​Story and photos by Joseph Barkoff:
Edmonson County is up there in years. Up to 200 in fact. Despite enjoying its bicentennial year, the county with a population of just over 12,000 folks shows it can learn some new tricks while preserving and promoting the past for a better future.
 
With the help of the Edmonson County Arts Guild a new project was unveiled and celebrated for the first time ever Saturday, March 15th at the Edmonson County Community Center in Brownsville.
 
Edmonson County Judge-Executive Scott Lindsey and Kentucky State Representative District 19 Michael Meredith were both on hand to speak and commemorate the day.
 
At first, there were just three.
 
Three photos in the hall along the annex in the Edmonson County Courthouse.
 
“We’ve always had a storied history in politics and government here in the county for a small place like we are,” Meredith said. “We always had Mills Logan’s picture. We always had Bev Vincent’s picture, we always had Richie Sander’s picture. Those three had always been there.”
 
Now there are around a couple dozen, with more to come.
 
“Today is a great day,” Lindsey said. “You know, to me, every day is a great day to be from Edmonson County, but sometimes we get special days, and this is one of those days.”
 
“I think it’s a big thing because we want our youth to see these pictures on the wall and think to themselves, ‘hey, I can,’” Lindsey said. “If that’s what you aspire to be, it can be done because people have already set that trail and paved that way. I just want them to see the success stories.”

​Why the Gulld?
 
“They’re go-getters,” Lindsey said. “And with it being kind of an art project, with the pictures and that nature, I spoke to ‘em and as soon as I opened my mouth their eyes got really big and they said that ‘we would love that, can we take it and run with it.’”
 
Lindsey told the group, “Absolutely, you do what you need too,” he said.
 
“The Art Guild are bringing so much to the community right now with community involvement in honoring our heritage and history, along with the Edmonson County Historical Society,” Lindsey said. “We are all working together to preserve that and make sure that it’s there for future generations.”
 
Lindsey said one of his main goals is to help illuminate a pathway for success for the next generations.
 
“Hey, there’s people from here that have done big things, and we can too,” Lindsey said he wants the Edmonson County youth to be able to say to themselves.
 
The photos in the hallway will help remind all who pass through the hallways.
 
Along with the inaugural event, celebrating the heritage of Edmonson County also included a display of locally made quilts both antique and new.
 
One person with two quilts on display was Elizabeth Bullock, age 7, from Edmonson County. 
 
The hardest thing for Bullock to do was the “sewing,” she said.
 
Of the two quilts turned in by Bullock for the event, her favorite one is the one with an animal theme. 
 
“’Cause we went to the zoo,” Bullock said.
 
Her favorite animal is the sloth, she said.
 
Her family made a trip to the zoo and after, Bullock asked each family member what their favorite animal was so she could add it and then asked for permission to make it.

How did it come together?
 
Arts Guild president Phyllis Miller and member Lydia Nugent approached Meredith to see if they could help expand upon those three, Meredith said.
 
It did take a lot of work to put it together and they still don’t have them all, Meredith said.
 
What inspired the creation of the Art Guild?
 
“Phyllis is an art teacher,” Nugent said. “And she’s always loved art, she’s always done art. She wanted to get the people here in the county together and so we put it out.”
 
While there are some who come and go from the guild, there are 13 folks who stick around regularly, she said. Meeting monthly, they come up with ideas to create art around Edmonson County.
 
The quilt show, the new photo display in the hallway and the mural outside are all things they have been involved with, she said.
 
The photos of former Kentucky elected civil service members was put up around a month ago, Nugent said.
 
Meredith, Lindsey and the Art Guild all hope as word spreads about the new photo display, families who might have a photo of their loved ones who served in Kentucky’s or the Nation’s capital might bring them in to help complete the project.
 
‘You’ve got a pretty good display up there right now of the folks who have been a part of the political process in both Washington and Frankfort,” Meredith said. “And It really is, it’s part of the history and something that hopefully will stay out there for a long, long time so that people will know that history because I think that a lot of that has been lost over the years.”
 
“So, hopefully this is just something that will continue,” Meredith said. “It’s a big milestone with the 200th year of the County, obviously, but hopefully it will be up there for another hundred years.”
 
“The true amount of influence that this little community has had on the process is extremely important and can’t be understated,” Meredith said. 
 
He thinks folks don’t realize how successful the community is and Edmonson Countians should celebrate their successes more and feels this project is another way to highlight those successes, Meredith said.
 
The quilts were picked up soon after the event, but the photos in the hallway, like the hallway honoring Edmonson County’s military service members, will be there until the end of time, honoring those who have achieved and served from Edmonson County.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Three new members were added to the Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni on Friday, March 14, 2025, including Michael Lee Meredith, Dion Houchins, and Regina Byrd.

The event was held at Tayvin Gardens in Chalybeate and was at full capacity for yet another year.

Dion W. Houchins, a 1983 graduate of Edmonson County High School, was a standout student and athlete at ECHS, earning 10 varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball where he helped lead all three teams to championships and received multiple individual accolades along the way.

A talented math student, Dion earned the Ray Family Math Scholarship, which set him on a path to pursue an accounting degree at WKU. Dion’s career spans roles within and outside Edmonson County. He worked as a public accountant and a bank executive, including a 10-year tenure at Bank of Edmonson County as Executive Vice President and Board Member. I009, Dion joined Houchens Industries and later became CEO and Chairman of the Board in 2020. Under his leadership, Houchens Industries, the largest 100% employee-owned business in the U.S., has expanded its holdings significantly while enhancing profitability and diversification for its employee owners.

Beyond his professional success, Dion has been an active community leader. He served as President of the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce and has served as a board member in numerous organizations, including the Warren County Water District, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, and the WKU Hilltopper Athletic Foundation.

During his acceptance speech, he credited his family roots in the Jock community, the education and relationships grown at Edmonson County High School, and the value of hard work and honesty for his success. He honored his wife, children, and grandchildren and thanked the community for prayers offered up for one daughter that had faced numerous health issues.

 

State Representative Michael Lee Meredith was also gracious to his family and community.

A 2003 graduate of Edmonson County High School, he served two years on the Brownsville City Council prior to serving in the Kentucky House of Representatives where he is proudly known as the Gentleman from Edmonson. Michael was the youngest member of the legislature when he was elected and now, after 14 years, he is one of the most senior members and has represented Edmonson County in the House longer than anyone in our county’s history.

He chairs the House Banking and Insurance Committee and is the former chair of the House Local Government Committee.

Michael has passed numerous pieces of important legislation, including helping secure $50 million for a veterans nursing home in South Central Kentucky. A strong advocate for our local schools and students, he was instrumental in getting $10 million for the new vocational center at ECHS.

 He has served on the boards of the Edmonson County Tourism Commission and Lifeskills. He is currently a member of the Edmonson County Lion’s Club and is a Leadership Edmonson County Alumnus.

He thanked several in the audience, such as teachers and mentors, and honored his late mother, Peggy Meredith for guiding him along the way.

Regina Parsley Byrd, a 1970 graduate of Edmonson County High School, was the final inductee of the evening and the 2025 class.

A lifelong Edmonson County resident, Regina is a financial advisor with over 30 years of experience, managing offices in Bowling Green and Hodgenville. She has led the boards of several non-profit organizations, including the Commonwealth Health Corporation Foundation, Networking Women of Bowling Green, and the Edmonson County Woman’s Club. She has also been an active member of the Edmonson County Tourism Commission, Bowling Green Women’s Fund, Chalybeate Homemakers, and the Elm Street Society.

Her efforts have earned her several accolades, including the prestigious Athena Award in 2003. Regina and her husband, Ken, live in the Chalybeate community.

She credited her parents, her family, prayer, and good people around her for achieved success.

In addition, the Edmonson County High School Honorary Alumi Award was presented to Dale "Doc" and Sara Gray for their contributions to families and communities throughout the area over their lifetimes. Mrs. Gray tearfully accepted the awards on behalf of her and Mr. Gray, who was unable to attend.

Many of the past inductees were present at last night's event, including, Bro. Jerry Patton, Scottie Woodcock, Johnny Pete Vincent, Dr. Kevin Clemmons, Jeanne Patton, and family members of the late David Webb, Jimmie Gipson, and N.E. Reed.

The HODA inductees are selected each year by the EC HODA Committee. Nominations are accepted throughout the year and the intent of the program is to honor alumni whose exceptional achievements and careers reflect the highest values embraced and promoted by Edmonson County School and the HODA Selection Committee.

Award recipients have distinguished themselves by contributions made in their fields of work, professional or public service, or in the betterment of humanity.

Last night's event was started by Edmonson County Board of Education member Wynn Caudill, who got lots of laughs from the crowd as his anecdotes set the tone for an engaging night. 

Former inductees Dr. Kevin Clemmons, Jeanne Patton, and Bro. Jerry Patton introduced this year's inductees, respectively.

Several ECHS students put in hours of work to help complete the event, including Sydney Blanton, Lilly Carroll, Abigail Hogg, Brayden Johnson, Marley Perry, Lola Ramsey, Evelyn Ulm, Kennedy Webb, and the ECHS Horticulture Club.

The 2025 HODA Committee Members are Regina Parsley Byrd, (ex-officio member for this year) Jamie Carnes, Cooper Clark, April Hennion, Amanda Lich, Chair, Scott Lindsey, Carol Stice, Laura-Grace Vincent, Johnny Webb, and Jonathan Williams.

Darren Doyle, story:
In 2024, $720,000 in state funding was allocated for the support of a new Kentucky Trail Town grant program. Legislation allowed certified Kentucky Trail Towns eligibility up to $30,000 in funding for recreational projects, including trail development and maintenance, project enhancements and marketing efforts. Brownsville was recently named one of the 19 Trail Towns in Kentucky that will receive a portion of $543,374 in funding, which is the maximum award of $30K. 

According to a press release from Governor Andy Beshear's Office, Brownsville plans to use grant funding to enhance accessibility for travelers by providing an ADA-compliant launch ramp, as well as new signage, a trailhead bike rack, community events and marketing initiatives. Vanessa Ulm, director of the Edmonson County Tourism Commission and representative of Brownsville Trail Town, highlighted the importance of improving access to trails and waterways.  

“Time on the trails has the ability to connect us with nature, encourage healthy lifestyles and offer opportunities to relish in the local flavor of our communities, and this generous grant will allow us to greatly enhance our efforts in these endeavors as our community and visitors continue to seek a bevy of outdoor experiences," she stated.

According to the release, the Kentucky Trail Town program is a tourism and economic development program designed to provide a strategic plan for communities to capitalize on recreation opportunities. Each Trail Town has made the public commitment to share their outdoor opportunities, culture, history and stories with guests seeking adventure. 

Neighboring towns Cave City, Horse Cave, and Park City were also awarded the maximum amount.

The 30 certified Kentucky Trail Towns are: Berea; Brownsville; Burkesville; Campbellsville; Cave City and Horse Cave; Columbia; Dawson Springs; Elizabethtown; Elkhorn City; the Harlan County Tri-Cities of Cumberland, Benham and Lynch; Hazard; Hyden; Irvine and Ravenna; Jamestown; Liberty; Leitchfield; Livermore; Livingston; London; Manchester; McKee; Morehead; Morgantown; Munfordville; Olive Hill; Park City; Pikeville; Royalton; Slade; and Stearns.  

MAMMOTH CAVE, KY. – A new-to-science species of ancient shark has been discovered through an ongoing Paleontological Resource Inventory (PRI) at Mammoth Cave National Park. The new species of obruchevodid petalodont, called Clavusodens mcginnisi, was identified by researchers through fossil teeth collected from deep inside the Ste. Genevieve Formation within Mammoth Cave.  
 
“The fossil discoveries in Mammoth Cave continue to reveal a wealth of new information about ancient shark species,” said Superintendent Barclay Trimble. “Researchers and volunteers collected samples from the main Mammoth Cave system and from smaller isolated caves throughout the park that have provided new data on previously known ancient sharks and revealed several species that are brand new to science. These discoveries help scientists to better understand the relationship and evolution of modern shark species within this relatively small geographic region.”
 
Clavusodens mcginnisi, or “McGinnis’ nail tooth,” was discovered from a number of small teeth found throughout the Ste. Genevieve Formation rock layer in Mammoth Cave National Park. Its name is derived from the shark’s back teeth which superficially look like old iron nails because of their flat crowns and long tooth bases. Nick-named “Chipmunk sharks” for their small size and chisel-like front teeth and crushing back teeth, members of the Obruchevodidae were between 3-4 inches in length. Their small size allowed them to avoid larger predators as they foraged on crustaceans, worms, and small brachiopods found along the sea floor. The species name, mcginnisi, honors retired National Park Service superintendent and naturalist David McGinnis, whose 39-year career started at Mammoth Cave National Park.
 
The Ste. Genevieve Formation at Mammoth Cave is a layer of rocks that date back to approximately 340 million years ago. The rocks consist of limestones and shales which formed on the bottom of a warm ocean reef. The majority of fossilized sharks are found in invertebrate hash beds, a rock layer made of skeletal and shell parts of crinoids, blastoids, corals, gastropods, and brachiopods. Prior to the discoveries made at Mammoth Cave over the last several years, no shark fossils were known from the Ste. Genevieve Formation. To date, over 70 species of sharks and other fish have been identified from this geologic layer, including four new species.
 
Visit Mammoth Cave National Park PRI to learn more about the park’s ancient shark research and view images of ancient shark discoveries in our Shark Photo Gallery.

Edmonson Voice Report:
An Edmonson County Grand Jury recently returned the following indictments:

Sasha Marie Williams, Bail jumping first degree.

Richard Lee Kuykendall, Sexual Abuse first degree.

Deborah Ann Cowles, Wanton endangerment first degree. Assault fourth degree (domestic).

Bobby Joe Bishop, Jr., Unlawful transaction with a minor, first degree-victim under 16 years of age. Rape, third degree (two counts), Sodomy, third degree (two counts).

Marquise Lynn Cornelius, Bail jumping first degree.

Joshua Glenn Tate, Assault second degree, Assault fourth degree (domestic), Resisting arrest.

Christopher Dale Matthews, Theft by deception of property values at $1,000 or more, less than $10,000.

Note: An indictment is only a formal charge and is not an admission of guilt. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Edmonson Voice Report:
A bridge rehabilitation project is expected to set up a long-term closure on KY 238 (Big Reedy Road) in Edmonson County.

The KY 238 bridge over Big Reedy Creek (mile point 3.4) is expected to close on March 7 for approximately 60 days.

A detour using the other KY 238 intersection with KY 185 will be in place. The bridge rehabilitation project includes new bridge beams and a new bridge deck. The new rehabilitated bridge will use the same footprint as the existing bridge.

When the rehabilitation is complete the weight limit restriction will be lifted. Currently, the bridge is limited to 18 tons.

The project contract was awarded in October 2024 to Cambry Contracting Inc for $645,000.

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Schools will be canceled on Friday, February 21st due to hazardous driving conditions on secondary roads.

Last night's additional snowfall added another 2" of snow in some of the northern parts of the county. This greatly hindered the road clearing process from yesterday's snow.

"This will be a regular snow day that will be made up when we return to school," said Supt. of Schools Brian Alexander. "We will announce a plan as to how our calendar will change for the remainder of the school year."

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County School District is closing for Thursday, February 20th, which will be a traditional snow day.  

"As we stated yesterday, this day will be made up at a later time," said Supt. of EC Schools Brian Alexander. "Exact make-up dates will be announced after we return to school. I'd like to thank our state and highway departments for their diligence and hard work. There is just a lot to clean up."   

The ECHS boys' basketball game at Breckinridge County has also been canceled for Thursday.

He said that school based decisions will be assessed again tomorrow in hopes of a return to school and activities.

Darren Doyle, story:
There will be no school in Edmonson County for Wednesday, February 19th due to the weather forecast.

According to Supt. Brian Alexander, it will be a traditional snow day. Make up days will be announced when school resumes.

"Many businesses and services in the county and region are closing," he said. "We want working parents to have as much time as possible to prepare for childcare situations."

Darren Doyle, story, photo, and video:
Edmonson County Judge-Executive Scott Lindsey has declared that a State of Emergency exists in Edmonson County for the period of February 15, 2025 to February 22nd, 2025. This is in addition to yesterday's Kentucky Emergency Declaration, requested by Governor Andy Beshear, which was approved by President Trump.

The KY declaration authorizes the Dept. of Homeland Security and FEMA to coordinate any disaster relief efforts necessary as a result of the flooding from Feb. 15th until now. The county declaration allows the coordination of all agencies as needed without government restrictions.

Edmonson County Schools were dismissed today, February 17th, as a result of closed roads and bridges from the flooding. Several bridges in the county remain under water, prohibiting school bus travel on multiple routes.

The possibility of impactful snow accumulations are in the forecast for Tuesday night into Wednesday. Total amount predictions are not yet accurate, as weather models continue to change.

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Schools will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2025 due to multiple closed roads throughout the county as a result of flooding.

"We have a number of flooded roads on both sides of the river that are going to make bus routes impossible in the morning," said Supt. of Schools Brian Alexander. In addition, plunging temps are going to bring in the possibility, or even the reality, of black ice."

Students were originally out of school for Monday for President's Day, but it was named as a makeup day for a previous snow cancellation. It will now be NTI day number 10 for teachers and students. It is the final NTI day allowed for the school. Closures from this point on will have to be made up to the school calendar.

Darren Doyle, story:
A Bowling Green man has been arrested after law enforcement said he fled an attempted traffic stop while also having two misdemeanor arrest warrants.

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, a deputy observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on KY HWY 185 on Thursday, February 13th around 8:45PM. The deputy reportedly activated his emergency lights as the vehicle approached but the vehicle continued on.

The Sheriff's office stated that as the deputy turned around, the vehicle accelerated in an attempt to flee. The deputy observed the vehicle turn into a random driveway on HWY 185 where the deputy made contact with the driver, who was identified as Anthony Moran, (31) of Bowling Green, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Edmonson County Dispatch advised that Moran’s operator's license was suspended and he had two active arrest warrants for Failure to Appear in both Butler County and Taylor County, the Sheriff's Office stated.

Moran was placed under arrest and charged with:

• Speeding 21 mph over the limit
• Operating on Suspended or Revoked Operators License
• Possessing License when Privileges are Revoked
• Failure to Produce Insurance Card
• Fleeing or Evading Police, 2nd Degree (Motor Vehicle)

He was transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail where he remains on a $10,000 cash bond.

***UPDATE*** Feb. 15th, 6:25PM: the following roads are currently closed at portions in Edmonson County: Blackgold/Grassland Road, Willie Webb Road, Oak Hill Road, Segal Road (KY 655), and Cedar Grove Church Road.

Darren Doyle, story:
Joseph Barkoff, photos:
Downpours continued on Saturday in Edmonson County with several roadways affected and even closed due to high waters.
With even more rain in the forecast, it is likely that more roads in the county will see closures.

Blackgold/Grassland Roads remain closed, along with Willie Webb Road.

Multiple reports of stalled vehicles in Warren and Allen counties with severe flooding also in Logan and parts of Butler Counties.

As the old saying goes, "turn around, don't drown," is good advice for the next day and half, maybe more.

Stay connected with Landon Hampton of WXorNotBG for your latest weather updates and forecasts.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Frankfort, Kentucky (February 12, 2025) – Last week, Representative Michael Meredith of Oakland filed a bill that would require all high school students to pass a financial literacy course in order to graduate.
 
“With this measure, we are taking the next step in ensuring that the students of our commonwealth graduate with the ‘real world’ knowledge necessary for their future,” said Meredith. “By providing financial guidance, we are not only teaching students how to make positive decisions, but also making them aware of the long-term repercussions and dangers of poor decisions.”
 
House Bill 342 builds off previous measures passed in 2019 and 2020 to require financial literacy education in high schools. Under this bill, all students who enter high school after the summer of 2025 will be required to take a one credit course in financial literacy during either their eleventh or twelfth grade year. The course must at minimum cover the topics of budgeting; saving and investing; credit and debit; insurance and risk management; and taxes.
 
“Many of these students will be faced with potentially life altering financial decisions right after graduation,” Meredith added. “Preparing them for those decisions as soon as possible helps increase their chances for a stable future, and in turn a stable future for the commonwealth.”

Edmonson Voice Report:
On Tuesday, February 11th, Representative Michael Meredith honored the two-hundredth anniversary of the founding of Edmonson County on the House floor of Kentucky’s Old State Capitol.
 
“It was a great privilege to recognize Edmonson County’s history in such a meaningful setting,” said Meredith. “With a wealth of historic landmarks as well as expansive access to Mammoth Cave National Park, Nolan Lake State Park, and Green River, Edmonson has had two centuries of distinguished history as both a cultural and recreational destination for people across the commonwealth.”
 
Edmonson County was established by the state legislature on January 12, 1825. The county is named after Captain John “Jack” Edmonson, a Kentuckian who died during the War of 1812, and was formed from portions of Grayson, Hart, and Warren counties.
 
It is an annual tradition for the Kentucky General Assembly to convene for a day of business at the Old State Capitol in recognition of the structure’s importance to the commonwealth’s history.
 
The Old State Capitol is the commonwealth’s third capitol building and the oldest still standing. It was used by the General Assembly until the current capitol building was completed in 1910. Since then, the Old State Capitol has been designated a national historic landmark and served as the previous headquarters of the Kentucky Historical Society. Tours are available Tuesday – Saturday.
 
“Yesterday we honored not just the history of Edmonson County, but the history of Kentucky,” Meredith added. “To stand in the same chamber where our commonwealth was governed for over eighty years was a humbling experience, and a reminder to myself and my fellow legislators of the responsibility we each have as public servants.” 

Edmonson Voice Report:
A weather system with moderate to heavy rain is expected to move into the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3 area overnight Friday through Saturday into Sunday, which includes Edmonson County. The National Weather Service Louisville has put the entire District 3 area under a flood watch.  As of Friday afternoon, the District 3 area is predicted to receive three to four inches of rain over the weekend.

"Flooding of roads is a serious concern with this type of weather system," KYTC District 3 said in a released statement. "Roads that typically don't have water across them could experience flooding. Motorists should be on the lookout water over roadways. Please do not attempt to drive through possible high water. Crews from each county in the District 3 area are on standby ready to respond as needed. However, road conditions change rapidly during a heavy rain event."

The District said that crews do their best to put up barricades as they are notified about a flooded road, but responding does take time. "Motorists should not assume because there isn't a barricade up that the road is not flooded. Motorists should not move or drive around barricades or cones that have been put in place."

The District noted that the ground is already saturated from multiple days of rain earlier in the week.

"Creeks, rivers and other water areas have received lots of rain. The additional rain predicted over the weekend will put even more stress on these areas. Areas around water ways are particular vulnerable to flooding."

The District 3 area serves Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson, Todd, and Warren Counties.

Darren Doyle, story:
Another step in the long process of building the new Kyrock Elementary has been completed with the purchase of 61 acres directly across from the current school, with construction being planned to begin in the early summer of this year.

According to the Edmonson County Board of Education, the tentative date for school to begin at the new building will be August of 2027.  Initial plans were to build next to the existing Kyrock Elementary, but the availability of the new site brought new options that the board deemed as better. The new Kyrock is slated to be built for a 550 student Pre-K through 6th grade facility.

According to School Superintendent Brian Alexander, the new land purchase will allow the current building to remain intact during the construction, and then repurposed after the school moves location.  The cost of demolishing the current Kyrock school would have been more than the cost of purchasing the new property, per required guidelines.

The property is the former farm of the Joe Don Patton family, which borders both Hwy 259 N and Black Gold Road.

“The Board and I would like to thank the Patton family for working with us on this property purchase," said Alexander. "It was important to Mr. Patton’s family (widow Sherry, and children Coty Patton and Verena Tracy) that this property be used for something meaningful to honor his memory. I think they’ve done that. Also, a huge thank you to Cindy Hudson McCombs, their realtor, for her diligence in making this purchase a reality."

Alex Ulm, Edmonson County Board of Education Board Chairman, described the new Kyrock project as "extremely exciting," which is now more than eight years in the making.

"(Former) Superintendent Patrick Waddell and Superintendent Brian Alexander have both put an immense amount of time and effort into getting us this far," Ulm said. "Edmonson County School District has had over two decades of excellent leadership from these gentlemen and we are in such an excellent position because of them.  Superintendent Waddell was so incredibly mindful of our budget and making the most of our bonding potential during his tenure and Superintendent Alexander has been a vital champion lobbying Frankfort, and getting the best opportunities for our students.  These men have truly taken what we teach our students, “Begin with the end in mind” to heart," he said.

Discussion and negotiation on the purchase of the property began late last fall, and the purchase became official last week. Alexander said the purchase of property by any public board of education involves a thorough process outlined by the Kentucky Department of Education.

"We would like to thank our local government and municipalities for their help in cooperation in making this process a reality," he said.

While the new property purchase was not in the original plan, Alexander said there were multiple factors in making the decision to build across the road.

"This will allow us to build faster and more safely for our students and staff. Additionally, with only eleven total acres at the current Kyrock Elementary, certain parts of construction such as parking lots couldn't be completed until the current Kyrock Elementary was demolished."

He said this will allow the current school building to remain and its purpose would be announced at a later date.

Board Chairman Ulm also added, "We had multiple community members reach out to request we search for options that did not require demolishing a building that is so vital to the community, as well as one that held so much valuable history."

The exact location of the property will allow for the utilization of Black Gold Road for buses and Hwy 259 N for parent drop off, staff parking, and visitor parking, he said.

“Anyone who has been at Kyrock at morning drop off and evening pickup will understand the need for improvement.  The safety and ease during these times will vastly improve.”

Ulm also credited the cooperation and assistance from multiple sources, bodies, and individuals. 

"The City of Brownsville made the decision to collaborate with Caveland Environmental to improve local sewer capacity," said Ulm. "Edmonson County Water District agreed to assist with expansion of the sewer lines they have, all to make it possible over the next two years to get sewer service to the new facility.  We currently spend a great deal of money on service for our current package plant and will be able to save this monthly expense once the new facility is open.  This huge benefit required over a year of work from, and meetings with, Judge-Executive Scott Lindsey, State Representative Michael Meredith and CEO of Caveland, David Peterson.  Superintendent Alexander, Director Lannie Deweese, and Director Callie Beliles have worked tirelessly to investigate requirements and get everything in order for this to be possible."

Beliles, who serves as school director of facilities and safety, said she is a former Kyrock student who is looking forward to the continuing process of a new school in the county.

"It is the honor of my career to have the opportunity to work alongside our Board of Education, Sherman Carter Barnhart, Alliance Corporation, Shrout Tate Wilson Engineering, Arnold Consulting and Engineering, and Baird to make this long awaited dream a reality for our staff and students," she said. "Kyrock is where I spent six years of my childhood. It is such an exciting time for our Blackhawks, Bulldogs, and Wildcats."

Lannie Deweese, director of maintenance and transportation for the school system said they are happy to have completed the land purchase.

"We feel like the steps we are taking in construction over the next couple of years will really improve our schools for many years to come and we are excited to get started."

Ulm said because the new location will touch two roads, one county, and one state, it required cooperation from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet as well as the Edmonson County Road Department. 

"I cannot stress enough how much cooperation and collaboration went into this process," he said. "On behalf of our students, I am immensely grateful for all this hard work."

In addition to the new multi-million dollar Kyrock, more improvements are headed to Edmonson County Schools.

Plans are also underway to undergo a major renovation at South Edmonson Elementary that will see added classrooms, roof improvements, HVAC updating, and advancements for drop offs and pick ups.  South Edmonson will be adjusted to a Pre-K through 6th grade facility as well.

This will allow the school district to transition away from the 5/6 Center, which was built in 1959.  Future plans for the 5/6 Center will be announced at a future date.

"The Edmonson County School District has always put our children first, so much time and effort goes into these big decisions, we are so very lucky to have so much teamwork and support," Chairman Ulm said. "Thank you to the Patton family for reaching out and thank you to everyone, in and out of district, who have made this possible."

Darren Doyle, story:
Two local men were arrested on multiple charges after a warrant service led to the discovery of illegal drugs, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office stated that deputies attempted to serve a felony drug warrant for a resident of 1341 Denham Road in Chalybeate on Friday, February 7th. The individual with the active warrant was not present but deputies made contact with two individuals who were in a small room attached to the porch of the residence, the Sheriff's Office said. The two were identified as Patrick Blanton (52) and Brandon Harrison (41).

According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies could smell the odor of marijuana emitting from the room and consent to search the room was granted. The Sheriff's Office said suspected methamphetamine, suspected Xanax, and various drug paraphernalia were located in plain view.

Both subjects were arrested and charged with the following:

Patrick Blanton:

• Poss Cont Sub 1st Degree, 1st Offense (Methamphetamine)
• Traff Cont Sub, 2nd Degree, 1st Offense(>or = 20 Drug Unspecified Sch 3)
• Drug Paraphernalia Buy/Possess
• Prescription Cont Sub not in Proper Container 1st Off

Brandon Harrison:

• Poss Cont Sub 1st Degree, 2nd Offense (Methamphetamine)
• Traff Cont Sub, 2nd Degree, 1st Offense(>or = 20 Drug Unspecified Sch 3)
• Drug Paraphernalia Buy/Possess
• Prescription Cont Sub not in Proper Container 1st Off

Both were transported to the Hart County Jail were they currently remain with no bond.

Darren Doyle, story:
A man from the Segal community is in custody after ramming a police car and leading law enforcement on a high speed chase in the Brownsville area today, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

Law enforcement stated that they were called to a residence on Beaver Dam Church Road around 8AM on Wednesday, February 5th to a report of a male who was demanding a family member's bank cards and threatening family with a gun. According to the Sheriff's Office, the suspect, identified as Jerry Matt Napier, (36) had fled the scene when law enforcement arrived but officers immediately headed to his known address on E. Hack Road in Segal.

According to the Sheriff's Office, a vehicle matching the suspect's car was located at the Dollar General Store in Brownsville. It was discovered that the vehicle was Napier's, who was inside. A deputy reportedly attempted to open his door at gunpoint with another deputy boxing him in from behind in a police cruiser.

Napier then rammed into the cruiser in reverse and moved it enough where he could drive over the curb and into a neighbor's yard, eluding police, the Sheriff's Office said. The suspect then traveled onto Morgantown Road where a high speed pursuit began, law enforcement said, and a deputy was able to pass Napier and began trying to slow him down. The deputy stated Napier rammed his cruiser more than once and that he was finally able to allow Napier around him as the deputy executed a pit maneuver, forcing Napier off road.

In the midst of the pit maneuver, the deputy stated that his cruiser's front wheel broke off, rendering it disabled, but Napier was able to drive down the ditch and back onto the highway. The pursuit continued down KY HWY 187 with multiple units and then left onto Sunny Point Road, all the way to the end, according to the Sheriff's Office, but instead of turning onto KY 185, Napier went straight and jumped over the road, crashing into a natural gas well. Napier then reportedly ran on foot across Big Reedy Creek and into a large field where a farmer loaned law enforcement a UTV and they drove out and took Napier into custody without further incident.

Napier, who was uninjured in the incident, was arrested and charged with:

• Wanton Endangerment-1st Degree
• Wanton Endangerment-2nd Degree-Police Officer
• Robbery, 1st Degree
• Criminal Mischief, 1st Degree
• Fleeing Or Evading Police, 3rd Degree
• Reckless Driving
• Possession Of Firearm By Convicted Felon
• Fleeing Or Evading Police, 1st Degree

The Sheriff's Office said that Napier had recently been released from prison on various drug and fleeing charges. He was transported to the Hart County Jail with currently no bond.

Also assisting was the Edmonson County Jailer, Kentucky State Police, and the Grayson County Sheriff's Office.

Darren Doyle, story:
Due to the high level or absenteeism with both students and staff, Edmonson County Schools will be closed on February 5th, 6th and 7th, 2025, and will utilize NTI Days on these dates, according to Superintendent of Schools Brian Alexander.

"We have attempted to continue to have school, and have tracked attendance rates and staff absenteeism daily," he said in a statement. "However, based on today's data, it is not feasible to continue to have in-person school this week."

He said that staff will be performing a deep cleaning of all schools while schools are closed.  

This will leave the Edmonson County School District with one remaining NTI day for the rest of the school year.  

 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) announced the start of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Kentucky’s Second District.

“I’m encouraging all high school students, who enjoy creating art, to participate in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Each year I enjoy hosting this competition, and I’m always impressed with the artistic talent of students across Kentucky’s Second District. Thank you to all of our local educators and judges for helping make this year’s Congressional Art Competition possible,” said Congressman Guthrie.

Each spring, participating members of Congress host the Congressional Art Competition in their respective districts. The artwork of students from Kentucky’s Second District are judged by an independent and local panel of art professors from colleges and universities. The overall winner’s artwork from Kentucky’s Second District and other districts and territories will be featured in the U.S. Capitol Building. The second and third place overall winners’ artwork will be displayed in Congressman Guthrie’s Bowling Green District office.

The Congressional Art Competition for Kentucky’s Second District also includes a “Facebook Favorite” competition. All students’ submitted artwork who abide by the rules and regulations (linked here) will be posted to Congressman Guthrie’s official Facebook page for the public to vote on between April 14-18, 2025, for their favorite artwork. The “Facebook Favorite” winner’s artwork will be displayed in Congressman Guthrie’s Bowling Green District office as well.

The winners of the Congressional Art Competition will be announced at the reception hosted by the Congressman in April. Reception details will be provided at a later date.

Students have three options to submit artwork to Congressman Guthrie’s Bowling Green District office by the deadline of April 9, 2025. Artwork can be shipped to or dropped off at Congressman Guthrie’s District office at:

Congressman Brett Guthrie
Attention: 2025 Art Competition
996 Wilkinson Trace, Suite B2
Bowling Green, KY 42103

Students can also call Congressman Guthrie’s District office at 270-842-9896 to make arrangements for a member of Congressman Guthrie’s staff to pick up artwork at the students’ schools.

Please contact Congressman Guthrie’s Bowling Green District Office at 270-842-9896 with any questions.

Darren Doyle, story:
Firefighters yet again were called to the scene of another fire today in Edmonson County.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene of a duplex fire right at the Brownsville City Limits across from Park Place strip mall on KY HWY 259 around 12:30PM on Sunday, February 2nd.

According to John Chidester, a member of the Brownsville Fire Department who was on scene, the structure was saved as the fire was contained to one unit, with the other unit suffering smoke and water damage.

It is now the eighth fire in Edmonson County to which local firefighters have responded in eight days.

The state fire marshal was requested by the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, according to Sheriff James Vincent, and the fire is under investigation.

Responding to the scene were the Brownsville, Chalybeate, Wingfield, Kyrock, and Lincoln Fire Departments in addition to the Sheriff's Office.

No injuries were reported.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Cedar Grove General Baptist Church, one of the oldest churches in Edmonson County, was lost in a fire tonight after a bizarre car crash on the church property.

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Tony Jaggers, (65), of Bee Spring was headed east on Cedar Grove Church Road, when the car veered off the left side of the roadway. Jaggers then over-corrected and the car exited the right side of the roadway where the vehicle came to a stop in between the church and the church's propane tank, the Sheriff's Office said. The vehicle was either on fire at the time of Jagger's exit, or soon after, but details are unclear at this time, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Several church members gathered nearby as they mourned the loss of their church. They shared multiple memories of the church, which was said to be over 140 years old.

"It's just awful," one woman said through tears. "But the Lord knows all about it."

Bear Creek Fire Chief J.T. Carroll said he was one of the first to arrive and that the car and one side of the church was engulfed in flames at that time.

The church's propane tank was in danger for a brief time but firefighters were able to cool it down, Carroll said, in addition to outside temps just above freezing.

Some of the walls were still standing at the church, but firefighters said it would most likely be a total loss.

All county fire departments responded to the scene that included Bear Creek, Kyrock, Lincoln, Brownsville, Chalybeate, Rocky Hill, and Wingfield. Warren Rural Electric also responded to the scene.

Law enforcement said details of the crash were limited and under investigation. No injuries were reported.

In addition to the fire departments and law enforcement, Warren Rural Electric also responded.

Tonight's blaze marked the seventh fire in the county in as many days. Multiple structures and vehicles have been lost over the course of the week, despite firefighters best efforts. All county fire departments, all volunteer, have responded all over the county and in all hours of the days and nights.

Darren Doyle, story:
A Brownsville man was transported to the hospital earlier today after a single vehicle accident just outside the Brownsville City limits.

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Kristopher Cochran, (27) of Brownsville was headed north on KY HWY 259 near the junction of Indian Creek Road in a Toyota RAV 4 SUV. Another unidentified driver who was headed south told law enforcement that the SUV veered left across traffic and exited the roadway. The vehicle then traveled down the bank and collided with a tree, the Sheriff's Office stated.

The Sheriff's Office said Cochran was transported to T.J. Samson Hospital with non life-threatening injuries and added that his sugar levels were very low, a contributing factor in the accident.

Others responding to the scene were the Brownsville Fire Department and Edmonson EMS.

Darren Doyle, story:
Four different fires had nearly all local fire departments running around the county at the same time on Wednesday, January 29th.

​The first call went out around 2PM to a report of a vehicle and food trailer fire at a residence at 4049 KY HWY 259 N.

According to local law enforcement, a resident was burning boxes at home when the fire got out and caused a nearby van to catch fire. The fire then moved to a food truck parked next to it. Both were fully involved when multiple north side fire departments arrived.

While at that call, the Bear Creek and Kyrock fire departments were called away to a woods fire near Bear Creek. Firefighters battled that blaze for over an hour.

In the midst of those two calls, Rocky Hill and Chalybeate Fire Departments were then called out to a residence on Brownsville Road where a tractor’s engine had blown and was fully engulfed.

Firefighters worked to keep the blaze from spreading to the nearby house, where siding was melted. The tractor was completely lost.

Soon after, a grass fire was reported on Denham Road in Chalybeate where a resident was burning trash on his property. The blaze was contained by the Chalybeate Fire Department.

​No injuries were reported at any of the fires.