Laker Country 104.9

Jamestown Mayor Regena Hinton joins Jeff Hoover to talk about Christmas on the Square, the city’s holiday decorations, and the annual Grace Foley Hall home and business decorating contest. She shares memories of Miss Grace, details on how to enter the contest, and a look ahead at Jamestown’s upcoming 200th anniversary and Lakefest planning.

Feeling alone this Christmas? Join the whole crew as we remember that God created us for community and love. Just as He provided Adam with Eve, He sent Jesus to bring us home. Embrace His love this season. #HomeForChristmas #GodsLove #FindCommunity

Superintendent Michael Ford joins the show to discuss the upcoming school calendar, student assessment data, English learner support, classroom culture, and kindergarten readiness. It’s a look at how the district is working to support students and plan for the years ahead.

Russell County vs Cumberland County from Tuesday, December 9th.

Community Conversation welcomes Lake Cumberland Tourism director Danielle Wilson for an update on recent events around Russell County. She talks about the success of Christmas on the Square and the yearlong bicentennial celebrations, then shares details on this week’s Grinch event, including food trucks, vendors, free photos, and ice skating. Danielle also previews the weekend’s Blades, Brews and Food activities and explains why these gatherings have become local favorites.

Sean Hammond fills in for Jeff Hoover and sits down with Russell County High School principal Shanna Tarter. They talk about the school’s recent state assessment results, how NTI days work behind the scenes, and why building strong relationships with students matters as much as test scores. Tarter highlights improvements in school climate, the success of career pathways, the growth of the current events program, and the steady rise in attendance. She also shares how community support continues to make a real difference for students year-round.

Jeff Hoover sits down with Russell County Middle School Assistant Principal Sarah Aaron to talk about the school’s strong statewide assessment results. They cover the school’s green rating, the standout blue rating in reading and math, growth across every subject, and how the team-based culture supports student success. Sarah also shares how the school uses data, goal-setting, and celebrations to keep students motivated throughout the year.

Jeff Hoover sits down with Salem Elementary principal KJ Webb to talk about the school’s latest statewide assessment results and the work happening behind the scenes to support students.

KJ shares how her team has focused heavily on reading and math over the past two years, and how that commitment paid off with strong growth and a green rating in those areas. She explains how teachers from kindergarten through fifth grade work together to build a solid foundation, and how MAP testing throughout the year helps guide instruction long before statewide scores are released.

KJ also talks about areas where the school wants to improve, what teachers are doing in science and social studies, and how her staff uses data to shape lessons and support students at every level.

Jeff Hoover sits down with Russell County Judge Executive Randy Marcum to talk about upcoming bicentennial events, county projects, and the growing community spirit across the area. They cover everything from Christmas on the Square to local infrastructure plans, economic hopes, and the pride residents have in calling Russell County home.

In the second half of the show, Jeff welcomes Jamestown Elementary School principal Zach Smith. They walk through the latest state test results, how the school uses data to guide instruction, and the importance of school climate, safety, and staff collaboration. Zach shares the progress the school is making, areas they’re celebrating, and how his team is preparing students for continued growth.

Jeff Hoover welcomes Lindsey Westerfield and Kristina Burton from the Russell County Public Library to talk about new support services, including one-on-one help with applications, online accounts, Medicare enrollment, and digital basics for seniors. They also share upcoming programs and explain how the library is working as a true community hub.

In the second segment, Russell Springs Elementary principal Kevin Reynolds joins the show to walk through this year’s assessment results. He talks about the school’s long run of high performance, how teachers use MAP testing to guide instruction, and why a strong school climate matters just as much as scores.