Laker Country 104.9

Jeff Hoover continues his candidate series with District 3 Magistrate Zach Wilson, who is seeking re-election. Wilson discusses his background as a lifelong Russell County resident, small business owner, and current magistrate, along with his experience managing roads, budgets, and community needs. He highlights accomplishments from his first term, including securing funding for road improvements, and emphasizes the importance of fiscal responsibility, strong relationships at the state level, and being accessible to constituents as he looks to earn another term.

Jeff Hoover welcomes the directors of the Russell County Schools Children’s Theatre along with student lead Sophia Loy to discuss their upcoming production of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The group shares how the program was revived, the excitement surrounding the participation of over 40 students, and the work that’s gone into preparing the show. They also highlight upcoming performances, including a community showing at the ANC, and emphasize the importance of supporting local youth and growing interest in the arts.

Jeff Hoover continues his candidate series with District 3 magistrate candidate Marty Kazuk. Kazuk shares his background as a lifelong Russell County resident and longtime public servant in the fire service, along with his decision to run for office. He discusses the importance of accessibility, communication, and responsiveness to constituents, while also highlighting the need for teamwork in local government to support growth, infrastructure, and economic development across the county.

Jeff Hoover talks with Russell County Chamber of Commerce President Stacy Popplewell about the organization’s role in supporting local businesses and promoting community growth. Poppleell highlights upcoming chamber activities, including the “Meet the Candidates” forum on April 21 at the Russell County ANC, where voters can hear directly from local candidates ahead of the primary election. The conversation also touches on chamber membership, networking opportunities, and efforts to strengthen the future of Russell County.

On this episode of Community Conversation, Jeff Hoover is joined by State Representative Josh Branscum for an update from the final days of the legislative session. Branscum discusses the budget process, including negotiations between the House and Senate, and emphasizes the focus on fiscal responsibility. He also highlights progress on local road projects, including continued work on the Highway 127 expansion and upcoming roundabout improvements, while reflecting on key accomplishments from the session and what to expect as lawmakers head into the final stretch.

Jeff Hoover talks with Russell County EMS Director Charles Shepherd about an upcoming gospel music event featuring the Southern Heirs Quartet, the Blakey Family, and the Crossroads Quartet. The groups will come together for a night of singing, fellowship, and worship, with a love offering to benefit a local youth camp. Shepherd shares the heart behind the event, highlighting its focus on faith, community, and supporting area youth.

Jeff Hoover continues his series with local candidates, sitting down with District 4 Magistrate Steve Richardson, who is seeking a fourth term. Richardson shares his background as a longtime business owner and discusses the responsibilities of a magistrate, emphasizing that the role goes beyond roads to include budgeting and oversight of key county services. He also talks about working with state and local leaders to secure funding for projects, including a major road improvement, and explains his approach to serving constituents with a focus on fiscal responsibility and public safety.

Jeff Hoover sits down with Amber Humble, a fourth grade reading teacher at Salem Elementary and president of the Russell County Education Association. They discuss the importance of literacy and preview “Read Across Russell County,” a free community event at the Russell County Public Library. Families can enjoy books, food, activities, and guest readers, all designed to spark a love of reading in children and bring the community together.

Jeff Hoover continues his series of interviews with local candidates by speaking with Bobby Dan Williams.

Williams, a lifelong Russell County resident, is the owner of Williams Landscaping, a business he has operated for more than 25 years that employs up to a dozen workers during the busy season. During the interview, he discussed his background in business and his decision to run for local office, saying he believes he can help move the county forward and bring new ideas to local government.

Williams said one of his main concerns is economic development. He believes Russell County should work harder to recruit businesses and services so residents don’t have to travel to nearby communities like Columbia or Liberty for certain goods and services. One idea he proposed is for the county to fund a dedicated position focused on recruiting new businesses and industry.

During the conversation, Williams also addressed topics he has heard from voters while campaigning, including discussions about solar energy projects, a proposed data center, and the SPARC rehabilitation facility. He said listening to both sides of issues and finding reasonable compromises would be an important part of serving on the fiscal court.

Williams is challenging incumbent magistrate Steve Richardson in the upcoming election and says his focus would include road maintenance, economic development, and expanding tourism opportunities connected to Lake Cumberland.

Jeff Hoover talks with Russell County Middle School student and young wrestling standout Liam Boreing.

Boreing, an 11-year-old sixth grader, recently became the first wrestler from Russell County to win a state title in the 12-and-under division. He finished the season with a 38-11 record, recording 28 pins, and pinned all five of his opponents on the way to the championship at the state tournament in Louisville.

The conversation covers how Boreing got started in wrestling through family influence and the development of the local wrestling program led by his father, Scott Boreing. Boring also discusses the discipline and training required for the sport and how wrestling has helped him develop skills like hard work and focus in school and life.

As the state champion, Boreing has earned a spot representing Team Kentucky at the national wrestling championships in Iowa this April, where he will compete against top youth wrestlers from across the country. Community members interested in supporting his trip can find information on the Russell County Laker Wrestling Facebook page.