Edmonson Voice Report:
The 1976 Edmonson County Wildcats were honored at last night's Region 4 boys' semifinal round at Diddle Arena.

The Wildcats defeated Bowling Green High School 64-52 on Saturday, March 13, 1976 in the same arena. Edmonson County faced Lewisburg in the first round, winning 73-53, and then won a heated battle over Franklin-Simpson in the semifinals 59-58 to advance to the championship.

It is still the only KHSAA Region Championship for Edmonson County basketball.

The regional tournament championship is a topic of discussion in The Edmonson Voice docuseries "50 Years as Champions," now available on all the Voice platforms. 

Edmonson Voice Report:
Kentuckians participating in lawful, state-regulated wagering and charitable gaming activities would be better protected under legislation filed last week by two House Committee Chairs, Representative Michael Meredith and Representative Matthew Koch, according to a released statement from the Kentucky House Majority Caucus.

The statement also said that House Bill 904 aims to modernize and strengthen regulations around various forms of wagering in Kentucky, including sports betting, horse racing, fantasy sports contests, and charitable gaming, while adding consumer protections and oversight by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation.

“We created a nationally-recognized structure for sports wagering in the Commonwealth a few years ago,” said Meredith. “House Bill 904 would bring us in line with much of the country in governing fantasy contests. Our goal is to make sure consumers are protected and have access to the products they are demanding in the marketplace.”

Main Provisions of the Bill:

• Legalizes fixed-odds wagering on horse racing (a form of betting where payout odds are set at the time of the wager and don't fluctuate like traditional pari-mutuel pools; this would allow tracks to offer it and modernize horse betting options, similar to what's allowed in states like New Jersey and Colorado).
• Raises the minimum age for sports wagering (and related activities like fantasy contests) from 18 to 21 (this would align it more closely with other age-restricted activities and add protections for younger adults).
• Bans certain proposition bets (prop bets) on individual college players from Kentucky teams/universities (to help protect in-state college athletes and maintain integrity; wagers on out-of-state college players would still be allowed).
• Regulates and legalizes fantasy sports contests under the oversight of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (bringing them into a formal regulatory framework, similar to many other states).
• Adds consumer protection measures, such as strengthening safeguards for bettors, potentially including self-exclusion lists or other tools to prevent problem gambling, and improving oversight of charitable gaming and fantasy operators.
• Prohibits participation in certain "predictive markets" wagering (event contract trading on outcomes).
• Includes other updates to excise taxes, technology requirements for wagering systems, and general modernization of gaming laws.

 
Koch added, “It is important that we ensure safeguards are in place to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of lawful wagering and charitable gaming. The Wagering Consumer Protection Act would build on the General Assembly’s previous work to strengthen industry oversight and establish a regulatory framework that supports the long-term success of these industries.”
 
The bill was introduced on March 4th. For more information on HB 904, please visit legislature.ky.gov.

Darren Doyle, story:
A local man was arrested and charged with multiple counts of criminal abuse and endangerment after his children were allegedly found playing in the road, unsupervised. 

According to a press release issued by the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, on Sunday, March 1st, deputies responded to a residence on Fairview Church Road in reference to two juveniles under the age of 5 that were observed playing in the roadway with knives. Deputies reportedly made contact with the witnesses that reported the incident. According to the witnesses, the children were wet and cold and without supervision, the release stated. The Sheriff's Office stated that the witnesses were unable to provide information as to the juvenile's residence.

According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies canvassed the immediate area and responded to a nearby residence on Fairview Church Road in an effort to locate a responsible adult, and after approximately 30 minutes of knocking and
announcing their presence, another juvenile answered the door.

Deputies entered the residence and located the children’s father, identified as James Atwell, 44, of Smiths Grove, unconscious in a back room, the Sheriff's Office stated. According to law enforcement, an adult sibling of the children arrived on scene and advised that Mr. Atwell had been responsible for supervising the children while their mother was at work.

"Deputies determined that Mr. Atwell was manifestly under the influence and posed a danger to himself and others," the press release stated. "Mr. Atwell admitted to consuming alcohol and marijuana."

Atwell was placed under arrest and transported to the Hart County Jail. The children were released to the custody of their mother, the Sheriff's Office stated.

Atwell was charged with

• Three counts of Criminal Abuse 2nd Degree-Child 12 or Under
• Three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor
• Possession of Marijuana
• Drug Paraphernalia- Buy/Possess

Ferry service resumes after major repairs to flood-damaged infrastructure ​

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky. – The Green River Ferry in Mammoth Cave National Park will reopen March 5 and resume daily operations from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST. Ferry service was suspended while the park repaired navigational cables and support towers that were damaged during a flood event in spring 2025.  
  
Ferry system replacements included: 

• two-1,000-foot navigational cables that guide the ferry across the river 
• four 20-foot-tall towers which hold the navigational cables in place (some were replaced, some were stabilized) 
• 15.5-ton concrete anchor that was damaged and dislodged from the riverbank during the flood 

 
While drydocked, the ferry was sandblasted and repainted and received a new generator and engine. The vessel also received its United States Coast Guard inspection and certification which is required every five years. 
  
Ferry operations are subject to water levels on the Green River and may be affected by high or low water. Learn more about navigating in and around Mammoth Cave National Park on the Directions and Transportation webpage.  

​BOWLING GREEN, KY – A federal criminal complaint and arrest warrant were filed in U.S. District Court on February 26, 2026, charging Robert Scott Froberg, 61, with the 1996 abduction and death of 7-year-old Morgan Violi.

U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, FBI Special Supervisory Agent William Kurtz, Chief Michael Delaney of the Bowling Green Police Department and Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 8th Judicial Circuit Kori Beck Bumgarner made the announcement at a press conference held on February 27, 2026, at the Bowling Green Police Department.

According to the complaint, Morgan Violi was abducted July 24, 1996, while playing with her sisters and friends at the Colony Apartments in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Witnesses saw a white man grab Morgan, put her in a maroon Chevrolet van and drive away. Two days later, the van suspected to be involved in the abduction was found south of Nashville, Tennessee, and searched for evidence. Morgan’s body was found on October 20, 1996 — three months after her abduction — in the woods in White House, Tennessee. For years, Morgan’s kidnapping and murder went unsolved.   

The complaint alleges that with recent advancements in forensic testing of DNA evidence, a hair found in the abandoned van was tested by the FBI laboratory and returned an association with Robert Scott Froberg, who was then serving a lengthy sentence in the Alabama Department of Corrections. With that lead, investigators determined that Froberg had escaped from jail in April 1996, traveled to Pennsylvania where he was arrested, and then escaped again. Froberg then traveled to Dayton, Ohio, and stole a maroon Chevrolet van approximately a half a mile from his parent’s house. Froberg traveled south, exiting I-65 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he spotted Morgan playing in her apartment complex, snatched her and drove south.   

According to the complaint, Froberg was recently interviewed by law enforcement and confessed to driving Morgan into Tennessee and strangling her, causing her death.   

U.S. Attorney Bumgarner stated, “Morgan Violi’s family never gave up on her, and neither did the Bowling Green community or its law enforcement community. For years, this community has feared that Morgan’s abductor lived silently among us and that one of our kids could be next. Investigators in the FBI and the Bowling Green Police Department have worked tirelessly to bring justice for Morgan. They applied new technology, reexamined old evidence, and never stopped searching for the truth. Yesterday, we filed a criminal complaint charging Robert Scott Froberg with her kidnapping, resulting in her death.”

If convicted, the defendant faces only two potential sentences: life in prison or the death penalty. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case is being investigated by the FBI and Bowling Green Police Department.
​
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner and First Assistant United States Attorney Brian Butler are prosecuting the case.

An Edmonson County Grand Jury recently returned the following indictments for the January - April term, 2026. An indictment is only a formal charge and is not an admission of guilt or verdict.​

Timmie Joe Hooten: Unlawful Transaction with a Minor First Degree - Victim Under 16 Years of Age, Unlawful Transaction with a Minor First Degree - Victim Under 16 Years of Age, Unlawful Transaction with a Minor First Degree - Victim Under 18 Years of Age, Unlawful Transaction with a Minor First Degree - Victim Under 18 Years of Age, Persistent Felony Offender in the First Degree.

Charles Arthur Clemons: Possession of controlled substance first degree, Leaving scene of accident-failure to render aid/assistance, Possession of open alcoholic container in motor vehicle.
 
Randall Lee Ferguson: Burglary Second Degree, Attempted Burglary Second Degree, Resisting Arrest, Menacing, Public Intoxication 

Darren Doyle, story:
The long awaited five-part series "50 Years as Champions" kicks off on Friday, February 27, 2026 with the first episode, which is available for free streaming on the Edmonson Voice channels.

Episode 1: The Beginning will be available on Friday on YouTube, Facebook, and on EdmonsonVoice.com. 

The first episode discusses the origins of the 1976 championship team, where former players share stories of practicing with some of the best players Edmonson County ever had. They talk about having to guard former Wildcat greats like Gary Key, Gary Meredith, Lenny Slaughter, and Ed Williams, in addition to paying homage to players paving the way before them.

One standout of the series that viewers will enjoy in all episodes is the personal relationships they all shared on and off the court, not only in 1976 and before, but also today. The selflessness and dedication to each other is a lesson for anyone looking for keys to success in not only basketball, but also life in general.

The series is based on conversations from a roundtable discussion with the "Super Six," which were the six main players during the season. The interviews were filmed on the gym floor of the players' former high school, which is now the Edmonson County 5/6 Center.

In addition, other outside interviews are included from other players, staff, and administration, along with tons of photos and other info.

The series schedule is as follows:

1. Friday, February 27th: The Beginning
2. Friday, March 6th: The Team
3. Friday, March 13th: Coach Bo
4. Friday, March 20th: The Season
5. Friday, March 27th: The Championship (actual 50th anniversary of the championship game at Freedom Hall)

Darren Doyle, story:
A new project is underway in conjunction with the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America that will showcase Edmonson County's local veteran heroes with displays all around Brownsville.

Local VFW Post 6937 is partnering with the Edmonson County Arts Guild to print banners that highlight local veterans in their "Edmonson County Hometown Hero"  project. The 2.5ft wide by 5ft tall banners will be mounted on utility poles in Brownsville, much in the same manner the American flags were displayed all through town last season, which was headed up by the Guild. 

"Many local communities have had similar honors for their Veterans over the years," said local VFW member Gerald Carroll. "This program will coincide with the 250th US independence celebration.  In conjunction with the EC Arts Guild, who sponsored the Flag displays in Brownsville last year, we will be displaying banners of EC Veterans.

​The first seven banners have already been ordered and will be ready to install soon. Additional banners can be ordered by families for any local veteran at a cost of $160 each, which includes the banners and mounting, Carroll said.

At the end of the project, the banners will be removed and returned to the families. Banners will be hung before Memorial Day this year and taken down after Veterans Day.

To order a banner, contact Carroll at 502-229-9155, or [email protected], or any member of the VFW. 

Photos of most all local veterans are available on the local website edmonsonvets.com.

You can also download the order form below.

Darren Doyle, story:
A double homicide in Allen County has left authorities investigating after two individuals were found dead in a home, leading to the arrest of a 17-year-old male juvenile.
​
According to the Kentucky State Police Post 3, officers were called just before 7:00 p.m. on February 18, 2026, by the Allen County Sheriff’s Office to investigate a death at a residence located at 334 Stamps Road.

Upon arrival, authorities reportedly discovered the bodies of Traci Trasky, 42, and an unidentified 12-year-old male juvenile inside the home. Trasky’s vehicle was reported missing from the scene.

Shortly afterward, the vehicle was located unoccupied on Pleasant Field Church Road in Allen County, KSP said. With assistance from the Allen County Sheriff’s Department and Scottsville Police Department, which included the use of a drone, officers spotted an individual running through a nearby wooded area, according to KSP.

A brief foot pursuit ensued, resulting in the detention of a 17-year-old male juvenile without incident. Following additional investigation, the juvenile was arrested and charged with two counts of murder, tampering with physical evidence, theft by unlawful taking (auto), and fleeing or evading police in the first degree (on foot).
​
The Kentucky State Police Investigative Personnel continue to lead the active investigation.

Darren Doyle, story:
A Brownsville woman was arrested on Monday after allegedly firing a gun during a dispute, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

In a press release, the sheriff's office stated that deputies responded to a Nolin Dam Road address for the report of shots fired on February 9, 2026. Law enforcement said that they made contact with the complainant, who told deputies that an altercation occurred during a child custody exchange involving Cheyanne King. The press release said that according to the complainant, during the dispute King allegedly brandished a firearm, discharged one round into the air, and pointed the weapon at the complainant.

Deputies later located King (25) at a residence in Brownsville and during the investigation, King admitted to discharging the firearm into the air, stating she did so after being threatened, the press release stated. King was arrested and charged with Wanton endangerment first degree - discharge of a firearm (Class D Felony) and transported to the Hart County Jail.

​The investigation remains ongoing.

 
The National Park Service invites public comments on a proposed rule that would amend special regulations for riding bicycles and horses within Mammoth Cave National Park.   
 
The proposed rule would allow the superintendent to authorize:
 

• Bicycle use on approximately 37 miles of multi-use trails, including existing trails and new trails that will be constructed.
• Horseback riding on the 5.4-mile Houchin Ferry North/Ollie Ridge Road.

The Land and Rivers Trails Management Plan identified these changes as the preferred alternative and an assessment found no significant impact to the changes.
 
In addition to the proposed rule, the park signed a written determination stating that bicycle use on trails identified in the rule and certain administrative roads that would open to bicycle use under the selected alternative is consistent with protecting the park’s natural, scenic and aesthetic values, safety considerations and management objectives. The determination also confirms that these uses would not noticeably disturb wildlife or park resources.
 
The comment period is open from Feb. 9 to April 10 through the Federal Register website.

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County Fiscal Court voted to accept three bids for a new Jaws of Life vehicle at the Monday, February 9, 2026 fiscal court meeting.

According to Edmonson County Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey, the current Jaws of Life vehicle is now dated and needs updating for multiple reason; the main one being storage for crucial safety equipment.

"We just accepted all three bids that we received in order to look them over, compare them, and make sure that the bids are consistent with each other as to the type of vehicle and needed storage needed for the Jaws of Life," Lindsey told the Edmonson Voice. "The bids will be turned over to the committee that was formed to look into this project. They will make a recommendation to the Fiscal Court once a decision has been made. This committee is comprised of Mickey Johnson, Mark Meeks, TJ Massey, Tammi Willhite, and Ashley Ritter."

Lindsey said the county has a contract with Kyrock Fire Dept that was put in place several years ago to provide Jaws of Life services countywide. In that contract, it specifies that the county is responsible for providing a vehicle for use.

The court also approved 2027 fiscal year Jailer's compensation and duties. Magistrates approved the salary amount of $42,271 per year. The Jailer is responsible for the lawful custody, transportation, and housing coordination of inmates. The jailer not only transports when someone is arrested, but also on court dates. The jailer also oversees contractual inmate housing with regional detention facilities, ensures safe and secure inmate transport, maintains compliance with Kentucky law, and coordinates with courts, law enforcement, and county officials. The jailer is also responsible for responding to any medical needs that may arise with any of the county inmates. 

The court also voted to apply for a T-Mobile Hometown Grant for Edmonson County Parks and Rec. According to Judge Lindsey, the grant can be utilized for up to $50,000.

"Cody Stewart, Parks and Recreation Director, is putting together a proposal to use the grant to upgrade the baseball and softball fields in the Chalybeate Sports Complex," Lindsey told the Voice. "We are making plans and working on projects to upgrade every county owned park. This grant would help financially move this project forward. This is a 100% grant, so it does not require the county to match any percentage of the funding."

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026 at 4PM.

Schools will be closed on Friday, February 6, 2026 for Edmonson County due slick bus turnarounds and other back roads that still have unsafe sections.

It will be a traditional snow day. Friday night's high school basketball games and ceremonies are still planned to continue as scheduled.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
Following the final passage of H.R. 7178, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, Congressman Brett Guthrie has announced the securing of an additional $14 million in funding for the Edmonson County Water District. This will go on top of $9.2M for the water treatment plant in Edmonson County, which was secured by Sen. Mitch McConnell in early January of this year, and the $6.5M in state funds secured by Rep. Michael Meredith in 2024.

“I am proud to have been able to help secure over $23 million in federal funding towards these important projects,” said Congressman Guthrie. “For years, my team and I have worked to provide reliable and practical solutions to the water quality issues facing Edmonson County Water District. Today’s milestone could not have been possible without the collaboration with Senator McConnell, Kentucky Senator Givens, State Representative Meredith, and all other local stakeholders involved in this project. I look forward to seeing this funding directly benefiting the lives of hardworking Kentuckians well into the future.”

Sen. McConnell characterized the funding as "a critical federal investment" for Edmonson County’s water projects.

"Investing accordingly is among the core responsibilities of the Congress, and I’m proud to join Congressman Guthrie and local leaders to support essential federal funding that will help strengthen the quality of life for Kentuckians,” said Senator McConnell.

Rep. Michael Meredith said it was wonderful news for the county.

"Thanks to federal funding, along with the state resources we were able to secure, Edmonson County’s water system will finally receive the long-overdue upgrades it needs," said Meredith. "This achievement reflects years of dedicated collaboration among state, federal, and local officials and stands as a testament to the commitment that Congressman Guthrie and Senator McConnell have consistently shown for our community. Kentuckians rightly expect their elected leaders to work together—and to ensure taxpayer resources are invested in ways that will improve the quality of life for generations to come."

Edmonson County Water District General Manager Kevin Shaw said there were no words that can say what this will mean to the customers of Edmonson County.

"After many years of limited system improvements, we will be able to upgrade our water treatment plant with the technology needed in today’s world of new regulations. A very large portion of these funds will be used toward upgrading the water intake in Green River after the flow of the river was changed during the recent removal of the lock and dam below the current intake. My hat goes off to everyone who worked to make this funding available to the County Water System. These funds will greatly reduce the loan amount needed to complete these projects for the community."

Shaw told the Edmonson Voice that the $14M amount dedicated to Edmonson County's water intake system was "pretty incredible."

"We're in the planning stages right now because we still have a lot of unknowns," he said. "The river flowed a certain way for 100 years before the locks were taken out and it's not going to settle into its steady pattern overnight. We believe that the levels we saw in 2025 are going to be what would be considered normal levels and even at it's lowest, our intake never ran out of water."

Shaw said the funding would be "plenty" and would help provide the intake system improvements the community deserves. 

He said the additional funds should fix the intake from the failures that resulted in the removal of the locks and that a timeline would be to have a design ready to present to the Kentucky Division of Water by this year's end. Barring any hidden surprises, construction could begin in 2027.

According to the "experts," the purpose of removing the locks and dams was to return the river to its natural flow, despite residents of Edmonson County and our water system living with same river conditions over the past 100 years. No living person has ever been affected by whatever the original flow of the river may have been, however, that is what the county will see from this point forward.

As a result, fishing, boating, and other water sports on the Green River have all but been erased since the removal of the dams. 

As of today, the current total amount of federal and state funding headed to Edmonson County Water to repair and improve the system, once final signatures are in place, is now $29.765M.

TOTAL FUNDING DETAILS:

• $14,000,000 – Edmonson County Water District Green River Intake Structures
  • This project is said to provide for the replacement and upgrade of intake structures and tower at the Edmonson County Water District’s Brownsville facility, ensuring more reliable access to the Green River, a primary source of potable water for residents in Edmonson, Hart, and Grayson Counties.
  • This project was requested and secured by Congressman Guthrie as a part of H. R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act.
• $9,256,000 – Edmonson County Water District for Water Treatment Plant Modernization
  • This project is said to modernize the water district’s aging water treatment plant in Brownsville to meet future demand and improve long-term reliability.
  • This project was requested and secured by Senator McConnell as a part of H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act.
• An additional $6.5 million in state funding towards improvements for projects within the Edmonson County Water District was secured by Representative Meredith as a part of House Bill 1 in 2024. This funding was shepherded through the appropriations process by Kentucky Senate pro tempore David Givens (SD-09). Funding included:
  • $1,000,000 for the installation of a water line and booster pumping station.
  • $2,000,000 distributed to the Edmonson County Fiscal Court to provide an emergency infrastructure grant to the Edmonson County Water District. This funding required a $1,000,000 local match.
  • $3,500,000 to support operations and federal matching dollars towards the completion of upgrades at the Green River Water Intake if federal funds become available.

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Schools will remain closed on Thursday, February 5, 2026 due to hazardous road conditions, specifically school bus turnarounds.

"We have about 60 different bus turnaround locations throughout the county and there are still not any that are currently useable," Supt. of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander said. "There is still too much packed ice for our buses to safely turn around in these areas, and because of that, we are not able to use our bus routes."

It will be NTI day number 10 for students.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
An historic building was lost yesterday in a fire in the Chalybeate community.

Firefighters were called to the scene of the old Chalybeate Church building on KY HWY 3611 on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 around 2:40PM. The building was mostly overtaken with flames and smoke when firefighters arrived.

The structure, which was built in 1913, was originally known as Chalybeate Sunday School Chapel, and was home to four different church denominations: Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Christian Church. Each denomination held services there one Sunday per month. 

Over time, three of the denominations left and started individual churches of their own and the Baptists remained in the building. Chalybeate Missionary Baptist Church was officially organized in 1940 and later became Chalybeate United Baptist Church in 1956. The church built a new facility on Chalybeate School Road where services have been held since 2004.

The building was purchased a couple years ago by Scott and Michelle Skaggs. The former sanctuary portion of the building was used for a photography studio and the rear portion, originally used for Sunday School rooms, was a woodworking shop run by Eric Skaggs. 

The building was a total loss. Responding to the scene were the Chalybeate, Brownsville, Wingfield, Rocky Hill, Bear Creek, and Lincoln Fire Departments in addition to the Smiths Grove and Alvaton Fire Departments, along with the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office. Gas, water, and electric companies were also on scene to disconnect services during the fire.

Those on the scene said the fire most likely started from an electrical issue in the shop portion of the building. No one was in the building at the time and no injuries were reported.

At this point, you know the drill.

Some roads still slick. No school Wednesday, February 4, 2026. NTI day number 9.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Schools in Edmonson County are headed for the seventh consecutive day of closings after the latest winter storm that came a week ago, Saturday.

Countywide, at least 2.5 - 3in of snow fell with an additional quarter inch of ice on top, with some areas receiving more. A couple dustings of snow followed the ice as the week went on. With the addition of the bitter temps that kept the frozen stuff around, many places in the county still look like an ice rink nine days later. 

Fortunately for Edmonson County, power outages were minute, unlike our neighbors to the south, where in some areas of Nashville, folks are still without power and clear traffic lanes. Still, the weather has made traveling on many secondary and back roads difficult, which has resulted in school closings.

County Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey said county crews have been working nonstop since before the precipitation fell on Saturday.

"We've had all crews on deck for the entirety of the weather, which includes the supervisor and assistant supervisor," Lindsey said. "They took one day off this weekend with hopes that the sun would help melt some of it before plowing again."

Lindsey said that all 250 miles of county roads were salt-treated prior to the storm coming last Saturday, January 24th.

He said each member of the road crew has an area for which they are responsible for treating and plowing. According to Lindsey, the county currently has 5 plow trucks, each with salting capabilities, and a regular pickup. Crew members plow one side of each road, then return back on the opposite lane. It has been more challenging to clear roads after this storm because he said the rain penetrated the asphalt and created a layer that county trucks had difficulty plowing.

"It was more like shaving ice, and in some places, it was even making it more slick," he said.

The worst roads as of today are those mostly in the northern portion of the county in places where little sunlight shines on the blacktop this time of year. With temperatures below freezing, there is not much melting, despite salt. However, many county roads are not only clear, but also dry in numerous areas. 

For example, Kyrock Road currently has some impassable areas for school buses, along with other areas near Nolin Dam Road. In contrast, just a few miles away, Poplar Springs Road is in very good shape after crews plowed again. South side roads are in better shape as a whole, but there are still subdivisions south of Brownsville and other county roads that are still very slick. 

Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander said the school system is on a day-to-day basis of deciding whether or not school will be closed.

"Our kids need to be back in school, but we have to look at it from a school bus safety perspective," said Alexander. "Many people see their own roads that might be clear and don't understand why we keep closing school. Well, it was a perfect storm, so to speak, with the combination of ice and snow we got. It's very difficult to clear and we've been working on our school parking lots since Wednesday of last week with our skid steer, and it's still not finished."

Alexander said bus turnarounds are still full of snow all over the county, which is another factor. 

"Ninety percent of our back roads still have hazardous traveling conditions and we can't take those chances when it comes to school bus routes and the safety of our students and staff."

Today was the first day in over a week that temperatures broke above freezing.

We asked Judge Lindsey what his reply would be to those that wonder why the state roads are much clearer than most of the county roads. Most all state roads in Edmonson County are clear and dry.

"The state roads don't have near as much tree cover and shading on them as our county roads do," he answered. "Plus, state crews are able to get large graders on those roads. A lot of the county roads aren't wide enough to get a grader down them and that's why we don't have one. It makes it a lot more difficult. We've always had good luck with plow trucks, and they have the salters on them as well. Typically, after a snow, a couple days and it starts to melt off. That wasn't the case this time. Temperatures stayed in the teens and even lower."

He also noted that anything that softened during the day refroze at night and caused more problems.

He said he had hopes that higher temps and maybe even some rain might start to loosen the ice cap on the most heavily covered roads.

He also added that state crews have offered their assistance where they could, and despite a few complaints, most residents have been understanding.

"We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding during this process," he said. "I know it gets frustrating at times but our crews are working right now and they are working very hard."

Today is February 2nd, and according to those in Punxsutawny, PA, the groundhog saw his shadow this morning, which is supposed to mean six more weeks of winter. 

Happy Groundhog Day, everyone.

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Schools will stay closed on Tuesday, February 3rd, due to slick road conditions.

"The roads have not improved since yesterday and we must keep schools closed for safety reasons," said Supt. of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander.

It will be NTI day number 8 for students.

Darren Doyle, story:
Schools will continue to be closed in Edmonson County for Monday, February 2, 2026, which is also Groundhog Day. In an ironic twist, the movie "Groundhog Day," starring Bill Murray, is a repeat of the same day over and over, which is similar to the weather Edmonson Countians have faced for over a week now with snow and ice staying put.

Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander said it will be NTI day number seven for students.

"The temperatures and sunlight have not cooperated with our needs," he said. "Parking lots are still in slick conditions and the ice has kept up from being able to clear them. While the main roads are in good shape, side roads all across the county remain impassable to school buses."

A fresh dusting of snow caused many cleared spots to become slick again on Sunday morning. Temperatures are forecast to be above freezing during the day for much of the coming week.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Due to the cancellation of our scheduled Fiscal Court meeting on January 26th due to extreme winter weather making roads unsafe to travel, the Edmonson County Fiscal Court has called a Special Meeting of the Fiscal Court to fulfill the requirements of KRS 67.090. This Special Meeting will be held in accordance with KRS 61.823 which allows special called meetings under these criteria. The meeting will be open to the public and will be a video conference meeting in accordance with KRS 61.826 due to areas of the County that are still difficult to travel on the roads due to ice and snow cover. The meeting information and link are provided below.

Meeting Date: January 29, 2026
Meeting Time: 4:00 p.m.
Open to the Public

Zoom Link to the Meeting:
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/85864027944?pwd=3O83kmf7gvnJsF6x9yBSGEZKRlMLjg.1

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Schools will remain closed Thursday, January 29th, and Friday, January 30th, due to hazardous road conditions. These will be NTI Days #5 and #6. 

“Sunlight and temperatures have not cooperated with us in terms of road conditions," said Supt. of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander.

“Our maintenance department has worked hard to clear parking lots and sidewalks at all our schools. The School District would like to thank the State and County Road Departments for their efforts in clearing roads. This is just a very unique situation with ice on top of snow, which has packed and made it extremely difficult to clear with low temperatures and little sunshine.”

“Thanks to our staff, parents and students  in working together on these NTI days."

Friday's boys' and girls' basketball games in Whitesville are postponed to a date that will be announced later.

Darren Doyle, story:
A second Edmonson County home was claimed by fire in as many days on Sunday morning.

At approximately 8:40AM on January 25th, firefighters were paged to 1021 Noah Bledsoe Road to the report of a structure fire that was fully engulfed. Slick road conditions hindered firefighters' travel as snow and ice fell throughout the area yesterday and last night.

The residence was the home of Cliff and Karen Meredith, according to firefighters. There was no official cause of the fire reported.

All county fire departments were paged to the scene. Wingfield encountered downed power lines as they were en route and had to take another way.

The home was a total loss as well as vehicle. There were no injuries reported. 

Responding to the scene were the Brownsville, Chalybeate, Rocky Hill, Wingfield, Kyrock, and Smiths Grove Fire Departments, Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, and Edmonson County Emergency Management.

Firefighters also battled a house fire yesterday evening on Blackgold Road.

Darren Doyle, story:
Superintendent Brian Alexander has announced that schools in Edmonson County are dismissed for Monday, January 26th and Tuesday, January 27th due to hazardous road conditions.

They will be traditional snow days, according to Alexander. 

"With power outages across the county, we will assess later in the week and determine whether we continue to use traditional snow days, or if we resume NTI instruction on weather related cancellation days," Alexander said.