Laker Country 104.9

Jeff Hoover welcomes Dean McKinley and Robin Riddle of the gospel group All 4 Him to Community Conversation. The group shares how they came together after the pandemic, their deep family roots in gospel music, and the ministry behind their performances across the region. They also talk about their upcoming free concert Sunday afternoon at the Russell County Jaycees Fair and invite the community to come enjoy an afternoon of gospel music and fellowship.

Jeff Hoover continues the countdown to the Russell County Jaycees Fair with longtime Jaycee member Eddie Copley. Eddie shares memories of growing up around the fair, following in the footsteps of his father, Buster Copley, and helping continue the tradition of the mule pull and horse pull at the fairgrounds. The conversation highlights the history behind the events, what fans can expect this year, and the strong community spirit that keeps the Russell County Fair going year after year.

Jeff Hoover talks with longtime Troy Anderson about the upcoming Pleasure Horse Show at the Russell County Jaycees Fair. Anderson shares details about the Friday night event, including the different competition classes, youth participation, and prize payouts. He also reflects on his decades of involvement with the Russell County Jaycees, memories of parking cars at the fair alongside his father Gary Anderson, and the strong tradition and community spirit that make the fair such a special part of Russell County each year.

Russell County vs Bowling Green from Tuesday, May 26th.

Jeff Hoover talks with Dustin Adkins about the upcoming Russell County Jaycees Fair at the Veterans Fairgrounds in Russell Springs. Adkins shares details on this year’s schedule, including the mule pull, horse show, demolition derby, wrestling, truck and tractor pulls, rodeo, horse racing, and the return of crowd favorites like minnow snatching and catfish wrangling. He also talks about new attractions like pig racing, affordable gate prices, and the strong community support that helps keep the fair one of Russell County’s biggest annual traditions.

Russell County vs Logan County from Monday, May 25th.

Jeff Hoover talks with Scott Jones and Daniel Buster about the busy summer season at the Russell Springs City Park. The conversation highlights the success of the new Bankers Field of Dreams, upcoming youth tournaments, the opening of the city pool for Memorial Day weekend, splash pad rentals, Tuesday night swims with karaoke, and plans for the new par-3 golf course. They also discuss the many improvements and additions that continue to make the park a major attraction for families across Russell County.

Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas joined Jeff Hoover to talk about the steady pace of projects moving across the city. He highlighted a major waterline upgrade set to begin soon, a multi-million-dollar infrastructure project aimed at replacing aging lines and improving both water quality and pressure in the city.

Mayor Thomas also shared details about a Memorial Day flag raising ceremony at the Russell Springs fire department, along with broader efforts to honor local veterans, including banners along Main Street and a growing veterans section at the city cemetery where eligible veterans can be buried at no cost.

The conversation also touched on several community developments, including continued work on park improvements, youth sports facilities, and a new par-3 golf course being planned on a 14-acre site using turf greens and tee boxes. Thomas emphasized that the goal is to build amenities that keep families active locally while also drawing visitors into the area.

Jeff Hoover welcomed Russell County EMS Director Charles Shepherd to the studio in recognition of National EMS Week. Shepherd shared how EMS Week began in 1974 and talked about the evolution of emergency medical services, from the days when funeral homes provided ambulance transportation to today’s advanced on-scene medical care. He highlighted the dedicated team of paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, firefighters, law enforcement, and hospital staff who work together to serve Russell County. Shepherd also noted that Russell County EMS is fully staffed with around 40 employees and praised the community for its continued support and appreciation of first responders.

Jeff Hoover talks with Russell County Extension Agent Jonathan Oaks about the growing impact of drought conditions on local farmers. Oaks explains how reduced hay production and rising feed costs are putting added financial pressure on the agricultural community. He also discusses federal drought assistance that may be available through the Farm Service Agency and encourages producers to stay informed through the Russell County Extension Office.