The year of 2025 brought many blessings to the City of Columbia. Today I come to you to present a few of them and thank those that made them possible.
We began the year in January with very snowy streets that necessitated the need for snow removal undertaken by our City Staff. Our Street Department staff worked tirelessly during this period spurred on by many local businesses who supported them. We also celebrated the law enforcement appreciation day in the City of Columbia for all our wonderful police officers. January also saw community service improvements made at Joe Johnson Little League Park thanks to the employees of Walmart Columbia. Further towards the end of the month Columbia native Jenna Snow Grant filmed her movie, The Crow in Columbia.
In February, CPD officer Tyler McKinney graduated from the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training Program and entered the force. He continues to be with the force and keeping residents of the City of Columbia safe everyday. I in February renewed my commitment of reading to students at Adair County Elementary Schools, something I do year around. During February the City of Columbia suffered from severe flooding, this launched a several months long mission of repairing vital infrastructure in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, this work has now been completed.
In March, with the cooperation of the Columbia-Adair County Fire Department several fire hydrants around Columbia were replaced in one of the City’s many ongoing efforts to keep residents safe. During March the City Police Department received a grant to purchase body armor through the Kentucky Attorney General’s office. The City Street Department during March hosted their annual spring pick it up day. Also during March our community celebrated our local Adair County Indians second straight 5th region title and state tournament appearance. Lastly, in March the City in conjunction with Taylor County RECC erected new street lights along Burkesville Road in New Columbia.
In April, Columbia was yet again gripped by major flooding which was responded to by several city agencies and saw the later repair or more destroyed infrastructure. The inaugural Spirit of Columbia Awards were held to recognize outstanding first responders in our community during April, this will be an annual event sponsored by the City of Columbia and TJ Health Columbia. KYSAFE donated supplies to the City of Columbia also during April. Also in April the Adair County chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA) opened their new greenhouse in Columbia.
In May, we held our annual dedication of new veterans banners on the square in Columbia. Also during this month we celebrated two local standout young Columbia residents in Trenton Page and Natalie Bardin who were both state presidents of their high school organizations, FFA and FBLA respectively.
In June, we hosted the inaugural Columbia Film Festival which was a two day event featuring the showing of Jenna Snow Grant’s, The Crow, and Lance Burton’s, Billy Topit. Leon Lewis in June filmed his music video in Columbia. Also during June the Columbia-Adair County Fire Department celebrated a record breaking year as far as funds raised in their WHAS Crusade of Children.
In July, the City opened new Pickleball Courts at our Columbia City Park on Fairgrounds Street. Further in July the City of Columbia held the 2025 edition of two great annual City events, Paint the Town and Truck it Up. Also in the month of July I was honored to be selected for a distinguished alumni of Lindsey Wilson University. Speaking of Lindsey Wilson July also the official dedication of Lindsey Wilson as a University.
In August, we held our third annual Back to School Bash for local children. Massive thanks go out to Lance Burton, Dinky Gowen, Mark Harris, and Jake Hill for their participation in that event. Also in August the City held a reception for the new commander of Kentucky State Police Post 15 in Columbia, Jennifer Sandlin. New restroom facilities also opened at Citizens Park on Burkesville Street. Lastly Columbia and Lindsey Wilson University welcomed hundreds of new residents for 2025 residential student move in.
In September, the City also celebrated Lindsey Wilson University week including Paint the Town Blue day which was a large success. I was also extremely excited on September 23rd to celebrate national dog in politics day with lovely Jakky. Malvina Farkle Day was also observed in Columbia during September which saw various improvements made to City Parks and properties.
In October, we all celebrated wonderful Downtown Days spearheaded by a brand new Downtown Days Committee which did a great job on their first festival. I was grateful to enjoy the festival with many great Columbians including my dance with Danny Mouser. We also celebrated Lindsey Wilson Homecoming where I was truly honored to be part of their alumni awards. In October our community was also able to see the opening of the new Don Franklin Ford Dealership on the Bypass in Columbia. In conjunction with that October also saw the beginning of operation of new city gas lines along the Columbia Bypass and Hudson Street in the vicinity of the new Don Franklin Dealership done in partnership with the Appalachian Research Commission.
In November, the Columbia Police Department welcomed new officer Nathan Ginn to the force, he continues to protect Columbia and its citizens every day. Also in November I and all of us at the City celebrated Veterans Day with the annual program at Adair County High School and later the Veterans Appreciation lunch at Lindsey Wilson University. The City Hall also during November participated Operation Christmas Child for the first time. Lastly at the end of November the City opened our largest ever 2025 Christmas display with displays all across Columbia.
In December, the City Police held the majority of their toy collection for Operation Christmas Spirit with toy drives across Columbia and several Cram the Cruiser events. Also during the month of December Kentucky Sports Radio visited Columbia and broadcast live from Don Franklin Columbia. The Kentucky League of Cities also visited during December to present the city with a 2025 liability grant for our City Police and City Gas Department. Last but not least our city celebrated a very merry Christmas to put a bow on the year. Thank you to all our incredible staff at City Hall, Parks and Recreation Department, Gas Department, Street Department, Sanitation Department, and Police Department for an incredible 2025! I would also like to thank everyone in Columbia for blessing me each and every day!
God Bless and Happy New Year!
Mayor Pamela Hoots
(Trey Stephens, Assistant to the Mayor – City of Columbia)