Darren Doyle, story:
Yesterday, members of the Kentucky House voted 81-15 to approve legislation that would allow Kentuckians to vote on a constitutional amendment aimed at closing a loophole that could allow non-citizens to vote in elections. The measure, HB 341, is sponsored by Representative Michael Meredith of Oakland.

“This is a short, simple, and commonsense proposal that would allow Kentuckians to decide if those who vote in elections should be required to be a citizen. Current language could be interpreted to allow non-US citizens to vote in elections because they are not specifically excluded and we are seeing this in other states. This was likely never an issue for the drafters of the constitution in 1891, but in the years since the potential to be a problem has come to our attention,” said Meredith.
 
“Voting is one of our most important rights and the one by which we ensure all the rest. We have an obligation to protect it and I appreciate my colleagues taking a stand and passing this measure,” he added.
 
According to Meredith, the proposed amendment would apply to sections 145 and 155 of the constitution. The specific ballot language would read:
 
“It is proposed that Section 145 of the Constitution of Kentucky be amended to read as follows: Every citizen of the United States of the age of eighteen years who has resided in the state one year, and in the county six months, and the precinct in which he or she offers to vote sixty days next preceding the election, shall be a voter in said precinct and not elsewhere. No person who is not a citizen of the United States shall be allowed to vote in this state…”
 
The proposed constitutional amendment would also clarify the same requirement applies to school board elections, which are overseen by a separate section of the constitution. The ballot language for Section 155 would read as follows:
 
“The provisions of Sections 145 to 154, inclusive, shall not apply to the election of school trustees and other common school district elections. Said elections shall be regulated by the General Assembly, except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. No person who is not a citizen of the United States shall be allowed to vote in said elections.”

Meredith represents Kentucky's 19th District, which covers all of Edmonson and part of Warren County.
 
HB 341 now goes to the Senate for further consideration. For more information about HB 341 and to track its legislative progress, visit the Kentucky General Assembly’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

Darren Doyle, story:
Today, U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie questioned Assistant Secretary Michael L. Connor, the head of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Division about the dam removal process in Edmonson County.

Rep. Guthrie explained the situation to Assistant Secretary Connor, how Congress had passed a bill to allow the Corps to remove the dam in order to return the river back to its original state prior to the dam 100 years ago; however, he noted that engineers from the Corps got the information wrong and that because of those mistakes, the water supply in Edmonson County has now been endangered. Approval from Congress was based on the studies from the Corps.

He asked AS Connor, "It is frustrating that we don't foresee these problems and try to get a jump on them. Does the Corps look at those issues before and try to mitigate moving forward? I don't know how familiar you are with that specific project, but that's important to us."

Mr. Connor said he was becoming more familiar with the issue and planned on visiting the local office within the next couple of months.

"We should be looking at those (issues)," Connor replied. "I don't know the specifics of the situation, how, you know, we didn't believe the levels were going to drop, then the intake was at risk, so I need to learn more about that. But the bottom line is, in any water resource project, we now understand, it's not just aquatic ecosystem, flood risk reduction, or water supply--they all affect each other now. So, if we didn't, we should be looking at all those factors of dam removal as we consider all the benefits or the implications of it. So, we'll do a deeper dive, but I appreciate right now, we've got a strategy where some of the stakeholders are offering assistance, and let me be clear, we will work with your office, we do, do environmental infrastructure projects, so if we need to add that water supply piece to help effectuate this overall dam removal process, we are definitely open to working with you guys."

Guthrie then referenced arguments that have been made of returning the river to its natural state. He said while he understood that, not just wildlife, but life in general has adapted to the changes to the river over the past 100 years and that that notion should also be considered.

The state of the river was changed long before the Edmonson County Water District used the Green River as a water supply and Guthrie said he understood the natural standpoint of the project, but the dam removal now affects the current society--a society that has adapted to the dam being in place for decades.

"So, do y'all factor that in as well when you factor in projects for bringing dams out?" Guthrie asked. "I know that's not the way God created it, but it's the way human society has developed around it, and that's important to factor in as well."

AS Connor answered, "Yes, Congressman. I've been involved in a lot of dam removal situations in other capacities as well as working with the Corps. Most of those situations are driven by the interests of local stakeholders that start a dialogue and try to build a coalition. A lot of times it's related to the benefits of this facility. While they were once significant, are no longer of value, particularly when you take into account the costs from an environmental standpoint or the implications as in other situations where you're other communities such as tribes in the Snake River Basin, Columbia River System. So usually, that's where the dialogue happens and that's why I say all the dam removal projects-breaching issues, and some aren't breached, is driven by local circumstances and usually local folks."

Guthrie's time was up and had to turn the mic over to another speaker, but as far as the "local folks" that AS Connor referred to, we have found no locals that were ever in favor of any dam removal project in Edmonson County, so that answer did not seem to apply to the removal of Lock and Dam No. 6 or 5.

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni has announce that tickets for the 2024 induction ceremony are now on sale.

This year's event is the second annual ceremony and will feature the induction of the late Jimmie Gipson, the late Judge N.E. Reed, Mr. Keith Madison, and Mr. Scottie Woodcock.

Event: Friday, March 15, 2024 at 6 p.m. CT at Tayvin Gardens (244 Noah Bledsoe Road, Smiths Grove, KY 42171).

Individual Tickets: A limited number of individual tickets are available for the 2024 event. The majority of these will be upstairs, but a small quantity have been held back for first floor seating for those with mobility issues. Those will be offered on a first come, first served basis. All individual tickets (regardless of location) are offered at $50 each. Guests should share any mobility issues upon sending their request.

Refunds/Cancellation of Event: Refunds for individual tickets will not be offered for any reason. Should the event be cancelled for any reason beyond the control of the committee, confirmed sponsorships and ticket sales will be honored for the 2025 event. (Let's hope this does not happen!)

Payment: Payment will be accepted by check and an invoice will be sent for payment instructions.

To Purchase Tickets: No tickets will be sold on the evening of the event and all tickets must be purchased in advance. Ticket sales will close when all tickets have been purchased. To reserve your spot, please call or email Carol Stice at (270) 792-5967 or [email protected].

The inaugural class of the Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 202 consisted of Johnny Pete Vincent, the late David Webb, MSgt. Larry Hawks, Johnny Webb, Jeanne Patton, Jerry Patton, and Dr. Kevin Clemmons.

Committee members of HODA are: Regina Byrd, Melinda Campbell, Darrell Cassady (Treasurer), Cooper Clark (Video Production), Morgan Esters, Amanda Lich (Chair), Judge/Executive Ronald Scott Lindsey, Carol Stice, Laura-Grace Vincent, Johnny Webb , and Jonathan Williams.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Commuters that use KY HWY 70 (Morgantown Road) that cross the Bear Creek bridge near the junction of KY HWY 187 are in for a longer trip, due to the upcoming closure to the bridge, which was announced by the KY Transportation Cabinet District 3 earlier this week.

The closure is scheduled for February 5th and is expected to last 90 days. The project consists of an entire bridge replacement.

What exactly does that mean for commuters? The normal route at the junction of KY HWY 259 and 70 in Brownsville should take drivers anywhere from 6-7 minutes to get to the bridge under normal circumstances; however, the detour that will be laid out with signage will be longer. That route will be HWY 259 N through Brownsville and Bee Spring, turning onto KY HWY 238 through Sunfish, then onto KY HWY 187. That route alone is anywhere from 18-20 minutes, adding anywhere from 10-15 mins on a normal traffic day.

Those planning on taking that route should expect delays in their schedule, due to the closure. Detour signs will be posted. The route and bridge are state roads and will be handled by the state, not county.

Plus: What Is In Our Water?

Darren Doyle, story:
The removal of Lock and Dam No. 5, which was halted in July of 2022, is scheduled to proceed sometime this May or June, according to a statement from the USACE Louisville District, in partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

The project, which began in September of 2021, was temporarily stopped due to dangerously low levels in the Green River that wreaked havoc on the Edmonson County Water District's (ECWD) intake, pumping, and treatment facilities. The removal of the dam was the cause of the low water levels.

The ECWD has been at a loss since the dam removal began, because they say they had nothing to do with the problem and don't have the funding to provide solutions. Until a meeting yesterday with USACE and other officials and agencies, no real solution had been provided to the ECWD.

“Despite not having a water supply mission on the Green River, the U.S Army Corps of Engineers has worked collaboratively with our local, state, federal and inter-agency partners for nearly two years to understand any potential impacts, and we are committed to continuing to assist Edmonson County Water District as they develop both interim and long-term solutions to their water supply challenges,” said Louisville District Commander Col. L. Reyn Mann. “After years of discussion, immediate action is now required. Lock and Dam 5 is nearly 100-years old and has exceeded its service life, posing a great safety risk. Dam removal will improve public safety, increase recreation opportunities, and enhance aquatic habitat as it will restore free-flowing conditions to 73 miles of the Green River. We are encouraged by ECWD’s efforts today. Their passion for supplying water to the local community is evident. We applaud their board for taking meaningful steps toward a solution.”

Boat access to the Green River in Brownsville and the surrounding area has been non-existent since the removal of Lock and Dam No. 5. Without boat access, many locals would argue that "increased recreation opportunities" won't happen. Not being able to put a fishing boat in the river would likely make an enhanced "aquatic habitat" a moot point.

While the recreational affects of the complete dam removal remain to be seen, ECWD Commissioner Greg Nugent says the district is optimistic after yesterday's meeting, where a viable permanent solution was presented by the USACE.

"The Corps had originally given us four options and we looked at all of them," Nugent said. "We responded and chose an option that would create a rock dam, much like the one in Bowling Green in the Barren River, but then they told us they couldn't do that because it would raise the water levels too much. I mean, they gave us that as an option, then said they couldn't because of a new study they had done."

Nugent has been vocal about the USACE and other agencies leaving the solutions to the problem up to the district.

"But we didn't create this problem, and we certainly don't have the funding to come up with one, but I told them yesterday that this was the first time we've had a guarantee that we'd still have water with the dam completely removed and they agreed. They said they found a deep pool that will always hold water."

The presented solution would be to pump water from the pool into a newly-constructed water tower that is up the river near the old Lock and Dam No. 6 location.

"Basically, gravity flows into that tower and then we pump it out of the tower into the treatment plant," said Nugent.

Funding is still an issue, but Nugent said the district was hopeful that federal and possibly state money could be received in order to take care of the costs. He was very complimentary on the action that Representative Brett Guthrie's office has offered to the district.

Congressman Guthrie's Office sent a statement to the Edmonson Voice today.

“Yesterday, the Edmonson County Water Board met and welcomed a collaborative discussion between Col. L. Reyn Mann and her team from the Army Corps of Engineers, the Nature Conservancy, and other key community stakeholders. Although work remains, I am pleased with the progress from the meeting and I know these ongoing discussions are critical to ensuring a both a short and long-term solution is reached as quickly and efficiently as possible. My team and I will continue to work with all the parties involved to collaborate and generate solutions which will benefit all residents of Kentucky’s Second district."

Nugent also applauded the group that is working on the solution, which include engineers and permit agents from the Corps, along with a new colonel that seemed very engaged, according to Nugent.

"The Corps of Engineers and the Nature Conservancy have come up with a viable solution if we can get the funding," he said. "The locks are coming out, that's what they said, so we have to look at the next step."

So, what's in our water?
While a solution to the water supply issue is finally on the horizon, another question that many are asking is simply, what is in our water? With regular boil water advisories and many reports of discolored water over the past year, several local residents want to know more. A Facebook post from a Chalybeate resident had many taking a second look and a second thought at what exactly we're drinking and using.

Jenny Turley posted photos to her Facebook account this morning about a discovery she made at her home. During the cold spell last week, she let a bathroom faucet trickle to prevent frozen pipes and placed a gray wash cloth in the bottom of the sink to mute the dripping sound. According to her post, after one day of drips, the gray cloth had been bleached out. After five days of the drip, the entire cloth had bleached spots all over, ruining the cloth. The entire post is below:

Mrs. Turley does not claim to be an expert on water quality, however, after losing family members to cancer, she said she was prompted into looking into the removal of potential harmful substances from her home several years ago, as she shared her thoughts with the Edmonson Voice.

"Eight years ago I started asking more questions, I wanted to know more about what causes sickness, cancer, health issues etc. This was a direct result of loss, I lost my sister to Triple negative breast cancer," said Turley. "This started me on a journey on how to get toxic chemicals out of my home.  Little did I know how far and deep this dive would take me over the years."

Her concern with local water was, with a simple cloth being bleached out from a dripping faucet, what levels are actually safe to drink?

"It was explained to me that we have a compromised water level in our river and the source of water requires more chemicals to make our water safe to consume," she said. "The “science” behind the amount that is safe is supposed to keep us safe and make our water consumable.  I have real questions about the safety of those increased chemicals in our water.  How much is too much? There can be lethal levels of toxins in water such as chlorine, metals, plastics, microbes, pesticides, prescription meds, fluoride etc. How many chemicals are being used to make our water “safe” to drink. "

"We need help," she continued. "Our government will not help us or any other community get cleaner water.  So many other communities across the U.S. have sounded the alarm and to what end?  Filtering our water is the best way to help prevent these poisons from entering our body.  Not only do we drink it, we shower in it, wash our babies in it and cook with it. Our skin in our largest organ, it takes 29 seconds for our skin to absorb what touches it."

We asked Commissioner Nugent about the bleached cloth and Mrs. Turley's post and comments. Nugent said that while the lower volume of water has resulted in a more concentrated treatment process, the water is still safe to drink.

"We have to send in water samples all the time and we continually do that," said Nugent. "The water, due to the river level, has been more difficult to treat, because of the dilution factor has gone down. We don't have as much water volume, so it's been more difficult, but our water is checked to determine whether or not it's safe. We've had to use more chemicals to treat the water out of the river, but that's to keep it safe to drink. Those samples are sent to the lab, and all this is governed by the Division of Water."

The Division of Water (DOW) is responsible for regulating public water systems to ensure public health protection.

Mrs. Turley is one that is not in favor of the extra treating, because she's not convinced that the treatment itself is safe; however, the ECWD says that it is. Below is a document available from the ECWD, that explains what is tested in our water.

"I have received several letters from our local water district months after the fact, telling me that the water didn’t meet their standards.  Three or four months before that letter my water was contaminated. Three or four months ago?? So, I have consumed unsafe water, now what?" Turley said.

It is important to note that while the water might not have met standards, it does not mean it wasn't safe to drink. There were also several comments in the Facebook thread from others using other county and city water sources, not just in Edmonson, that had similar complaints.

"I have lost my father, sister, neighbors to cancer," she said. "Is it connected to the water? Is it connected to our environment, food, cleaning supplies? Doesn’t it all wind up in the river, only to be filtered into our drinking water? Questions I ask myself as I keep looking for answers, all while filtering my water, researching, asking questions and looking for answers."

In the document are a lot ppms and ppbs, along with mg/L and a lot of other info most people don't understand; however, others like Mrs. Turley, have very strong opinions and have sought out their own filtration methods and systems, but according to the district and the DOW, local water is safe to drink.

Bleached washcloths --or the treatment that causes them-- can also be added to the long list of problems that shouldn't be happening as a result of the failed dam removal.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
It took a whole lot of teamwork and all sorts of items used from around the farm, but a 33 year-old horse was rescued today after he fell through the ice on a frozen pond.

The incident occurred today at the farm of Danny and Darlene Vincent of Rocky Hill where fire departments were called out to assist Edmonson County Animal Control with the rescue around 4:00PM. According to those at the scene, the horse, fitly named "Old Man," who was recently adopted by the Vincents, walked out onto the frozen pond and made it about 25 feet from the shore when the ice broke and trapped the horse.

McKenzie Vincent, a daughter, said he had been turned loose from the barn for the first time in three weeks, as he requires special treatment and feed, due to his age. Because he wasn't used to the herd, he wandered off toward the pond and fell in. McKenzie said that emergency personnel had arrived and were working on breaking the ice in a pathway toward the horse but not wanting to spare any more time, Darlene and Breanna Bruce of Pig swam out into the icy water to try to get the horse.

"Brianna got out there and rode him up to the bank, but that's as far as he could get," Darlene said. "That's when he went down and it didn't look like he was going to get back up."

The horse was exhausted and almost in shock when he collapsed onto the bank, which was extremely steep and solid mud. Those involved in the rescue had trouble maneuvering in the ankle-deep mud and manure, and a couple of them were even working in their sock feet.

Several involved were at least waist-deep in the icy pond as they used ropes, makeshift block and tackles, a winch from a pickup truck, tote lids, extra tires, and anything else they could MacGyver together to get underneath and around the horse's body to assist him in trying to get up the steep muddy bank.

After falling though the ice, the horse was still able to stand, due to the fact that the pond was very shallow in that spot. It was simply a matter of getting him routed back to the bank the way he came, which proved to be quite difficult with a freezing horse in shock that's 33 years old.

Workers fashioned a harness of sorts from rope and other tack, which was then hooked to a winch on an Animal Control pickup truck. The winch was able to pull the horse up a few inches at a time while others held ropes from the bridle to keep the horse's head up. Every few inches, it would all have to be readjusted in order to keep from injuring the already traumatized horse.

After about an hour, the group started under one side of the horse and began pushing him over. The horse was finally moved to a spot where he could stand. The shouts of joy that went out from the family sounded like an old fashioned tent revival as they quickly got the horse inside a barn with a blanket, heat, food, and water.

Old Man arrived at the Vincents about three months ago, due to a family that moved out of state and couldn't take the horse with them. The Vincents adopted him as one of their own. It's unclear to what extent of trauma the horse experienced and how that will affect his recovery but Darlene said she was willing to stay in the barn with him tonight to keep an eye on him if necessary.

The Vincents have 13 horses on their farm. McKenzie said the horse has a more formal name, but since it was pretty long and hard to remember, everyone calls him "Old Man."

"We take the ones nobody wants," Darlene said. "We just take care of them. We brought him here to live out his days. I want to thank the fire departments and everyone for their help. We appreciate it so much."

Responding to the scene were the Rocky Hill and Chalybeate Fire Departments, along with Edmonson County Animal Control. They were all covered head-to-toe in mud, but the Chalybeate VFD even had time to jump a dead battery from someone's vehicle at the scene after the rescue.

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County Courthouse is closed today, January 19, 2024, along with all county offices.

For emergencies, please call Edmonson County Dispatch at 270-597-2729.

Mammoth Cave National Park will open park offices, facilities, visitor services, and the Green River Ferry at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 19 due to overnight wintry road conditions. All secondary park roads are closed.

Bank of Edmonson County branches are operating on a delayed schedule today, opening lobbies at 10AM at all locations and will close at 3pm.

Scott Waste has suspended trash pickup until Monday, January 22nd.

​The Edmonson County Public Library is closed today.

All WKU campuses are closed with all classes canceled today, January 19th, no current announcement has been made for SKYCTC.

District 12 boys and girls basketball games at Butler County are canceled, as well as the Lady Cat game at Monroe Co. on Saturday.

The Voice has posted a traffic condition video on our Facebook Page.

Today's high has already been reached with the temperature forecast to drop throughout the day with a low of 6* tonight. Expect a high of 20* on Saturday with a low of 3*.

All roads are hazardous this morning. State and county crews are still working to clear roads. A thin layer of ice has been coated with an additional dusting of snow overnight with light snow falling now, as of 7AM.

Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander has announced there will be no school in Edmonson County for Friday January 19, 2024 due to hazardous road conditions.

Main roads have been plowed with some in good condition, but secondary and side roads are still covered for the most part. State and county crews continue to work to clear the roadways.

This will be NTI day #7 for students.

Mr. Alexander said that with the current winter weather advisory, a decision on tomorrow’s ECHS basketball games will come later.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
Schools will remain closed in Edmonson County for Thursday, January 18th, according to Brian Alexander, Supt. of Schools.

The majority of county roads and other secondary roads are still covered, which presents hazardous driving conditions for school buses.

It will be NTI day #6. Mr. Alexander explained the importance of NTI days.

"I know people would probably rather not have any school work to do on these days, but these are days that do not have to be made up," he said. "If we don't do NTI, then those days have to be added to the end of the school year or possibly spring break. We have heard from a large majority of parents that like starting school a bit later, so in order to end the school year before Memorial Day, we try to utilize our NTI days as much as possible. We know this may not be the first choice for some, but we feel this is the best option for the majority of Edmonson County student families."

Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander has announced there will be no school in Edmonson County for Wednesday, January 17, 2024 due to hazardous road conditions.

Main roads have been plowed with some in good condition, but secondary and side roads are still covered for the most part. State and county crews continue to work to clear the roadways.

Tonight’s ECHS boys’ basketball game in Owensboro has been canceled.

This will be NTI day #5 for students.

The Edmonson County Courthouse is closed today, Tuesday, January 16, 2024. As a result, all county offices remain closed.

In addition, all county court sessions are also canceled.

Bank of Edmonson County is operating on an adjusted schedule today. All branches will be open from 10AM until 3PM today.

Mammoth Cave National Park will open park offices, facilities, visitor services, and the Green River Ferry at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16 due to overnight wintry road conditions. All secondary park roads are closed. 

The monthly meeting of the Edmonson County Historical Society for January is canceled.

Tonight's ECHS Wildcat basketball game in Owensboro has been canceled.

Most main roads have been plowed and are in decent shape but secondary roads are still covered as of 9AM on Tuesday.

We will update this list as we receive information. Got closings or delays? Let us know by emailing, calling, or texting.

[email protected], 270-597-6550, also message us through Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Judge Executive Scott Lindsey has announced that the Edmonson County Courthouse will be closed on Tuesday, January 16th.

As a result, all county offices will be closed tomorrow, January 16, 2024.
 
The Sheriff Office will also be closed, if you need assistance please contact Dispatch at 270-597-2729.

Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander has announced there will be no school in Edmonson County for Tuesday, January 16, 2024 due to hazardous road conditions.

Main roads have been plowed with some in good condition, but secondary and side roads are completely covered.

This will be NTI day #4 for students.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
The Edmonson County Water District is losing their general manager, someone who has done most of the jobs within the district over the past three decades. Tony Sanders has resigned as general manager but has agreed to stay until a new manager is hired, according to Edmonson County Water Commissioner Greg Nugent.

The water district has had their hands full over the last few years as a result of the removal of Lock and Dam #6 in Brownsville and the halted process of removing Lock and Dam #5 at Roundhill, all directed by federal agencies. The water district has had nothing to do with the decision to remove the dams.

The U.S. Corps of Engineers, the Nature Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and Mammoth Cave National Park all played roles in the removal of Lock #6 in Brownsville, which took place in 2017. The removal of  Lock #5 in Roundhill began in September of 2021 , but when water levels in Brownsville began to become critical, the water district was able to convince enough decision makers to temporarily halt the dam removal in Roundhill. While Lock #6 had failed and became a safety hazard, some experts said it could have been repaired. Lock #5 was not expected to fail.

Lawmakers, engineers, and federal agencies all boasted predictions about how the river would return to its natural flow, would be a better habitat for wildlife, and improve the tourism attractions for use of the river. They all got it wrong. None of their predictions came true.

Edmonson County has little to offer by way of attracting tourists if you're not talking about access to the Green and Nolin Rivers and Nolin Lake. Mammoth Cave National Park offers little to help Edmonson County and many of the visitors there spend their money in the Cave City area. The Edmonson County Tourism Commission has worked very hard to promote the lake area and river activities, such as boating, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. However, the routes that used to have miles of beautiful landscapes and perfect places for those activities now look like abandoned war zones in some areas, thanks to the removal of the dams.

Various federal agencies have admitted that they got it wrong but they have yet to provide any real solutions. The worst part is that the local water district could be on the hook for the solutions, and they would be solutions to problems that they not only did not create, but they also weren't in favor of from the beginning.

"Behind the scenes, the Water District has worked tirelessly, and still is to figure out a way to solve these problems that we didn't create," said Commissioner Nugent. "This has been a difficult process for us here because we actually have very little control over anything. The Corps of Engineers has total control over the lake and the rivers, and anything we try to do there, we basically have to beg them."

In May of 2023, the Water District called a multi-agency meeting to discuss the critical stages of the river that were wreaking havoc on the district's intake system. The drop in water level was causing sediment and algae to harm the system, along with the pumping and filtration process. Lawmakers, federal agencies, and the media were all invited; however, the Corps of Engineers chose not to attend and didn't let the district know until the day before the meeting.

Several who attended the meeting murmured at the notion that mussels and fish were seemingly prioritized over the Water District's approximately 11K customer accounts, which equates to approximately 30K people in Edmonson, Grayson, and Hart Counties. The boat ramp at Brownsville remains inaccessible to trailers, and canoe and kayakers have to carry their vessels a long way to have access. It was discussed at that meeting that there is currently no boat ramp access from Lock #5 in Roundhill all the way to Green River Ferry.

At the time, the U.S. COE emailed us two statements regarding questions raised at the meeting.

“Green River Dam No. 5 removal efforts were temporarily suspended in July 2022 due to concerns from the Edmonson County Water District regarding water levels. We fully understand the concerns from ECWD, and their water supply remains of utmost importance. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District, in partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and The Nature Conservancy, have worked collectively over the last year to perform additional surveys, data analysis and additional modeling to further analyze the effects of dam removal on water levels in the river under varying conditions. We will continue coordination with ECWD in the coming weeks. USACE is committed to keeping our stakeholders and the public informed as we collectively move forward.”

"The information you have surrounding The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District’s participation in Edmonson County Water District’s public meeting yesterday is not accurate. The Corps has been in frequent communication with ECWD and has worked collaboratively with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and The Nature Conservancy over the past year to perform additional surveys, data analysis and additional modeling to further analyze the effects of dam removal on water levels in the river under varying conditions. We will continue coordination with ECWD in the coming weeks. USACE is committed to keeping our stakeholders and the public informed as we collectively move forward."

Later, the Corps scheduled their own meeting with many of the same agencies and water district personnel, but no media was invited. At the time, the water district told the Edmonson County Fiscal Court that the only thing locals could really take from the latter meeting was that the Corps had no real solution or funding commitment at that time. Nothing much has changed since then.

Nugent said yesterday that they have held dozens of meetings to work on this issue, but that water customers really can't put into perspective how hard the district fought for locals, and the things for which they continue to fight.

"Right now, our water levels are not ideal, but adequate, but again, this is only temporary and we have to have a long term solution. I will say that Representative Brett Guthrie's office has really been fighting for us, and State Representative Michael Meredith has attended every meeting and fought for the water district customers. And that's not to say the other lawmakers haven't. They all see the need here, but we really appreciate what Brett Guthrie and Michael Meredith have done."

In addition to Sanders stepping down, Water Commissioner Barry Rich's term on the board expired. Since a motion to keep him on the board was not seconded, he is no longer a commissioner.

"Sadly, in my opinion, we've lost a tremendous asset by losing Barry," Nugent said. "Barry is probably single-handedly the reason that the removal of Lock #5 was temporarily stopped. He actually saw the crucial water levels at the time and got others on board to stop it."

Sanders submitted an open letter to the Edmonson Voice regarding his resignation.

Sanders has handled many complaints and has been the face of the district through their issues over the past few years, most of those being out of his control. He always publicly handled them with professionalism and always seemed to remain even keeled through the issues, even though they likely kept him up at night.

Nugent said on top of the water level problems, a huge increase in contractor work in the county has led to broken lines, causing delays to water customers, in addition to boil water advisories. New housing developments, fiber lines, gas and sewer, have all brought a large increase of digging in the county. He also added that the constant mapping and marking of water lines by the district, required by the new contracting projects, has taken some employees away from their regular maintenance and repair work at times.

Nugent also said the Water District was losing another "great asset" in Tony Sanders as manager.

"I certainly appreciate what Tony Sanders has meant to not only the Water District but the people of Edmonson County for the past 28 years. He probably knows more about our local water system than anyone else. He started at the bottom all those years ago and worked his way up, doing about every job there is here. We are going to miss him as the manager."

Nugent said the district has been plagued with other issues as a result of the water levels, one being less volume of water.

"The flow is still the same, but it's less volume-- it's less water, and it makes it much more difficult to treat. Imagine placing a drop of food coloring into a large tank of water, and then placing that same drop into a small cup of water."

He compared the food coloring to the substances that need to be filtered. If you drop the color in a small cup, the whole cup becomes a new color and what is necessary to "undo" that becomes much more involved than a large tank of water with the coloring, which wouldn't take as many resources. Those resources are the sole responsibility of the Edmonson County Water District.

Nugent said the district would start advertising for a new manager immediately and that Sanders would remain until a replacement is found.

There is still no current solution in place for the river level issues.

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County School Superintendent Brian Alexander has announced that all Edmonson County schools will be closed for Friday, January 12, 2024 due to a wind advisory that was issued by the National Weather Service today.

The NWS is predicting winds over 50mph beginning overnight and carrying on throughout the day on Friday. Gusts are expected to be upwards of 65mph.

"I just don't feel comfortable having school buses out during the high winds that are being forecast," Alexander said. "I know different school systems do things differently, but I have always said that student safety comes first and I feel this is the best decision for tomorrow."

Mr. Alexander said school officials attended a webinar today with the NWS, who advised extreme caution with high-profile vehicles.

The 2024 ECHS basketball homecoming is scheduled for Friday night, and is still scheduled to take place, according to Alexander; however, he said he would leave the final decision of the games and festivities to Whitesville-Trinity, who will be traveling to ECHS tomorrow. That decision will likely be announced sometime tomorrow.

Mr. Alexander also said students will use NTI day #3 on Friday.

According to the KY Department of Transportation, District 3, which includes Edmonson County,  crews are preparing for a multiple-phase weather system that is expected to move through the District 3 area and the rest of the state beginning overnight tonight. Rain with strong winds is expected overnight with single-digit temperatures with possible snow Sunday and Monday. Heavy rain is also expected throughout the day on Friday.

KYTC District 3 also stated that the strong winds Friday could cause issues for vehicles, particularly large vehicles, along with wet travel conditions.

Beginning Sunday into Monday a Winter Weather System may bring some snow and slick travel to the area. Temperatures are expected to reach single digits Sunday night. Motorists should be aware of possible hazardous driving conditions, but also bitterly cold temperatures. Motorists are encouraged to use slower speeds, leave plenty of space between vehicles, be cautious in braking, and keep updated on weather forecasts.

District 3 crews expect to begin anti-icing operations on roadways Saturday. Crews are prepared to respond to any winter weather that is expected Sunday and Monday.

Darren Doyle, story:
Roles are changing in Edmonson County with more to come.

Edmonson County Circuit Court Clerk Tanya Hodges has announced her retirement at the completion of her term, which will end in December, 2024. Clerk Hodges has been part of the Clerk's Office since 1987, serving the county for 34 years in various roles in the office.

Those roles include bookkeeper, deputy clerk, chief deputy clerk, and of course, the clerk. She jokingly said she'd served as everything there except maintenance.

"I've loved this job and I'm thankful to have it," she said. "I have grandchildren and my mother is till with me. I would like to spend more time with them, of course. I've loved it over the years but now it's time for me to move to other things."

Hodges' career in the office began immediately after her high school graduation.

"I was only going to be there until Brenda Luttrell was back from a medical leave," she said. "She actually started training me at her house in the afternoons after school. Ann Stewart took a chance on a 17 year-old child and changed my career path."

She said she had originally planned to be an educator but becoming part of the circuit clerk's office changed that. Former Clerk Sharon French promoted Hodges to Chief Deputy Clerk and then to Clerk after French's retirement. Hodges has served as main clerk since 2012.

So what's next? A new clerk will need to run for office for the Primary Election in May of 2024; however, one must pass a test to qualify to run for circuit clerk in the Commonwealth of Kentucky for non-current clerks.

There were 190 total tests taken for the 2024 election and only 58 passed, one of which was Priddy, who was also the only one in Edmonson County who was eligible to run.

Priddy, who stepped down from the KSP in December, served 19 years in various roles. He most recently was the Public Affairs Officer for KSP Post 3, which includes Edmonson County. That role has now been filled by KSP Trooper Katan Parker.

Priddy has been no stranger to public service, even outside of the KSP. His work earned him KSP Post 3 Trooper of the Year in 2018 and then statewide Trooper of the Year in 2019.

He has been active in local programs like D.A.R.E., Cram the Cruiser, Coffee with a Cop, and multiple school programs in Edmonson County.

Priddy said his involvement with local programs prompted him to seek more opportunities to serve his community at a more local level.

"This ignited a desire for me to continue my career of service in Edmonson County."

In December, KSP Post 3 Commander Tim Adams stated this about Daniel Priddy: "I would like to congratulate Trooper Daniel Priddy on a successful 19-year career with the Kentucky State Police and we wish him the best as he embarks upon his next chapter in life." 

So even though Priddy's name will be on the ballot for the Primary Election in May, he will run unopposed and will be the next Edmonson County Circuit Clerk, beginning in January of 2025. He has already been active during local court sessions as he prepares for the job.

Darren Doyle, story:
A Lindseyville woman spent Christmas in jail after she was arrested on felony drug charges as a result of findings during a traffic stop, according to an arrest citation.

The citation stated that Edmonson County Chief Deputy Tim Jackson witnessed a driver on Morgantown Road traveling erratically at a high rate of speed on December 23rd, around 5PM. As a traffic stop was initiated, the driver was identified as Laura McCain, (63), Lindseyville. The citation stated that McCain was showing abnormal behavior, giving unclear answers, and admitted to having illegal substances in the vehicle when questioned. 

Deputy Jackson stated in the citation that he removed over 7 grams of methamphetamine from the vehicle.

She was arrested and charged with Trafficking in controlled substance, first degree, first offense, meth (> 2gms) and Improper equipment.

She was lodged in the Hart County Jail and remains on a $5000 cash bond.

Darren Doyle, story:
A Bowling Green man was arrested and faces felony drug charges after local law enforcement responded to a domestic disturbance call on Christmas Eve in Chalybeate.

According to an arrest citation, the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 hang up call around midnight on Christmas Eve. The citation stated that deputies found a subject, later identified as Jerry Britt, (38) of Bowling Green, hiding in the garage of the residence on Noah Bledsoe Road. Britt was listed as the husband to a female caregiver of a 99 year-old resident of the property. Neither Britt nor the caregiver, who was listed as the victim, resided at the property.

The citation also stated that Britt had a hypodermic needle and a knife in his pocket and originally gave deputies a false social security number. Deputies also discovered that Britt was not to be allowed on the property, according to the document. The citation further stated that Britt admitted to both smoking and injecting meth while he was on the property and that a meth pipe was found in plain view on the countertop. Britt's current address did not match the address on his driver's license, the citation also stated.

He was arrested and charged with:

• Assault, 4th degree, domestic violence, minor injury
• Possession of controlled substance, first degree, second offense, meth
• Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess
• Criminal trespassing, third degree
  
• Giving officers false identifying information
• Public intoxication of a controlled substance
• Failed to notify address change to Dept. of Transportation

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Edmonson County High School's 11 million dollar Career Center project is running smoothly and on schedule, according to Superintendent of Schools Brian Alexander.

The project will basically change the entire back half of the entire school with a state-of-the-art nursing facility that will actually resemble areas of a hospital, and a new welding shop that will be like none the school has ever seen.

The new addition was made possible by $10 million in state funding that was specifically earmarked for this project-only.

"We wouldn't have this without the state funding coming through," said Mr. Alexander. "We are confident that the new construction and the upgrades we're making to our older portions will be a game changer for so many students."

The school has had the same welding and auto mechanic shops since the school was originally built in 1981. While the nursing program was added to the school's curriculum just a few years ago, it is currently being facilitated in an old home economics room. Other career courses like engineering and electrical pathway classes are also being held in standard classrooms.

The new construction will allow large square foot expansions for both the auto mechanic shop and the current welding shop, both by about 50%. The former welding shop will become the new shop for electrical and engineering classes. The auto shop will see a new office, classroom space, and a new vehicle lift, to name a few improvements besides the expanded size.

Alliance Corporation is in charge of the construction and Alexander said the process has gone extremely well up to this point.

"Alliance has a lot of Edmonson County people working for them and on this job and you can tell they have a lot of pride in their work. These guys are on it and they're doing a great job."

The job site supervisor is local resident Andrew Bolton.

"It also sure doesn't hurt to have a local guy like Andrew on the site everyday," Alexander added.

Callie Beliles, Director of Facilities and Safety for Edmonson County Schools, led us on a tour today of the new facilities as well as the old with descriptions of the improvements. 

Some of the project is expected to be done by this June but other parts like remodeling of the old shops will come later, due to the nature of the construction.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, earnings for those with bachelor degrees averaged around $55K per year with skilled trades averaging about the same; however, the cost to attend two-year trade schools are normally much less than a four-year college or university. ECHS offers programs that allow students to gain both college and trade school credits while attending high school. The new facilities will play a crucial part those programs.

Among the new hands-on areas of the new project, will also be administrative areas, office space, storage, and classroom space.

ECHS hosted Governor Andy Beshear in February of last year, who made the announcement of the $10 million award for the facility.