ColumbiaMagazine.com
Printed from:

Welcome to Columbia Magazine  
 



































 
Joyous 4th of July from the Genealogy & History Research Center

By Mike Watson

A list of Revolutionary War veterans who are known to have lived in Adair County. Some lived and died here; some lived here for a time and moved away; some moved here near the end of life. Several resided in Russell County once it was formed. Some lived very near the county lines and are claimed by more than one county, and rightly so.

  • Abraham Aaron
  • John Andrews
  • Henry Antle, Sr.
  • Henry Armstrong
  • Joshua Atkinson
  • Elisha Bailey
  • William M. Bennett
  • Charles Bettisworth
  • John Biggs
  • Seth/Seath Bradshaw, Sr.
  • William Seth Bradshaw
  • Thomas Branon/Branan
  • John Bryant
  • Robert Busby
  • John Butler
  • John Caldwell
  • William Caldwell, Sr.
  • William Caldwell
  • William Carpenter
  • William Casey
  • Thomas Cochran
  • Garret Conover
  • Levi Conover
  • Jacob Cooper
  • Leighton Cooper
  • Peter Davis
  • William Dudley
  • John Duncan
  • Alexander Elliott
  • George Elliott
  • Samuel Ellis
  • Alexander Forbes
  • John French
  • Jorden George
  • James Gilmer
  • John Goode
  • John Grider,Sr.
  • Sherrod Griffin
  • John Hamilton
  • William Hancock
  • Robert Haskins
  • James Haynes, Sr.
  • Zacharias Holladay
  • William Hopkins
  • William Hurt, Sr.
  • Jeremiah Ingram
  • James Irvine
  • William James
  • Thomas Jessee
  • Charles Jones, Sr.
  • Robert Kelso, Sr.
  • Augustine Lawless
  • William Lawson
  • Samuel McFerran
  • Matthew McGlasson
  • Robert/Robertson McKinney
  • William McKinney
  • John Miller
  • Joseph Miller, Sr.
  • Francis Montgomery
  • John Montgomery
  • Charles Moore
  • William Morrison
  • William Mosby
  • John Nell
  • William Perryman, Sr.
  • John Polly
  • Robert Powell, Sr.,
  • William H. Price
  • William Rippetoe, Sr.
  • Matthew Robertson, Sr.
  • William Rogers, Sr.
  • John Ross
  • Solomon Royse
  • John Shirley
  • Archibald Skaggs
  • James Smith
  • John Smith
  • Moses Smith
  • Isaac Staples
  • George Taylor
  • Robert Todd
  • John Townsend
  • Daniel Trabue
  • William Tucker
  • John Tupman
  • John Waggener, Sr.
  • Reuben Waggener
  • Joseph Walker
  • John Watson, Sr.
  • James Weir
  • Stephen White, Sr.
  • Thomas White, Sr.
  • Drury Williams
  • Philip Winfrey
  • David Winneford
  • William Womack
  • John Yates
  • William Young, 2nd
Any additions and corrections to this list will be greatly appreciated.


Click here to share, print, or bookmark this article.
2026-07-03 11:36:56 | Comments | See topic Mike Watson - History


Garden Zinnias: A Splash Of Color!


2026-07-03 - Cane Valley, KY - Photo by Robert Ellis, robertelliswoodworking.com.
Robert writes, "This year's garden has been the best (so far) for as long as I can remember. The row of Zinnias at the end of the garden is no exception...along with the corn, tomatoes, etc., everything seems to be healthier, taller and more abundant. What a joy!"


Comments? | Click here to share, print, or bookmark this photo.

Boil Water Advisory lifted

From Columbia/ Adair Utilities District
July 3, 2026

As of 10:22am on July 3, 2026 the Boil Water Advisory for consumers on Crocus Road, Loren Collins Road, Buell Collins Road, Mary Allender Road, and D. Acree Road has been lifted by the Division of Water.

This means your water is safe for human consumption. You no longer have to boil your water.


Click here to share, print, or bookmark this article.
2026-07-03 11:32:30 | Comments

Current Local Conditions
Adair: 90 F
Casey: 89 · Cumberland: 92 · Green: 90
Metcalfe: 90 · Russell: 90 · Taylor: 90
Updated at 11:30am Friday, July 3, 2026
  High/Low: 90 F / 71 F
SLP: 1018.8
Wind: NNE at 0
Dewpoint: 78 F
Relative Humidity: 68.19%
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


Boil Water Advisory issued

From Columbia/ Adair Utilities District
Date Issued 07/03/2026 Time Issued 9:00am

A Boil Water Advisory is in effect for all consumers starting at 8264-10600 Knifley Road and all side roads. All of Eastridge Cemetery Road, Carroll Road, Roley Yuma Road, Wilson Creek Road, Union Church Road, and J. Knifley Road. The advisory has been issued due to a main line break.

Following such an event, the potential exists for bacteriological contamination of the water supply therefore this Boil Water Advisory has been issued as a precautionary measure. Until further notice, boil all water used for drinking and cooking, bringing the water to a rolling boil for three minutes before using.

This advisory will remain in effect until the situation has been corrected and test results have shown the water to be of an acceptable quality. For more information concerning the Boil Water Advisory, contact Bradley Miller at Columbia Adair Utilities District, 270-384-2181.


Click here to share, print, or bookmark this article.
2026-07-03 10:41:55 | Comments


Daily News on ColumbiaMagazine:

Today, July 3, 2026

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Monday, June 29, 2026

Sunday, June 28, 2026

Saturday, June 27, 2026

Friday, June 26, 2026

Thursday, June 25, 2026

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

More archived news | Searchable Archive

7 New Articles Posted Today.
Explore further back on CM:

A year ago: 2025-07-03

5 years ago: 2021-07-03

10 years ago: 2016-07-03




Search for stories or photos:

Looking for something you saw on CM? Try our Photo Archive or our Stories Archive for all the information that's appeared on ColumbiaMagazine.com.

Click here for Recent Obituaries

Agenda for July City Council meeting

From Woody Sharpe, CMC, City Clerk/Treasurer
City of Columbia

The Columbia City Council will meet in regular session at 5pmCT on Monday, July 6, 2026, at City Hall, 116 Campbellsville Street, Columbia, KY.

Items on the agenda include surplusing City property, a donation request from Breeding VFD, and signing of several resolutions and agreements.

Meeting Agenda:


Article continues... click here to read the whole article, or to share, print, or bookmark it.
2026-07-03 10:07:40 | Comments | See topic Local Government

Events scheduled for today, July 3, 2026
All events are listed in Central Time. | Submit your upcoming event using our Contact Form.
7:00amCTCity Hall offices closed for the holiday (ID:70873 | Permanent Link | Comment/Correction)
8:00amCTSpirit of 76 Celebration at Seventy Six, KY
The schedule includes free concerts by country, bluegrass and Americana music stars; a huge fireworks show; golf tournaments, a 7.6-mile race, and historical and patriotic presentations that will highlight the contributions of Seventy Six and the county to the history of Kentucky and the nation. (ID:70799 | Permanent Link | Comment/Correction)
Adair Co. Clerk's Office closed today (ID:70891 | Permanent Link | Comment/Correction)
County Offices closed for Independence Day
  • Adair County Judge Executive's office
  • Adair County Road Dept.
  • Green River Animal Shelter
(ID:70894 | Permanent Link | Comment/Correction)
11:00amCTServices for Barbara Ann Cowan Jones, 75, Columbia, KY (1950-2026)
(ID:70900 | Permanent Link | Comment/Correction)
Services for Mary Ruth Scott Norris, 80, Columbia, KY
(ID:70903 | Permanent Link | Comment/Correction)
5:00pmCTColumbia Nights (ID:70848 | Permanent Link | Comment/Correction)
6:00pmCTJack Fishback performing on the Public Square (ID:70849 | 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.

ACSO: Happy Independence Day


2026-07-03 - Adair Co., KY - Photo courtesy Adair County Sheriff's Office.
Adair County Sheriff Gary Roy, Deputies, Court Security Officers and Staff would like to wish everyone a happy, safe and wonderful Independence Day. Fireworks, Food, Family and Freedom. 250 years and still the greatest country in the World. God Bless America.


Comments? | Click here to share, print, or bookmark this photo.

Letter: Touch screen technology

Billy Joe Fudge writes:
Touch screen technology is as real a contributor to distracted driving as are cell phones!
Comments re: Deer in the headlights


Click here to share, print, or bookmark this article.
2026-07-03 10:04:34 | Comments | See topic Letters and Reader Feedback

First Lady announce launch of Domestic Violence Dashboard

From Scottie Ellis

Frankfort, KY - On July 2, 2026, to further protect against domestic violence, combat human trafficking and support survivors, First Lady Britainy Beshear announced that Team Kentucky has launched an interactive data dashboard for the public to more easily view data; compare statewide statistics by county and area development district; and gather specific information on offenders, domestic violence shelters and support services, as well as law enforcement-related outcomes. The dashboard includes data from each of Kentucky's annual domestic violence data reports.

"Every Kentuckian - and every person - should be safe from these heinous crimes and Team Kentucky is committed to making progress as we create a safer commonwealth for everyone," Mrs. Beshear said. "This new resource will help us better target services across Kentucky so every survivor knows they have the support needed to seek justice, rebuild their lives and move forward."

"No one should have to experience domestic violence, which is why my administration has worked to increase support for services and make sure our people are safe," Gov. Andy Beshear said. "By working with partners across the commonwealth, we're making sure survivors and their families have the support they need to move forward."

The interactive dashboard was built and will be maintained by the Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center, which has compiled the state's Domestic Violence Data Report since 2023 while managing grants to support law enforcement and victim services.


Article continues... click here to read the whole article, or to share, print, or bookmark it.
2026-07-03 09:47:49 | Comments | See topic Kentucky


Resources for Cumberland and Metcalfe county flooding

From Hailey Martin
Kentucky House Majority Caucus

Frankfort, KY - As Kentuckians recover from the recent flooding, it is important to remember the resources available to those in crisis. Cumberland and Metcalfe County, represented by State Representative Amy Neighbors (R-Edmonton), both declared states of emergencies over the past weekend. 10 inches of rain fell in Cumberland County and over 7 inches of rain impacted Metcalfe County.

"In the aftermath of a natural disaster, I am especially grateful for programs and organizations dedicated to helping victims," said Neighbors. "I want to remind my fellow Kentuckians to stay safe and informed during flood recovery. It will take time, but our communities will be restored."

Applying for FEMA assistance is the first step if you were impacted by flooding; to do so, click here: www.disasterassistance.gov.

Kentuckians are also encouraged to complete the Disaster Needs Survey in order to help accurately recovery direct resources. It is important to stay up to date on local road conditions and other information through local news outlets. Avoid entering floodwaters and flooded structures, when possible, for your own safety and the safety of those around you. If your home, car, or property was damaged, contact your insurance providers and be sure to document damage for insurance claims. For the U.S. Department of the Interior's flood recovery checklist, click here: flood recovery checklist (PDF).


Article continues... click here to read the whole article, or to share, print, or bookmark it.
2026-07-03 09:42:28 | Comments

Wishing everyone a very happy and safe 4th of July


2026-07-03 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Pam Capozziello.
Pam writes, "Wishing everyone a very happy and safe 4th of July! Special thank you to everyone who had served and are still serving our wonderful country! We are who we are because of you! You are the elite, the best of the best! Also I would like to add another special thanks to all kentucky farmers because we all serve our country in a different way by the toil, hard work, never-ending daily chores of maintaining the necessary care to all our animals who rely on us every day! The sweat, exhaustion and long days makes us all proud because we know we have succeeded in doing good! It's all worth it! Thanks from Goat Ridge Farm, Pam, Lenny and Tyler!"


Comments? | Click here to share, print, or bookmark this photo.

Deer in the headlights

By Pen

I found myself driving on a particularly twisty stretch of a two-lane Kentucky highway on the last day of June, just after dusk had given way to complete and full darkness. Amy and I had seen numerous deer on the drive already, and the early summer humidity was beginning to manifest as a low mist across the road from time to time.

We've only had our current car since December, but I vaguely remembered that it came equipped with fog lights. I didn't want to try to turn them on while driving, because all the lights in the vehicle are controlled through a variety of touch screen inputs. So I suggested to Amy that as Navigator, maybe she should see if she could get them to come on.

She located the tiny button on the center screen that provides quick access to headlights, pushed it once, and the main headlights went suddenly dark, reducing us to just the dim illumination of the Daytime Running Lights. I said in a rush "back on back on back on!"

She pushed the screen again, saying frantically "I know-I'm trying-I'm trying!"

The next button push plunged us into complete and total darkness as we drove along the winding two-lane country road at 45ish miles per hour. I said "backonbackonbackon!" even faster as I tried to remember where I last saw the road and Amy frantically mashed everywhere on the touchscreen.


Article continues... click here to read the whole article, or to share, print, or bookmark it.
2026-07-02 14:36:59 | Comments


36 Young Kentuckians graduate from KSP Youth Academy

From Sherry Bray

Albany, KY - On Thursday, July 2, 2026, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 36 young Kentuckians graduated from the third annual class of the Kentucky State Police Youth Academy. Among those graduating was first-year recruit Tyler Bragg of Columbia.

The weeklong program allowed the next generation of law enforcement to interact with state police troopers and officers while learning leadership skills, physical fitness requirements and law enforcement principles.

"Young people like those graduating today give me strong hope for our future," Gov. Beshear said. "I'm proud of these Kentuckians for their interest in public service and opportunities like this from the Kentucky State Police help build trust in and connection with our law enforcement."


Article continues... click here to read the whole article, or to share, print, or bookmark it.
2026-07-02 14:06:35 | Comments | See topic Education

Carol Perkins: A Sack of Potatoes

Previous Column: Junior goes to the Prom

By Carol Perkins

The internet can be a valuable tool. I watched a video on how to grow potatoes in a sack of garden soil. Sounds easy? I bought seed potatoes. A sack full, but I needed only four. We planted the rest in the ground, but something dug them up. Whatever it was toyed with them. We covered them again, and the varmint dug them up.

I cut four holes in the sack of garden soil and stuck the potatoes in the dirt. Then I watched. Within weeks, stems popped up through the sack and grew tall.

"How do you know when they're ready?" I asked Guy.


Article continues... click here to read the whole article, or to share, print, or bookmark it.
2026-07-02 13:19:47 | Comments | See topic Carol Perkins

Kentucky State Parks generate $1.1B in Economic Impact

From Scottie Ellis

Frankfort, KY - On July 2, 2026, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Kentucky State Parks generated $1.1 billion in economic impact in 2024, supporting 8,600 jobs and helping fuel economic growth across the commonwealth.

"Team Kentucky has made historic investments in Kentucky State Parks because we see how they strengthen the communities they serve and contribute to our record-breaking tourism industry," said Gov. Beshear. "Every upgraded lodge, campground, marina and golf course helps attract more travelers to our New Kentucky Home, ensuring our state parks remain destinations for families to enjoy for generations to come."

A new study conducted by Tourism Economics found that Kentucky State Parks welcomed 9.3 million visitors in 2024. Kentucky State Parks generated an estimated $591 million in direct spending, including $120 million in park operations and $471 million in visitor spending.

The parks' direct impact included:


Article continues... click here to read the whole article, or to share, print, or bookmark it.
2026-07-02 13:15:52 | Comments | See topic Kentucky


Full Moon


2026-07-03 - Adair Co., KY - Photo by Roldcat.
Another view of the recent full moon.

Paired Photo: Strawberry Moon


Comments? | Click here to share, print, or bookmark this photo.

Boil Water Advisory issued

From Columbia/Adair Utilities District
Date Issued July 2, 2026, Time Issued 7:25 A.M.

A Boil Water Advisory is in effect for consumers of Crocus Road, Loren Collins, Buell Collins, Mary Allender and D. Acree Road. The advisory has been issued due to a main line leak.

Following such an event, the potential exists for bacteriological contamination of the water supply therefore this Boil Water Advisory has been issued as a precautionary measure. Until further notice, boil all water used for drinking and cooking, bringing the water to a rolling boil for three minutes before using.

This advisory will remain in effect until the situation has been corrected and test results have shown the water to be of an acceptable quality. For more information concerning the Boil Water Advisory, contact Lennon Stone at Columbia Adair Utilities District, 270-384-2181.


Click here to share, print, or bookmark this article.
2026-07-02 09:23:14 | Comments

ACMS excitement builds toward August 6th opening

Excitement continues to build as the new Adair County Middle School moves steadily toward completion in preparation for welcoming its first students on August 6, 2026.

Adair County Public Schools Superintendent Jason Faulkner recently guided local community leaders and tourism representatives through the facility, showcasing the progress being made on what will soon become one of the district's most modern educational environments.


Article continues... click here to read the whole article, or to share, print, or bookmark it.
2026-07-01 21:18:13 | Comments | See topic Education

Birthdays and Anniversaries for July 3
Happy Anniversary, Adam and Tina Price (1998) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Chad and Kim Barnett (2008) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Don & Barbara Franklin (1964) in Memory of Don Franklin | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Anniversary, Mike and Joyce Kelsay | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Courtney Koenig Martin | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Danny C. Burton | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Herbert Harrell | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Jacob Boils (1999) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, James Blake Fisher (2000) | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Jeff Potts | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Johnie Humphrey Hickman | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Laramie Keltner Pelston | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Maddox Phillips | (Updates/Corrections)
Happy Birthday, Phyllis Grider | (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.

New $200M Distillery and Tourist Attraction opens in Somerset

From Scottie Ellis/Brandon Mattingly

Somerset, KY - On July 1, 2026, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials and leadership from Horse Soldier Bourbon to celebrate the grand opening of the company's new $200 million distillery and full-scale bourbon tourism attraction in Pulaski County, adding another signature project to Kentucky's growing bourbon and tourism industries.

"Bourbon is essential to Kentucky's success, creating high-quality jobs and helping drive our record-breaking tourism industry across our state," said Gov. Beshear. "I am happy to be here in Somerset celebrating the next step for Horse Soldier Bourbon and the grand opening of Horse Soldier Farms. I want to thank the company's leadership for their vision, commitment and belief in the commonwealth and all that this great state has to offer."

Horse Soldier Bourbon's new distillery operation, named Horse Soldier Farms, opens its doors this week and includes a 50,000-square-foot distillery visitor center, along with The Outpost retail center.


Article continues... click here to read the whole article, or to share, print, or bookmark it.
2026-07-01 16:30:36 | Comments

History & Genealogy are alive and well in Adair Co., Kentucky

By Mike Watson

The sun and rain helps make the grass--and weeds--grow. Dry soil becomes more productive with a bit of fertilizer and effort. Genealogy and local history research are no different. The hot dry days of early summer bring people out and about. The Adair County Genealogy & History Research Center had a busy month in June as evidenced from the statistics...which in themselves are dry numbers, but indicate a good amount of fertilization, so to speak.

The month of June brought 230 visiting researchers into the Center, 106 phone inquiries, and 251 email and facebook/social media history page requests. For the year-to-date: 1,003 researchers through the door, 443 phone inquiries, and 1,059 email and social media requests.

Not too shabby for a small town operation! Thanks to all those who trust us to keep history alive. We thrive on the opportunities and our supportive patrons.

And, the Genealogy & History community of groups--including the Research Center, Adair Genealogical Society, Adair Heritage Association, Lanterns & Tombstones, Mark Twain Storytelling Festival Committee, Tebbs Bend Association, and others--have been involved in more than 30 programs, presentations, and events in the first half of 2026. We expect slightly more in the second half of the year. Come join in the fun in the 250th year of Our National Independence!


Click here to share, print, or bookmark this article.
2026-07-01 16:17:48 | Comments | See topic Mike Watson - History

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July


2026-07-02 - Columbia, KY - Photo by CPD Chief Evan Burton.
The Columbia Police Department wishes everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend!


Comments? | Click here to share, print, or bookmark this photo.

Letter: Storage unit break-ins

Joyce M. Coomer writes:
It would be nice to publish which storage units have had beak-ins, as people who have property stored there could check their unit(s) often, and in doing so, deter anyone planning a break-in.
Comments re: CPD: Storage units target of break-ins


Click here to share, print, or bookmark this article.
2026-07-01 16:16:35 | Comments | See topic Letters and Reader Feedback

NOAA: Drought conditions expected to improve in July

NOAA's Climate Prediction Center released its latest monthly drought outlook for July 2026, showing where drought is expected to improve, worsen, or remain the same over the next month:

Columbia, Kentucky is currently in Severe Drought (D2), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, and drought conditions are expected to remain but improve over the next month.

View More Columbia Drought Information


Click here to share, print, or bookmark this article.
2026-07-01 16:11:57 | Comments | See topic Farm and Garden

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 3, 2026:
Catfish, Tenderloin, Country Ham, Meatloaf, 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.
Friday, July 3, 2026:
Closed



Report wild turkey sightings during the summer brood survey

From Lisa Jackson

Frankfort, KY - The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources asks the public to be on the lookout for Kentucky's native wild turkeys this summer and share their observations through the summer turkey brood survey, now through August 31, 2026. Survey results will help biologists better understand and manage wild turkey populations in the state.

"Turkey populations naturally fluctuate from year to year," said Zak Danks, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Wild Turkey Program coordinator. "This survey helps us gauge numbers in all parts of the state."

To report sightings of wild turkeys during the survey window, July 1 to Aug. 31, visit the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Summer Turkey Brood Survey webpage, or enter the key words "turkey survey" in the search bar on the agency's website (fw.ky.gov) to access the online survey portal, link to the mobile survey app or download a printable form that can be mailed or emailed to the department. Data collected through this survey help the department to better understand turkey population trends over time.


Article continues... click here to read the whole article, or to share, print, or bookmark it.
2026-07-01 16:00:23 | Comments | See topic Ky Afield Outdoors

KBC Blood Drive on July 15

There will be a community blood drive from 10:30amCT to 3:30pmCT on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Columbia Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, 501 Jamestown Street, Columbia.

Donors will receive a limited-edition "Only You Can Prevent Blood Shortages" T-shirt (while supplies last) as a thank you for doing their part to ensure a healthy blood supply.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, show a photo I.D. and meet additional requirements. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule a donation, visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522.


Click here to share, print, or bookmark this article.
2026-07-01 12:43:47 | Comments | See topic Health Care

Graduates of 3rd Annual KSP Youth Academy


2026-07-02 - Albany, KY - Photo courtesy Kentucky State Police.
On Thursday, July 2, 2026, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 36 young Kentuckians graduated from the third annual class of the Kentucky State Police Youth Academy. Among those graduating was first-year recruit Tyler Bragg of Columbia.


Read More... | Comments? | Click here to share, print, or bookmark this photo.

Chris Wells named Mid-South Conference Commissioner

By Duane Bonifer

Longtime Kentucky college athletics administrator Chris Wells has been named commissioner of the Mid-South Conference.

Wells, who has served as the conference's interim commissioner since May 2025, is the sixth person to lead the Mid-South Conference, which includes schools in Kentucky and Tennessee.

A Burkesville, Kentucky, native, Wells holds a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from Lindsey Wilson and a master of arts in sports administration from Cumberland. Wells has been an athletics administrator for the last 25 years at Lindsey Wilson (Kentucky) University, most recently serving as the school's associate director of athletics.

"The Mid-South Conference Council of Presidents is delighted to welcome Chris Wells as our new full-time conference commissioner," said Cumberland (Tennessee) University President Paul C. Stumb, who is chair of the Mid-South Conference Council of Presidents. "As a graduate of two universities within our conference, Chris has certainly demonstrated the requisite academic acumen, but also more broadly he has an outstanding track record of commitment and professionalism within the higher athletic administration sector."

Wells said that he's "incredibly humbled" to lead the Mid-South Conference.

"I'm proud to have the support of the Mid-South Conference Council of Presidents, along with the conference's athletic directors and coaches," said Wells. "I look forward to working with them to create even more opportunities for our student-athletes."


Article continues... click here to read the whole article, or to share, print, or bookmark it.
2026-07-01 12:32:17 | Comments | See topic Lindsey Wilson University


Remembrances for July 3
In Memory Birthday, Dillery Margaret Cooper Bell, Casey County, KY | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Maude A. Neal, Burkesville, KY (1928-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Laura Adams Gabehart, Campbellsville, KY (1963-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Russell Glenn Godbey, Casey County, KY (1942-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Treva Ann Warren, Knifley, KY (1941-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Regeina Paulette Campbell, Albany, KY (1949-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Richard Dudgeon, Campbellsville, KY (1948-2019) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jessie Caldwell Tupman Shirley Adair Co., KY (1929) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Timothy J. (Tim) Phelps, 46, Russell Co., KY | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jeanette Estes Bishop, Adair Co., KY native (1934) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Darrel Wethington, Casey Co., KY (1933) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Ethan Foster, Taylor Co., KY (1968-2013) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mrs. Carolyn Jewell Milby, Green Co., KY (1945-2014) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Cathy Long Akin, Columbia, KY (1964-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Mr. Ernest James Rush, 82, Cumberland Co., KY (1933-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Wanda Lou Nunnally Ball, 72, Summer Shade, KY (1944-2016) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Nell V. Rooks, 82, Russell Springs, KY/Adair Co., KY native (1934-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Kenneth Brewington, 86, former Cumberland Co., KY (1930-2017) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Patricia A. Justice, Russell County, KY (1964-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Charlene Sneed, Adair County, KY (1949-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Brian Fabozzi, 69, Cumberland County, KY (1948-2018) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Albert Louis Maulden, 64, Columbia, KY (1957-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Charles Hugh Austin, 94, Jamestown, KY (1929-2023) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Danny C. Burton, 68, Columbia, KY native (1953-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Elbert O. McGaha, 89, Adair Co. native Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jana Rae Grant Hayes, Adair Co., KY native (1954-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Jay Michael Rose, Columbia, KY (1961-2020) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Judy Shanahan, 63, Adair County, KY (1959-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Kenneth Carl Norris, 73, Burkesville, KY (1947-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Larry Neil Jones, 85, Greensburg, KY (1935-2021) Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Ralph Compton (1942) | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Birthday, Shirley Grider Braman, 91, Russell Co., KY Obituary | (Updates/Corrections)
In Memory Bithday, Winnie Maxine Shaw, Glasgow, KY (1931) | (Updates/Corrections)

 
































 
 
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.