Laker Country 104.9

Jeff Hoover continues his series of interviews with local candidates by speaking with Robert Coppage.

Coppage discusses his background growing up in Russell County and the influence his community had on him after the early loss of his father. He explains that the support he received from neighbors growing up inspired his desire to give back through public service.

Currently a school bus driver with the Russell County school system, Coppage says his campaign for District 4 magistrate is focused on being accessible to residents, addressing community needs, and prioritizing local issues within the county budget. He says his goal is to represent the people of his district with honesty, hard work, and a commitment to helping others.

Coppage is challenging incumbent magistrate Steve Richardson in the upcoming election.

Jeff Hoover talks with Danielle Wilson about recent tourism promotion efforts and upcoming events that could bring thousands of visitors to the area.

Wilson shares highlights from several travel and outdoor shows where Lake Cumberland Tourism promoted the region, including events in Chicago, Columbus, and Indianapolis. The Chicago Travel and Adventure Show stood out as especially successful, introducing many attendees to Lake Cumberland for the first time and generating strong interest in houseboat vacations and lake tourism.

The conversation also focuses on a major fishing tournament scheduled for late June on Lake Cumberland. The multi-day event is expected to bring roughly 4,000 anglers and visitors to Russell County. Wilson explains that organizers are currently seeking local sponsors and businesses willing to contribute items for more than 1,500 welcome bags that will be distributed to participants.

Wilson says the tournament is already creating economic impact, with lodging and cabins filling up months in advance. She encourages local businesses and residents to get involved as the community prepares to host one of the largest fishing events ever held in the area.

Jeff Hoover speaks with Lisa Coffey about the launch and growth of the Court Appointed Special Advocate program serving Russell and Wayne counties.

Coffey explains how the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program trains volunteers to advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are involved in the court system. She shares that Russell County has already sworn in its first two volunteers and added new members to the local board as the program begins taking cases.

The conversation also highlights upcoming opportunities to get involved, including volunteer training sessions, activities recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and the fourth annual Run for the Children Derby Day fundraiser scheduled for May 2 at the Magnolia in Somerset. Coffey encourages community members to consider volunteering, noting that CASA advocates can play a powerful role in supporting vulnerable children across the region.

Jeff Hoover continues his series of interviews with local candidates ahead of the upcoming election, speaking with Larry Skaggs.

Skaggs discusses his background and long history of public service, including time in the U.S. military, law enforcement, serving as Russell County coroner for 16 years, Russell Springs City Council, and his current role as District 5 magistrate. He talks about the responsibilities of serving on the Russell County Fiscal Court, particularly managing county road budgets, prioritizing infrastructure needs, and working through the annual county budget process.

The conversation also covers cooperation among fiscal court members, the importance of respectful disagreement when making decisions, and ideas for future economic development in Russell County. Skaggs also shares why he believes his experience and record of service make him the right choice for reelection as District 5 magistrate.

Jeff Hoover talks with Laker Baseball Coach David Rexroat about the upcoming Russell County Laker baseball season and a special event supporting local youth baseball.

Coach Rexroat shares details about the Youth League Kickoff Dinner scheduled for March 12 at the ANC, featuring former Major League pitcher Jeff Parrett as the guest speaker. The event will include a meal, auction items, and recognition of youth league players and volunteers, with all proceeds benefiting Russell County Youth League Baseball.

The conversation also looks ahead to the Laker baseball season, including early scrimmages, the team’s speed and pitching strength, and the excitement of spring baseball returning to Russell County.

Jeff Hoover continues his primary election coverage with District 5 magistrate candidate Clifton Bunch.

Bunch, a Russell Springs business owner and EMT with the Russell County Ambulance Service, shares his background and explains why he’s seeking a seat on the fiscal court. He talks about wanting to be a “working magistrate,” staying visible in the district, driving county roads regularly, and being directly accessible to constituents.

The conversation also covers cooperation between city and county government, handling disagreements on the fiscal court, responsible spending of taxpayer dollars, and the role local government can play in supporting infrastructure and economic growth.

Jeff Hoover talks with Randy Marcum about several major developments across Russell County.

Marcum shares details on a special upcoming fiscal court meeting to be held at the high school, where students involved in a new civics club will take part and gain hands-on experience in local government. He also announces that Air Methods has signed a lease to base a medical helicopter at the Russell County Airport, with crews stationed locally 24/7.

The conversation covers progress on the new hospital project, the extension office building, and the SEED Academy partnership aimed at strengthening agricultural education and workforce development. Markham also discusses House Bill 557 and the potential financial relief it could bring to counties by shifting more jail costs back to the state.

On this episode of Community Conversation, Jeff Hoover sits down with Superintendent Michael Ford to discuss the latest developments across Russell County Schools.

Ford shares an update on the state budget process, including improvements to House Bill 500 that restored key funding for transportation and capped rising health insurance costs for school districts. He also talks about ongoing construction projects, including the new bus garage, athletic field houses, marching band practice area, and early planning stages for a new middle school in coordination with the highway department.

The conversation wraps up with a heartfelt reflection on the recent loss of student Briley Northcutt and the overwhelming support shown by the Russell County community, local churches, and state education leaders during a difficult time.

On this episode of Community Conversation, Jeff Hoover talks with District 5 magistrate candidate Mark Barnett.

Barnett, a retired City of Russell Springs employee and longtime assistant fire chief, shares his background in public service and explains why he’s seeking a seat on the Russell County Fiscal Court. He discusses his approach to representing constituents, his views on responsible spending of taxpayer dollars, and the importance of being accessible and responsive to residents.

The conversation also covers economic development, tourism, working with other local officials, and creating more opportunities for young people to build a future in Russell County.

On this episode of Community Conversation, Jeff Hoover talks with State Representative Michael Meredith about the 2026 legislative session and a major proposal that could bring significant relief to county governments across Kentucky.

Meredith breaks down House Bill 557, legislation aimed at restructuring how the state and counties share the cost of housing inmates. He explains how counties are currently losing money by covering expenses for state inmates, including medical care and time served prior to sentencing. The bill would allow counties to negotiate contracts based on actual costs, require the state to reimburse counties for certain medical expenses, and provide compensation for time served credited toward state sentences.

The conversation also touches on the state budget process and the potential long-term impact this measure could have on all 120 counties.