Chamber awards 2026: First Responder of the Year
2026-05-27 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com
The First Responder Award was presented to Preston Gaskins at the annual Chamber banquet for his years of service in emergency medical care. Born and raised in Adair County, Gaskins began working part-time with Adair County Ambulance Service in 2008 before later earning his critical care paramedic license. Over the years, he has worked in emergency rooms, with Air Evac services and as an EMT instructor while continuing his work with local EMS. Chamber officials praised his dedication to helping others during emergencies and his commitment to the profession. He is pictured here with two of the other nominees which included Trevor Foster, Tyler McKinney, Tyler Soloman, Grant and Dennis Loy and Cody Neat. Comments | Permalink
2026-05-27 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Linda Waggener, ColumbiaMagazine.com
The First Responder Award was presented to Preston Gaskins at the annual Chamber banquet for his years of service in emergency medical care. Born and raised in Adair County, Gaskins began working part-time with Adair County Ambulance Service in 2008 before later earning his critical care paramedic license. Over the years, he has worked in emergency rooms, with Air Evac services and as an EMT instructor while continuing his work with local EMS. Chamber officials praised his dedication to helping others during emergencies and his commitment to the profession. He is pictured here with two of the other nominees which included Trevor Foster, Tyler McKinney, Tyler Soloman, Grant and Dennis Loy and Cody Neat. Comments | Permalink
Chamber awards 2026: Community Enhancement
2026-05-27 - Columbia, KY - Photo by JD Zornes
The Community Enhancement award winner from this group of nominees was Mike Watson, at right, a historian, President of both the Adair Heritage Association and the Genealogical Society. He continuously showcases Adair County in writing and performances. He retired a National Board Certified Teacher, he is an author of 74 books and his history columns have appeared in Adair County media since 1983. Statewide, he is a Board Member of Friends of KY Archives, a member of the KY Genealogical Society, Board member of the Historical Confederation of KY, and was editor of Bluegrass Roots. Comments | Permalink
2026-05-27 - Columbia, KY - Photo by JD Zornes
The Community Enhancement award winner from this group of nominees was Mike Watson, at right, a historian, President of both the Adair Heritage Association and the Genealogical Society. He continuously showcases Adair County in writing and performances. He retired a National Board Certified Teacher, he is an author of 74 books and his history columns have appeared in Adair County media since 1983. Statewide, he is a Board Member of Friends of KY Archives, a member of the KY Genealogical Society, Board member of the Historical Confederation of KY, and was editor of Bluegrass Roots. Comments | Permalink
One can be the new Adair County Judge Executive
2026-05-27 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Vicky Pike of Miss Vicky's Pampered Angus Ranch
One of these Magistrates can be the new Adair County Judge Executive after the November 2026 election - unless an Independent candidate signs up before the June 2nd deadline. The May Primary election resulted in Chris Reeder, at left, becoming the Republican candidate for ACJE. He will be campaigning against Todd Davenport, second from right, who was the only Democrat to file for that office. Magistrate Tony Denton, at right, was reelected and Magistrate Sammy Blair, second from left, is retiring at the end of his term.
Click here to review the election results Comments | Permalink
2026-05-27 - Columbia, KY - Photo by Vicky Pike of Miss Vicky's Pampered Angus Ranch
One of these Magistrates can be the new Adair County Judge Executive after the November 2026 election - unless an Independent candidate signs up before the June 2nd deadline. The May Primary election resulted in Chris Reeder, at left, becoming the Republican candidate for ACJE. He will be campaigning against Todd Davenport, second from right, who was the only Democrat to file for that office. Magistrate Tony Denton, at right, was reelected and Magistrate Sammy Blair, second from left, is retiring at the end of his term.
Click here to review the election results Comments | Permalink
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