First-ever ‘Winterfest’ approaching at JCC
In Feb. 6 Issue
Russell County News
A “Celebration of Victory” is coming to the county seat courtesy of the
Jamestown Christian Church's Winterfest, according to Bro. Tony
Stephens, senior minister at the church.
Firm adds auction and property development to their focus
In Feb. 6 Issue
Russell County News
It could be said that Lake Cumberland Real Estate & Auction grew
out of their old home at Midtown, as broker David Davenport was joined
by Darrell Loy and Billy Dykes and a lot more staff before they moved
their office to the former USDA building on the northern edge of
Jamestown.
Highway plan proposes big things in Russell Co.
In Feb. 4 Issue
Gov. Steve Beshear this week recommended Kentucky Highway Plan for
fiscal years 2010 through 2016 as presented the General Assembly.
Down the hills, down the ditchline & down to jail
In Feb. 4 Issue
Last week ended with an unusually deep snowfall which led to the
closing of schools, event cancellations, lots of fun in the snow for
children of all ages as well as drivers’ frustrations and a trip to
jail for one snow plow driver.
Wariner takes another Grammy
In Feb. 4 Issue
Local guitar hero Steve Wariner won his 4th Grammy at the awards
ceremony in Hollywood last Sunday for his tribute to Chet Atkins.
Proposal would require script for pseudoephedrine
In Feb. 4 Issue
Russell County has seen a a rise in meth busts in recent weeks and the
Kentucky Narcotics Officers Association is helping draft a prescription
bill that could make it more difficult to purchase pseudoephedrine, a
common decongestant that's used in the making of the addictive drug.
‘Moist’ lawsuit before judge next week
In Feb. 4 Issue
The first court meeting in a lawsuit objecting to the "moist" vote will
be next week, at 9 a.m. on the 10th before Special Judge Julia H.
Adams, of Richmond.
Ballot positions set for May
In Feb. 4 Issue
In the drawing for positions on that ballot last Thursday at the
clerk's office for the May party primaries here were the results.
Medical clinic offering specialty services
In Jan. 30 Issue
Russell County News
Southern Kentucky Medical Associates (SKMA), a non-profit medical
practice in Russell Springs, strives to provide specialized health care
to Russell and Adair counties.
New RS police officer introduced to city
In Jan. 30 Issue
Russell County News
The federal stimulus package has reached Russell Springs in the form of a police officer.
Local U of L student hopes to help out in Thailand
In Jan. 28 Issue
A 2007 graduate of Russell County High School is asking for the community's help as she is attempting to raise money for a volunteer trip to Thailand, an independent country that lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, later this year as part of International Student Volunteers, Inc.
‘Every day is a blessing’
In Jan. 28 Issue
Carol Delk has been cancer-free for nearly 11 years now and each day she counts as a blessing and a gift from God.
Flurry of last minute candidates file for office
In Jan. 28 Issue
The election season in Kentucky is officially underway, as of Tuesday
at 4 when the books closed, and the following individuals entered their
names for places on the ballot in the upcoming primary election.
More ‘meth’ found in the county
In Jan. 28 Issue
There were more arrests over the last week on drug charges in the county, following two "busts" the preceding week.
Major injuries avoided in serious wrecks
In Jan. 28 Issue
The Russell Springs Police Department investigated two injury
collisions over the weekend within the city's limits according to
accident reports filed by the department.
Mayor says new jobs possible at French Valley Industrial Park
In Jan. 28 Issue
A new industry could be coming to Russell County, according to Jamestown Mayor Brooks Bates.
Indictments returned by grand jury
In Jan. 28 Issue
The Russell County Grand Jury met the 26th of January and returned true bills on a wide range of charges in seven cases.
Numbers good at hospital, expansion still possible
In Jan. 28 Issue
Revenue for the last month of the year at Russell County Hospital was 3
percent above budget and the hospital's operations ended that month
with a $36,765 positive net result, according to the fiscal report from
Ken Kimsal at last Thursday's meeting.
Budget outlook bleak for schools
In Jan. 28 Issue
The Russell County School Board got bleak news this week on the budget.
Pueblo Viejo now open in Russell Springs
In Jan. 23 Issue
Russell County News
Russell County's newest Mexican restaurant, Pueblo Viejo, is now open
for business and calling Russell Springs their new hometown, according
to the restaurant's management.
Haiti, up close to disaster
In Jan. 21 Issue
The three local missionaries who were in Haiti last week when the 7.0
magnitude struck are now back in Russell County after the Northwest
Haiti Christian Mission decided to send all short-term missionaries
back to America.
Rand Paul campaigns at Midtown
In Jan. 21 Issue
Dr. Rand Paul, a Republican who is running for the United States Senate
seat being vacated by the retiring Sen. Jim Bunning, made several
campaign stops in Russell County over the weekend to deliver his vision
and strategy for the upcoming job in Washington.
Grayson campaigns via Internet
In Jan. 21 Issue
Last Thursday Secretary of State Trey Grayson of Boone County launched
his bid for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate with a live
statewide video Webcast.
RS Council hires an officer
In Jan. 21 Issue
Russell Springs Mayor Hollis DeHart announced that Matthew Parrish, a
28-year-old former Army captain, has been hired as a police officer at
last week's regular meeting of the Russell Springs City Council.
Locals in Haiti when earthquake struck
In Jan. 16 Issue
Russell County News
Three Russell Countians were in Haiti during Tuesday's massive 7.0
magnitude earthquake that has left as many as three million people
displaced and more than 100,000 dead, according to reports.
Beloved ex-mayor passes
In Jan. 14 Issue
Veston "Bocky" Bottom, a beloved former mayor of Russell Springs,
passed away last week after a lengthy illness and sent a community he
cherished into mourning.
Fiscal Court approves new jail construction
In Jan. 14 Issue
Construction of a new jail for Russell County was approved at the Monday night meeting of the Russell County Fiscal Court.
County Attorney won’t defend in moist lawsuit
In Jan. 14 Issue
County Judge-Executive Mickey Garner said local attorney Jeff Hoover
has taken over the defense of several county officials named in a
lawsuit recently.
New system warns parents when school will be out
In Jan. 14 Issue
With Russell County Schools closing last Thursday and Friday and the
first three days of this week due to the wintry weather, school
officials implemented their new automated notification system.
Meth busts, 2 in 2 days
In Jan. 14 Issue
Two drug busts in the county last week netted an undisclosed amount of
methamphetamine as well as the equipment and chemicals to make the drug.
Syphax says he intends to run
In Jan. 9 Issue
Russell County News
Their son Lucas pops in and out of the office carrying this or that cat
as Mike and Cindy Syphax talk about their move to Russell County and
MKS, their surveying business.
Races tighter in local election
In Jan. 7 Issue
With the filing deadline in less than three weeks, many local races still have no applicants.
‘Painful decisions’ expected at General Assembly
In Jan. 7 Issue
Lawmakers return to Frankfort this week to begin the 2010 General
Assembly, a 60-day session that ends April 12th, and will tackle
several issues, including how to handle the shaky state budget.
Save money and stay warmer
In Jan. 7 Issue
Cold arctic air has settled into the Lake Cumberland area and local
electric company officials are reminding customers that the cold can
raise electric bills and proper steps need to be taken to ensure your
home is using the energy to its fullest potential.
Heater likely cause of home fire
In Jan. 7 Issue
Russell Springs Fire Chief H.M. Bottom said there have been several fires recently that are part of a seasonal trend.
Two wrecks, two days, two helicopters
In Jan. 7 Issue
Tuesday afternoon Russell County's Perry LaFavers, 54, was taken by air
ambulance to the U.K Medical Center after a collision on Jericho Road,
near US-127 about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Looking back at a local businessman
In Jan. 2 Issue
Russell County News
A member of what has been called the greatest generation, Rudolph
“Randy” Ballenger leaves a legacy of tenacity, dedication and
generosity.
Lawsuit seeks to void alcohol election
In Dec. 31 Issue
A group of local residents have filed a lawsuit in circuit court in
conjunction with November's “moist” election that was held in Jamestown
in an attempt to void the results of that election.
Year in Review: Looking back at 2009
In Dec. 31 Issue
After the volatile petroleum prices of the previous year, 2009 opened
with a news story about the price of gas being less than $1.50 and one
of the year’s small but significant miracles was that it remained about
that all year long.
Local man dies in shooting
In Dec. 31 Issue
A Russell Springs man was shot and killed Christmas night in the Cane
Valley community of Adair County, according to Kentucky State Police.
New city clerk in Jamestown
In Dec. 31 Issue
The city of Jamestown will begin the new decade with a new city clerk.
Following the retirement of longtime clerk Kim Weston at the end of
2009, Tyler McGowan takes the reigns at one of the top positions in the
city's government.
Fiscal Court hears clerk’s budget
In Dec. 31 Issue
At a special-called Monday meeting of the county fiscal court,
magistrates and Judge-Executive Mickey Garner approved County Clerk
Lisha Popplewell's 2010 budget, among other items.
Several sealed indictments come to light
In Dec. 31 Issue
Several of last week’s 14 sealed indictments have come to light, according to reports.
Yorks spread Christmas cheer with float
In Dec. 26 Issue
Russell County News
Since 1995, Elvis and Judy York of Russell County have given Christmas
spirit from their hearts to countless others from their award winning
parade float.
Judge explains his position on vote, county attorney
In Dec. 24 Issue
On the heels of last week's monthly meeting of the county's fiscal
court, Judge-Executive Mickey Garner held a press conference last
Friday concerning some of the topics at that meeting, including talk of
an alcohol administrator and an ordinance setting fees and taxes to be
collected as well as his relationship with County Attorney Mark McGaha,
with whom he had words with early last week over those aforementioned
issues.
Jamestown to seek legal advice
In Dec. 24 Issue
Facing questions from the public, the Jamestown City Council held the
first reading of an ordinance that would set regulations, taxes, hours
of operation and more on alcohol sales at restaurants at last week's
regular monthly meeting.
Judge says yes at $3.7 million
In Dec. 24 Issue
The bids were opened and totaled up and the preliminary figure to build a new Russell County Jail is now $3.69 million.
Less than a month left to file for election
In Dec. 24 Issue
There are not that many days left to file as a candidate for office and many races show no filings at all.
Man arrested in RC on meth charges
In Dec. 19 Issue
Russell County News
On Wednesday, December 16, Kentucky State Police Trooper Jeremy Johnson
was on routine patrol on South US-127 when he observed a violator.
In My Opinion ... by Ron Phillips
In Dec. 19 Issue
Russell County News
It’s time to cut up the credit card! Congress is raising the debt ceiling by another $1.8 trillion.
Officials in quandary over outcome of moist vote
In Dec. 17 Issue
"Moist" issues continued to be the topic of discussion this week as the
Russell County Fiscal Court set out to hire an administrator for local
Alcoholic Beverage Commission licensure and an ordinance setting fees
and taxes to be collected.
Santa’s House continues in remembrance of she who built it
In Dec. 17 Issue
Santa Claus is right here in Russell Springs. Many of him, actually.
Council continues support of emergency shelter
In Dec. 17 Issue
The Russell Springs City Council agreed to apply for a $125,000 energy
efficiency conservation block grant to go toward updating and
remodeling the Shiloh Motel, which will be operated by the Russell
County Emergency Shelter Board along with the Russell County
Ministerial Association as an emergency shelter and homeless program
center, at last week's monthly meeting.
Center nationally accredited
In Dec. 17 Issue
The Lake Cumberland Children's Advocacy Center in Jamestown is now nationally accredited.
Monin offers property board a trade
In Dec. 17 Issue
Dr. James Monin offered a land swap to the Russell County Property Development Board.
‘Cops’ seeking help for children
In Dec. 10 Issue
For eight years the "Shop with a Cop" program has helped
underprivileged children in Russell County have those things at
Christmas everyone else takes for granted - toys, and warm clothes.
‘Santa’ events in RC this week
In Dec. 10 Issue
Children in Russell County will have at least four opportunities to
personally tell Santa Claus what they would like for Christmas in the
coming days.
Soon to be ‘room at the inn’
In Dec. 10 Issue
It was announced at the fiscal court special meeting on Monday that
money has become available for the purchase of the old Shiloh Motel for
use as an emergency shelter and homeless program center.
Flu clinic endorsed by the ‘big man’
In Dec. 10 Issue
That "Jolly Old Elf" made is way to the Lake Cumberland District Health
Department recently to make sure the flu would not ruin everyone's
Christmas.
‘Good Samaritans’ save the day
In Dec. 10 Issue
Shannon McGuire says she awoke with a start - she'd dozed off while driving to work early that Saturday morning, November 28.
Local officers honored for 2009 DUI arrests
In Dec. 5 Issue
Russell County News
Every year the Governor’s Award goes to those officers who have made
the most arrests for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol,
this year Sheriff Larry Bennett announced it was Deputy Nick Bertram
who earned that honor in his department.
Yes to moist ! ? 60-days before licenses can be issued
In Dec. 3 Issue
With the voting over the next step in the process is local certification of the vote, which is expected soon.
Couple survives cancer together
In Dec. 3 Issue
Larry and Nancy Foster have been married for 43 years, but the last
three have helped the couple bond in ways that even decades of marriage
couldn't.
Good weather for big parade
In Dec. 3 Issue
With perfect weather and hundreds of onlookers, the 33rd annual Russell
Springs Christmas parade on Main St. helped to usher in the holiday
season locally last Saturday night.
Jaycees’ Toys for Tots drive a success
In Dec. 3 Issue
Last week's Russell County Jaycees' Toys for Tots auction was a big
success, according to Jaycee Chad Pendleton, the program's chairman.
Indictments include rapes, thefts, arsons among other charges
In Dec. 3 Issue
According to files from the Circuit Court Clerk's office, several local
individuals were repeatedly indicted on numerous charges relating to a
local daycare during last week's grand jury proceedings.
New food drive established
In Dec. 3 Issue
Despite the bounty of food in homes during the holiday season, many people go to sleep hungry every day.
'Moist' vote leaves issues up in the air
In Nov. 28 Issue
Russell County News
The “moist” decision was yes, no, yes and a definite maybe.
Lion’s Club name local Peace Poster contest winners
In Nov. 28 Issue
Russell County News
Local Lion’s Club Peace Poster Contest winners were honored at a
Jamestown Lions Club meeting last Thursday at the Jamestown Café.
NJROTC team finishes 2nd in regional qualifier
In Nov. 28 Issue
Russell County News
The Russell County High School NJROTC Drill Team departed Nov. 14 to
participate in the Navy Area Nine Regional Qualifier Academic, Physical
Fitness and Drill Competition at Wilson Central High School in Lebanon,
Tenn.
Tobacco season keeps many local barns full
In Nov. 26 Issue
The feel of humid summer heat is gone and the smell of tobacco drifts
through local barns as cured leaves are stripped from their stalks and
graded to sell.
Wolf Creek Dam work continues
In Nov. 26 Issue
Army Corps of Engineers Project Director David Hendrix said this week
that the contractor has taken steps to correct three of the nine walls
that were installed improperly during the repair work on Wolf Creek Dam.
Caregiver keeps a thankful outlook
In Nov. 26 Issue
Tamara Stephens has a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Despite her father, Darell Whittle, being diagnosed with lung cancer
back in June, it was what happened to him in September that has
impacted both their lives even more.
New police cruisers discussed in J-town
In Nov. 26 Issue
After losing the city's best police cruiser in a deer collision last
week, the Jamestown City Council and Police Chief Derek Polston
discussed the possible purchase of several new police vehicles during
the regular monthly meeting last Thursday at city hall.
Contract renewed at hospital
In Nov. 26 Issue
After some debate over whether the new contract provides enough
assurances that Alliant Management will not make decisions without the
board's input and concerns that the length was more than needed the
board approved the Hospital's contract with its management firm.
Lake, J-town precincts vote yes, city votes no in alcohol election
ONLINE UPDATE-Nov. 24
Voters in the Jamestown precinct, 227 yes to 215 no, and in the Lake precinct, 242 yes to 203 no, voted to approve the sale of alcohol in restaurants that seat at least 100 people and derive at least 70 percent of their gross sales from food while voters in the city of Jamestown voted no to that same measure, 274-243.
These vote totals are from Court Clerk Lisha Popplewell's office.
More fallout from the alcohol issue will appear in next week's newspaper.
The alcohol vote is on
In Nov. 21 Issue
Russell County News
The petition to stop the "moist" vote locally was denied by the Kentucky Court of Appeals as of Wednesday afternoon.
Jamestown man wins big jackpot
In Nov. 21 Issue
Russell County News
James Lunsford of Jamestown got lucky winning $500K with a number 13 scratch-off ticket.
Local woman partners with ‘Trust For Life’
In Nov. 21 Issue
Russell County News
Russell County's Barbara Appleby spent many years as a freelance artist
for the gift card industry and just recently she used her talents for
more than just bringing a smile to someone’s face with a pretty card;
she is helping those in need.
If 'moist' option passes, J-town Marina will revamp itself
ONLINE UPDATE-Nov. 20
If the results of the upcoming local option election permit the sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink at restaurants and dining facilities meeting the specific criteria, Jamestown Resort and Marina would begin preparation of a revised master plan that would include a new food and beverage operation on the dock, an expansion of Jamestown's lodging facilities and the construction of additional corporate meeting spaces.
The potential new facilities would create around 100 new jobs, according to Flagship Marinas, who oversee operation of the Jamestown Marina.
Rhetoric heats up in ‘moist’ election case
In Nov. 19 Issue
The "moist-dry" court actions heated up this week with the filings by
local attorney Robert Bertram and County Attorney Mark McGaha.
Gov. visits, touts education initiative
In Nov. 19 Issue
Gov. Steve Beshear spoke to a crowd of students, teachers, parents,
superintendents and public officials at the Russell County Schools'
Auditorium/Natatorium complex last Thursday about a new education
initiative that he hopes will re-energize support for public school
systems in the state.
Christmas parade set for Saturday after Thanksgiving
In Nov. 19 Issue
This year's Russell Springs Christmas Parade will take place at 5 p.m.
on Saturday, Nov. 28 on Main St., according to parade coordinator
Kenvie Reese, who is inviting everyone to come out and get in the
holiday spirit.
Masons honor their distinguished members
In Nov. 19 Issue
Nine Russell County men were honored Saturday for their years of
membership in the Russell Springs Masonic Lodge No. 941 and Jamestown
Masonic Lodge No. 284 during a Masonic Family Event at the lodge in
Russell Springs.
Court moves forward with jail as short term loan nearly exhausted
In Nov. 19 Issue
The last time they tried advertising for bids the county paid over
$20,000 for the experience and got bids totaling $5.7 million on a
project originally billed as a $3.8 million build.
School district graded well in audit
In Nov. 19 Issue
The auditing firm report to the Russell County School Board was
positive, including a caveat that performance in the food service line
item was exemplary.
Free job training available for workers, employers
In Nov. 19 Issue
With unemployment in Russell County climbing at an alarming rate from
6.3 percent in September 2008 to reach 10.8 percent in September this
year, Lake Cumberland Community Action Agency (LCCAC) is offering help
with the JOBS Program.
Local band paving their own way to success
In Nov. 14 Issue
Russell County News
“What do you make of me,” is the question Gravel Switch is asking and there are a number of people who are answering, “Great.”
Big weekend for local art enthusiasts
In Nov. 14 Issue
Russell County News
Art enthusiasts in search of a masterpiece may find it this weekend at
the 16th Annual Sheltowee Art Fair held November 13th – 15th at The
Center for Rural Development in Somerset.
Living beyond cancer’s woes
In Nov. 12 Issue
Diagnosed with lung cancer back in August, lifelong Ono resident Bruce
Johnson decided not to give in to the disease, instead he's fighting it
... and winning.
County attorney takes “moist” vote to higher court
In Nov. 12 Issue
"I have filed a Writ of Prohibition with the Court of Appeals," said
County Attorney Mark McGaha. "It asks the court of appeals to look at
what was done and examine the statutes."
Truck wedged between trees after chase
In Nov. 12 Issue
"I was going toward town he was coming down the road in my lane,"
Deputy Sheriff Tim Pierce said that was how his interaction with
Michael Stewart began.
Board oversees progress of courts’ building construction
In Nov. 12 Issue
The Russell County Property Development Board approved the placement of
a cornerstone by the county's two Masonic Lodges in the new Russell
County Judicial Center.
Election filings begin
In Nov. 12 Issue
As the date arrived and the hour dawned it was County Clerk Lisha
Popplewell (R) who was first to file for a spot on the ballot in next
November's general election.
Fiscal court to meet again on new jail
In Nov. 12 Issue
The fiscal court approved seeking bids for the construction of a
building to house the mobile morgue, the coroner's truck and his office.
Conservation office continues locally in new location
In Nov. 12 Issue
Since 1945, Russell County Conservation District has provided
leadership in natural resource conservation stewardship for the county
from rented office space until the organization's recent move to a new
building.
Polstons living their dream at decor store
In Nov. 7 Issue
Russell County News
One step into KloudNine Lights & Things is met with the warm fragrance of candles and an array of primitive décor.
Y Club serving others
In Nov. 7 Issue
Russell County News
Service, in its truest form, is helping someone. Whether you help them
directly, by giving them something or offer kind words, or indirectly,
donating your time and money, you are making a difference in their
lives.
Winning the fight for her life
In Nov. 5 Issue
Local cancer survivor Ruth Branscum amazes friends and family with her
willpower, positive attitude and strong faith as she continues to
battle the disease that has hampered her life for more than two years.
Virus on the attack, shots hard to come by
In Nov. 5 Issue
Seventeen have died, hundreds sickened and schools are closing across
the state because of the H1N1 virus, as this flu season has started
months ahead of normal.
State of the art water plant running
In Nov. 5 Issue
The city of Jamestown dedicated the new Jamestown Water Treatment Plant
at a ceremony last Thursday at the site of the multi-million dollar
expansion, signaling the final steps in the construction process.
Fall Festival brings people out
In Nov. 5 Issue
It was chilly, it was damp, but people came out in droves to the Russell Springs Fall Festival.
Laker band advances to state competition
In Nov. 5 Issue
The Russell County Laker Marching Band has earned a spot among the top sixteen bands in the state.
RS man arrested after high-speed chase
In Nov. 5 Issue
A high speed chase in the early morning hours of Saturday resulted in
the arrest of Alvie L. Tucker, 48, of Russell Springs, according to
local law enforcement.
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