Air Methods tells Russell Springs council it will base a medical helicopter at local airport; local manager named

Air Methods representatives told the Russell Springs City Council on March 12 that they have finalized lease and permitting steps to establish an air‑medical helicopter base at the Russell Springs airport and expect to begin operations in mid‑to‑late May, pending delivery of the aircraft and completion of facility work.

"We're really excited that we're going to be able to put a helicopter here, in Russell Springs and at the airport," said Brian Carpenter, senior business manager with Air Methods. Carpenter said the company has signed leasing and paperwork, is modifying living quarters and has advertised open positions; he named Andy Sayers as the local hire who will lead the base.

Charles Shepherd, introduced to the council as a representative of local EMS, said the project has been discussed for about 15 months and called the proposed base "a big deal" for Russell County. "Let's see if it helps one life," Shepherd said, noting the initiative is intended to speed emergency medical transport.

Air Methods said it selected the area to support medical missions and that most steps are complete except for delivery of the aircraft itself. The company outlined plans to renovate existing space for additional living quarters and to hire locally; Carpenter said the company anticipates a grand opening once the aircraft and staffing are in place.

Council members did not vote on any ordinance or agreement during the presentation; the item was presented for information and to allow council members to ask questions. The mayor and staff thanked the representatives for traveling to the meeting and expressed support for the planned base.

Next steps reported in the meeting: final aircraft availability, completion of minor facility work and a formal local opening event once operations are ready to begin.