Laker Country 104.9

Russell County vs Adair County from Friday, August 21st.

Jeff Hoover talks with Russell County High School FFA state champion public speakers Piper Garmon and recent graduate Kendall Melton. The two share their experiences competing at the state level, their winning speeches, and how FFA has helped them build confidence, discover opportunities, and prepare for their futures in agriculture and education.

Jeff Hoover talks with Kentucky Lieutenant Governor and Democratic candidate for governor Jacqueline Coleman about her campaign, education, school funding, Kentucky’s budget, working with the legislature, and her vision for the future of the Commonwealth. Coleman also discusses her background as an educator, coach, and mother and what sets her apart in the Democratic primary.

Jeff Hoover talks with Russell County Schools Director of Security Jackie Grider about school safety, the role of school resource officers, summer training, and the importance of building trust with students, parents, and the community. Grider also shares his personal commitment to helping students make positive choices and succeed.

Superintendent Michael Ford joins Jeff Hoover to discuss the start of the new school year, the latest progress on the new middle school, the completed Laker Band practice area, school facility priorities, teacher recruitment, and the need for substitute teachers across the district.

Jeff Hoover talks with Kristina Burton of the Russell County Public Library about the upcoming grand opening of The Green, including the new Bank of Jamestown Pavilion, community events, and opportunities for families. They also discuss the library’s returning homework help program, teen advisory board, book clubs, and other ways the library is serving the Russell County community.

Russell Springs City Park Director Daniel Buster joins Jeff Hoover to discuss the latest improvements at the park, including construction on the new golf course and turf ballfield projects. He also shares details about the city's free Back to School Bash, featuring inflatables, games, free food, swimming, and family fun before students head back to class.

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.

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.

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.