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This story originally ran in the July 28 issue of the Community Voice. For your own subscription, call 270-384-9454.

Years ago, Lana Roy ’s Monday morning routine was pretty typical. After getting ready for work , she may stop to get some coffee or possibly pick up some breakfast. It would just depend on how much time she had. She didn’t want to be late for work.

When she would pull into the parking lot at Summit Manor, she would get out and hurry into her office, which was down the hall from the front door among the residents. When she passed “Pearl’s” room, she would have to stop.

Pearl was a talker, and the stop became a weekly thing.

“When I would come in on Mondays, she would want to know what I did over the weekend, because that was her connection to the outside world,” Roy said. “Even if I just did laundry and hung it on the line, that was good for her because she could then tell me about when she would do laundry and hang it on the line.

“I have been blessed because I have had that kind of interaction with the people. They have felt comfortable telling me things about their lives. My parents have been here as residents, so I understand. I get so many benefits from working at this job.”

And that interaction with the residents is what Roy said she will miss most, after announcing her retirement late last week. She has worked serving others at Summit Manor for just under 45 years.

Roy began working in the service industry at the old Adair Hospital.

She said she then moved to Summit Manor and has had several positions at the facility, including medical records and admissions. She is currently the social service director.

“I am an advocate for the residents,” she said. “I am their spokes- person. If they have a problem, I am going to try and direct them to where they need to go. I am going to be there for them.”

Roy said she never knew and still doesn’t know what to expect of her day when she walks in because things change daily at a place like Summit Manor – including the facility roster. She was often involved in helping residents and families prepare for that day.

“It would kind of sometimes be a weight on your heart when the residents would pass,” Roy said. “With these folks you just want to make sure you’ve done everything you can do for them.

“When they passed, I struggled with that a lot. This place is the final journey for a lot of our residents, and we want to be able to comfort them when they exit the journey. It is a challenge for me, and I know it is hard for everybody.”

Roy said families should know people are available to help them through the process of making a life decision like putting a loved one in a nursing home. She said she realizes it is difficult for the families making the decision, and for the person moving in.

“We want you to continue to care for your parents, so we want to know how you did it at home, what was their normal schedule,” she said. “We want you in here working with us to continue care for your parents. We’re not saying you’re dropping them off to die, we’re helping you care for them, helping you meet your goals for them.”

Roy said she never had a date in mind when retirement would come. But she said she just feels like now is the time. After all, now she can spend more time with her family.

“I am just so blessed,” Roy said. “Some time ago, I was talking with one lady about arrangements for her dying days, and she told me ‘I already have everything prepared.’ She said, ‘so when something happens to me, please be happy.’ She said, ‘I know where I am going’…and one day later at lunch, that’s exactly what happened.”

By Scott Wilson
scott@adairvoice.com

This story originally appeared in the July 28 issue of the Community Voice. For your own subscription, call270-384-9454

Columbian Theater owner Dr. Ben Arnold, who has been in a lease agreement for the facility with the school board for almost a year, signed the deed over to the board Thursday night during its July meeting.

“I am excited to death. This is a huge step for us,” said board superintendent Dr. Pam Stephens. “We ran into a couple of roadblocks in getting things rolling with the KDE (Kentucky Department of Education). They had the agreement, and they knew Dr. Arnold’s intent.

“We had that conversation with him, and he said, ‘With what you all have done, I know you’re going to do it well. I will gift it and that will stop all the roadblocks.’ We’re very blessed.”

The Columbian Theater opened in 1947 and was thought to have one of the largest screens in the South. In this proposal, Stephens sees the theater’s lights being turned on again for multiple uses, including drama events, choral performances, art displays, and special community occasions.

“Our goal is still to have our Christmas performances in the theatre,” Stephens said. “We are moving forward on that. We have a lot of equipment that will be going into the theater ordered earlier today.”

The board also voted unanimously to continue its agreement with the city of Columbia and the county of Adair concerning payment for School Resource Officers in the four local facilities. Currently, three officers are paid through the city budget while one officer is paid through the coun- ty sheriff ’s budget.

The agreement has the board paying $48,690 a year for one officer, with almost $38,000 going to the city, up from $24,000 last year.

“Safety is key for us,” Stephens said. “We had one SRO when I came in as superintendent. This board has been very committed to the safety of not only our students but also our staff. This agreement doesn’t cover just the days kids are here in school, it covers the days teachers are here.”

In other action Thurs- day night, the board:

– approved a request for out of state travel for the Adair County High School academic team to compete in a quiz bowl in Cookeville, Tenn. on Nov. 12;

– approved the school therapy agreement between the board of education and the Adanta Group;

– approved a pre- school partnership grant agreement between the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department of Community Based Services, Division of Child Care, and the Adair County Board of Education.

By Scott Wilson
scott@adairvoice.com

Columbia Mayor Pam Hoots (far left) honored members of the Adair County High School Future Business Leaders of America club at Monday’s city council meeting for a recent sixth place finish at the national competition.

Hoots made them honorary ambassadors of the city. Joining Hoots are (from left) Seth Murphy, JB Piatt, JR Thompson, advisor; Mattie Willis and Natalie Gilbert.

Charity Browning, head volleyball coach for Adair County High School, has announced her schedule for the 2022 season.

“I don’t think they have had a schedule like this in the past,” Browning said. “There are some really tough teams on the schedule, and there will be some matches where we will be competitive. I think the kids need some encouragement.

“I want the kids to hold themselves to a higher standard this year than they did last year. I think last year, we were happy to win a set, and that made me feel like I was the only one that wanted it. This year I think everyone wants it. This year, I think they believe they can do it.”

Aug. 15 – Larue County           6:30 p.m.
Aug. 16 – Pulaski County.       5:30 p.m.
Aug. 18 – at Russell County    5;30 p.m.
Aug. 23 – Taylor County          5:30 p.m.
Aug. 25 – Marion County.       5:30 p.m.
Aug. 29 – Hart County             5:30 p.m.
Aug. 30 – at Campbellsville    5 p.m.
Sept. 1 – at Allen County          6 p.m.
Sept. 6 – at Marion County*   TBA
Sept. 8 – at LaRue/Taylor*.    TBA
Sept. 9 – Capital City Classic   TBA
Sept 12 – Barren County           5:30 p.m.
Sept. 13 – at Taylor County      5:30 p.m.
Sept. 15 – at Glasgow                 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 19 – Green County           5:30 p.m.
Sept. 22 – at Barren County.   6 p.m.
Sept. 23-24 – DCA Tourney.    TBA
(Danville)
Sept. 26 – at Marion County.   5:30 p.m.
Sept. 27 – at Casey County.      5:30 p.m.
Sept. 29 – Campbellsville          5 p.m.
Sept. 30
– Oct. 1 – Halloween Smash      TBA
(Lexington)
Oct. 3 – at Green County           5:30 p.m.
Oct. 10 – Casey County.              5:30 p.m.
Oct. 14 – Cumberland County   5:30 p.m.
Oct. 17 –
Oct. 22 – District Tournament   TBA
*Class 2A Sectional Championships

Billy Collins, 44, was arrested Sunday after a traffic stop in the Breeding community, south of Columbia.

Collins was suspected of having illegal substances and, after a search, suspected methamphetamine was located, along with drug paraphernalia.  In addition, there was an outstanding arrest warrant from Adair District Court.

He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail on charges of possession of a controlled substance, first degree, methamphetamine; possession of drug paraphernalia; and an outstanding bench warrant.

Deputy Kenny Perkins is leading the investigation.

Adam Harris of Columbia, an inmate in the Adair County Regional Jail, has been charged with felony assault after an altercation Sunday at the jail.

Officers from the Columbia Police Department were called to the jail after midnight Sunday morning about an altercation between an inmate and staff member. The inmate was said to have created a disturbance before an altercation with a male deputy jailer, resulting in minor injuries.

Harris, 25, has been charged with assault, third degree, on a corrections employee; a class D felony. Harris has been lodged in jail since July 27 after being charged with tampering with a monitor device, also a class D felony.

Officer Trevor Foster was the investigating officer and was assisted on scene by officer Justin Cross and jail staff.

FRANKFORT  (KT) – The death toll has now reached 25 and continues to rise, due to the flooding that has ravaged more than a dozen eastern Kentucky counties. And although the rain has stopped, more is in the forecast for Sunday night and Monday.

During a Saturday press briefing at the State Capitol, Gov. Andy Beshear said: “Right now, the forecast for counties south of the Mountain Parkway is for another inch to possibly two inches, which could be rough. The challenge after the rain ends on Monday, is that it’s going to get really hot.”

The 25 deaths occurred in five counties: four in Breathitt, two in Clay, 14 in Knott, two in Letcher and three in Perry.  Four of the victims are children, according to Beshear.

The governor said there has been well over a thousand water and helicopter rescues for stranded residents in the area. “The Kentucky National Guard has rescued 404 individuals by air, the Tennessee National Guard 224 additional people, and the West Virginia National Guard 36.”

The KNG has also rescued 19 people and two dogs by boat, and Kentucky State Police have performed or assisted in 624 water rescues, while Fish and Wildlife boat crews have transported 125 people.

“We’re still trying to get an accurate way to count missing persons when we can’t get to certain areas,” he said. “Cell service is still down in so many areas. While we are getting some numbers, until we get full cell service up, you could assume there are hundreds of people that might be fine, but their loved ones have not been able to establish contact with them yet.”

Kentucky State Police are working in those areas to help track down missing family members.

If they live in Breathitt, Perry, Knott, Letcher of Leslie counties, call Post 13 in Hazard at 606-435-6069.

If they are in Magoffin, Johnson, Martin, Floyd, or Pike counties, call Post 9 in Pikeville at 606-433-7711.

If they are in Jackson, Owsley, or Lee counties, call Post 7 in Richmond at 859-623-2404.

If they are in Wolfe or Morgan counties, call Post 8 in Morehead at 606-784-4127.

If they are in Harlan County, contact Post 10 in Harlan at 606-573-3131.

You may also send an email to ksppubaff@ky.gov and include your name (first, last) and phone number, your missing loved one’s name (first, last), county of residence, a description (gender, age, race, etc.), their home address, and phone number.  The information will be forwarded to the appropriate KSP Post.

This story originally appeared in the July 21 issue of the Community Voice. For your subscription, call 270-384-9454.

Barbara Williams seemed to always have a feeling something needed to change. She was working as an operating room nurse in the Riverside, California area. She got up every morning at 5 a.m. and worked in the surgical wing of the hospital, where she said it was always freezing.

After 30 years of doing that day after day, Williams said she had enough and wanted out. She and her husband Rick started looking around the country for a new place to live, trying to find a great piece of property, and that feeling where you “just know” you’re home.

They found it in Adair County.

“Everywhere I worked, I was in charge,” Barbara said. “I loved my career, but it was a stressful job, and always being in charge just added another layer. After 30 years, I decided I just wanted to grow and sell vegetables. You can’t semi-retire and exist in southern California. The taxes and the gas alone will eat you up. You just can’t do it.”

The Williamses, who lived just between Los Angeles and San Diego, are a blended family with three children each. Barbara still works as a nurse through telehealth and Rick is trying to begin a bird dog business for hunters. They found 35 acres just off Hwy. 80 near the Adair-Russell County line.

“We were going to look at Texas, Utah. We went to Tennessee first and heard about this proper- ty that was just a couple hours from Nashville,” Barbara said. “So, we came up here to looked at it and when I drove up the driveway, I knew we were done. I had never seen green before, I had never seen colors, I had never experienced the different seasons. I can sit outside and hear crickets, frogs. I see the fireflies. This is heaven, and I am never leaving.”

Barbara said she is not sure where she got her dream of living on a farm. She just knows she would come home exhausted from work every day in California. She said her children would come home from school and then they were on their phones all day. She said she didn’t want that anymore. She wanted to be outside and have space.

Now, she has chickens, horses, and a donkey named Russ. They own several dogs and some barn cats. Barbara is even thinking about creating a space on the farm to rescue animals.

“Rick wants all of these same things, too,” Barbara said. “He has all the same dreams I do. He snuck the horse and the chickens in on me behind my back. We got a really good deal on the donkey. However, my focus, really, is on the garden. I wanted that up and running as quick as possible.”

And she hopes that becomes a little bit of a side business for her. Once she gets a good feel of what the community wants in produce, she wants to create a business where customers can call her with an order, she will harvest it, and then customers can come on their lunch hour after work or over the weekend to pick it up.

“My love is with the crops. The goal is to pro- duce as much as I can comfortably sell, and that is a learning process,” Barbara said. “I want to be that person that people message and say, ‘I want 20 bell pep- pers and 20 cucumbers,’ and I will harvest them and then they can come by and get them any time. The farmers’ market is only open a certain time; I am always here.”

Barbara said the decision to move to Kentucky was a good one, and she is now living a life she had only once dreamed about.

“It has been every- thing I could have hoped for,” she said. “Every morning I wake up and look out the window, and I just smile. I really can’t believe this. I want to pinch myself to make sure all of this is true.”

Since making the move almost a year ago, Barbara said so many people have told her they wished they had followed their dreams, they wish they had taken a big leap of faith in their lives.

“I never want to regret not doing something I wanted to do,” Barbara said. “If people have a dream, I think they should just do it. You can make anything happen if you want it bad enough. Remember, there are seven days of the week and none of them are named ‘someday.’”

Williams can be reached at 951-443-9290 or through the Russell Creek Farm Facebook page.

Patrick Loy of Columbia was airlifted to the University of Louisville Hospital July 21 after being involved in a two-vehicle accident on Montpelier Rd., just before the Russell County line.

Preliminary investigation by deputies from the Adair County Sheriff’s Office indicates Loy, 32, along with passenger Cara Pemberton of Russell Springs was traveling towards Russell County on a 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle. Whitney Coe of Columbia was traveling from Russell County toward Columbia on Montpelier Rd. in a 2014 Ford Edge.

Loy attempted to turn left on Montpelier and as Coe’s vehicle neared the rise, she was unable to avoid the motorcycle that was in her lane making the turn, resulting in a head-on collision.

Loy and Pemberton were treated on the scene by Adair County EMS. Loy was transported to T.J. Health of Columbia and then airlifted to the University of Louisville hospital. Pemberton was transported to the Russell County hospital. Coe was uninjured.Deputy Chandler Staten is continuing the investigation and was assisted on scene by Chief Deputy Brandon Hitch, Columbia-Adair County Fire, and Adair EMS.

The Green River Animal Shelter will be closed July 31 to Aug. 7 due to employee vacation and medical leave.  Animals will be fed and cared for daily but the shelter will be closed to the public.

For the month of August, the Green River Animal Shelter will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays.  The shelter will be open to the public as follows:

Monday                       12-4 p.m.
Tuesday – Friday       10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Adair County Judge’s Office at 270-384-4703.

Adair County Sheriff Josh Brockman and deputies Tracy McCarol and Gary Roy recovered a stolen vehicle in the woods on Sano Road.

The Adair County Sheriff’s Office was called April 11 with a report of a stolen 2011 Jeep Patriot SUV from the Millerfield community.

The ongoing investigation led Sheriff Brockman and deputy McCarol to a location on Sano Rd. During the search, the vehicle was discover behind a barn in the edge of the woods.

Arron Wilkerson 31, of Adair County was arrested and lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail on felony charges of receiving stolen property over $1,000, but less then $10,000 .

Deputy Roy is lead investigator on the scene and was assisted by Deputy McCarrol and Sheriff Brockman.

Columbia Mayor Pam Hoots (front row, left) signed a proclamation earlier this week declaring July 29 as Lana Roy Day in Columbia. Roy has worked for Signature Healthcare at Summit Manor for over 40 years. Pictured with Mayor Hoots and Roy are (back row) Latasha Harden, Dana Richard, Crystal Burton, Charlotte Kirkland, Tami Branham, and Ruth Hutchison.

There will be a retirement celebration for Roy July 27 from 4-6 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce Building on Burkesville St.

Shawn Nuckols, 31, of Tompkinsville was arrested Saturday after failing a sobriety test following a traffic stop.

Adair County Sheriff Josh Brockman responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle on Bull Run Road, just outside Columbia. Upon arrival, Sheriff Brockman and deputy Derek Padgett located a 2013 black Dodge Avenger, operated by Nuckols.

Nuckols appeared to be under the influence and was placed under arrest for operating a motor vehicle under influence of drugs. He was also operating on a suspended driver’s license because of three prior DUI’s. Pills and methamphetamine were found in his belt line during a search.

He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail on charges of possession of controlled substance, first degree, methamphetamine; possession of a controlled substance, third degree, pills unspecified; possession of prescription-controlled substance, not in original container; possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a motor vehicle under influence of drugs, fourth offense; operating on DUI suspended license, and no insurance.

Deputy Padgett and Sheriff Brockman investigated the scene.

Adair County schools  will provide two opportunities over the next week for parents to register their children for the 2022-23 school, and receive some help doing it.

District officials will be at the Adair County High School cafeteria July 20 and July 27 to walk parents through all the steps of registration. The help is free of charge and will run from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.

For more information, call 270-384-2476.

Jonathan Gold, an incoming senior at Adair County High School, has been selected as a senator for American Legion Boys Nation in the Washington, D.C. area, July 22-29.

Boys Nation is an annual American Legion program that includes civic training, leadership development and a focus on Americanism. Gold was elected Lieutenant Governor during his week at Kentucky Boys State.

At Adair County High School, Gold has served as student representative on the Adair County Board of Education and junior class officer. His other activities and accomplishments include cross country, track and field, PADI advanced open water diver, Kentucky United Nations Assembly ambassador, honor roll, and academic achievement awards. A resident of Columbia, Gold hopes to attend the U.S. Naval Academy.

Shaunda Soverly,  store manager of the Columbia Walmart, presents mayor Pam Hoots and police chief Jr. Murphy with a check for $2,000 to go to the city’s DARE Program currently being taught in district schools.

Michael Alan Burton of Adair County was arrested Monday after an altercation that resulted in a firearm being discharged.

Deputies from the Adair County Sheriff’s office responded to a call from a residence on Marlo Campbell Rd., nine miles east of Columbia. Gunshots were reported to have been fired during an altercation.

An investigation led to Deputy Tracy McCarol arresting Burton, 21, after deputies found a 10 mm handgun hid behind a tree, and five fired shell casings near the roadway of the residence.

Burton was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail on charges of felony wanton endangerment, first degree; and felony tampering with physical evidence.

The investigation is ongoing, and the sheriff’s deputies were aided by the Kentucky State Police.

FRANKFORT – The Kentucky General Assembly passed 234 bills during this year’s legislative session, and most will take effect on Thursday.

That means that fentanyl dealers and porch pirates will face tougher penalties, the rules for public assistance are changing, and local school boards will be required to hold a public comment period.

The Kentucky Constitution specifies that new laws take effect 90 days after the adjournment of the legislature unless they have special effective dates, are general appropriation measures, or include emergency clauses that make them effective immediately upon becoming law. Final adjournment of the 2022 session was on April 14, making July 14 the effective date for most bills.

Some of the laws taking effect include measures on the following topics:

Anti-SLAPP bill: House Bill 222 seeks to protect freedom of speech. It will offer those who speak out against a matter of public interest protection from strategic lawsuits against public participation, known as SLAPP lawsuits.

Charter schools: House Bill 9 establishes a funding model for charter schools, building on legislation from 2017 that first allowed charters in Kentucky. It also authorizes two pilot charter school projects in Louisville and Northern Kentucky and changes the appeals process if education officials deny an application for a new charter school.

Child abuse: House Bill 263, known as Kami’s Law, makes criminal abuse against a victim under 12 years of age a Class B felony.

Child fatalities: Under Senate Bill 97, law enforcement are required to request a blood, breath or urine test from parents and caregivers suspected of being under the influence at the time of a suspicious child death. If consent is not given, this bill gives law enforcement the power to request a search warrant.

Criminal justice reform: Senate Bill 90 calls for pilot programs in at least 10 Kentucky counties, providing deferred prosecutions, diversion or dismissal of charges for some low-level offenders based on their participation in drug treatment and vocational services.

Due process: House Bill 290 calls on state colleges and universities to adopt a student code of conduct for non-academic disciplinary procedures and provide students with due process protections that are similar to those in criminal and civil courts.

 Education: Senate Bill 1 designates local superintendents as the lead official for selecting the appropriate educational curriculum and materials for local schools. It also includes language from the Teaching American Principles Act, which will require instruction in social studies to align with a list of core concepts and documents that supporters say are central to American civics.

Fentanyl: Known as Dalton’s Law, House Bill 215 requires those convicted of trafficking fentanyl, carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives to serve at least 85% of their criminal sentences, up from the current 50%. It also makes importing those drugs from another state or country a Class C felony and deems offenders ineligible for a pretrial diversion. 

First responders: Senate Bill 64 aims to protect the confidentiality of first responders who participate in peer support counseling programs. Supporters say it will benefit thousands of public safety workers who frequently experience trauma on the job but could face repe 

Incest: Senate Bill 38 classifies incest as a violent offense. It also ensures that individuals guilty of incest complete at least 80% of their prison sentence.

Pari-mutuel wagering: House Bill 607 taxes every pari-mutuel wager at a standard 1.5% rate, including advance-deposit wagers and bets on simulcasts. It also directs more money to the general fund, makes the Kentucky Racing Commission responsible for self-funding, creates a self-exclusion list for problem gamblers and eliminates the track admissions tax.

Porch pirates: Senate Bill 23 cracks down on people who steal packages off front porches, often referred to as porch pirates. The bill makes it a Class D felony to steal or destroy packages from common carriers and delivery services such as Amazon or FedEx.

Religious services: House Bill 43 calls for equal treatment of houses of worship and religious organizations during a state of emergency.

School breakfasts: Senate Bill 151 calls on schools in the Federal School Breakfast Program to offer students up to 15 minutes to eat breakfast during instructional time. 

Serving alcohol: House Bill 252 clears the way for 18-year-olds to sell and serve alcoholic beverages.

Student mental health: House Bill 44 allows school boards to include provisions in their student attendance policy for excused absences due to a student’s mental or behavioral health status.

Transgender athletes: Senate Bill 83 will prevent male-to-female transgender students from participating in girls’ sports, starting in the sixth grade and continuing through college.

Kentucky State Police Post 15 Troopers responded with the Adair County Sheriff’s Office to a recent logging accident on Tower Road in Adair County.  Preliminary investigation revealed that Tony Burton, age 53 of Columbia, had been using a farm tractor to maneuver timber.

While operating the tractor, Burton overturned the tractor into a deep ravine causing him to become entrapped underneath the tractor.  Burton was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Adair County coroner.

KSP was assisted and the scene by Adair County Sheriff’s Office, as well as Adair County Fire and EMS.  The investigation is ongoing by the Trooper Levi Scott.

FRANKFORT (KT) – Attorney General Daniel Cameron is asking the Kentucky Supreme Court to reinstate Kentucky’s Human Life Protection Act and Heartbeat Law and end abortions in the state.

Cameron filed a Writ of Mandamus and Prohibition with Kentucky’s highest court that responds to a temporary restraining order issued last week against the laws by Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Mitch Perry.

The circuit court’s temporary restraining order against the Human Life Protection Act and the Heartbeat Law allowed abortions to resume at two Kentucky abortion clinics, EMW and Planned Parenthood.

The same day the court issued the order, Cameron asked the Court of Appeals to reinstate the laws. The court denied the motion on Saturday and Cameron said he would immediately ask the Supreme Court to take action.

“We are exhausting every possible avenue to have Kentucky’s Human Life Protection Act and Heartbeat Law reinstated,” Cameron said. “There is no more important issue than protecting life, and we are urging the state’s highest court to consider our request for emergency relief.”

The Adair County Judge Executive’s office, Adair County Road Deptartment, and the Green River Animal Shelter will be closed  Monday, July 4, 2022 in observance of Independence Day!

If your place of business is closing, let us know.

Bobby Morrison, chairman of the Columbia-Adair County Economic Development Authority, said today (Thursday) after a special-called meeting, the EDA had entered into an option to purchase agreement with K&M Services, LLC.

“I am walking on air,” said Morrison. “We’re moving the ball forward.”

The agreement allows, K&M, with offices in Glasgow and Franklin, the option to purchase Lots 2-4 at the Green River Commerce Park on Highway 55 North, just outside of Columbia.

K&M, considered a partner in development, according to the agreement, will help the EDA recruit clients for the location. The company may also build a spec building to aid in the process.

The agreement specifies K&M would pay $1 for any property selected by a client it recruits, as long as the company will have at least 10 initial employees. The price would be increased $10,000 for each employee under 10.

Morrison said the process will not happen overnight, but the financial and economic impact this agreement could have on the community may be felt for sometime.

For more details, see the next issue of the Community Voice.

“Paint the Town,” the city of Columbia’s annual community celebration, has been scheduled for July 27-29. The event is open to individuals, groups and organizations, and patrons are being asked to decorate the sidewalk around the courthouse square.

For more information, call City Hall at 270-384-2501.

T.J. Regional Health presented $500 donations Tuesday to the Green River Animal Shelter and to Sugarfoot Farm Rescue on behalf of the T.J. Community Mission Foundation. The donations were made in honor of magician Lance Burton, an Adair County native, to thank him for being part of the Foundation’s annual fundraiser, The Magic of Giving, earlier this year.

Burton has been a nationwide advocate in support of animal rescue and welfare organizations. His rescue dog, Rocky, joined him for the check presentations to each non-profit organizations, both located in Adair County.

The Green River Animal Shelter is run by the county and works to find adoptive homes for cats and dogs and helps to reunite lost animals with their families. They accept animals from both Adair and Green counties.

Sugarfoot Farm Rescue is a non-profit, volunteer run organization who mission is to save stray dogs and provide for their health concerns. They work to place the dogs into good homes where they will be part of the family. If suitable homes cannot be found, the dogs stay on the 120-acre farm in their sanctuary program.

Randy Burns, executive director, T.J. Community Mission Foundation said, “We are so grateful to Lance for his willingness to perform at The Magic of Giving event that helped us raise over $100,000 for the Foundation.”

Established in 2014, the T.J. Community Mission Foundation exists to support the mission of T.J. Regional Health. To learn more about how to become involved in the work of the Foundation, visit tjmissionfund.org or contact Burns at (270) 651-4619.

This story originally ran in the June 23 issue of the Community Voice. For your subscription, call 270-384-9454.

After officially being chosen last year to handle the design of the new Adair County Middle School, representatives of Deco Architects of Somerset made their second presentation to the school board last Thursday on the progress of the design.

Derek Phillips, Deco president, talked to board members about where the work currently stands, and initial plans on where rooms would be located, the flow of students throughout the building, and the school’s current front facade.

“When they made their first presentation to us in February, I think, they had a design,” said school board superintendent Dr. Pam Stephens. “Now, we’re getting down to the nitty gritty when we start making decisions and figuring out a dollar figure.”

The current expected cost of the school, once all the details have been decided, is just north of $41 million.

The current plans have the middle school attaching onto the high school on the side of ACHS facing Greensburg Street. The middle school will be three floors, grouped by grades. The eighth grade would be located on the main floor, with seventh grade on the bottom floor and the sixth grade on the top floor. Initially, the sixth grade was going to have its own wing so the school would not go over two stories.

“The grade levels are not set in stone,” Dr. Stephens said. “The one piece I would have credence totally to is the eighth grade being on the middle floor because it runs straight into the high school. That’s where our students move up in math, reading or science. They are traveling those corridors every day, so they don’t need to be coming from a floor above or the floor below.”

That layout did cause board chairman Troy Grider to express some safety concerns with sixth grade students get- ting out of the building should there be a fire. Grider said he wondered if parents would rather have their sixth grade students on the top floor or in their own wing, extending from the building.

Stephens said the original plan included two floors with an extended wing for the sixth grade. They then decided to eliminate the wing and add the third floor.

“It will still have the same number of class- rooms, same number of restrooms,” Dr. Stephens said. “I thought financially you should save money by putting the sixth grade on top of the building. Architecturally and building-wise, if you take a wall and make it 12 feet taller you don’t have to dig footers. You save the digging, pouring the concrete for the footers, laying the walls. This way the wall is already there.”

By Scott Wilson
scott@adairvoice.com