Area News

    By Wade Daffron TJ Editor   In what can be considered a historic event, six local banks have blessed the community by joining to make the “Bankers Field of Dreams” a reality. Last Tuesday, representatives from the First National Bank of Russell Springs, Bank of Jamestown, Monticello Banking Company, Community Trust Bank, First…

    By Wade Daffron TJ Editor   Wait…what was that? At the conclusion of a groundbreaking ceremony last week for a new Shogun restaurant in Russell Springs, Mayor Eddie Thomas spoke about what was not only happening in the present, but hinted about what may happen in the future. “This restaurant is just not…

    Staff Report   A local financial institution has made a sound investment in the future by honoring local high school seniors. The Bank of Jamestown held a “4.0 Banquet” Sunday, April 26 to celebrate Russell County High School (RCHS) Class of 2026 seniors with an exemplary grade point average. Students were honored for…

    By Wade Daffron TJ Editor   After treating a packed First Baptist Church of Russell Springs to a rousing gospel song, singer Bradley Walker said a single sentence which encapsulated the evening. Walker motioned to internationally-known guitarist, humorist, producer, long-time member of the Gaither Vocal band, and “proud Russell Countian” Williams, who has…

    By Wade Daffron TJ Editor   As the new Principal of the Russell County High School, Jordan Turner has some definite plans. Turner introduced himself to the Russell County School Board last Monday at the entity’s regular, monthly meeting. Although he does not enter the new position officially until July, Turner shared a…

    Staff Report   Jordan Turner has anchored at Russell County High School as the new leader of the Lakers. Russell County School Superintendent Michael A. Ford announced last week Turner has been selected as the new principal at the school. Currently Principal of Green County High School and the Green County Area Technology…

    EDITOR’S NOTE-Details in the following story may be disturbing for some readers.   Staff Report   A Russell County woman has been charged with human trafficking following an alleged incident last week, authorities said. Melina Bell, 47, of Russell Springs, was arrested Friday for alleged human trafficking, court records said. A criminal complaint…

COLUMBIA, Ky. (April 21, 2026) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) has been requested by Post 15 in Columbia to investigate a trooper-involved shooting that occurred on Monday, April 20, shortly before 7:00 p.m. CDT in Adair County. The initial investigation indicates that officers from the Adair County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO)…

COLUMBIA, Ky. (April 21, 2026) – In the morning hours of April 20, 2026, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 received a report of a shooting incident that led Troopers to discover three individuals deceased at three separate residences. KSP Post 15 received a call from the Adair County 911 Center requesting Troopers to respond…

STRUNK, Ky. (April 7, 2026) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 11 in London is conducting a death investigation in the Strunk community of McCreary County. On Tuesday April 7, 2026, around 12:30 a.m. EDT, Troopers responded to a disturbance call on Patterson Dr. Upon the Troopers’ arrival, they located an unresponsive male, identified as Gene Cooper, 60…