Darren Doyle, story:
A tractor used by the Edmonson County Road Department caught fire and completely burned on Thursday, February 27th as the result of welding repair during its use.

County Road Supervisor Greg Carroll said two county employees were operating the tractor with a ditching attachment on E. Hack Road in the Segal Community when a piece broke from the tractor. They stopped at the intersection of KY HWY 655 to weld the piece, but after the repair was completed, Carroll said the tractor caught fire.

"After they finished welding and put everything up and started to leave, flames were coming through the floor of the tractor," he said. 

Carroll also said that as the operator exited the machine, the back glass blew from the heat and the fire department was called. Responding to the scene were the Brownsville, Bear Creek, and Kyrock fire departments to extinguish the fire; however, the tractor was reported as a total loss.

Carroll said he will seek fiscal court's permission to replace the tractor, which was also used to mow county right-of-ways. Carroll said the replacement will have to be bid due to it's value exceeding $30,000. 

​No injuries were reported. 

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
A Barren County woman has died as a result of a Barren County crash, according to Kentucky State Police.​

According to a KSP press release, on Friday, February 28th at approximately 2:00 p.m. troopers responded to a possible fatal collision in the Austin community of Barren County. Trooper Michael Waggener along with other KSP personnel responded to the scene.

KSP reported that that Tammy Gosnell (57) of Austin, Ky was operating a 2019 Jeep Cherokee traveling north on Austin Tracy Road, and that  Zayne Barnhardt (18)  of Fountain Run was operating a 1994 Chevrolet Camaro, also north bound on Austin Tracy road in front of Gosnell's vehicle. 

According to the release, Gosnell's vehicle struck the rear of Barnhardt's vehicle causing Barnhardt to enter in to the southbound lane.  Gosnell reportedly passed Barnhardt, striking the passenger side of his vehicle.  Gosnell continued northbound traveling approximately one mile before crossing the center dividing line and striking a gooseneck trailer. The trailer was connected to a 1995 Dodge pickup being operated by David Stinson (62) of Scottsville, which was traveling southbound on Austin Tracy Road, the press release said. 

Tammy Gosnell was pronounced deceased at the scene of the collision by the Barren County Coroner.  Cassandra Barnhardt (37) of Fountain Run, a passenger in the Chevrolet Camaro was transported to TJ Samson ER where she was treated and released.

The investigation continues and is being led by Trooper Michael Waggener.  He was assisted on the scene by the Barren County Sheriff's Department, Barren County Coroner, Barren/Metcalfe EMS, Austin Tracy Fire Department and KSP personnel.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
​Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health and Republican leader of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, questioned U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar and other senior administration officials on current efforts to prepare for a coronavirus outbreak in the United States.
 
“For fifty days, we’ve learned much about the coronavirus, but much is still unknown,” said Guthrie at the hearing. “The White House and the administration need to reassure markets on where we stand and how we are going to be ready for a pandemic. I know people want to know at home, what is the current scientific consensus about the transmissibility and infectiousness of the virus and how long, once you’re infected, will you be infected?”
 
In response to Congressman Guthrie’s question, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, confirmed that the virus is highly transmissible. However, Secretary Azar noted that America’s risk of a pandemic is low, though that could change quickly.
 
The hearing also included U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Stephen Hahn, HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Robert Kadlec, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Robert Redfield as witnesses.
 
Guthrie reiterated the need for preparation for a possible pandemic.
 
“We hope that the United States does not reach pandemic levels of the coronavirus but we must be prepared,” he said.
 
At yesterday's hearing, Guthrie also had the opportunity to ask Secretary Azar for an update on how HHS is implementing the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a comprehensive bill that was signed into law in 2018 to address the ongoing opioid epidemic.
 
“The SUPPORT Act included my bill, the Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Act, to establish treatment centers that offer FDA approved medications and other treatments comprehensively,” said Guthrie. “Currently, SAMSHA has the grant application open for entities to apply, and I’m glad HHS is moving fast in implementing the program.”
 
Guthrie also spoke about his BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Congressman Brett Guthrie has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) office of Rural Development is awarding a $50,000 grant to the City of Brownsville to install security equipment at Brownsville City Hall.
 
“I’m proud to announce this competitive grant for the City of Brownsville,” said Guthrie. “With the Brownsville City Hall located in the police department, it’s important to ensure that city employees and anyone coming to the City Hall for official business is safe. This grant will allow the Brownsville City Hall to install security features such as steel doors, bullet-proof glass enclosures, and security software.”

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
United States Attorney Russell Coleman, who serves KY's western district, which includes Edmonson County, will serve on President Donald Trump’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice Law Enforcement Recruitment and Training Working Group. The Working Group will hear from experts and practitioners with firsthand experience within law enforcement about best practices, challenges, and innovative strategies to address and enhance law enforcement operations and processes, including the recruitment and training of law enforcement.

“Our very finest in Kentucky and the nation wear a badge,” said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman. “I am honored to support the President’s Law Enforcement Commission through service on this effort to explore the critically important challenges of recruitment, retention, and training of our law enforcement colleagues.”
 
The Working Group meeting will focus on the issues affecting officer recruitment, retention, and training. The group will evaluate how to improve and increase the enlistment, retention, and training of police officers across the country and develop recommendations to submit to the Commission. The Commission meeting will include topic-specific panel presentations, during which the President’s Law Enforcement Commission will hear from a number of witnesses, participating in topic-specific panel discussions, who will share information about officer safety, health, and wellness needs, challenges, lessons learned, best practices, successful programs, and other information that directly address the police officer safety, health, and wellness focus area.
 
On October 28, 2019, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order No. 13896, authorizing and designating the Attorney General to create such a Commission that would explore modern issues affecting law enforcement that most impact the ability of American policing to reduce crime.  Attorney General William P. Barr announced the establishment of the Commission on January 22, 2020. 
 
The Executive Order instructs the Commission to conduct its study by focusing on the law enforcement officers who are tasked with reducing crime on a daily basis. It also directs the Commission to research “important current issues facing law enforcement and the criminal justice system,” and recommends a variety of subjects for study, such as, but not limited to:
 

• The challenges to law enforcement associated with mental illness, homelessness, substance abuse, and other social factors that influence crime and strain criminal justice resources;
• The recruitment, hiring, training, and retention of law enforcement officers, including in rural and tribal communities;
  
• Refusals by State and local prosecutors to enforce laws or prosecute categories of crimes;
• The need to promote public confidence and respect for the law and law enforcement officers; and
• The effects of technological innovations on law enforcement and the criminal justice system, including the challenges and opportunities presented by such innovations

In forming the Commission, the Department of Justice has marshaled together the expertise and experiences of all sectors of the law enforcement community—urban police departments, county sheriffs, state attorneys general and prosecutors, elected officials, United States Attorneys, and federal law enforcement agencies.  They come from distinct states, cities, counties, and towns across the country but share a common mission of safeguarding their respective communities from a variety of threats. 

Darren Doyle, story:
A very light agenda was discussed at today's Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting for Monday, February 24, 2020.

Judge Executive Wil Cannon updated the court on the current health condition of District 3 Magistrate Clark Wood, who was absent again for illness. Judge Cannon said Magistrate Wood was in the critical care unit at the Medical Center in Bowling Green with a heart condition. He said that according to family members, he was hoping to gain strength so that he could undergo surgery. He expressed his thoughts and prayers on behalf of the court.

Various county offices gave reports to the court.

Road Report: County Road Supervisor Greg Carroll reported that through his office, Emergency Manager Terry Massey, and County Treasurer Tammi Willhite, more than $248K in emergency funding from FEMA was awarded to Edmonson County to repair flooded county roadways. Carroll said the county has until October 7th to complete all the work, which he said shouldn't be a problem.

He also said that 140 tons of salt will be ordered to keep on hand. He discussed several different road repairs, tile extensions, and various works happening throughout the county which included Bald Knob Rd. repairs going into the golf course at Park Mammoth. Judge Cannon said the new owner has discussed donating a larger right-of-way to the county for the purpose of widening the narrow road. Cannon said if that proceeds then the county would ask for state discretionary funds for the project.

Sheriff Report: Sheriff Shane Doyle sent an emailed statement through Sgt. Wally Ritter, who attended in the sheriff's place. Doyle is still recovering from shoulder surgery. In the statement read by Ritter, Doyle said he is still 3 weeks from returning to duty and that Kentucky State Police was assisting with calls during his absence and the continued short staffed sheriff's office. Ritter also added that special deputies had also increased their volunteer time during this period. He ended the report by mentioning the recent armed robbery at Z Mart in Sweeden. He said KSP was handling the investigation and the sheriff's office was assisting.

Jailer Hank Vincent reported 24 county inmates were currently housed at the Hart County Jail.

County Clerk Kevin Alexander reported  that his office had completed another audit and that it went well

​Judge Cannon asked for a motion to accept Marvin Way and Gail Court into the county road system, which had been discussed in prior fiscal court meetings; however County Attorney Greg Vincent noted that the motion could not take place today, due to failure of the committee to submit the proper report to fiscal court. He also said that in addition to the report, the fiscal court would have to advertise a public notice for a vote on the matter. Judge Cannon then scheduled a committee meeting to move forward with the proper steps. 

The court also voted to increase Road Supervisor Greg Carroll's salary from $40,800 per year to $45,800 per year. Judge Cannon said he had some doubts when Carroll was hired as interim supervisor last year but said Carroll has proven he can do the job properly. A motion was made my Mag. Johnny Brooks and seconded by Mag. Edd rich for the salary increase.

The Edmonson County Conservation District gave their annual report to the court, which was read by Danny Vincent. Mr. Vincent said he was glad not to have to request any money from the county. Last year, the conservation district implemented a  millage tax of.01044, or $10.44 per $100,000 worth of property for county property owners. Vincent discussed several portions of their program that helped local farmers, cost sharing, the local Cattlemen's Association, and various school programs. Vincent thanked the county for their cooperation and the county voted to acknowledge their annual budget.

The court also voted to:

• approve Community Action's lease for office space in the Community Center through February 2022
• acknowledge Big Reedy Watershed Conservancy District budget
• approved speed limit of 20 MPH on Twin Oaks Road​

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2020 at 9am.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
A Glasgow woman has died as a result of injuries sustained in a crash in Barren County, according to Kentucky State Police.

KSP reported they responded to a three vehicle injury collision on Sunday at 11:17 a.m. on Happy Valley Road (KY 90), near Harry King Road. 

KSP said that Mary M. Johnson (73) of Glasgow, KY, was operating a 2004 Buick Lesabre traveling northbound on Happy Valley Road and Deborah Cundari (60) of Glasgow, KY, was operating a 2012 Ford Focus northbound also on Happy Valley Road in front of Johnson's vehicle.  KSP said that Cundari was slowing to a stop in order to turn onto Harry King Road when her vehicle was struck by Johnson's vehicle. Johnson's vehicle then entered into oncoming traffic where it struck a 2006 Humvee being operated by Jeremy Staples (35) of Cub Run, KY, that was traveling southbound, according to KSP.

A KSP press release also stated that Mary Johnson was transported to T.J. Samson Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.  Deborah Cundari was also transported to T.J. Samson Hospital where she was treated for injuries and released.  All other passengers and operators reportedly refused medical treatment and transport on scene and did not report any injuries.
​
The investigation is still ongoing and being conducted by Trooper Bo Hubbard.  He was assisted by Barren/Metcalfe EMS, Barren County Sheriff's Department, Barren County Coroner’s Office, Cave City Fire Department, Park City Fire Department and other KSP Troopers with Post 3. 

​An Edmonson County Grand Jury returned the following indictments in February, 2020. 

​Natasha Goodall, flagrant non support.

Wallace Mercer, flagrant non support.

Adam Miller, flagrant non support.

Susan Cherry, trafficking in controlled substance in the first degree. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Possession of marijuana. Careless driving. Tampering with physical evidence.

Johnathan E. Willoughby, possession of controlled substance in the first degree (meth). Public intoxication. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess.

Timothy R. Bridges, possession of controlled substance in the first degree, second offense-meth. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Leaving scene of accident. Criminal mischief in the first degree. (two counts) Criminal mischief in the third degree.

Pedro Sanchez, flagrant non support.

Patrick Ingram, Receiving stolen property $10,000 or more. Escape in the second degree. Fleeing or evading police in the first degree (on foot). Resisting arrest. Operating motor vehicle on suspended or revoked license. Disorderly conduct in the second degree. Persistent felony offender in the first degree.

Erik Harley Anderson, Possession of controlled substance in the first degree, second offense, meth- firearm enhanced. Receiving stolen property over $500. Receiving stolen property (firearm). Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess, firearm enhanced. Engaging in organized crime. Possession of firearm by convicted felon. Persistent felony offender in the second degree.

Erik D. Anderson, Possession of controlled substance in the first degree, meth- firearm enhanced. Receiving stolen property over $500. Receiving stolen property (firearm). Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess, firearm enhanced. Engaging in organized crime.

Martha Poteet, Assault in the third degree- police officer (two counts). Wanton endangerment- first degree- police officer (two counts). Resisting arrest (three counts). Criminal trespassing in the second degree (two counts). Burglary in the third degree. Terroristic threatening in the third degree. Menacing (two counts). Theft by unlawful taking or disposition all others under $500. Disorderly conduct in the second degree (two counts).  Criminal mischief in the third degree.

Samantha Seabolt, Possession of controlled substance in the first degree (meth). Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess.

Calley Bell- Anderson, Possession of controlled substance in the first degree, meth- firearm enhanced. Receiving stolen property over $500. Receiving stolen property (firearm). Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess, firearm enhanced. Engaging in organized crime.

Tasha M. Anderson, Possession of controlled substance in the first degree, meth- firearm enhanced. Receiving stolen property over $500. Receiving stolen property (firearm). Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess firearm enhanced. Engaging in organized crime.

Sydney Sawyer, Possession of controlled substance in the first degree, meth- firearm enhanced. Receiving stolen property over $500. Receiving stolen property (firearm). Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess, firearm enhanced. Engaging in organized crime.

Tyler A. Miller, Possession of controlled substance in the first degree, second offense, meth-firearm enhanced. Receiving stolen property over $500. Receiving stolen property (firearm). Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess, firearm enhanced.  Engaging in organized crime. Possession of firearm by convicted felon.

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

Darren Doyle, story:
Alford's Pharmacy and Drive-Thru is now offering a $3,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person involved in the break-in that happened at their location in the Main Street Center in Brownsville on Thursday, January 30, 2020.

Owner Kasey Alford said video surveillance footage shows a suspected vehicle involved, which is thought to be either a Ford or Dodge pickup, two-tone in color with an extended cab. The truck also had a diamond plate toolbox and what appears to one green fog light. The pharmacy was able to get short segments of video from neighboring cameras that showed the pickup slowly circling the area multiple times around the same time the break-in occurred. While the quality is poor, one shot showed the suspected pickup.

​Anyone with information can contact the Brownsville Police Department at 270-597-3814. Your information can remain anonymous with the police.

"We really appreciate the concern and care from the public," said Alford. "Please share this with everyone so this person can be caught."

​On February 18, 2020 at approximately 2:39 PM, Kentucky State Police Post 3 in Bowling Green, received a call stating an inmate had escaped from the Hart County Jail located at 520 AA Whitman Lane in Munfordville.

The escapee is Darron M. Wren, age 30, of Cave City, KY. Wren is a white male, with brown hair, hazel eyes, approximately 5’9” tall, and weighs approximately 135 pounds. Wren was last seen wearing blue jeans and a white hooded sweatshirt.
​
If anyone has information on the whereabouts of the subject, please contact Kentucky State Police Post 3 at 270-782-2010 or by Text a Tip via the Kentucky State Police App. Callers may remain Anonymous.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
The clerk that opened up the Z Mart convenience store on HWY 259N, formerly Jr. Foods in the Sweeden community, discussed the frightening moment when an armed, masked man busted in the door demanding money.

The young clerk, who asked not to be named, along with the store manager, described the incident that occurred at 4:55am on Saturday morning, just as he opened the store.

He said a man quickly entered the store, wearing all black, with a black hood and mask. He said the man was completely covered and ran straight at him, where he was standing at the register. 

"I knew when he came in it wasn't good, there was going to be trouble," he said. "He pulled out a gun and pointed it at me and he said give me all the money."

The clerk said he opened up the register and told the man to take the money.

"I told him, 'here, take it,'" as he motioned his hands up in the air. "He grabbed the money and he punched me." He pointed to his stomach and head.

The store manager said he feels like the suspect is someone that is local or familiar with the place because he knew the layout of the store.

"He knew when we opened and he knew where to take the clerk," said the manager, who noted that the robber took the clerk to another area of the store.

The clerk said the entire incident was over in just under a couple of minutes. He also said he called the police as soon as the robber left. Because it was still dark, he never saw a vehicle.

"I am very lucky," he said. "I was very scared."

The suspect is described as being 5'0"- 5'2" in height and was wearing black clothing, a black mask and gloves. The case is being investigated by Kentucky State Police. If anyone has information in reference to this incident or the identity of the person involved, please contact Kentucky State Police Post 3 at 270-782-2010 or via the Kentucky State Police App. Callers may remain anonymous.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Kentucky State Police are investigating an armed robbery that took place over the weekend in Sweeden, according to a press release from KSP.

Troopers responded to Z Mart (formerly JR. Food Store) early Saturday morning to the report from employees that the store had been robbed at gunpoint.

KSP reported that at approximately 4:55 A.M. a male brandishing a handgun entered into the convenience store and demanded cash. He is described as being 5'0"- 5'2" in height and was wearing black clothing, a black mask and gloves. The investigation is ongoing and currently being led by Detective Courtney Milam.
​
If anyone has information in reference to this incident or the identity of the person involved, please contact Kentucky State Police Post 3 at 270-782-2010 or via the Kentucky State Police App. Callers may remain anonymous.

Darren Doyle, story:
An Edmonson County magistrate was formally indicted by an Edmonson County Grand Jury on February 14, 2020 and now faces a felony charge.

District Two Magistrate Corey VanMeter was indicted on one count of Theft by failure to make required disposition of property-$500 or more, according to court documents provided by the Edmonson County Circuit Clerk's Office. The charge is a Class D Felony.

The indictment document stated that VanMeter was paid by an individual to install a heating and cooling system and materials but failed to deliver the said materials, dating back to March 1, 2019. 

VanMeter spoke to the Edmonson Voice about the charge, which he said he felt would be dismissed.

"I provided the materials and services that I was paid to do," he said. "I was unable to complete the full job, but I actually provided more than what the individual paid me for and I have documents that will show that, and I'm confident that this charge will be dropped."

Judge Executive Wil Cannon said that the fiscal court cannot and will not take any action on this at this time.

"This is unrelated to county business," he said. "First of all, everyone is innocent unless proven guilty, so as the Judge Executive, it's my job to support all magistrates in their duties. We all serve the same people and if I don't give support to magistrates to help them with their jobs, I'm not supporting the people in their districts. As long as Corey is doing his job as a magistrate, the county has no position in this matter."

A Class D Felony carries a penalty of 1-5 years in jail and can include fines ranging from $1000 to $10,000.

An indictment is only a formal charge and not an admission of guilt.

After a lengthy process, we're pleased to launch our brand new mobile app today for both Apple and Android users. 

​Our office has been swamped with calls and messages asking about the Edmonson Voice mobile app that stopped working a couple months ago. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the former version of our app had to be rebuilt and resubmitted to both the Apple Store and Google Play.

This was a very involved process with strict requirements from these app stores; however, the good news is that it's up and running, and better than ever.

PLEASE NOTE: If you still have the old app on your device, you MUST DELETE IT and download the new version. This is actually a brand new app, not just an updated version of the old one. The old version no longer exists and you'll need to download our brand new model. 
​

Click on either of the above icons to download your preferred version. Thanks for your patience and for making us the number one local news source in Edmonson County.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Three local men have been arrested on various drug, warrant, and escape charges after an investigation for warrant service by the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office. 

According to a press release from the Edmonson County Sheriff, deputies arrived at the 2100 block of Mt. Zion Road in Brownsville on Sunday, February 9th around 8pm with information that a wanted fugitive was there. Deputies reported they saw drug paraphernalia in plain sight in a vehicle belonging to Steve Alford (58) of Brownsville. According to the press release, a search of the vehicle produced assorted drug paraphernalia commonly used for smoking methamphetamine, along with suspected methamphetamine residue. Alford was charged and arrested on scene for Possession of Controlled Substance, 1st Degree, 1st Offense (methamphetamine) and Drug Paraphernalia—Buy/Possess; he was lodged in Hart County Jail.

Barton Austin Houchin (31) of Brownsville, was then recognized by deputies at the front door of the residence, who was wanted on numerous outstanding warrants, according to the Sheriff's Office. Houchin was detained by deputies and drug paraphernalia was allegedly found on Houchin. Deputies reported that a search of the house produced a bag of suspected marijuana and additional drug paraphernalia. In addition to being served four outstanding warrants, Houchin was also charged with Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia—Buy/Possess; he was lodged in Hart County Jail.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
A mobile home was claimed by a fire tonight on Chalybeate School Road. According to emergency personnel, a Wingfield firefighter reported the fire around 9PM on Tuesday night, which was located at 4431 Chalybeate School Road.

Firefighters on scene said the structure was a rental property that appeared to be vacant. The cause of the fire was unknown.

Responding to the scene were the Wingfield and Chalybeate Fire Departments, Edmonson County Emergency Management, and WRECC.

No injuries were reported.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
More than $1.6 million dollars is coming to state roads within Edmonson County, thanks to both extra discretionary funds, that was first announced in April of 2019, and KY's Rural Secondary Road Program funding for 2020.

​Joe Plunk, Chief district engineer for the KY Transportation Cabinet's District 3, addressed the Edmonson County Fiscal Court today to discuss how the funding was broken down for the county.

He said that a total of $523,053 in unexpected discretionary funds are coming to Edmonson County for roads and improvements to the Brownsville bridge. Repairs will be made to repair six different roads, which include: Mt. Zion Road, Oak Hill Road, Salem Church Road, Mohawk Road, Long Road, and Crump Road. He noted that $181K of the amount will be used for the North Main Street Bridge over Green River in Brownsville, which serves 7,000-8,000 vehicles a day. Repairs will address signs of aging on the sidewalk and bridge railing to maintain the safety of the bridge for pedestrians. He noted there were currently no structural problems with the bridge.

For the Rural Secondary Program, $369K will be used for routine maintenance on nearly 89 miles of state roadway in Edmonson County, while more than $530K will be used for a complete overhaul and rebuild of the Bear Creek Bridge on KY 238 (Sunfish-Bee Spring Road). Mr. Plunk said the project will cause a 60-day closing of the area that is scheduled to take place later this year. Estimated time of repair on the Brownsville bridge will be the summer of 2020. 

He said $103K was carried over from last year's program for a total of $1,102,552 for the Edmonson County state road program.

In addition to Mr. Plunk's comments, other discussions were had as county offices gave their regular reports.

Road Report: County Road Supervisor Greg Carroll said that crews worked on clearing up to two inches of snow in some parts of the county as a result of Thursday night's snowfall. He said 50 tons of salt were used during the weather event. He also noted that more than 3 inches recently fell that closed the four, flood-prone bridges in the county. He also reported crews had installed tiles, and completed ditch/rock work in various parts of the county.

Sheriff Report: Sergeant Wally Ritter gave the Sheriff's Report in the absence of Sheriff Doyle, who recently had shoulder surgery and is recovering. He said the sheriff's office is still severely under-manned and is relying on special volunteer deputies to assist with calls.

Jailer Report: Deputy Jailer Todd Vincent reported 28 inmates currently at Hart County Jail with 3 on home incarceration.

County Clerk Kevin Alexander reported on the recent results of a state audit, which he said were excellent, overall. He said only one comment resulted in a negative connotation, which was lack of segregation of duties.

Coroner Report: County Coroner Brentley Esters reported that his office handled 41 deaths in the county last year. He noted none of the causes of death were out of the ordinary.

Jail Budget Passes: $571K
The fiscal court also passed the Edmonson County Jailer's Budget for 2020, in the amount of $571,600, which was $85K more than last year's budget. The budget also listed $430K of the amount going towards outside contracted jail costs since Edmonson County has no jail. 

The budget passed with little discussion; however, Judge Executive Wil Cannon noted that he had attended recent meetings regarding a potential regional jail that could possibly serve four counties: Edmonson, Butler, Ohio, and McLean. Jail talks always prompt reactions from the community from those in favor of the county building its own jail; however, Cannon said the most recent projections on a 200 bed facility would cost $20 million to build, which wouldn't include the cost of personnel, operating expenses, and other unknown costs. With a budget of $571K, he noted that the county could not afford to build its own, but a regional jail might be a possibility several years in the future, which would likely be located in Morgantown.

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 24, 2020 at 9am.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky., February 7, 2020. – Mammoth Cave National Park will institute a two hour delay for all park offices, facilities, and visitor services on Friday, February 7, 2020 due to hazardous road conditions in the area. Roads through the park will remain open, but drivers are advised to drive with caution.
 
The Green River Ferry and Green River Ferry Road from Maple Springs Campground to the Green River Ferry parking lot on the north side of the river remains closed due to the Green River Ferry ramp improvement project which is still under construction.
 
For the most up to date information about the status of park roads visit us on our website, www.nps.gov/maca, follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or phone (270) 758-2165.
 
For general park information, please phone (270) 758-2180.

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Schools will be closing again due to even more declining attendance as a result of area wide illness.

"There are still so many out due to different strands of the flu and other illnesses," said EC Superintendent of Schools Patrick Waddell. "Our attendance was at 78% today and because of that, we are cancelling school in Edmonson County for Friday, February 7, 2020."

The announcement comes after school in the county was cancelled Monday through Wednesday this week due to the same cause.

Waddell said school will be back in session on Monday, February 10th. As a result of the closing, all school activities, practices, games, and other extra-curriculars will be suspended during this time. The boy/girl doubleheader against Grayson County for Friday night will be rescheduled.

"Unless we are involved in a large district or regional activity, as was the case last Saturday with our academic team, we will suspend all school activities while school is closed."

Waddell noted that last Saturday's academic team competition involved multiple schools and rescheduling the event was not feasible.

Friday will also be NTI Day #4 for students and will not have to be a made-up school day.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) released the following statement today on the U.S. Senate’s acquittal of President Donald J. Trump in his impeachment trial:
 
“I am glad that impeachment has finally come to an end and that President Trump has been acquitted," Guthrie said. "He should never have been impeached in the first place. Democrats in the House and Senate have put politics over the American people, dragging out the impeachment process as long as they could while ignoring important matters facing our nation. I commend Leader McConnell for his handling of the impeachment trial in the Senate, and I am glad we can all get back to work.”

President Trump was acquitted on both charges. The first, which was abuse of power, was voted down 52-48. The amount of votes required to remove the President from office was 67. Only one republican voted in favor of the first charge, which was Utah Senator Mitt Romney. The second charge, which was Obstruction of Congress, failed 53-47. 

All democrats voted to convict Trump on both charges.

Today's vote ended a trial, proceedings, and a probe that went on for nearly four months.
​

Darren Doyle, story:
Police are investigating a recent break-in at Alford's Pharmacy and Drive-Thru and are asking for the community's help with the case.

According to Brownsville Police Chief Jeff Jewell, the break-in occurred at 1:23 AM on Thursday, January 30th. Police said the suspect gained entrance to the pharmacy, located in the Main Street Center in Brownsville, by breaching a door. 

Owner Kasey Alford said police were able to obtain video surveillance footage from the pharmacy's security system. The footage showed a white male, dressed in all black, approximately 6 feet tall.
​
"This could have been much worse, but we had good security measures in place and we were glad to have the help of Chief Jewell of the Brownsville Police," Alford said. 

While damages to the pharmacy were undisclosed, Chief Jewell said multiple leads are being followed in the ongoing investigation.

"We are asking our community for help with any information you might have regarding this case," said Jewell. "You can also remain completely anonymous."

Anyone with information in this incident is asked to call Brownsville Police at 270-597-3814. 

UPDATE: 2-03-20, 12:03PM: Alford's Pharmacy has confirmed that minimal damage was sustained and that no meds or patient records of any kind were taken. Pharmacy staff said there is no need for patients to be concerned.