WJRS News | Laker Country 104.9 FM WJRS

August 5, 2026

WJRS NEWS HEADLINES

[ August 5, 2026 ] Feeding America Distribution Planned Thursday at Russell County Fairgrounds WJRS News
[ August 5, 2026 ] Stephen Davis, 78, of Russell Springs Obituaries
[ August 4, 2026 ] Liberty Officials Urge Residents to Continue Water Conservation as Emergency Effort Continues WJRS News
[ August 4, 2026 ] Two Area School Districts Delay Start of School Year Due to Construction WJRS News
[ August 4, 2026 ] Russell County Airport Board Reviews Website Proposal, Hears Aviation Business Requests WJRS News

Seven Rescued from Island Near Rock House Bottom After Rising Water Cuts Off Access

July 16, 2026 WJRS Staff

Seven people were safely rescued Thursday afternoon after becoming stranded on an island when rising water cut off their access to shore. Just before 4:00 p.m. Russell County Search and Rescue responded to a request […]

Jamestown Man Surrenders After Lengthy Standoff with Police

July 16, 2026 WJRS Staff

UPDATED — NEW INFORMATION — THURSDAY 3:50 p.m. According to the complaint warrant sworn out by Jamestown Police Officer Heath Tarter, Beard allegedly struck his wife in the head with the butt of a handgun. […]

Special Report: Superintendent Ford Discusses School Safety and Student Readiness

July 15, 2026 WJRS Staff

We continue our special series with Russell County Schools Superintendent Michael Ford as students prepare to return to the classroom on Wednesday, August 12. Today’s report focuses on school safety, security and helping students get […]

LIBERTY MAN DIES IN APPARENT DROWNING IN CANEY FORK CREEK

July 15, 2026 WJRS Staff

A Liberty man died Wednesday afternoon in an apparent drowning at Lake Cumberland. Russell County Coroner Mark Coots told WJRS NEWS that 28-year-old Joshua Tyler Wethington was swimming and wading with friends in the Caney […]

James “Jimmy” Simpson, 81, of Jamestown

July 15, 2026 WJRS Staff

James “Jimmy” Edward Simpson, of Jamestown, passed away on July 14, 2026, at his home, with his family by his side. He was 81 years of age. Jimmy was born on September 24, 1944, in […]

BREAKING NEWS Local & State Police in Standoff at Residence off U.S. 127 South in Jamestown

July 15, 2026 WJRS Staff

** UPDATED 9:06 P.M. ** The standoff is over. One man is in custody. No injuries reported. Listen to WJRS NEWS tomorrow morning at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 for complete details. **************************************************** 5:32 p.m. Wednesday, […]

Nelda “Nell” Dunbar, 80, formerly of Russell Springs

July 15, 2026 WJRS Staff

Nelda “Nell” Dunbar, age 80, formerly of Russell Springs, passed away peacefully at her Pendergrass, Georgia home on July 9, 2026. Nelda taught herself to play piano at an early age, and was formerly a […]

Airport Chairman Highlights Increased Activity, Ongoing Improvements

July 14, 2026 WJRS Staff

Russell County Airport continues to see increased activity as more visitors and aircraft make use of the facility, according to Airport Board Chairman John Stivers. In the second part of this WJRS NEWS special report, […]

Russell County Jail Reports 90-Inmate Daily Average for June

July 14, 2026 WJRS Staff

The Russell County Detention Center maintained an average daily inmate population of 90 during the month of June, according to Jailer Bobby Dunbar. Dunbar presented his monthly report to the Russell County Fiscal Court during […]

Russell County’s Judge-Executive Says Reporting Timeline Didn’t Reflect Recent Opioid Abatement Spending

July 14, 2026 WJRS Staff

Russell County has spent more than $80,000 in opioid abatement funds on prevention and treatment efforts since last August, according to County Judge-Executive Randy Marcum. Last week, WJRS NEWS reported on opioid abatement spending by […]

Community Conversation 8-5
Jeff Hoover is joined by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rocky Adkins to discuss his campaign for Kentucky governor. Adkins reflects on his decades of public service, outlines his vision for the state's future, and shares his priorities for economic development, education, healthcare, and working across party lines. He also talks about how his and his wife's experiences as cancer survivors have shaped his perspective on leadership and public service.
Community Conversation 8-4
Russell County Judge-Executive Randy Marcum provides an update on county government, including the new fiscal year budget, the upcoming property tax rate process, and more than $1 million in planned road improvement projects. He also discusses the community commodities program, construction progress on the new Russell County Hospital and Extension Office, the opening of Air Methods at the Russell County Airport, and other developments aimed at improving services and supporting future growth across the county.
Community Conversation 8-3
Jeff Hoover is joined by marriage and family therapist Joy Jones to discuss an upcoming community seminar focused on human trafficking awareness. Jones shares her experience working with survivors, explains common warning signs of exploitation, and talks about how parents, educators, churches, and community members can help protect vulnerable individuals through education and awareness.
Community Conversation 7-31
Jeff Hoover talks with Dr. Emiley Button, Director of Nursing at Lindsey Wilson University, about the school's new fully online RN to BSN program. They discuss how the program helps working nurses earn their bachelor's degree, partnerships with area hospitals and Somerset Community College, tuition assistance opportunities, and the growing demand for nurses across Kentucky.
Community Conversation 7-30
Jeff Hoover talks with Gordon Lester of the Russell County Family Resource and Youth Services Center about the annual Back to School Bash at the Russell County Fairgrounds. They discuss free backpacks, school supplies, food, and community support available to Russell County students, along with the year-round work Family Resource Centers do to help local children and families succeed in school.