Madison Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Fiscal Court met this morning, February 27, 2023. Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey called the meeting to order. Multiple county department heads gave simple, updated reports since the last fiscal court meeting, and the court quickly moved into new business.

The first item of new business was to approve the Bowling Green Warren County (BGWC) Humane Society Animal Shelter Agreement. Judge Lindsey said "They [Humane Society] are doing us a huge favor by letting us do this another year with the amount of dogs we have going up there. Every time I talk to them, they do suggest to me that we move forward with building an animal shelter or finding another place to go, because it truly is a huge burden for them."

Judge Lindsey stated that he plans to travel to a couple different counties in similar size to Edmonson County who have their own animal shelters, and see what it costs to maintain them.

"I'm going to their fiscal courts and Judge/Executives exactly what they voted on; how did they plan for this? These are the questions we need to be asking because, I don't want to spend more money than necessary, but when it comes to building an animal shelter, it needs to be done right," said Lindsey.

The court also voted not to renew the affiliation agreement with the Brownsville Edmonson County Rescue Squad. County Attorney Adam Turner stated that the Rescue Squad cannot operate without approval from the court.

"We were talking at the Emergency Services Meeting, and we decided it would be best to have the court say on record we do not want to approve this renewal," Turner said. "I will have to do some more research on this later on, but I believe in Chapter 39-F, there is an enabling statue that states that they cannot operate without the affiliation agreement."

Turner went on to explain that the current affiliation agreement with the Brownsville Rescue Squad expired at the end of year in 2022, so technically speaking, they should not be in operation right now.

Emergency Management Director Terry Massey shared his thoughts on why he felt this was the right decision for Edmonson County.

"I'm not malice against any of those guys, or just eager to get rid of them, but this is a liability issue for the county," Massey started. "When we call them out to help, it's just a free-for-all. We just can't have that."

Massey also said this won't leave the county without a search and rescue team. He says they are looking to sign a new affiliation agreement with a tri-county search and rescue team very soon. The vote to not renew the current affiliation agreement was unanimous, excluding District 4 Magistrate Mickey Johnson who was not present at today's meeting.

The court also voted to formally acknowledged the Edmonson County Wildcat and Lady Cat Basketball Teams on their District Championship wins last week.

"This is the first time in Edmonson County School history that both our girls' and boys' teams have won this title in the same year, and I want them to know how proud we are of them and their hard work, and most importantly the way they represent Edmonson County," Judge Lindsey said.

The court also voted to:

• Approve Edmonson County Road Department Groundwater Protection Plan.
• Approve 2023 Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Application, County Contribution $50,000 and Recreation Tax Committee Contribution $50,000.
• Approve FY24 Jail Budget.
• Acknowledge BGWC January Shelter Directors Report.
• Approve Sheriff’s January Fee Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Sheriff’s January Franchise Tax Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Sheriff’s January County Property Tax Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Sheriff’s January Fire Protection Tax Report, pending final audit.
• Acknowledge Tourism FY24 Budget.
• Approve to appoint Kim Polson to Tourism Board effective 2/27/23 for a 2 year term, expiring 12/31/2024.
• Approve Sheriff's 4th Quarter Report, pending final audit.

The next fiscal court meeting will be Monday, March 13, 2023 at 9 am.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie (R), who represents Kentucky's 2nd Congressional District, visited Edmonson County High School today to speak with students and answer their questions.

Rep. Guthrie joked with students today about the spotlights shining on his head as he was welcomed to the stage in the high school auditorium and told them he didn't want to bore them with an extra history lesson; however, he did give a brief summary how his path led him to Washington.

He spoke briefly about his attendance and graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and then joining the U.S. Army. He said the Soviet conflicts of the 80s inspired him to join the military, which later led him to pursue roles in government.

He told about his service as a Kentucky State Senator, where he served with local native Richie Sanders, which eventually led to him seeking office at the national level and being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

He also gave a brief overview of the House and how it works, then took several questions from students in the crowd in a down-to-earth fashion.

Rep. Guthrie also noted that he enjoys visiting Edmonson County, which he normally does several times per year.

To contact Rep. Guthrie, visit https://guthrie.house.gov/

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear visited Edmonson County High School today to discuss nearly $11M in state funding that's coming to the county. ECHS will receive funding for Local Area Vocational Education Centers (LAVEC) revitalization and renovation projects, along with 10 other schools that did not receive funding from the grant program the previous year. The school will receive $10M for a remodel of their vocational program facilities, which haven't received any major renovations since the school was built in 1981.

"Today is going to be a really good day for Edmonson County," said Beshear. "In fact, we're here with roughly with $10.7 million dollars of investment in this school system and in this county."

Beshear discussed the tough past three years that included the pandemic, the tornadoes of last year, ice storms, and current inflation that is causing problems for families everywhere across the Commonwealth.

"But I'm here to tell you that Kentucky is turning the page and I hope you feel it, too. It's like that song that says 'weeping may linger in the evening but joy comes in the morning.' I feel like we're truly moving from that dark, difficult time that these past few years have been, into one of more brightness, optimism, and possibility and potential for every single Kentuckian, and every single region."

Superintendent of Edmonson Schools Brian Alexander spoke at today's ceremony.

"Before the renovation of our vocational center even became a thought, our board had the foresight to expand our career pathways here," Alexander said. "The reality of being able to expand and renovate our vocational centers puts an exclamation point on their commitment and their vision."

Alexander recognized the board members, faculty, school administration, and district & board administration for their efforts in moving forward with vocational programs and the LAVEC project.

"I want to thank you, Governor Beshear," Alexander added. "Without your help and support, and without the fight that you put up in putting this funding in your executive budget, we wouldn't be where we are today."

Governor Beshear spoke to the Edmonson Voice about the criteria for schools to receive the funding.

"In the first round, it was all competitive grants, so schools put in their plans, what it would mean for their students, and their communities--talked about their various tracks and disciplines that they had," he said. "What we found was a huge desire and a huge need for investment in this area. The difference for those who qualified in the first round and didn't was a half a point to a point and-a-half. So we specifically came back and wrote in those who had been close, to the next budget, knowing that they'd already applied, and what a great application it was. So it was truly the school system, their grant writers coming together and putting a compelling case that we see in action."

Beshear also told the Voice that working with the state legislature was "actually seamless," to secure the funding.

"We see a whole lot about when we disagree, (but) we were all on board with this," he said. "With the best two years of economic development in our history, with advanced manufacturing like electric vehicle batteries growing day-by-day, the electric battery capital of the world, we know this investment is needed right now, to have the type of highly trained workforce we need, there was never any hesitation. I think you'll see more funding in the next budget."

In addition to the funding for the LAVEC project, the Governor also presented ceremonial checks to two other county entities. The Edmonson County Tourism Commission will receive $36,387 in state funding to help support local tourism, and the Edmonson County Water District will receive $736,590 to bolster the county's water infrastructure.

State Representative Michael Meredith also thanked the Governor for visiting ECHS, the school from which Meredith graduated.

"If you look across our region and our area, you will find that Edmonson County has the finest tradespeople in the world," said Meredith. "Whether it's electrical, whether it's plumbers, whether they're auto mechanics, welders, we have the best and the finest you'll find anywhere. And for too long, at the state level, we've put our focus just solely on college and pushing kids to that field, but with investments like this today, show that we're not just investing in college, we're investing in the careers of these young people, and we're going to be able to replace these folks who have served our community so well as they start to retire."

Beshear then went on a tour of the current vocational facilities, that included business, healthcare, engineering, ag, auto shop, and welding, all of which look much the same as they did over 40 years ago.

Construction for the new project will begin soon and it will be located on the north side of the school, between the gym and the current auto mechanics and welding shop.

A teenager was injured in a rollover crash in Edmonson County today, according to Edmonson County Sheriff James Vincent.

The unnamed minor, who Vincent said was 17 years of age, was headed southbound on KY HWY 259 N in front of the Kentucky Transportation Garage in a 2008 Chevy Cobalt at 9:55AM today. The teen apparently lost control of the car on wet roads, over-corrected, then the vehicle left the roadway and overturned twice, Vincent said.

He also added that the driver was ejected from the vehicle.

Sheriff Vincent also said that the teen was transported to the hospital in Bowling Green for unknown injuries and then to Skyline Medical Center in Nashville. He said the teen's condition was currently unknown.

Responding to the scene was the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Brownsville Fire Department, Edmonson EMS, the KY Department of Transportation, and Kentucky State Police.

MAMMOTH CAVE, KY.– An aerial population study of white-tailed deer residing inside the boundaries of Mammoth Cave National Park will take place in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 19. The study is scheduled to begin after midnight and will provide a baseline population census of white-tailed deer inside the park. People living in proximity of the park’s boundary might notice comparatively low-flying aircraft during the study period.   
 
The research survey is being conducted with infrared technology and related hardware and software to obtain images of deer from altitudes over 1,000 feet. The study will utilize state-of-the-art multi-sensor imaging systems mounted on light, fixed-wing aircraft specifically designed for aerial survey operations.  The aircraft will fly in a grid pattern which enables researchers to obtain images of deer from virtually all land areas within the park. Survey flights will be conducted during the early morning when deer activity is expected to be at its peak. Flights will begin approximately one hour before sunrise and will terminate approximately two hours after sunrise.  
 
The research data from the survey will provide a “snapshot” of the total number of deer present in the park, their locations, and how they are distributed and grouped throughout the park.  This information is useful to park managers who monitor the health and status of the park’s white-tailed deer population.

Mammoth Cave National Park’s Division of Science and Resources Management will oversee the project being conducted by Owyhee Air Research, LLC, a private company headquartered in Nampa, Idaho, who specializes in aerial wildlife imagery. The flight is weather dependent and may be changed to an alternate day later during the week of February 19 if conditions warrant. 
 
Visit the park’s website for more information about Mammoth Cave National Park, Park Wildlife, and ongoing Science and Research projects.   

Madison Doyle, story and photo:
Edmonson County Fiscal Court met today, February 13, 2023. The meeting was called to order by Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey by leading the court in the pledge of allegiance. Following this, many county department heads gave updated reports since the last fiscal court meeting three weeks ago.

After this, the court moved into business. On January 9, 2023, the court voted to open bids for a new sheriff's vehicle up to the amount of $40,000. Today, they accepted a bid in the amount of $37,000 for a 2022 Dodge Durango police pursuit vehicle.

Interim County Road Supervisor Joe Joe Montgomery informed the court that the county road paver is damaged, and either needs to be repaired or replaced. It was his recommendation that they pay to repair the paver rather than buy a new one. After some discussion, all of the magistrates were in agreement and voted to have the paver repaired.

Lisa Whobrey, with Edmonson County Schools Community Ed, spoke to the court about the purpose of the Family Resource-Youth Services Center. Earlier in the week, a declaration was signed proclaiming FRYSC Week in Edmonson County.

There were no further major discussions; however, magistrates then voted to:

• Approve County Clerk’s January MVAV Collection Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s January Deed Transfer Tax Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s January Excess Fees Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s January Delinquent Tax Collection Report, pending final audit.
• Acknowledge County Clerk’s January Clerk Storage Fee Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Resolution 23-02, Brooks Road Agreement.
• Approve 2022 EMA Program Funds (EMPG 2022 Cycle) Contract.
• Approve to appoint Thomas Bolton to Extension District Board for a 3 year term, effective January 2023.
• Approve to appoint Ian Stewart to Extension District Board for a 3 year term, effective January 2023.
• Approve Extension Service Agreement.
• Acknowledge Dog Control’s January CAD Incident Report.
• Approve Resolution EC23-03, Bald Knob Road Project.
• Approve Resolution EC23-01, Jailer Duties and Salary.
• Approve for Room Tax Fund to pay back General Fund $50.
• Approve February Cash Transfers.
• Approve pay rate increase for Chester Ester from $10.50 to $12.00, effective 2/13/23.
• Approve pay rate increase for Ken Smith from $10.50 to $12.00, effective 2/13/23.
• Approve Sheriff’s Office Lang Service Contract.
• Approve Square 9 Annual Support Agreement (Judge Executive’s Office).
• Acknowledge Family Resource and Youth Services Coordinators Appreciation Week Proclamation.
• Approve Treasurer’s January Monthly Settlement Report.
• Approve Resolution EC23-04, Memorandum of Agreement with BRADD.
• Acknowledge Board Appointments; Transportation: Mark Meeks & Mickey Johnson; Tourism: TJ Massey (non-voting) & Gary Bagshaw (non-voting); Safety Committee: Anthony Hennion, Terry Massey, Todd Vincent, James E. Vincent, Road Supervisor, Robin Rigdon & Tammi Willhite; Recreation: James C. Vincent; Building: All Magistrates; Finance: All Magistrates.

The court  went into closed session after normal business for a personnel matter.

Darren Doyle, story:
Members of the Family Resource and Youth Services Centers for Edmonson County Schools were recognized as Edmonson County Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey signed a proclamation in honor of "Family Resource and Youth Services Coordinators Appreciation Week.

When one thinks of making a difference in the life of a student, the teachers, coaches, and administrators are most often mentioned. While those individuals certainly shape and mold the lives of young people, there are several other folks that often work behind the scenes to make just as much, and sometimes more, of a difference.

Those are the folks in Edmonson County's Family Resource and Youth Services Centers, (FRYSC) who work year round to bridge gaps where students have needs that affect them outside of school so they are put in positions to succeed in and out school.

Jamie Carnes, a longtime district administrator for Edmonson County Schools, who currently serves as Supervisor of State and Federal Programs and oversees the staff of FRYSC at the local level, is always quick to give credit to the ladies that make up FRYSC.

"The FRYSC (Family Resource/Youth Services Centers) crew in Edmonson County consistently go above and beyond the call to make sure our kids are better able to concentrate on learning and being kids while in attendance at our schools," said Mr. Carnes.

The FRYSC is remembered most for their large events such as "Cram the Cruiser," "Affordable Christmas," and "Back to School Bash," but they are often unsung heroes by also working at the following:

• providing extra clothing and/or food for a child in need;
• helping to coordinate services for children and their families with agencies like LifeSkills and Community Education;
• collecting food items for food drives;
• helping organize and generate holiday assistance for families;
• providing supplemental school supplies for students;
• organizing after-hours events to provide support for children and families;
• coordinating with teachers and staff to assist students who might be struggling academically;
• designing programming like "Pony Play Day," "S.T.O.P." (Students Targeting Outside Pressures), "The 16th Birthday Bash," "Future Wildcats," "Adulting 101," etc.
• gathering and delivering basic needs for a family that has lost their home in a fire.

"Certainly, this list could go on for some time," Carnes added.

Team members Sherrell Thompson, Alicia Edwards, Morgan Esters, Natalie Stice, and Joanna Jaggers, make up the group, along with Lisa Whobrey. While Whobrey is not technically a member of what is known as the FRYSC roster, Carnes said that Whobrey, who serves as the Community Education Coordinator, works closely with the FRYSC in most everything they do.

"We all feel as if we are part of the same team," Carnes said. "I am proud of the work they do and happy to have a small role in helping them."

The proclamation recognized February 6th through the 10th as FRYSC Appreciation Week.

Edmonson Voice Report:
An Edmonson County Grand Jury recently returned the following indictments:

Erik Harley Anderson: Assault third degree, Escape second degree, Resisting arrest, Fleeing or evading police second degree, Escape third degree, Menacing, Persistent felony offender first degree.

Steven D. Alford: Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Persistent felony offender second degree, Possession of a controlled substance first degree (firearm enhanced),  Possession of drug paraphernalia, Careless driving, Failure to produce insurance card, No or expired registration plate, Failure to or improper signal.

Seth T. Wingfield: Possession of a controlled substance first degree, Careless driving, Rear license plate not illuminated, Failure to produce insurance card.

Guy M. Rose: Fraudulent use of a debit/card valued at $1,000 or more but less than $10,000, Exploitation of an adult valued over $300.

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. ​