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Travis “Gordy” Fair, 48, of Columbia, died Friday afternoon as a result of a head on collision on Hwy. 80.
Fair was operating a 2000 Saturn about eight miles east of Columbia on Hwy. 80 when he crossed the center line and hit a 2009 Ford, operated by Daryl Flatt, of Columbia.
Fair was pronounced dead at the scene by Adair County Coroner Todd Akin. Flatt and a passenger, his wife Candi Flatt, were transported to Westlake Regional Hospital where they were treated and released.
According to KSP, preliminary indications suggest Fair was possibly texting at the time of the collision. It is unknown at this time if alcohol was a contributing factor to the collision. A toxicology test is pending.
All occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision.
KSP investigated and were assisted at the scene by the Adair County Sheriff’s Department, Adair County EMS, Adair County Search and Rescue and the Adair County Coroner’s office.

Several board members and the manager of the county’s utility district stood before the fiscal court Tuesday night to answer questions about a rate increase and a generous holiday pay policy.
Manager Lenny Stone told the court about numerous projects the Columbia-Adair Utilities District is working on, reaching from Breeding to Knifley and from Gradyville to the Russell County line. Stone said all projects are taken into consideration with a new proposed rate increase.
Most homeowners on the water system will face a 29 percent rate increase, with minimum water bills going from $15.35 to $19.90.
Stone said the increase is the third in 14 years since he has been with the utility district and the rate is based on guidelines set by USDA Rural Development. The Public Service Commission must approve the rates.
Stone also addressed an issue that is drawing complaints­–a Christmas incentive received by all the district employees.
Stone said district employees receive an annual Christmas incentive that equals 100 hours of pay. He said the practice has been in place for at least 18 years that he is aware of.
Employees did not receive a pay increase in 2011 and received a 3 percent increase in 2010. Utility board member Robert Flowers said the district has kept salaries relatively low and the incentive plan is fair.
While there were compliments for the district’s work and its employees, County Judge Executive Ann Melton said when she agreed to the merger between the city and county utilities she was told county residents would not have to pay “to fix the city lines that were neglected for years and years and years.”
Flowers said the city began replacing lines six to eight years ago and was in the process of making corrections when the merger took place.
“Nothing had really been neglected it was a matter of when you could get to it,” he said.
Several magistrates commented on the issue. Sammy Baker said the county has to weigh what services it can offer with the extra taxes it would require. Daryl Flatt said he believes the 100-hour bonus to be excessive. Billy Rowe said he believes the increase is closer to 30 percent than 20 percent and also questioned the quality of the county’s water. He lives near the water plant and said his water is not drinkable.
Stone was also asked about plans to build a new office and said the plan is currently put on hold. The district purchased a piece of property near Wal-Mart for $250,000.
In response to another question, Stone said the district has about $6.7 million in current debt, took on around $2.2 million in debt from the city and will add another $1.5 to $2 million in bonding for the new projects. In addition, when a merger with the water plant is complete, the district will be responsible for the water plant debt of $6.9 million. The district is currently making those payments now, he added.
Stone invited the court and the public to attend district board meetings and said he would like to return more often to court meetings to keep them informed on the district’s progress. This district’s board meets today and every second Thursday at 4 p.m. at the utility office on Grant Lane.

By Sharon Burton
[email protected]

The Kentucky House of Representatives approved a bill Tuesday that could change Adair County’s congressional district from District 1 to District 2.
House Bill 2 is the realignment of Kentucky’s congressional districts. The change would move Adair County away from Congressman Ed Whitfield’s district into Congressman Brett Guthrie’s district.
Another major change in the realignment of the districts is Congressman Hal Rogers’ district. Rogers (District 5) will lose the western part of Pulaski County to District 2, splitting his hometown into two districts.
Rogers hasn’t publicly commented on the bill. However, local attorney and House minority leader, Jeff Hoover came to Rogers’ defense.
“…It splits the home county of 5th District Congressman Harold Rogers, who has devoted more than 30 year to working with both Republicans and Democrats on improving the economy and opportunities for the people of Eastern Kentucky,” Hoover said. “If I was a representative from Eastern Kentucky and I voted for this plan, I would be embarrassed to say I supported dividing the home county of Congressman Rogers.”
Hoover continued to express his objection to the bill asking the Senate to “look long and hard at the House’s plan.”
“The proposal on congressional redistricting drawn up by the House Democrats and passed today is nothing more than a political document to protect Congressmen in the 3rd and 6th congressional Districts, and a negotiating ploy since they know this plan will never pass the Senate,” Hoover said.
State Representative John “Bam” Carney, who represents Adair County, voted no.
The House approved the bill on a 54-42 vote. The bill will now move on to the Senate.

Corinna Hughes has learned a lot in her young 19 years, and she hopes to use her life experiences to help others.
“Everyone has adversities to go through,” Hughes said. “Mainly, I just want to be a role model.”

HER ROLE MODELS
Hughes said she has had many positive influences from an early age including her mother Alvina Burton.
Her father, Savannah Hughes, died when she was only a year old and her mother raised her as a single mom.
Hughes said she was greatly influenced by her mother because she was able to accomplish so much on her own.
“She is very inspiring,” Hughes said. “I don’t see how she did that. She taught me to be a phenomenal women.”
Hughes enjoys the poem “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou because it reminds her of her mother.
“It (the poem) really touches home for me,” Hughes said. “She is my cheerleader. She has always supported me. I thank God that she is so supportive.”
She also looks up to her grandmother, Della Hughes.
“That is where my sternness comes from,” Hughes joked.
Because of the influence from her mother, Hughes worked hard to be a well-rounded individual.
“Having that independence at a young age, I really knew who I was,” Hughes said. “I knew what I wanted to do. I put myself in a better position where I could become a better person.”
She graduated from Adair County High School in 2011. While in high school, she was senior class president, involved in band, SADD, science club, BETA, NHS, 4-H and the student council.
However, nothing could compare to what she accomplished her senior year of high school. Hughes, who has been in the pageant circuit since she was 13 years old, won the crown for Miss Kentucky County Fair.

MISS KENTUCKY COUNTY FAIR
After she was crowned Allen County Fair 2011, Hughes continued on to the state level last January.
“I was very surprised,” Hughes said. “I was balling and crying like someone had passed away…I thought ‘You overcame an obstacle and adversities. You are Miss Kentucky County Fair.’”
Hughes said in her experience with pageants, there aren’t a lot of biracial women and that can be an obstacle when it comes to winning.
“I think (winning) is empowering for someone of a different race,” Hughes said.
She prides herself on being an individual and having her own voice.
“I am Corrina Hughes,” she said. “I have a name and I have my own personality…I just want to get my opinions out there, to flourish. This is just the beginning for me.”
Hughes takes her individuality and work ethic and hopes it can influence other people.
“I have met so many little girls,” Hughes said. “I really just want to be a role model to them.”
In her six years in the pageant circuit, she has learned an important lesson.
“Never let the word can’t get in the way,” Hughes said. “You have to have tough skin. You can’t let things get in the way.”
Hughes will pass on her crown for Miss Kentucky County Fair this Saturday. During her rein, she appeared in many events throughout the state including the opening ceremony of the State Fair where she met the governor and state representatives.
Hughes participated in the Miss Kentucky County Fair pageant representing the Allen County Fair, but she got her start right here in Adair County where she grew up.
Her first pageant was in the Adair County Fair when she was 13 years old, where she placed in the top 15.

HER FUTURE
Hughes just finished her first semester at the University of Kentucky with a 4.0 GPA. She is working towards getting her nursing degree. She was to be a women’s health practitioner.
“I really enjoy helping people,” Hughes said. “I am just in love with the fact that women are empowering.”
Hughes is also very serious about her education. She said she practically lives in the library at UK. She never goes to parties or does anything that would prevent her from being a good role model.
“I had a goal in mind and I went for it,” she said.
Hughes said she is not finished with pageants. She wants to compete in more pageants and volunteer, but not before she finishes her college education.
“I want to focus on education,” Hughes said. “That comes first.”
Hughes said her ultimate goal in life is to not just become successful but to live happy and not let anything get in the way.

By Allison Hollon
[email protected]

Six drug-related indictments involving both meth and cocaine were handed down in Adair Circuit Court recently.

• Heaven L. Sutton, 24, trafficking in a controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense—cocaine, firearms enhanced; possession of a controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense—cocaine, firearms enhanced; carrying a concealed deadly weapon.

• Adrian Victor Morales, 24, fleeing or evading police, 1st degree; trafficking in a controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense—cocaine, firearms enhanced; possession of a controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense—cocaine, firearms enhanced; carrying a concealed deadly weapon; operating a motor vehicle with alcohol concentration of or above .08 or while under the influence of alcohol or other substances, aggravating circumstance, 1st offense; no operator’s license; failure of non-owner operator to maintain required insurance/security; speeding.

• Megan A. Swartz, 22, unlawful distribution of a meth precursor, 1st offense.

• Alesha A. Morrison, 39, possession of a controlled substance—cocaine, 1st degree, 1st offense; possession of a controlled substance, 1st degree, 2nd offense; possession of a drug paraphernalia; failure to or improper signal.

• Shanda M. Loy, 29, manufacturing methamphetamine, 1st offense; possession of drug paraphernalia; license to be in possession.

• Dustin Todd Brown, 31, manufacturing methamphetamine; persistent felony offender, 2nd degree.
An indictment is a legal accusation and does not imply guilt or innocence. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.