Darren Doyle, story:
The rain poured down not only on all of Edmonson County but also all of Kentucky Sunday and Sunday evening, which caused flooding all over the WABBLES area (Warren, Allen, Barren, Butler, Logan, Edmonson, and Simpson). 

A portion of Nolin Dam Road (KY HWY 728) was closed for nearly two hours this evening due to a mudslide that pushed mud, rocks, and debris into the pathway of traffic. 

KY Transportation Cabinet personnel worked to clear the roadway, which was reopened around 10PM.

Emergency personnel worked around the county removing downed trees and other debris as a result of rain and storms throughout the day. 

Some parts of Edmonson County reportedly received over 5 inches of rain on Sunday alone. We received multiple reports of residents being temporarily stranded at their homes due to driveways being washed out or flooded.

Edmonson County Schools cancelled classes for Monday due to some flooded roadways and other areas throughout the county.

Darren Doyle, story:
Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander has made the following announcement regarding no school in Edmonson County for Monday, March 1, 2021:

"Due to flooding and road conditions we do not see improving overnight, tomorrow will be a distance learning NTI day for all Edmonson County students."

He also added, "We have a number of roads flooded and trees falling on roadways due to unstable ground conditions. In consideration of families needing to make child care decisions, we are making the decision tonight."

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County's active COVID cases had very little change this week, increasing by two cases since last Friday, according to today's released data from the Barren River District Health Department.

Active cases today equaled 71, compared to 69 last week. Total cases in Edmonson County from the pandemic's beginning were numbered at 888 with 800 recoveries and 17 deaths determined from COVID-19.

Active cases for the entire Barren River Health District, which covers eight counties and over 200,000 people, were at 2,343 with 376 total deaths. 

Edmonson County continues to have the lowest total cases, active cases, and deaths from COVID-19 out of the entire district.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander has announced the school system's plan that will increase in-person attendance to four days per week, beginning March 15th.  ​

"We are very excited to begin with a plan to expand school attendance in the coming weeks for Edmonson County Schools," Alexander said in his statement. "It is our hope that as we continue to deal with COVID as a county and community, we can work toward "normal" for our schools."

He said that in developing the plan for our expansion of school attendance, the school system has studied the Kentucky Department of Education's COVID-19 Guidance 2.0 (Released February 22, 2021), as well as the reopening plans for surrounding school districts in our region of the state.

Mr. Alexander also told the Edmonson Voice that any virtual student can remain on their virtual schedule and anyone with masks or social distancing questions can call their school(s) and ask to speak to the principal.

The announced plan is published below.

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky., February 25, 2021. – The Green River Ferry in Mammoth Cave National Park will temporarily alter its operating hours to 6 am to 6 pm starting Friday, February 26 until further notice. The ferry will also close daily between 11:45 pm and 12:15 pm for cleaning and disinfection of the operating booth between shifts. 
 
For the most up to date information about the status of park roads visit us on our website: www.nps.gov/maca, follow Twitter: @MCNPRoadsFerry, or check-in by phone (270) 758-2165. ​

Edmonson Voice Report:​
A Scottsville man has died as a result of injuries sustained in an ATV crash early yesterday morning, according to Kentucky State Police.

KSP responded to an assist call from the Allen County Sheriff's Office around 1AM on Tuesday morning, which was reported as a fatal collision that occurred on Bailys Point Road in Allen County.

It was determined that 47 year-old Scott E. Bolt of Scottsville, was operating a side by side ATV on Baileys Point Road near the 100 block where his ATV left the roadway and struck a utility pole on the shoulder.  Scott E. Bolt was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Allen County Coroner.  KSP reported that Bolt was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. 

The investigation is ongoing and is being led by the Kentucky State Police.  Troopers were assisted by Allen County Sheriff's Office, Allen County EMS, and Allen County Coroner.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Kentucky State Police are investigating a fatal house fire that claimed the life of an 81-year old Hart County man on Sunday.

KSP reported that they were notified of the fire that occurred just after 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 21st,  at 124 Hundred Acre Pond Road in Hardyville. 

According to KSP reports, upon arrival of the Hardyville Fire Department, a deceased male was discovered in the residence who was identified as Ralph Bennett, 81, of Hardyville. Bennett was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Hart County Coroner.  KSP said the cause of the fire has not been determined, but no foul play is suspected at this time.
​
The investigation continues and is being led by the Kentucky State Police.  Detectives were assisted on the scene by the Kentucky State Fire Marshal's Office, Hardyville Fire Department, North Metcalfe Fire Department, Munfordville Fire Department, Hart County Coroner, Hart County Sheriff's Office and Hart County EMS.

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County road crews battled the snow and ice for over a week with prepping and labor, which included a 48-hour shift during the recent winter storm that saw around a half inch of ice and up to 6 inches of snow in some parts of the county. 

County Road Supervisor Greg Carroll discussed the event in today's Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting. He said that several crew members experienced plowing the roads for the first time when the first batch of ice hit the county on Thursday, February 11th. On Saturday, crews prepped trucks and equipment for more forecasted winter weather. 

Carroll said that crews then worked around the clock plowing county roads, spreading 500 tons of salt, and made several trips around all the county roads; some even working 48 straight hours.

"It's one thing to stay awake for 48 hours but it's another to be able to work like our guys worked through then," he said.

Carroll said there is about 100 tons of salt left at the county facility, which should be enough to get crews through this winter, barring another large winter event.

He also said that the lower temperatures and having new crew members slowed the process down a bit but they were still able to get the job completed. He also mentioned some complaints from residents who claimed plowed snow was piled up in front of driveways.

"We don't do that on purpose," he said. "There's no where else for that snow to go and there's nothing we can do about it."

He also mentioned that the county received some reports of damaged mailboxes as a result of plow trucks.

"People think our drivers hit the mailboxes with the plow, but they get damaged from the snow that comes off the blades. If anyone had a mailbox damaged, call the Judge Executive's office and we'll take care of it."

It is notable that there is a difference in county road mailboxes and state road mailboxes. Calls for county road mailboxes will need to be directed to the Judge Cannon's office but state road incidents are not handled by the county.

Carroll said that over 1000 man hours were logged during the storm and he publicly thanked all crew members. He said the estimated cost of the snow prep and removal was around $90,000.

Sheriff Shane Doyle reported a quiet office during the storm regarding accidents. He said there was not a single accident call for service during that time; however, he said calls for domestic incidents spiked during the winter storm.

The jailer report was read by Judge Wil Cannon, who said there were currently 13 county inmates housed at the Hart County Jail with one on home incarceration.

County Attorney Greg Vincent said his office has reopened after being closed from the storm and that the office workload was backed up due to the closing and from court being postponed. He said that court is scheduled to resume on Tuesday of this week.

County Clerk Kevin Alexander also reported his office being open now after the storm and he said he and his team was glad to be back at work.

Judge Executive Cannon then discussed the state of emergency declared last week by executive order that shut down all county offices. The order lasted through Saturday, February 20th. His report was acknowledged by the fiscal court.

The court also voted to:​​

• Acknowledge 2020 Fire Departments Annual Audits.
• Approve Lang Company Software Support Agreement.
• Approve Ordinance EC21-05-Budget Amendment, Second Reading and Adoption Budget
• Acknowledge BGWC January Shelter Directors Report.

​​The next fiscal court is scheduled to be held virtually on March 8, 2021 at 9AM.

Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander has announced that there will be no school in Edmonson County on Monday, February 22, 2021 due to icy road conditions that still remain in some areas. It will be an NTI day for students. 
​ 

Darren Doyle, story:
Active COVID cases in Edmonson Count declined again for the third straight week, according to today's data released from the Barren River District Health Department.

Edmonson County saw a decrease from 88 active cases last Friday to 69 today; however, one more death from the virus was reported, bringing the total number of deaths to 17. 

Total number of cases since the beginning of the pandemic for the county are now at 864 with 778 recoveries.

Vaccinations are still in the first two phases, which include 1A: Long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, health care personnel, and 1B: First responders, anyone age 70 or older, K-12 school personnel.

The health department says vaccinations will stay in these two phases for several more weeks. 

​EDMONSON COUNTY FISCAL COURT
NOTICE OF REGULAR AUDIO/VIDEO TELECONFERENCE MEETING
​
In accordance with KRS 61.823, KRS 61.826, Executive Order 2020-243, OAG 20-05, 2020 Senate Bill 150 and the March 31 Attorney General Advisory, the Edmonson County Fiscal Court will meet in session at 9:00 a.m. on February 22, 2021 to consider the following Agenda.  The meeting will take place via audio teleconference due to the current public health situation with the fiscal court not meeting in person. The public may attend via audio by dialing:  1-312-626-6799, meeting ID 863 2399 7449, password 405376
 or by going to the following link: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86323997449?pwd=c0J4eUtuOXN6QTVwMjdnOXlML01rQT09

AGENDA
2/22/2021
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of today’s Agenda
IV. Approval of February 8, 2021 Fiscal Court Minutes
a. Read b. Dispense
V. Approval of Bills
VI. Appropriation Budget Transfers
VII. New Business
a. Acknowledge BGWC January Shelter Directors Report.
b. Approve February #2 Cash Transfers.
c. Acknowledge 2020 Fire Departments Annual Audits.
d. Approve Lang Company Software Support Agreement.
e. Approve Ordinance EC21-05-Budget Amendment, Second Reading and Adoption Budget
f. Declaration of Local State of Emergency-Edmonson County
VIII. Updates:
IX. Judge Executive:
X. Adjourn:
XI. Next Fiscal Court Meeting will be March 8th, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. via audio/video teleconference.


Wil Cannon
EDMONSON COUNTY JUDGE EXECUTIVE

Edmonson County Schools have cancelled in-person classes for Wednesday Feb. 17th through Friday, Feb 19th. Wednesday and Thursday will be NTI days and Friday will be a normal snow day.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
Edmonson County Judge Executive Wil Cannon has declared a state of emergency in Edmonson County as a result of the winter storm that hit the county over the last two days. This allows multiple agencies to work together through what would normally be considered the "red tape" of government.

All county and state offices are closed until further notice. 

"Please don't be out on the roads if it's not an absolute necessity," Judge Cannon said. "We have county road crews working around the clock working on the roadways but workers and equipment are struggling to keep up with the bitter cold and icy conditions. Our crews are doing the absolute best they can so we ask that you have patience while they work through these conditions." 

State crews are working just as hard on state roadways all over the region. KSP reported multiple collisions last night and today on I-65 and the surrounding area. Multiple lanes of traffic were closed for a period of time as a result of the crashes. 

Most areas of the county saw around an inch of ice yesterday plus another 2-3 inches of snow last night. Temps dipped down to single digits this morning with below-zero wind chills. Another round of winter winter is possible for Wednesday and Thursday of this week. 

UPDATE: 2/16/21 4:11pm: Per Judge Cannon's Office: Scott Waste will not make any pick ups this week due to weather. All trash will be picked up next week, including extra trash customers might have.


Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The Edmonson County Judge Executive's Office has announced that Scott Waste will not pick up trash on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 due to inclement weather. They also said that a plan moving forward with the rest of the week will be announced later.

Edmonson County Schools have announced there will be no in-person school on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 due to inclement weather. It will be an NTI day for students. 

Sporting events for Monday and Tuesday, Feb 15th and 16th have also been postponed.

Snow and ice fell through the night and throughout the day on Monday, February 15, 2021 across Edmonson County and surrounding area. We took a drive across the county and took some photos of the winter weather. Enjoy some of our favorites. 

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County's COVID cases have steadily decreased this week after a sharp spike just over a week ago, according to today's released numbers from the Barren River District Health Department. 

The county saw it's highest active number during the pandemic on Thursday, February 4th with 127 active cases. Those numbers begin to decrease slightly each day and had dropped to 100 this Monday, the 8th. Over the course of this week, the decline continued each day except for Wednesday, which saw one additional active case. Today, active cases were at 88 for Edmonson County, which is a 31% decrease in 11 days. 

There were two more deaths reported as a result of COVID in Edmonson County this week, which brings that total to 16. Total number of cases in the county from the beginning of the pandemic were listed today at 849 with 745 recoveries.

Edmonson County is now back at the top of the list in the Barren River Health District for the lowest amount of total cases, active cases, and deaths reported from COVID.

Superintendent of Schools Brian Alexander has made an announcement regarding virtual learning on Friday, February 12, 2021. His full statement is published below:

ECHS also announced that Friday night boys and girls basketball games are postponed due to slick road conditions. They will be rescheduled for a later date.

The Edmonson County Judge Executive's Office has announced that Scott Waste will not be picking up trash on Thursday, February 11, 2021 due to ice. 

While the announcement doesn't help those who carried their trash cans out in the rain last night, procrastinators don't have to get their trash out today. Instead, the office said that Scott Waste will be picking up trash on Friday and Saturday. 

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Crews from both the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 3 and the Edmonson County Road Department are preparing for the impending ice storm that has been forecasted for the county and surrounding area.

According to a press release from the KYTC, the District 3 snow & ice response team has been monitoring the forecast for the last several days and made the call to have crews report in tonight. Forecasters are predicting up to half an inch of ice in the District 3 area. Motorists are urged to treat this as a potentially serious system with the predicted ice in the forecast.

Icy travel conditions, down tree limbs and power lines could be possible with this weather system. The bulk of the icing in the District 3 area is expected late tonight into tomorrow morning. Please stay up to date on the latest forecast and road conditions. The District 3 social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook will post updates during the night.

District 3 crews only treat state routes, or roads that are numbered. Named roads on green signs are county roads and are maintained by county road crews.

County Road Supervisor Greg Carroll said that crews worked today by preparing all the snow trucks for tonight and tomorrow.

"We're double checking everything on the trucks," he said. "Everybody went home at 4pm today to get a little rest for what looks like a night. When it starts, everyone will come back in and we'll stay out until the roads are cleared."

Carroll said the county has around 500 tons of salt on hand.

To report a power outage, you can use the WRECC SmartHub App, or text your outage to WRECC by texting "wrecc" to 85700, then once you are signed in, text "#out" to 85700. You can also call 270-843-9710 or 888-604-4321 and keep trying if lines are busy.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander has announced that due to potential impending weather conditions, Edmonson County Schools will close in-person learning for Thursday, February 11, 2021.

"While Friday's session will be all-virtual, widespread power outages could cause us to have to adjust how we normally do things," he said. "A decision will be made at the earliest point possible once the impact of this winter event is determined so families can plan accordingly."

Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander has made an announcement regarding in-person learning and COVID vaccinations at EC Schools with the potential of winter weather in the forecast: