Edmonson Voice Report:
A bridge rehabilitation project is expected to set up a long-term closure on KY 238 (Big Reedy Road) in Edmonson County.

The KY 238 bridge over Big Reedy Creek (mile point 3.4) is expected to close on March 7 for approximately 60 days.

A detour using the other KY 238 intersection with KY 185 will be in place. The bridge rehabilitation project includes new bridge beams and a new bridge deck. The new rehabilitated bridge will use the same footprint as the existing bridge.

When the rehabilitation is complete the weight limit restriction will be lifted. Currently, the bridge is limited to 18 tons.

The project contract was awarded in October 2024 to Cambry Contracting Inc for $645,000.

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Schools will be canceled on Friday, February 21st due to hazardous driving conditions on secondary roads.

Last night's additional snowfall added another 2" of snow in some of the northern parts of the county. This greatly hindered the road clearing process from yesterday's snow.

"This will be a regular snow day that will be made up when we return to school," said Supt. of Schools Brian Alexander. "We will announce a plan as to how our calendar will change for the remainder of the school year."

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County School District is closing for Thursday, February 20th, which will be a traditional snow day.  

"As we stated yesterday, this day will be made up at a later time," said Supt. of EC Schools Brian Alexander. "Exact make-up dates will be announced after we return to school. I'd like to thank our state and highway departments for their diligence and hard work. There is just a lot to clean up."   

The ECHS boys' basketball game at Breckinridge County has also been canceled for Thursday.

He said that school based decisions will be assessed again tomorrow in hopes of a return to school and activities.

Darren Doyle, story:
There will be no school in Edmonson County for Wednesday, February 19th due to the weather forecast.

According to Supt. Brian Alexander, it will be a traditional snow day. Make up days will be announced when school resumes.

"Many businesses and services in the county and region are closing," he said. "We want working parents to have as much time as possible to prepare for childcare situations."

Darren Doyle, story, photo, and video:
Edmonson County Judge-Executive Scott Lindsey has declared that a State of Emergency exists in Edmonson County for the period of February 15, 2025 to February 22nd, 2025. This is in addition to yesterday's Kentucky Emergency Declaration, requested by Governor Andy Beshear, which was approved by President Trump.

The KY declaration authorizes the Dept. of Homeland Security and FEMA to coordinate any disaster relief efforts necessary as a result of the flooding from Feb. 15th until now. The county declaration allows the coordination of all agencies as needed without government restrictions.

Edmonson County Schools were dismissed today, February 17th, as a result of closed roads and bridges from the flooding. Several bridges in the county remain under water, prohibiting school bus travel on multiple routes.

The possibility of impactful snow accumulations are in the forecast for Tuesday night into Wednesday. Total amount predictions are not yet accurate, as weather models continue to change.

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Schools will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2025 due to multiple closed roads throughout the county as a result of flooding.

"We have a number of flooded roads on both sides of the river that are going to make bus routes impossible in the morning," said Supt. of Schools Brian Alexander. In addition, plunging temps are going to bring in the possibility, or even the reality, of black ice."

Students were originally out of school for Monday for President's Day, but it was named as a makeup day for a previous snow cancellation. It will now be NTI day number 10 for teachers and students. It is the final NTI day allowed for the school. Closures from this point on will have to be made up to the school calendar.

Darren Doyle, story:
A Bowling Green man has been arrested after law enforcement said he fled an attempted traffic stop while also having two misdemeanor arrest warrants.

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, a deputy observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on KY HWY 185 on Thursday, February 13th around 8:45PM. The deputy reportedly activated his emergency lights as the vehicle approached but the vehicle continued on.

The Sheriff's office stated that as the deputy turned around, the vehicle accelerated in an attempt to flee. The deputy observed the vehicle turn into a random driveway on HWY 185 where the deputy made contact with the driver, who was identified as Anthony Moran, (31) of Bowling Green, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Edmonson County Dispatch advised that Moran’s operator's license was suspended and he had two active arrest warrants for Failure to Appear in both Butler County and Taylor County, the Sheriff's Office stated.

Moran was placed under arrest and charged with:

• Speeding 21 mph over the limit
• Operating on Suspended or Revoked Operators License
• Possessing License when Privileges are Revoked
• Failure to Produce Insurance Card
• Fleeing or Evading Police, 2nd Degree (Motor Vehicle)

He was transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail where he remains on a $10,000 cash bond.

***UPDATE*** Feb. 15th, 6:25PM: the following roads are currently closed at portions in Edmonson County: Blackgold/Grassland Road, Willie Webb Road, Oak Hill Road, Segal Road (KY 655), and Cedar Grove Church Road.

Darren Doyle, story:
Joseph Barkoff, photos:
Downpours continued on Saturday in Edmonson County with several roadways affected and even closed due to high waters.
With even more rain in the forecast, it is likely that more roads in the county will see closures.

Blackgold/Grassland Roads remain closed, along with Willie Webb Road.

Multiple reports of stalled vehicles in Warren and Allen counties with severe flooding also in Logan and parts of Butler Counties.

As the old saying goes, "turn around, don't drown," is good advice for the next day and half, maybe more.

Stay connected with Landon Hampton of WXorNotBG for your latest weather updates and forecasts.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Frankfort, Kentucky (February 12, 2025) – Last week, Representative Michael Meredith of Oakland filed a bill that would require all high school students to pass a financial literacy course in order to graduate.
 
“With this measure, we are taking the next step in ensuring that the students of our commonwealth graduate with the ‘real world’ knowledge necessary for their future,” said Meredith. “By providing financial guidance, we are not only teaching students how to make positive decisions, but also making them aware of the long-term repercussions and dangers of poor decisions.”
 
House Bill 342 builds off previous measures passed in 2019 and 2020 to require financial literacy education in high schools. Under this bill, all students who enter high school after the summer of 2025 will be required to take a one credit course in financial literacy during either their eleventh or twelfth grade year. The course must at minimum cover the topics of budgeting; saving and investing; credit and debit; insurance and risk management; and taxes.
 
“Many of these students will be faced with potentially life altering financial decisions right after graduation,” Meredith added. “Preparing them for those decisions as soon as possible helps increase their chances for a stable future, and in turn a stable future for the commonwealth.”

Edmonson Voice Report:
On Tuesday, February 11th, Representative Michael Meredith honored the two-hundredth anniversary of the founding of Edmonson County on the House floor of Kentucky’s Old State Capitol.
 
“It was a great privilege to recognize Edmonson County’s history in such a meaningful setting,” said Meredith. “With a wealth of historic landmarks as well as expansive access to Mammoth Cave National Park, Nolan Lake State Park, and Green River, Edmonson has had two centuries of distinguished history as both a cultural and recreational destination for people across the commonwealth.”
 
Edmonson County was established by the state legislature on January 12, 1825. The county is named after Captain John “Jack” Edmonson, a Kentuckian who died during the War of 1812, and was formed from portions of Grayson, Hart, and Warren counties.
 
It is an annual tradition for the Kentucky General Assembly to convene for a day of business at the Old State Capitol in recognition of the structure’s importance to the commonwealth’s history.
 
The Old State Capitol is the commonwealth’s third capitol building and the oldest still standing. It was used by the General Assembly until the current capitol building was completed in 1910. Since then, the Old State Capitol has been designated a national historic landmark and served as the previous headquarters of the Kentucky Historical Society. Tours are available Tuesday – Saturday.
 
“Yesterday we honored not just the history of Edmonson County, but the history of Kentucky,” Meredith added. “To stand in the same chamber where our commonwealth was governed for over eighty years was a humbling experience, and a reminder to myself and my fellow legislators of the responsibility we each have as public servants.” 

Edmonson Voice Report:
A weather system with moderate to heavy rain is expected to move into the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3 area overnight Friday through Saturday into Sunday, which includes Edmonson County. The National Weather Service Louisville has put the entire District 3 area under a flood watch.  As of Friday afternoon, the District 3 area is predicted to receive three to four inches of rain over the weekend.

"Flooding of roads is a serious concern with this type of weather system," KYTC District 3 said in a released statement. "Roads that typically don't have water across them could experience flooding. Motorists should be on the lookout water over roadways. Please do not attempt to drive through possible high water. Crews from each county in the District 3 area are on standby ready to respond as needed. However, road conditions change rapidly during a heavy rain event."

The District said that crews do their best to put up barricades as they are notified about a flooded road, but responding does take time. "Motorists should not assume because there isn't a barricade up that the road is not flooded. Motorists should not move or drive around barricades or cones that have been put in place."

The District noted that the ground is already saturated from multiple days of rain earlier in the week.

"Creeks, rivers and other water areas have received lots of rain. The additional rain predicted over the weekend will put even more stress on these areas. Areas around water ways are particular vulnerable to flooding."

The District 3 area serves Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson, Todd, and Warren Counties.

Darren Doyle, story:
Another step in the long process of building the new Kyrock Elementary has been completed with the purchase of 61 acres directly across from the current school, with construction being planned to begin in the early summer of this year.

According to the Edmonson County Board of Education, the tentative date for school to begin at the new building will be August of 2027.  Initial plans were to build next to the existing Kyrock Elementary, but the availability of the new site brought new options that the board deemed as better. The new Kyrock is slated to be built for a 550 student Pre-K through 6th grade facility.

According to School Superintendent Brian Alexander, the new land purchase will allow the current building to remain intact during the construction, and then repurposed after the school moves location.  The cost of demolishing the current Kyrock school would have been more than the cost of purchasing the new property, per required guidelines.

The property is the former farm of the Joe Don Patton family, which borders both Hwy 259 N and Black Gold Road.

“The Board and I would like to thank the Patton family for working with us on this property purchase," said Alexander. "It was important to Mr. Patton’s family (widow Sherry, and children Coty Patton and Verena Tracy) that this property be used for something meaningful to honor his memory. I think they’ve done that. Also, a huge thank you to Cindy Hudson McCombs, their realtor, for her diligence in making this purchase a reality."

Alex Ulm, Edmonson County Board of Education Board Chairman, described the new Kyrock project as "extremely exciting," which is now more than eight years in the making.

"(Former) Superintendent Patrick Waddell and Superintendent Brian Alexander have both put an immense amount of time and effort into getting us this far," Ulm said. "Edmonson County School District has had over two decades of excellent leadership from these gentlemen and we are in such an excellent position because of them.  Superintendent Waddell was so incredibly mindful of our budget and making the most of our bonding potential during his tenure and Superintendent Alexander has been a vital champion lobbying Frankfort, and getting the best opportunities for our students.  These men have truly taken what we teach our students, “Begin with the end in mind” to heart," he said.

Discussion and negotiation on the purchase of the property began late last fall, and the purchase became official last week. Alexander said the purchase of property by any public board of education involves a thorough process outlined by the Kentucky Department of Education.

"We would like to thank our local government and municipalities for their help in cooperation in making this process a reality," he said.

While the new property purchase was not in the original plan, Alexander said there were multiple factors in making the decision to build across the road.

"This will allow us to build faster and more safely for our students and staff. Additionally, with only eleven total acres at the current Kyrock Elementary, certain parts of construction such as parking lots couldn't be completed until the current Kyrock Elementary was demolished."

He said this will allow the current school building to remain and its purpose would be announced at a later date.

Board Chairman Ulm also added, "We had multiple community members reach out to request we search for options that did not require demolishing a building that is so vital to the community, as well as one that held so much valuable history."

The exact location of the property will allow for the utilization of Black Gold Road for buses and Hwy 259 N for parent drop off, staff parking, and visitor parking, he said.

“Anyone who has been at Kyrock at morning drop off and evening pickup will understand the need for improvement.  The safety and ease during these times will vastly improve.”

Ulm also credited the cooperation and assistance from multiple sources, bodies, and individuals. 

"The City of Brownsville made the decision to collaborate with Caveland Environmental to improve local sewer capacity," said Ulm. "Edmonson County Water District agreed to assist with expansion of the sewer lines they have, all to make it possible over the next two years to get sewer service to the new facility.  We currently spend a great deal of money on service for our current package plant and will be able to save this monthly expense once the new facility is open.  This huge benefit required over a year of work from, and meetings with, Judge-Executive Scott Lindsey, State Representative Michael Meredith and CEO of Caveland, David Peterson.  Superintendent Alexander, Director Lannie Deweese, and Director Callie Beliles have worked tirelessly to investigate requirements and get everything in order for this to be possible."

Beliles, who serves as school director of facilities and safety, said she is a former Kyrock student who is looking forward to the continuing process of a new school in the county.

"It is the honor of my career to have the opportunity to work alongside our Board of Education, Sherman Carter Barnhart, Alliance Corporation, Shrout Tate Wilson Engineering, Arnold Consulting and Engineering, and Baird to make this long awaited dream a reality for our staff and students," she said. "Kyrock is where I spent six years of my childhood. It is such an exciting time for our Blackhawks, Bulldogs, and Wildcats."

Lannie Deweese, director of maintenance and transportation for the school system said they are happy to have completed the land purchase.

"We feel like the steps we are taking in construction over the next couple of years will really improve our schools for many years to come and we are excited to get started."

Ulm said because the new location will touch two roads, one county, and one state, it required cooperation from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet as well as the Edmonson County Road Department. 

"I cannot stress enough how much cooperation and collaboration went into this process," he said. "On behalf of our students, I am immensely grateful for all this hard work."

In addition to the new multi-million dollar Kyrock, more improvements are headed to Edmonson County Schools.

Plans are also underway to undergo a major renovation at South Edmonson Elementary that will see added classrooms, roof improvements, HVAC updating, and advancements for drop offs and pick ups.  South Edmonson will be adjusted to a Pre-K through 6th grade facility as well.

This will allow the school district to transition away from the 5/6 Center, which was built in 1959.  Future plans for the 5/6 Center will be announced at a future date.

"The Edmonson County School District has always put our children first, so much time and effort goes into these big decisions, we are so very lucky to have so much teamwork and support," Chairman Ulm said. "Thank you to the Patton family for reaching out and thank you to everyone, in and out of district, who have made this possible."

Darren Doyle, story:
Two local men were arrested on multiple charges after a warrant service led to the discovery of illegal drugs, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office stated that deputies attempted to serve a felony drug warrant for a resident of 1341 Denham Road in Chalybeate on Friday, February 7th. The individual with the active warrant was not present but deputies made contact with two individuals who were in a small room attached to the porch of the residence, the Sheriff's Office said. The two were identified as Patrick Blanton (52) and Brandon Harrison (41).

According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies could smell the odor of marijuana emitting from the room and consent to search the room was granted. The Sheriff's Office said suspected methamphetamine, suspected Xanax, and various drug paraphernalia were located in plain view.

Both subjects were arrested and charged with the following:

Patrick Blanton:

• Poss Cont Sub 1st Degree, 1st Offense (Methamphetamine)
• Traff Cont Sub, 2nd Degree, 1st Offense(>or = 20 Drug Unspecified Sch 3)
• Drug Paraphernalia Buy/Possess
• Prescription Cont Sub not in Proper Container 1st Off

Brandon Harrison:

• Poss Cont Sub 1st Degree, 2nd Offense (Methamphetamine)
• Traff Cont Sub, 2nd Degree, 1st Offense(>or = 20 Drug Unspecified Sch 3)
• Drug Paraphernalia Buy/Possess
• Prescription Cont Sub not in Proper Container 1st Off

Both were transported to the Hart County Jail were they currently remain with no bond.

Darren Doyle, story:
A man from the Segal community is in custody after ramming a police car and leading law enforcement on a high speed chase in the Brownsville area today, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

Law enforcement stated that they were called to a residence on Beaver Dam Church Road around 8AM on Wednesday, February 5th to a report of a male who was demanding a family member's bank cards and threatening family with a gun. According to the Sheriff's Office, the suspect, identified as Jerry Matt Napier, (36) had fled the scene when law enforcement arrived but officers immediately headed to his known address on E. Hack Road in Segal.

According to the Sheriff's Office, a vehicle matching the suspect's car was located at the Dollar General Store in Brownsville. It was discovered that the vehicle was Napier's, who was inside. A deputy reportedly attempted to open his door at gunpoint with another deputy boxing him in from behind in a police cruiser.

Napier then rammed into the cruiser in reverse and moved it enough where he could drive over the curb and into a neighbor's yard, eluding police, the Sheriff's Office said. The suspect then traveled onto Morgantown Road where a high speed pursuit began, law enforcement said, and a deputy was able to pass Napier and began trying to slow him down. The deputy stated Napier rammed his cruiser more than once and that he was finally able to allow Napier around him as the deputy executed a pit maneuver, forcing Napier off road.

In the midst of the pit maneuver, the deputy stated that his cruiser's front wheel broke off, rendering it disabled, but Napier was able to drive down the ditch and back onto the highway. The pursuit continued down KY HWY 187 with multiple units and then left onto Sunny Point Road, all the way to the end, according to the Sheriff's Office, but instead of turning onto KY 185, Napier went straight and jumped over the road, crashing into a natural gas well. Napier then reportedly ran on foot across Big Reedy Creek and into a large field where a farmer loaned law enforcement a UTV and they drove out and took Napier into custody without further incident.

Napier, who was uninjured in the incident, was arrested and charged with:

• Wanton Endangerment-1st Degree
• Wanton Endangerment-2nd Degree-Police Officer
• Robbery, 1st Degree
• Criminal Mischief, 1st Degree
• Fleeing Or Evading Police, 3rd Degree
• Reckless Driving
• Possession Of Firearm By Convicted Felon
• Fleeing Or Evading Police, 1st Degree

The Sheriff's Office said that Napier had recently been released from prison on various drug and fleeing charges. He was transported to the Hart County Jail with currently no bond.

Also assisting was the Edmonson County Jailer, Kentucky State Police, and the Grayson County Sheriff's Office.

Darren Doyle, story:
Due to the high level or absenteeism with both students and staff, Edmonson County Schools will be closed on February 5th, 6th and 7th, 2025, and will utilize NTI Days on these dates, according to Superintendent of Schools Brian Alexander.

"We have attempted to continue to have school, and have tracked attendance rates and staff absenteeism daily," he said in a statement. "However, based on today's data, it is not feasible to continue to have in-person school this week."

He said that staff will be performing a deep cleaning of all schools while schools are closed.  

This will leave the Edmonson County School District with one remaining NTI day for the rest of the school year.  

 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) announced the start of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Kentucky’s Second District.

“I’m encouraging all high school students, who enjoy creating art, to participate in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Each year I enjoy hosting this competition, and I’m always impressed with the artistic talent of students across Kentucky’s Second District. Thank you to all of our local educators and judges for helping make this year’s Congressional Art Competition possible,” said Congressman Guthrie.

Each spring, participating members of Congress host the Congressional Art Competition in their respective districts. The artwork of students from Kentucky’s Second District are judged by an independent and local panel of art professors from colleges and universities. The overall winner’s artwork from Kentucky’s Second District and other districts and territories will be featured in the U.S. Capitol Building. The second and third place overall winners’ artwork will be displayed in Congressman Guthrie’s Bowling Green District office.

The Congressional Art Competition for Kentucky’s Second District also includes a “Facebook Favorite” competition. All students’ submitted artwork who abide by the rules and regulations (linked here) will be posted to Congressman Guthrie’s official Facebook page for the public to vote on between April 14-18, 2025, for their favorite artwork. The “Facebook Favorite” winner’s artwork will be displayed in Congressman Guthrie’s Bowling Green District office as well.

The winners of the Congressional Art Competition will be announced at the reception hosted by the Congressman in April. Reception details will be provided at a later date.

Students have three options to submit artwork to Congressman Guthrie’s Bowling Green District office by the deadline of April 9, 2025. Artwork can be shipped to or dropped off at Congressman Guthrie’s District office at:

Congressman Brett Guthrie
Attention: 2025 Art Competition
996 Wilkinson Trace, Suite B2
Bowling Green, KY 42103

Students can also call Congressman Guthrie’s District office at 270-842-9896 to make arrangements for a member of Congressman Guthrie’s staff to pick up artwork at the students’ schools.

Please contact Congressman Guthrie’s Bowling Green District Office at 270-842-9896 with any questions.

Darren Doyle, story:
Firefighters yet again were called to the scene of another fire today in Edmonson County.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene of a duplex fire right at the Brownsville City Limits across from Park Place strip mall on KY HWY 259 around 12:30PM on Sunday, February 2nd.

According to John Chidester, a member of the Brownsville Fire Department who was on scene, the structure was saved as the fire was contained to one unit, with the other unit suffering smoke and water damage.

It is now the eighth fire in Edmonson County to which local firefighters have responded in eight days.

The state fire marshal was requested by the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, according to Sheriff James Vincent, and the fire is under investigation.

Responding to the scene were the Brownsville, Chalybeate, Wingfield, Kyrock, and Lincoln Fire Departments in addition to the Sheriff's Office.

No injuries were reported.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Cedar Grove General Baptist Church, one of the oldest churches in Edmonson County, was lost in a fire tonight after a bizarre car crash on the church property.

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Tony Jaggers, (65), of Bee Spring was headed east on Cedar Grove Church Road, when the car veered off the left side of the roadway. Jaggers then over-corrected and the car exited the right side of the roadway where the vehicle came to a stop in between the church and the church's propane tank, the Sheriff's Office said. The vehicle was either on fire at the time of Jagger's exit, or soon after, but details are unclear at this time, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Several church members gathered nearby as they mourned the loss of their church. They shared multiple memories of the church, which was said to be over 140 years old.

"It's just awful," one woman said through tears. "But the Lord knows all about it."

Bear Creek Fire Chief J.T. Carroll said he was one of the first to arrive and that the car and one side of the church was engulfed in flames at that time.

The church's propane tank was in danger for a brief time but firefighters were able to cool it down, Carroll said, in addition to outside temps just above freezing.

Some of the walls were still standing at the church, but firefighters said it would most likely be a total loss.

All county fire departments responded to the scene that included Bear Creek, Kyrock, Lincoln, Brownsville, Chalybeate, Rocky Hill, and Wingfield. Warren Rural Electric also responded to the scene.

Law enforcement said details of the crash were limited and under investigation. No injuries were reported.

In addition to the fire departments and law enforcement, Warren Rural Electric also responded.

Tonight's blaze marked the seventh fire in the county in as many days. Multiple structures and vehicles have been lost over the course of the week, despite firefighters best efforts. All county fire departments, all volunteer, have responded all over the county and in all hours of the days and nights.