Superintendent of Schools Patrick Waddell has announced that there will be no school in Edmonson County on Monday, February 15, 2016. The day was supposed to be used as a make-up day, but a winter storm has changed those plans. It will be the 9th snow day of the 2015-16 school year. Waddell said that plans for make-up days will not be made until March.
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via KSP (Bonnieville, KY)- The Kentucky State Police Post 3 Bowling Green responded to a two vehicle injury collision that resulted in a double fatal last night at approx. 6:50 pm on US 31-W in the limits of Bonnieville in Hart County. The preliminary investigation indicated that Manuel Crespo (27) of Upton was operating a 2003 Dodge van and was involved in a non-injury collision in the limits of Bonnieville on US 31-W where he struck a 2011 Ford passenger car being operated by Angela Damico (66) of Bonnieville. Crespo then fled the scene and continued southbound on US 31-W where he then attempted to pass another vehicle. Crespo crossed over into the opposing lane and collided with a northbound 2003 Dodge van being operated by James Haycraft (50) of Clarkson, KY, who had three passengers. James Haycraft was transported to Hardin Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released. Mary Haycraft (50) of Clarkson, KY, was transported to University of Louisville Hospital by aircraft where she succumbed to her injuries today at approx. 3:32 am and was pronounced deceased by the Jefferson County Coroner's Office. Jason Ferguson (39) of Upton was also transported by aircraft to the University of Louisville Hospital where he was pronounced deceased last night at approx. 8:41 pm by the Jefferson County Coroner's Office. Stephanie Ferguson (39) of Upton was transported to Hardin Memorial Hospital where she was later transported to the University of Louisville Hospital where she is being treated for non-life threatening injuries. Manuel Crespo was not injured in the collision. He was arrested and lodged in the Hart County Jail where he was charged with:
Crespo was arrested prior to Mary Haycraft passing so another charge of Murder will be forthcoming. The investigation is still ongoing and being conducted by Trooper Daniel Priddy. He was assisted on the scene by Sergeant Jeremy Smith, Troopers Michael Murray, Ashcon Karbasi, and Graham Rutherford, Hart County EMS, Bonnieville Fire Department, Upton Fire Department, and Air Methods. No other information is available for release at this time. Tim, Thank you for 27 wonderful years! Love, Lisa
Dear Christy, You know what's the best part of Valentine's Day? Not having to buy you any more presents since we broke up. No love, Jay Happy Valentine's Day to Amanda, Love Tommy Penny, Justin, and Paige...You guys are all my Valentines! From Jamie To Tony: You broke my heart. Love Bobbi D. Kevin, Thanks for finally getting a sleep machine. Now we all can rest. Love, Angie. Happy Valentine's Day to all Associates In Counseling employees, thanks for a great year! Love, Erica Dear Randy: You are the best thing that's ever happened to me. Love, Stacy Happy Valentine's Day to my wife Leanne & son Kylen! Love, Kyle Dear Robert, In case you've not fount out yet, I'm breaking up. I've found someone eles that I'm very much in love with. Even if we are broke up, will you still give me a ride to school and back? Love, Crystal Happy Valentine's Day, Jimmy! Love, Amanda Teresa, To the most beautiful, amazing, special, and wonderful wife a man could ever be blessed with! Love you! --Scott Happy Valentine's Day to my best friend and love of my life, Vicki Hudson. Love, your husband Greg Happy Valentine's Day Grandmouther, Love Babs Jason S, I love you! From your secret admirer. Chris, you are everything to me, Love B. Happy Valentine's Day to the love of my life, Kelly. Flowers will fade, as they often do, there's more to the flower than just the bloom. From Trish Dear Kristina, Thanks for everything, you are an amazing woman. Love Curt Happy Valentine's Day to the three ladies who have my heart: Kathy, Kayla, and Laney. Love, Granville Debbie, thanks for 45 wonderful years, Love Steve. Sara, Breaking up with me is the biggest mistake you've ever made. Love David To Alecia: My mom said not to marry you, that it would never work. I should have listened to mom. From Lee Dear Granny, Here's to your 100th Valentine's Day, hope you have 100 more! Love, Darren Happy Valentine's Day To Mimi and Pop, Love Madison and Alyssa Neil, You're already dating someone else? Well, that escalated quickly... From Rachel To Anthony, thanks for putting up with my cat LOL! Love Susan To JD, sorry about the Ex-Lax prank...From BT Edmonson Voice Staff Deputies say slick roads were a factor when a Brownsville man lost control of his truck on KY HWY 259 (Brownsville Road) and crashed into a tree this morning. The Sheriff's office reported that Joshua Farmer, 24, of Brownsville, was headed north on 259 in a 2002 Ford F150 when the truck slipped off the right side of the road and hit a fence post. The collision caused the truck to spin out, change directions, and crash into a tree from the side, just a few feet from the porch of a nearby home, located at 8460 Brownsville Road near Pig, KY. Deputies said the truck would have likely ended up on the porch of the house, or worse, inside the home had it not been for the tree.
Farmer was transported to the Medical Center in Bowling Green via Edmonson EMS with possible fractures in his face, according to reports. Edmonson Voice Staff In a story published by EdmonsonVoice.com on February 8th, we reported that Representative Michael Meredith, R-Brownsville, testified on legislation in front of the House Judiciary Committee in Frankfort on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 on the first bill to pass the full house where he was the primary sponsor. The bill, HB 175, will protect the powers given to Federal Peace Officers under current law. "HB 175 is a very simple approach to fixing a concern brought to me by a constituent in our district," said Rep. Meredith. The bill passed through the house unanimously on February 9, the day after our initial report. We reached out to Rep. Meredith after the bill passed. "Though it's been a huge honor to serve for the last six years and help with lots of good legislation and fight against lots of bad legislation, Tuesday was special," he said. "Passing a bill unanimously on the House floor and overcoming much of the negative politics of Frankfort and the process, has given me a new level of excitement in serving our district. I would like to thank all the people in Warren and Edmonson Counties that have given me this awesome opportunity to serve them." The bi-partisan bill was co-sponsored by District 93 Rep. Chris Harris (D). Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, February 9, 2016. The Honorable Judge Renona Carol Browning presiding. Brian Neal McPeak, No/expired registration plates. No/expired KY registration receipts. Failure to produce insurance card. Failure to notify address change to dept of trans. Pleaded not guilty to all, pretrial conference on 2-23-16. Jason Gardner, Assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury. Bench trial set for 4-25-16. Assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury, pretrial conference for 4-19-16. Julie B Roninson, Assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury. Bench trial set for 4-25-16. Assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury, pretrial conference for 4-19-16. Damian Scott Hillard, Theft by unlawful taking or disposition, all others under $500. Continued on 2-23-16. Aaron R Miller, No Operator's/moped license. Failed to appear, $500 cash bench warrant issued. Jason Alan Grimes, No/expired registration plates. No/expired KY registration receipt. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st. Final date moved to 3-8-16. Nathan A Jaggers, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, aggravator, 2nd offense. Disregarding stop sign. Careless driving. Continued on 2-23-16. Calvin E Watt, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs 1st offense. Continued on 4-5-16. Failure to notify address change to dept of trans, dismissed. Clifton H Simmons, Speeding 15mph over limit, order for traffic school. Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Review on 3-22-16. Kyla Leighann Self, No operator's/moped license. Continued on 3-22-16. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st. Pleaded guilty. Fines $500, $450 of which suspended for 2 years on no similar offense, to be reviewed on 8-9-16. Total fines and costs, $193. Seth A Hack, Contempt of court, violation of emergency protective order. Failed to appear, $500 bench warrant issued, cash bond. Paul Collins, Theft by unlawful taking or disposition, all others under $500. Criminal mischief-3rd degree. Possession of burglary tools. Continued on 2-23-16. William J Cates, Possession of marijuana. Dismissed. Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, aggravator, 1st offense. Pleaded guilty. Aggravator charged dismissed. Sentenced to 30 days in jail, credit for two days served, balance is suspended for two years on no similar offense. License suspended for 30 days. Total fines and costs, $759. Roger Dale Hawks, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs 1st offense. Carrying concealed deadly weapon. Continued for 3-8-16. Sandra Renee McCandless, Careless driving. Operating motor vehicle under influence of drugs/alcohol, 1st offense. Possession of alcohol beverage container in motor vehicle. Continued on 3-8-16. Jeremiah A Lay, Convicted felon in possession of a firearm, 2 counts. Pleaded not guilty, waived to grand jury. Bond modified to $25,000. Edmonson County Schools will be back on regular schedule Thursday, February 11, 2016. Slick spots on secondary roads kept schools closed again yesterday, but everything was clear as officials were out checking the roads this morning at 4am. Sorry kids, but that's one less day that creeps into your summer break...
Darren Doyle, story and photos Emergency officials had to shut down KY HWY 259 N near Salem Church Road in Bee Spring this afternoon when a truck collided with a utility pole, smashing it into pieces. Sheriff Shane Doyle said the driver of the 1997 Dodge Ram, Johnny Nolan, 48, of Clarkson, claimed that he simply missed the curve, ran off the road, and crashed into the pole, however, Doyle said there wasn't much of a curve there so he felt like there was more to the story. Doyle said the driver showed several signs of intoxication, and noted there were some rolling papers in plain sight inside. Doyle said he also found a bag of marijuana and a freshly smoked joint stuffed inside a tobacco can. Nolan was placed under arrest and charged with Driving under the influence (drugs), Possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana. He was transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail. Luckily, the pole was carrying only telephone lines, so no one was in danger of electric hazards. On the other hand, local residents are likely to be out of telephone and/or internet service until after midnight, according to a Windstream technician who was on scene.
Officials said the driver will be responsible for the cost of replacing the pole and repairing the lines, which is expected to be in the thousands of dollars, possibly even more, depending on the condition of the lines. Emergency responders were detouring northbound traffic on KY HWY 728 and they said the road could stay shut down for two hours or more. Responding to the scene in addition to the sheriff's office were the Brownsville Police and Kyrock Fire Department. Other Feb 8th 2016 Fiscal Court News: Traffic Light At Riverhill, Parks & Rec Mowing, More2/10/2016 Darren Doyle, story and photo Edmonson County Fiscal Court discussed many different topics at the recent meeting, ranging anywhere from constables to gas plants, but several other items of interest were on the agenda as well. Riverhill Traffic Light Judge Executive Wil Cannon updated the court that research continued on whether or not a traffic light was necessary at the junction of KY HWY 259 and KY HWY 70, at Riverhill since the new Dollar General was constructed. Many county residents feel there is a need for a traffic light at the location, but others think that some Dollar Store customers don't understand the situation properly, making it a parking lot issue, not a state road issue. We'll have more on this as details become available. Sheriff's Report
Sheriff Shane Doyle reported several crime related stories that we've already covered in past updates over the last two weeks, including the meth lab bust at Rocky Hill. He also said that Deputy Jordan Jones was set to graduate from the Department of Criminal Justice Training in Richmond, KY on February 19th. Jones, an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, will become the sixth active certified officer within the current administration. He also noted that his county vehicle was broken down again and was currently in the repair shop. He said his office has had to shuffle vehicles around to make things work, which had been difficult. Parks & Rec Program Director Greg Hudson gave several updates on P&R happenings and future plans. He said construction of a stage was being discussed for the first concert series to take place this coming year. He said he hoped it would also have the capability of showing movies in addition to concert usage. He also requested use of Chalybeate Park for a fundraising event requested by the parents of a young girl from Bowling Green who has Type C Lymphoma. The court approved the usage of the park, pending proper insurance documentation from the family. New Mowers vs. Hiring Mowing Contractor For Parks & Rec Judge Wil Cannon asked magistrates to consider possibilities of purchasing two new commercial mowers for Parks & Rec instead of paying $15,000 per year for a contractor to mow Chalybeate Park. At 17 acres, it's the largest of the three county parks. Cannon said the county could use the labor provided by prisoners under the supervision of qualified personnel for a large savings. Director Hudson said another advantage would be that the county could mow the grounds at a schedule that would better fit the park, not a contractor. Hudson also noted that the current contractor did a good job, but doing away with a third party could benefit the county. The court decided to do more research on mower pricing while making other comparisons. Delinquent Room and Rec Taxes Tourism Director Rhonda Clemmons updated the court that past due Recreational Taxes owed by Blue Holler ATV Park had been paid in the amount of $1600 for the 3rd quarter. She also noted the park still owed $900 for January. She said a payment agreement was still being worked out with Park Mammoth Resort and that they were cooperating. She also said a new off-road park was coming to Edmonson County, near the Warren Co line, on William Simmons Road, in the lower Wingfield community. She said the new owner had contacted her to set up proper tax procedures so that the new park would be compliant with county policy. County Attorney J.B. Hines reported that Edmonson County had moved up once again in state rankings of child support collection. He said collection of child support was just one of the many things his office continued to improve. The court also agreed to:
The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday, February 22, 2016 at 9am in the upstairs courtroom at the county courthouse. The nominations are still pouring in every day, but there's only a few days left for you to make your choices. We're amazed at the overwhelming response this contest has received, especially for being the first of it's kind here in Edmonson County.
Round Two nominations will end this Saturday, February 13, at 3pm. We will begin the tally of all nominees and list the finalists in each category next week. Final voting will begin at that time and our winners of Edmonson County's Finest Awards will be listed soon after. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE NOW This strongly encourages our local businesses and entities to excel in what they do, and it reminds them that you, the public, care about your local communities and you notice who is doing a good job...and who isn't. So, hurry and list your nominees--time is running out. We're just a few weeks away from learning who are Edmonson County's Finest! Edmonson Voice Staff Edmonson County Emergency Management Director Pat Prunty presented the beginning stages of a plan that would upgrade the county's emergency radio system that was installed in 2004. Judge Executive Wil Cannon described the system as "something that was probably outdated when it was installed." Cannon first addressed the issue by listing some disadvantages that the county faces by using the current system, such as: obsolete parts, components, and the fact that severe weather can temporarily cause a partial outage in it's usage. Director Prunty explained the current system. "The system we have now works off of microwave antennas," he said. "Basically, it has big satellite dishes that act as lightning rods, and that's the problem when they get hit. The system we're looking into now would be an IP (address) application. What that means is, we would have a DSL or internet connection at different sites to transfer the signal back to our dispatch center. It would be more reliable. We're also looking at adding two more of these sites to increase our coverage." He said coverage would increase in the county by adding connection to the Wingfield Fire Dept tower as well as the Corps of Engineer tower at Nolin Lake. Current emergency radios already work in those areas, but it would simply boost signal and allow better coverage in those areas. Another advantage to the new system, Prunty said, would be the capability of expansion in the future, something the current obsolete system cannot allow. "We have to bid all this out, obviously," Prunty continued. "But it looks really promising that we can do this without bankrupting us. We're going to be stretching our dollar to get the best possible system we can for the money." Prunty said past estimates received were over $200,000, but that this can be done for under $100K. He said he plans to start accepting bids as early as April so the project can be completed within this fiscal year. Edmonson County Schools are cancelled for Wednesday, February 10th, 2016 due to inclement weather. It is reported that many secondary roads are still icy and are not safe for school buses. Lows are expected to be around 14 tonight with highs only around 25 for Wednesday. We'll keep you updated with more information as it becomes available. Darren Doyle, story County Road Foreman Ray Page presented pricing and information to the fiscal court of three used International trucks that he says his department desperately needs. During the last meeting, Page addressed the court with his concerns regarding the safety, performance, and efficiency of the road department's current fleet of vehicles. Page said that after the last snowstorm, it took thousands of dollars and a week's worth of labor to repair, maintain, and to prepare the trucks for the next round of inclement weather, which ironically, came last night. He presented photos and paperwork describing three trucks, all 2009 models, from a dealer located north of Fort Wayne, IN, in which two of the trucks were priced at $73K each and a larger model priced at $108K. Each truck was equipped with snowplow equipment and ready to operate. "We need these trucks now," Page said. "Right now, we're spending half our time working on the trucks we got and the other half plowing snow."
Judge Cannon said that no matter what route was taken with the purchase of new trucks, the purchase would have to be financed, as the county was unable to write a check in the neighborhood of $250,000. Using current approximate interest rates on a 5-year term, County Clerk Kevin Alexander gave an estimated monthly payment to be somewhere around $4500/mo. Magistrate Edd Rich asked the court from what part of the budget would the money come, and how would monthly payments affect that budget? Cannon said that a portion would come from each magistrate's road budget for their individual districts. "Well, these guys are beating and banging these old trucks back into shape every time they use them," Rich said. "They can't plow the roads if they can't get there." Page said that the same sizes and models of those trucks would cost around $330K new. Cannon pointed out that purchasing new trucks rather than used ones could also have advantages, like better interest rates and longer financing. Alexander estimated the payment on new trucks would be approximately $5500/mo, which is around a 20% increase from the used price. "There are still many options to research," Cannon said. "We don't have to buy three trucks at once. They can be bought in different numbers, new, used, etc, and we may not be able to look at buying anything until after July." Page said he and a crew member would be able to do more research on the purchase and look at trucks in person after the winter weather ends. It didn't appear that any member of fiscal court had any hesitations in moving forward with the project. Darren Doyle, story and photo
The Atmos Energy Gas Plant in Rocky Hill has shut down and is being dismantled after negative reaction from the Rocky Hill community discouraged selling of the plant, but that doesn't mean the interest in the area's natural gas wells has blown away. Dr. Lowell Hellervik, Chairman and CEO of Hellervik Oil Technologies, along with company team members Gary Minard and Jim Brown, appeared before fiscal court yesterday to discuss possibilities of gaining public- private partnership bonds (P3) from Edmonson County. Dr. Hellervik spoke briefly about his company's interest in the area, but allowed Minard, an industrial engineer and manager with the company to better describe the intentions of Hellervik. Minard said the company was aware of the backlash that occurred in Rocky Hill when they attempted to purchase the existing plant, but that they felt like there were now better options that would have many positive results for Edmonson County. "We thought, would it be feasible to build a new gas plant, if it could be put in a place where it doesn't bother anybody?" Minard said. "Our personal favorite, although the community would have to approve, we like a 9 acre parcel in the old industrial park, which is up against the railroad tracks and the south side of an industrial building. It's not really visible from the road." He went on to say that anything regarding a new plant that makes noise would be enclosed in what he called an "acoustical covering" and that the entire facility would look like a barn from the outside. "There would be in no way where the county would be responsible for any of the bond funds," he said. "We have to structure it so there's no doubt that the proceeds from outside any of the county's funds are going to be used to retire the bonds." Minard said that one of the best ways to make the project work financially is to first secure more bond funds to run more pipelines to customers, but for the county to set up a special taxing district where Hellervik would be the only ones required to pay the tax, no county resident, nor anyone else. So how would the bonds work, and what role would the county government play in this project? There are many different possibilities in how P3 bonding could work as well as numerous outcomes in which the language could be established. However, in the event that fiscal court granted P3 bonding to Hellervik, a possible scenario would be that Hellervik is granted rights to natural gas services by the county, Hellervik pays the county a tax in exchange for that service, while Hellervik receives income generated from their plant and services. Minard also said that a new facility, approved by the county, would also create county jobs while providing the county with several hundred thousand dollars per year of tax revenue. Judge Cannon said he wanted to make his thoughts clear on the issue. "I did say (in earlier discussions) that I thought this could be a win-win-win situation for Edmonson County IF, we can locate it in a strategic place where it doesn't affect residential neighborhoods like it did in Rocky Hill. To us, our job is to protect our people, so that would be the number one thing that we'd be concerned with." Cannon went on to note that residents who have natural gas on their property aren't currently benefiting from it because there is no one to buy it. He was also aware of job possibilities, ranging anywhere from 20 to 50 new jobs to the county. He added that natural gas options would also be available to new industry, which could be more economical for other small factories looking to come to Edmonson County, which could create even more jobs and tax revenue. One remaining fact is that without industrial zoning, there is still nothing that the county can do to prevent a business from being built anywhere in the county. At this point, it appears as though Hellervik is trying to incorporate the community's best interest into their current plans, however, the discussion is brand new and there are still miles to go before final decisions will be made. Darren Doyle, story A heated exchange between District 2 Constable Tim Skees and Edmonson County Fiscal Court ended with the court denying county constables the right to use blue lights and sirens. Skees followed the decision by storming out of the courtroom, removing his constable uniform and leaving it in the courthouse, later threatening the county with a lawsuit. Skees, who provides his own car, fuel, and equipment, and also fulfills his duties strictly as a volunteer, has fought repeatedly for the right to use blue lights on his car and for access to the county police frequency. According to Kentucky law, (KRS) each county's fiscal court has the right to either allow or not allow their elected constables use of blue lights and sirens. Constables have never had authority to use blue lights and sirens in Edmonson County. Const. Skees presented his case before the fiscal court again during the last meeting which was held at night, and Sheriff Shane Doyle spoke in favor of the job that Skees has regularly done for both county and city law enforcement. The issue was agreed to be placed on the agenda for a vote at today's meeting. Judge Wil Cannon addressed the court today and cited an example of the same vote which recently took place in Breckinridge County, where each district constable's blue light access was voted on separately, not all constables as a whole. "The magistrate I spoke with did not have any problems with any constables. No problems." He then quoted a section from KRS 189.950, sub-section 5, which states: Any constable may, upon approval of the fiscal court in the county of jurisdiction, equip vehicles used by said officer as emergency vehicles with one (1) or more flashing, rotating or oscillating blue lights, visible under normal atmospheric condition from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the front of such vehicle, and a siren, whistle or bell, capable of emitting a sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than five hundred (500) feet. This equipment shall be in addition to any other equipment required by the motor vehicle laws. Any constable authorized by the fiscal court to utilize blue lights and a siren pursuant to this section shall maintain at least the insurance described by KRS 304.39-110. "The question then becomes, can the fiscal court approve one constable to have them but deny another?" Cannon asked.
After brief discussion, County Attorney J.B. Hines said that his opinion of the statute allowed the court to vote on one or all constable access, and Cannon agreed. "But, if you do that, we've got to have a reason why we're not going to allow one or more of the rest of the constables blue lights," Cannon said. "If we don't have a reason, we're opening up the door for a lawsuit. I don't think we'll get sued, but I know one constable has already threatened to do that." Cannon also reminded magistrates of the statements made from county and city law enforcement during the last meeting in favor of Constable Skees. "They said Constable Skees was doing a very good job of helping the Sheriff's Department, helping City Police, and just helping people; broke-down motorists on the side of the road. So, we've got one constable out trying to do the right thing, and he does it voluntarily, but if we've got any other constables out there in that same capacity, I'm not aware of it." Cannon continued: "On the other hand, we've got another constable who's actually been in the way of law enforcement as they were trying to do their duty. So, unlike Breckinridge County, we do have problems here with this issue." Cannon then opened up the floor for a motion and second, allowing a vote for constables to have blue light access. He clarified that the motion would be for any constable, then the court would discuss which ones specifically, would be granted access. District 2 Magistrate Joe Durbin made the motion, but it was not seconded, which caused the motion to fail. Mag. Durbin asked Cannon about the issue. "Judge, you said we'd be wrong if we discriminated against one of the constables if they weren't allowed blue lights, but isn't it also wrong to discriminate against Mr. Skees, who has the approval of our law enforcement, when other constables here are not qualified?" Cannon responded that he felt like it was a liability issue if one constable was allowed, yet another denied. Durbin replied with, "I'm tired of Tim getting jerked around. We all say, Yeah, he's a good guy, he's ok, he's even assisting, but it's a shame." He then made a comparison. "It would be the same if I, Joe Durbin, wasn't doing a good job as magistrate, but you automatically associated all magistrates being the same...and it's not right." County Attorney Hines clarified the motion again to state that it was simply to determine if Edmonson County fiscal court would allow blue lights for any one or more constable. He also explained that the court could later set guidelines and criteria as to who could have them, and that "discrimination" was probably not accurate terminology. Constable Skees addressed the court. "Let's speak the truth here," he said. "I'm being railroaded here. I'm being held responsible for what Constable Lindsey might do. I've paid my dues, guys. Ask the Brownsville Police Chief..ask the Edmonson County Sheriff." Skees brought up the lawsuit reference made by Judge Cannon earlier in the discussion. "You talk about 'might get sued?' I have no problem suing someone who discriminates against me, and if you go through with this, that is exactly what you're doing to me. You guys are discriminating against me." Skees and Cannon went back-and-forth as the conversation became more diligent. "You're doing everything you're doing because you want to, nobody's making you," Cannon said. "And these men have the authority, by law, to either allow it or not, and that's their decision." Skees replied with, "And their decision is based solely on what Constable Lindsey might do, and we can't let that be the case." After another minute or two of the same rhetoric from each side, Attorney Hines spoke up. "Respectfully, we had a motion that came up on simple issue as to whether or not to allow blue lights. The motion was made with no second, thus the issue is dead and it's time to move on." Constable Skees quickly exited the courtroom as Cannon asked once more if there was a second, which there was not. Constable Skees submitted a letter to the editor that outlines his plan to hire an attorney and sue the fiscal court for "actions which have made it difficult if not impossible for me to do the job to which I was elected," according to a statement in that letter. Darren Doyle, story Thanks to a barking dog and a few rounds from a shotgun, a Sunfish family escaped unharmed in a burglary attempt in the early hours of Sunday, February 7th. According to officials, the homeowner, who remains unnamed for safety reasons, was awakened around 3:30am by the sound of the family pet barking loudly. The man got up to check things out when he said he saw a man in a gray hooded sweatshirt walking out of his basement. "I told my wife to call 911," the man said. "When I came back out, I saw another man walking in the front of the house." The owner said the two men were driving a U-haul truck that was parked near his garage. The truck had a large van-type cab with a large box-bed, which deputies said could possibly be stolen. Officials said the man, fearing for his family's life, armed himself with a shotgun and fired three shots during an exchange with the would-be burglars. The hooded men then fled from the scene. Officials said they searched the area for about an hour and a half, but did not locate the suspects. Deputies need your help in finding the two men and the U-haul truck, which will have evidence of being shot. The owner described the one in black around 6 ft tall and a stocky build of around 250lbs. The other man, dressed in gray, was about 6' 2" and weighed around 200lbs. The homeowner said he was using more precautions to secure his home in the future. "We're doing some different things, and we're going to be more careful about it," he said. "All my family lives in this area and it's pretty brave of somebody to just break in somebody's house." The man also said he was thankful no one was hurt and that his family was safe, but that people should be aware that these situations are very possible. "We want to get the message out there that there ARE people out there that will do things like this. Maybe somebody saw something, I don't know. They were headed up 187." Sheriff's Detective Wally Ritter responded to the scene. "The Sheriff's Office is very happy that no one was harmed, and the homeowner was able to successfully and legally defend himself," he said. "We strongly encourage homeowners to familiarize themselves with the KRS on the use of deadly force. In this case, the homeowner was in a position where his family was in actual physical danger, which justified him in this situation," he added. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office at 270-597-2157. Darren Doyle, story Representative Michael Meredith, R-Brownsville, testified on legislation in front of the House Judiciary Committee in Frankfort on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. "HB 175 is a very simple approach to fixing a concern brought to me by a constituent in our district," said Rep. Meredith. The bill, HB 175, is sponsored by Rep. Meredith and would protect the powers given to Federal Peace Officers under current law. He noted that for several years, Kentucky has granted peace officer powers to nine different federal agencies, however, no updates have been made to conform KY statutes to the new agency names. "The two effected agencies are Customs Enforcement Special Agents and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (the ATF). I'm thrilled that the bill passed the Judiciary committee unanimously this past week, which shows the overwhelming support for this simple fix," Meredith added. by District 19 State Representative Michael Lee Meredith For those who value life at every stage across the Commonwealth, this week produced another major victory in Frankfort. Following House passage of the informed consent bill last week, the Senate overwhelmingly agreed to concur with the changes to SB 4. The bill was immediately hand delivered to Governor Bevin, where he signed his name on the spot. This bipartisan measure was the first bill signed into law by the newly installed Governor, and I was proud to fight for and have success in seeing pro-life legislation become law for the first time in more than 12 years. To build on the unprecedented pro-life momentum we’ve seen so far, Republicans in the House began a push for SB 7, which deals with organizations like Planned Parenthood which provide abortion services. The bill, sponsored by Senator Max Wise, would prohibit state and local funds from being distributed to an entity like Planned Parenthood. It would also establish a funding priority for the distribution of federal funds that assures state, county, and local community health clinics receive funding first. SB 7 arose in response to the recent news that Planned Parenthood in Louisville has begun providing abortion services, despite not being properly licensed under Kentucky law. As a pro-life legislator, I will work hard and continue to push for this and other legislation I know is important to you. As I outlined last week, Gov. Bevin laid out his budget proposal and the bill has now been filed. Work has begun in the House at the committee level to examine, consider, and alter the proposal if necessary. We are working tirelessly to ensure we present a fiscally sound budget, and also one that protects our most vulnerable citizens and those who put their lives on the line working to protect us. As Governor Bevin said, we must work to eliminate wasteful spending and tighten our belts as we try to create a more stable financial future for the Commonwealth in the wake of an ongoing pension crisis. In other news, House Republicans were successful this week in defeating a bill that would have doubled the annual fee on all automobile dealers, regardless of size. When the bill sponsor was asked questions about the need for the increased fees or what the new revenue would be used for, he could not give a clear answer, leaving members of both parties to wonder why the bill was needed. Also, House Bill 175, which I sponsored to help protect the powers of federal peace officers granted authority under state law passed the House Judiciary Committee unanimously on Wednesday and will now move one step closer on the way through the legislative process. As always, I welcome your comments and concerns on any issues impacting our Commonwealth as the 2016 Regular Session continues. I can be reached through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181, or you can contact me via e-mail at Michael.Meredith@lrc.ky.gov. You can keep track of committee meetings and legislation through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page at www.lrc.ky.gov. Edmonson Voice Staff
Emergency personnel were called out to a two-vehicle crash today at the junction of KY HWY 187 and HWY 1075 that sent one woman to the hospital. Deputies said that Leisia Landers, 47, of Brownsville was traveling on 1075 in a 2001 Ford Escape when she made a left turn to go north on 187. Reports said that Landers then pulled into the path of and collided with Ethan Jenkins, 20, of Brownsville, who was headed south on 187. Jenkins' 2004 Oldsmobile sustained extensive damage but he was not reported to have any injuries. Landers was transported to TJ Sampson Hospital in Glasgow by Edmonson EMS with complaints of neck pain. The extent of her injuries were not yet known. Responding to the scene in addition to EMS were the Edmonson County's Sheriff's Office and Bear Creek Fire Department. via WKU News A Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky student from Chalybeate has been named a winner of the inaugural Emperor Science Award, according to a report published by WKU News. Makenzie Daniels, who from ECHS and resides in Chalybeate, is a first-year student at The Gatton Academy, and will work alongside cancer scientists on a rewarding, multi-week cancer research project. Additionally, Daniels will receive a Google Chrome Notebook to enhance their studies, a $1,500 stipend for their expenses, and the opportunity to continue the mentoring program throughout high school. Stand Up To Cancer and PBS Learning Media received around 1,200 applications from 10thand 11th grade students throughout the U.S. interested in pursuing a career in science research. In total, 100 students from 40 states have been named this year’s winners. The Gatton Academy students are Kentucky’s only award winners. Daniels will be working with Dr. Shannon L. Puhalla, Director, Breast Cancer Clinical Research Program and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Medicine. Dr. Puhalla is a medical oncologist and hematologist who specializes in breast oncology, Phase I clinical trials, and novel therapeutics in breast cancer. Daniels will be paired with Dr. Puhalla for an 8-to-12-week research experience that will commence during 2016. Daniels is a student researcher in the WKU Department of Biology’s Genome Discovery and Exploration Program, a yearlong research cohort led by Dr. Rodney King and Dr. Claire Rinehart. The WKU Genome Discovery and Exploration Program is part of the National Genomics Research initiative sponsored by the Science Education Alliance at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The report also said that Daniels has just returned from a Winter Term study abroad to Italy. She plans to study abroad in England later this summer. According to WKU News, the Emperor Science Award program is an initiative designed to encourage high school students to explore careers in science, specifically cancer research and care, through a mentoring opportunity. The program is made possible by founding donors Genetech, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Novartis and through partners Stand Up to Cancer and PBS Learning Media. Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, February 2, 2016. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty presiding. Only two cases were on the docket for this week's session. Sandra K Hurley, Theft by deception-including cold checks under $500. Continue in two weeks. Norman Glenn Cartwright, Illegal take/pursue deer/wild turkey. Pleaded guilty, fined $300. Edmonson County Property Value Administrator (PVA) Kyle White has released the following legal notice to all Edmonson County property owners. White said all owners greatly benefit from staying informed about his office and the different options available to them.
"The homestead and disability exemptions are usually what perks people’s attention," he said. "The exemption amount for 2016 is $36,900. That amounts to about $320.00 of savings to the taxpayer."
The nominations are in for the first half, but there's still plenty of time left for the last half of categories. We've had a TON of nominations and there have been some businesses not as well known as others that have made the cut!
We've gotten several nominations from businesses that are outside of Edmonson County and those will not be counted. Hint: that's why we call it "Edmonson County's Finest." We also have received several surveys that only have one category filled out. While there's no rule against this, it's not hard to see that "hey, go on this website and nominate John Doe for this," has happened. We can tell something might be a bit fishy when we get 75 in a row that only have one category filled out, and they're all the same business...Remember, we want this to be as fun, fair, and beneficial as possible to everyone. So with that, please click here to nominate if you haven't already. Remember, only one vote per email address. After all nominations are completed, final voting will begin! |
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