Laker Country 104.9

Sean Hammond welcomes Dennis Price to talk about a special centennial celebration happening this Saturday at the historic Irvin Schoolhouse in Russell Springs. Dennis shares the fascinating history of the one-room schoolhouse, the incredible restoration efforts by the Bernard sisters, and details about the upcoming community event — featuring local vendors, live music, and a tribute to 100 years of local heritage.

Sean Hammond chats with Lindsey Westerfield, the Director of the Russell County Public Library, about the library's recent accomplishments and ongoing community programs. Lindsey shares exciting updates from the library's 2024-2025 annual report, including impressive participation in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, over 50,000 checkouts, and the library's growing number of community-driven programs.

Superintendent Michael Ford talks about the new school year, the need for a school psychologist, mental health support for students, and ongoing construction projects in the district.

Sean Hammond speaks with Terri Crowell from Lake Cumberland Community Action about the LIHEAP Summer Subsidy Program, which provides assistance to eligible households struggling with high electric bills. Terri explains how the program works, what documentation is required, and how to apply before the program ends this Friday.

Sean Hammond chats with longtime friend Josh Carey about an exciting last-minute community concert. Josh and the Commonwealth Quartet will be performing live on Main Street in Russell Springs this Saturday. Hear how the event came together, learn more about the group's passion for gospel music, and get the details on this free, family-friendly event.

Jeff Hoover sits down with news director Zac Oakes to preview today's Russell County Fiscal Court meeting. They discuss the upcoming vote on allowing ATVs on county roadways, the debate over changing operations in the sheriff's office, and what local tax districts are planning for the year ahead.

Russell County vs Campbellsville from Saturday, September 6th.

On this episode of All Things Russell, Jeff Hoover and Tony Kerr talk with special guests about honoring the legacy of Deputy Josh Phipps. They announce the new Good Shepherd Scholarship for Russell County seniors, share memories of Deputy Phipps' life and service, and discuss upcoming community events, including a candlelight vigil and highway dedication in his honor.

Sean Hammond sits down with Superintendent Michael Ford to discuss the decision to reschedule the Laker football home opener due to weather concerns, including potential lightning. They dive into the logistics behind moving the game to tomorrow afternoon and the challenges of planning around unpredictable weather.

Sean Hammond is joined once again by Shane Holinde from the Kentucky Mesonet to discuss the network's recent growth, including new weather station sites across Kentucky. They dive into current drought conditions, the importance of Mesonet data for agriculture, and remember the late broadcaster Brandon Robinson, a respected voice in Eastern Kentucky.

Community Conversation on Laker Country 104.9 opens the phone lines for an open mic discussion about a proposal that would shift financial control of the Russell County Sheriff's Office to the fiscal court. Callers share their views on transparency, oversight, and whether the sheriff should retain authority over expenditures.

Sean Hammond sits down with Russell County's own Kevin Williams to discuss the latest community initiatives supporting local students. Kevin shares exciting news about the first-ever Kevin Williams Believe Scholarship Golf Classic, an event raising funds to support high school seniors transitioning into college.

Jeff Hoover sits down with Russell County native and Lindsey Wilson University professor, Dr. JC Phelps. They talk about his path from Center College to teaching economics, his love of learning, and his work with the Kentucky Governor's Scholar Program.

Sean Hammond is joined by Regena Haugen from Somerset Community College. Regena, the Administrator of the Russell Center and Casey Center, shares the latest happenings at SCC, including the start of the fall semester and opportunities for enrollment.

Jeff Hoover talks with Russell County Judge Executive Randy Marcum about the Greasy Creek project, recent community events, upcoming fiscal court business, and other county priorities.

Russell County vs LaRue County from Friday, August 29th.

The Current Events Class from Russell County High School sit down with members of the Russell County High School Marching Band to talk competitions, practice highs and lows, favorite show themes, and unforgettable band moments.

Sean Hammond welcomes back Jeric DeVore from SPARC Recovery in Russell Springs. Jeric shares exciting updates about the organization's new welding training center, their ongoing partnership with Kentucky Recovery Vocational (KRV), and how both programs are transforming lives through recovery-focused workforce training. From residential care to job placement, learn how SPARC and KRV are helping individuals in recovery rebuild their lives with purpose and opportunity.

Jeff Hoover sits down with Russell County's high school and middle school bass fishing teams, along with their coach Kevin Reynolds. They talk about the team's growth, upcoming tournaments, and the big national championship coming to Lake Cumberland. The group also shares details on their fish fry fundraiser and what fishing means to the students and community.

Sean Hammond sits down with Brad Russell from the Russell County Jaycees to chat about an exciting Demolition Derby coming up this Saturday in Russell Springs. Brad shares the details on the event, including the big cash prizes, the kid's class, and more

On this episode of Community Conversation with Jeff Hoover, Family Court Judge Jennifer Upchurch Edwards discusses her 18 years on the bench and explains the important role of family court in Russell and Wayne Counties. She also introduces CASA, a new program coming to the area that recruits and trains volunteers to advocate for children in the court system.

In this episode of Talk Around Town, Sean Hammond is joined by Russell County Judge Executive Randy Marcum to discuss the newly issued burn ban in the area due to dry conditions. Randy talks about the importance of the ban to prevent wildfires, how it's being enforced, and when it might be lifted. He also answers common questions about campfires and fire pits, emphasizing safety as people head into the Labor Day weekend.

Community Conversation on Laker Country 104.9 WJRS each weekday morning at 7:15 with Jeff Hoover. In this episode, the phone lines open for discussion on a proposed county ordinance that would allow ATVs and four-wheelers on county roads. Callers share their support, concerns, and safety questions as the community weighs in ahead of the upcoming fiscal court decision.

Sean Hammond chats with Rhonda Redmon from the Russell County Chamber of Commerce. Rhonda shares details about the upcoming Chamber Golf Scramble on September 18 at Lakewood Country Club, including how to register or sponsor, available prizes, and the community-building fun of the event.

Sean Hammond chats with Danielle Wilson, Tourism Director for Russell County. Danielle recaps a busy summer tourism season on Lake Cumberland and shares what's ahead as the county heads into fall — including Labor Day events, the county's bicentennial celebration, and the return of favorites like Food Truck Fridays and the Grinch-themed holiday festivities. Plus, hear about major upcoming events like the Bicentennial Festival, Tyler Rich concert, and the national fishing tournament coming next year.

Jeff is joined by Russell County Attorney Kevin Shearer for a candid discussion about the growing court dockets, juvenile cases, child support enforcement, and the challenges families face in today's community.

Russell County vs Adair County from Friday, August 22nd.

Sean Hammond and Zac Oakes interview the Current Events Class at Russell County High School this year.

Sean Hammond talks with Megan Gullett from the Russell County Extension Office about upcoming community classes. They cover food dehydration basics, disaster preparedness, and a two-part series on barbecue. Megan explains what participants can expect, why these skills matter, and how to get involved.

Jeff Hoover welcomes longtime “Voice of the Lakers” Tony Kerr to talk about the excitement of a new high school football season. They preview Russell County's opener against Adair County, discuss key players to watch, changes in local rivalries, and what makes Friday night football so special for the community.

Jeff Hoover sits down with Russell County PVA Tim Popowell to talk about how property assessments have changed over the past 15 years, why values have climbed, and what that means for homeowners. They discuss the homestead exemption, the appeals process, and how technology has shaped the PVA office. Tim also highlights growth in areas like Eli and Jabez and shares resources available to the public through the PVA office.

In this episode of Talk Around Town on Laker Country 104.9, Sean Hammond sits down with Zac Oakes, local journalist and digital content creator at the station. Zac shares his journey from newspaper reporting to covering community news, sports, and photography. They discuss his passion for sports photography, especially local football, and preview exciting new social media features for the upcoming Laker football season — including in-game updates and postgame "Player of the Game" interviews.

On this episode of Community Conversation on Laker Country 104.9, Jeff Hoover talks with Jonathan Oakes, county extension agent for agriculture, about a farm supply distribution event for local farmers impacted by the May tornado. They discuss how community partners came together to provide support and what residents can expect at the event.

Coach Cheryl Newby joins Talk Around Town to discuss the growth and success of the Lady Laker Soccer program.

Jeff Hoover talks with Jamestown Mayor Regina Hinton and Tony Wright about the upcoming “Jeeps Are Wild” poker run and how it will bring people to Russell County while supporting a local charity.

Sean Hammond chats with Coach Steven Betts of the Russell County High School Boys Soccer team about the program's revival, early success with four district titles, and the growing excitement around soccer in the community.

Crystal Popplewell from Lake Cumberland Tourism joins Jeff Hoover to talk about Food Truck Fridays, Russell County's bicentennial events, and a one-of-a-kind pageant with categories for everyone—from babies to ‘Golden Girls.'

Sean Hammond talks to Jeff Warner with Jamestown Pharmacy.

Jeff and Tony talk to members of the Ol' Boys Toys Car Club and Moochie Hart.

Jeff Hoover talks to Magistrate Mickey Garner.

Jeff Hoover interviews Russell County Sheriff Derek Polston.

Sean Hammond talks to Russell County Schools Superintendent Michael Ford.

Jeff Hoover talks to Russell County Judge-Executive Randy Marcum.

Sean Hammond talks to Moochie Hart about this weekend's Lake Cumberland Bluegrass Festival.

Sean Hammond talks to Environmental and Education Outreach Specialist Mackenzie Foster with the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery.

Jeff Hoover talks to Eric Wolford, Director of Transportation for Russell County Schools.

Jeff and Tony talk about Silas Sullivan.

Jeff Hoover talks to Randy and Bethany Baird with McDonald's in Russell Springs.

Jeff Hoover talks to Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas.

Jeff Hoover talks with Susan Melton.

Sean Hammond talks to Maria Hill with the Russell County Extension Office.