia Jean Hodge, 69, Columbia, KY (1952-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, William Monte Chaudoin, 66, Green Co., KY native (1954-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)

 

































 
 
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