2018 Chamber Awards: J.B. & Shaska Hines Are Citizens of The Year

Mammoth Cave National Park Receives "Tourism Partner of the Year"

Stephanie Gibson presents Judge J.B. and Shaska Hines 2018 "Citizen of the Year."

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
In addition to 2018's Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce "Business of the Year," which was awarded to R&R Heating and Air Conditioning, the chamber also awarded "Citizen of the Year."

This year's award was presented to Judge J.B. Hines and his wife, Shaska, for their volunteer work for the Edmonson County Tourism initiatives, as well as their continued work to promote business opportunities in Edmonson County.

The award was going to be presented by Stephanie Gibson, but she surprised not only the crowd, but also Judge and Mrs. Hines by welcoming Judge Hines' brother, sister, and mother, to present the award. 

Judge Hines thanked the chamber and those in attendance for what he described as a "gracious gift," and he gave several reasons why he and Shasta chose to live in Edmonson County; one being the people's appreciation for the county's rich history, and for the opportunity for all Edmonson County residents to live nearby good neighbors.

MCNP Deputy Superintendent Bruce Powell accepts Tourism Partner of the Year from Shaska Hines.

Also at the ceremony, the Edmonson County Tourism Commission awarded Mammoth Cave National Park the Tourism Partner award for their instrumental role in clearing the area of the Nolin River after the breach and removal of Lock and Dam No. 6 on the Green River. 

Erosion caused extreme damage to the water flow of the Nolin with hundreds of downed trees, which made the river impassable and useless to those boating and fishing, as well as canoers and kayakers. MCNP allowed funding for the Corps of Engineers to provide the labor and resources to clear the river. The boat ramp reopened in September of 2018. 

To find out more about the Edmonson County Tourism Commission, visit their website here. The Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce always accepts members and those memberships can be purchased on their site.