​Story and photos by Joseph Barkoff:
All around the Nation people celebrated Vietnam War Veterans’ Day Saturday, March 29th, and Edmonson County was no different.
 
In the U.S. people are no stranger to Veteran's Day. It was established after World War II and the Korean War by Congress under then President Dwight Eisenhower to be celebrated November 11th starting in 1954.
 
The Vietnam War Veterans’ Day is relatively new. It was established also by Congress during now President Donald Trump’s first term in the White House in 2017.
 
The Vietnam War Veteran's Recognition Act of 2017 began as a bill and was passed unanimously by the Senate February 3 and three days later approved by the House with similar fervor in a voice vote. It was then signed into law March 28, 2017.
 
Why March 29th?
 
The date is significant because it marks the last time U.S. combat troops were deployed to Vietnam from the U.S., according to the U.S. Army on their website Army.mil/Vietnam.
 
This day of March 29th is maybe more significant to other 29’s as well. It is the 50th anniversary of the final deployment this year.
 

​Never forget.
 
There are some unwritten rules in the military. For those serving, one of those might be never leave anyone behind.
 
When veterans of Vietnam returned home, it was not the welcome their elder colleagues had enjoyed after WWII. There was so much disconnect between the soldiers who fought and the people at home, folks at home lined up to disparage the veterans.
 
It was their right. It is what the veterans fought for. The rights too, at least.
 
The problem was most of the people who fought in the war were drafted. They did not have a choice. Some with medical problems or designated important skills like higher learning were allowed to defer, or not be drafted, but it was not the case for most draft age adults.
 
From 1964 to 1973 approximately 2.7 million Americans served directly in Vietnam, according to the Department of Veteran Affairs. There were over 8.7 million in the services and 3.4 million of them were deployed in Southeast Asia.
 
When they came home, Vietnam veterans were spit on, yelled at and called “baby killers.” There were no PTSD-specializing doctors, because PTSD hadn’t been discovered as a real disorder. Vets were publicly punished for reporting for duty. They were treated as though they had enlisted to an all-volunteer military to go and kill people in another country. This was not the case, as many were drafted to report for duty, regardless of their own views on the war, I wrote in 2015.
 
“Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.” That is the motto worn on t-shirts, bumper stickers and in the hearts of all who had the unfortunate experience of witnessing the Vietnam War, reported in 2015.
 
“You were often blamed for a war you didn’t start, when you should have been commended for serving your country with valor,” 44th President Barrack Obama said commemorating the 50th anniversary May 2012 according to Vietnamwar50th.com. “You were sometimes blamed for misdeeds of a few, when the honorable service of the many should have been praised. You came home and sometimes were denigrated, when you should have been celebrated. It was a national shame, a disgrace that should have never happened. And that's why here today we resolve that it will not happen again.”
 
Since then, Congress has amended laws to ensure veterans will never be discriminated against for their service.

​Back in Brownsville, it is one of Edmonson County Judge-Executive Scott Lindsey’s favorite days, he said.
 
“This is one of my favorite things we do every year,” Lindsey said. “I love any program that has to do with our veterans because they deserve all the support and recognition we can give ‘em.”
 
There was one veteran in particular from Edmonson County to be recognized in the Edmonson County Community Center. 
 
Sergeant First Class Darrel Dennis was recognized for not one, but two tours of duty to Vietnam.
 
Over 1,000 Kentuckians lost their lives in Vietnam. 
 
Twelve men from Edmonson County never came home.
 
As those men’s names were read on stage, a bell tolled once for the fallen just off stage.
 
Over 8,000 people lived in Edmonson County during the Vietnam Era and of those, more than 600 served in the military during the Era.
 
“I mean he gave a big part of his life for his country, for his family and it’s a great honor,” Dennis’ sister Debbie Carroll said after the ceremony.
 
After the ceremony and a brief brunch, folks went outside to continue to honor the veterans and the fallen with a 21-gun salute performed by Disabled American Veterans Chapter 20 out of Glasgow, a lowering of the flag and placement of the wreath.
 
Plan for next year on March 29th to commemorate them again.
 
What can you do?
 
A large number of veterans, especially from even just three decades ago serving in Desert Storm, did not have cool words combined into phrases like post-traumatic stress disorder. It used to be called “shell shock.”
 
The prescription used to be rub some dirt on it and get back in the game.
 
Today, unless dwelling under a rock, folks know stress can cause harm both mentally and physically.
 
It may not mean the uncle who never talked about being designated the tunnel rat when his platoon came upon subterranean encampments to explore will talk about it. It does mean they know folks do care now though. 
 
Sometimes all veterans need is to know their sacrifices are appreciated.

Darren Doyle, story:
A Sweeden woman was arrested and faces felony assault charges after law enforcement said she shot her husband in a domestic dispute.

According to Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the call of a domestic disturbance on Old Kyrock Road on Sunday, March 23rd where a man had reportedly been shot. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with Eric Goins, (58) of the residence, who had suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

Deputies also made contact with Patty Goins, (61) of the same residence who stated that a verbal argument led to Mrs. Goins shooting her husband in the leg, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Mr. Goins was transported to the hospital by Edmonson EMS where he was treated and released for non-life threatening injuries.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Edmonson County District 5 Constable.

Mrs. Goins was arrested and transported to the Hart County Jail. She was charged with Assault, first degree (domestic violence), a Class B felony, which is punishable up to 20 years in jail.

The incident is still under investigation by the Sheriff's Office.

Now that a new state law, House Bill 15, has taken effect allowing 15-year-olds to earn their driver’s permits, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says it is working quickly to implement the change.

The Transportation Cabinet is reportedly making system upgrades so a credential can be issued allowing eligible applicants to take the written permit test. As early as April 2nd, applicants can start making appointments with the Kentucky State Police. For individuals who have made an appointment prior to that date, they are being asked to please reschedule with Kentucky State Police to prevent delays.

• Sign up at drive.ky.gov to receive email updates, and be notified when the system is ready.
• Collect all necessary documents, such as birth certificate, Social Security card and School Compliance Verification Form.
• Begin studying for the written permit test. The official Kentucky driver’s manual can be found on the Kentucky State Police website by clicking here.

The new law only allows more time for eligible drivers to hold a permit, which is now four years. State law still requires you to be 16 to obtain a license (intermediate) and you must be at least 17 years old to gain your unrestriced operator's license.

For more information about Kentucky’s graduated driver licensing program and requirements to move from permit to intermediate license to full, unrestricted license, click here.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Nine students will represent the ECHS JAG  program in Lexington over the next few days at the Career Development Conference hosted by JAG-KY. They all qualified based on their performance during regional competition earlier this month. 

Sophomore Ally Browning won 1st place in Employability Skills. 

Seniors Emma Carpenter, Lincy Chacon, Makenzie Baker, & Taylor Detwiler won 3rd place in the promotional video category.

Sophomores Avery Alexander, Layla Ellis, Lilly Jones, & Callie Sowders won 3rd place in Creative Decision Making. 

JAG teacher Kyle Pierce says the program has a great group of kids competing for us this week.

"They will all have a great time making connections with many people across the state but also making great memories in the process," he said.

Darren Doyle, story:
The Kentucky State Police (KSP) announced the graduation of 17 telecommunicators from the KSP Telecommunications Academy, including Tucker Kiernan of Chalybeate.

These individuals have been assigned to 10 posts across the state, where they will answer the call of service by providing critical communication support to Kentuckians and law enforcement agencies. KSP telecommunicators are responsible for dispatching state troopers, commercial vehicle enforcement officers, conservation officers and other emergency service agencies. Last year alone, they answered over 1.2 million calls, leading to more than 406,000 requests for assistance.

“Public safety will be strengthened thanks to the crucial function each of these graduates will provide as telecommunicators,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. “It is an honor to welcome them to our agency, where they will serve as the vital link between the public and emergency responders.”

The graduates of Class 25 completed 160 hours of instruction over four weeks, covering essential topics such as legal liability, telecommunicator authority limits, their role in public safety, interpersonal communications, customer service, stress management and PTSD, ethics and confidentiality, responder safety, basic fire dispatch, emergency operation plans, criminal justice information systems, first aid and emergency medical dispatch.

In addition to Kiernan, two others completed the academy from Post 3, including Breanna Sexton and Malak Salman.

Tucker is the son of John and Samantha Kiernan of Chalybeate.

​Story and photos by Joseph Barkoff:
Edmonson County is up there in years. Up to 200 in fact. Despite enjoying its bicentennial year, the county with a population of just over 12,000 folks shows it can learn some new tricks while preserving and promoting the past for a better future.
 
With the help of the Edmonson County Arts Guild a new project was unveiled and celebrated for the first time ever Saturday, March 15th at the Edmonson County Community Center in Brownsville.
 
Edmonson County Judge-Executive Scott Lindsey and Kentucky State Representative District 19 Michael Meredith were both on hand to speak and commemorate the day.
 
At first, there were just three.
 
Three photos in the hall along the annex in the Edmonson County Courthouse.
 
“We’ve always had a storied history in politics and government here in the county for a small place like we are,” Meredith said. “We always had Mills Logan’s picture. We always had Bev Vincent’s picture, we always had Richie Sander’s picture. Those three had always been there.”
 
Now there are around a couple dozen, with more to come.
 
“Today is a great day,” Lindsey said. “You know, to me, every day is a great day to be from Edmonson County, but sometimes we get special days, and this is one of those days.”
 
“I think it’s a big thing because we want our youth to see these pictures on the wall and think to themselves, ‘hey, I can,’” Lindsey said. “If that’s what you aspire to be, it can be done because people have already set that trail and paved that way. I just want them to see the success stories.”

​Why the Gulld?
 
“They’re go-getters,” Lindsey said. “And with it being kind of an art project, with the pictures and that nature, I spoke to ‘em and as soon as I opened my mouth their eyes got really big and they said that ‘we would love that, can we take it and run with it.’”
 
Lindsey told the group, “Absolutely, you do what you need too,” he said.
 
“The Art Guild are bringing so much to the community right now with community involvement in honoring our heritage and history, along with the Edmonson County Historical Society,” Lindsey said. “We are all working together to preserve that and make sure that it’s there for future generations.”
 
Lindsey said one of his main goals is to help illuminate a pathway for success for the next generations.
 
“Hey, there’s people from here that have done big things, and we can too,” Lindsey said he wants the Edmonson County youth to be able to say to themselves.
 
The photos in the hallway will help remind all who pass through the hallways.
 
Along with the inaugural event, celebrating the heritage of Edmonson County also included a display of locally made quilts both antique and new.
 
One person with two quilts on display was Elizabeth Bullock, age 7, from Edmonson County. 
 
The hardest thing for Bullock to do was the “sewing,” she said.
 
Of the two quilts turned in by Bullock for the event, her favorite one is the one with an animal theme. 
 
“’Cause we went to the zoo,” Bullock said.
 
Her favorite animal is the sloth, she said.
 
Her family made a trip to the zoo and after, Bullock asked each family member what their favorite animal was so she could add it and then asked for permission to make it.

How did it come together?
 
Arts Guild president Phyllis Miller and member Lydia Nugent approached Meredith to see if they could help expand upon those three, Meredith said.
 
It did take a lot of work to put it together and they still don’t have them all, Meredith said.
 
What inspired the creation of the Art Guild?
 
“Phyllis is an art teacher,” Nugent said. “And she’s always loved art, she’s always done art. She wanted to get the people here in the county together and so we put it out.”
 
While there are some who come and go from the guild, there are 13 folks who stick around regularly, she said. Meeting monthly, they come up with ideas to create art around Edmonson County.
 
The quilt show, the new photo display in the hallway and the mural outside are all things they have been involved with, she said.
 
The photos of former Kentucky elected civil service members was put up around a month ago, Nugent said.
 
Meredith, Lindsey and the Art Guild all hope as word spreads about the new photo display, families who might have a photo of their loved ones who served in Kentucky’s or the Nation’s capital might bring them in to help complete the project.
 
‘You’ve got a pretty good display up there right now of the folks who have been a part of the political process in both Washington and Frankfort,” Meredith said. “And It really is, it’s part of the history and something that hopefully will stay out there for a long, long time so that people will know that history because I think that a lot of that has been lost over the years.”
 
“So, hopefully this is just something that will continue,” Meredith said. “It’s a big milestone with the 200th year of the County, obviously, but hopefully it will be up there for another hundred years.”
 
“The true amount of influence that this little community has had on the process is extremely important and can’t be understated,” Meredith said. 
 
He thinks folks don’t realize how successful the community is and Edmonson Countians should celebrate their successes more and feels this project is another way to highlight those successes, Meredith said.
 
The quilts were picked up soon after the event, but the photos in the hallway, like the hallway honoring Edmonson County’s military service members, will be there until the end of time, honoring those who have achieved and served from Edmonson County.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Three new members were added to the Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni on Friday, March 14, 2025, including Michael Lee Meredith, Dion Houchins, and Regina Byrd.

The event was held at Tayvin Gardens in Chalybeate and was at full capacity for yet another year.

Dion W. Houchins, a 1983 graduate of Edmonson County High School, was a standout student and athlete at ECHS, earning 10 varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball where he helped lead all three teams to championships and received multiple individual accolades along the way.

A talented math student, Dion earned the Ray Family Math Scholarship, which set him on a path to pursue an accounting degree at WKU. Dion’s career spans roles within and outside Edmonson County. He worked as a public accountant and a bank executive, including a 10-year tenure at Bank of Edmonson County as Executive Vice President and Board Member. I009, Dion joined Houchens Industries and later became CEO and Chairman of the Board in 2020. Under his leadership, Houchens Industries, the largest 100% employee-owned business in the U.S., has expanded its holdings significantly while enhancing profitability and diversification for its employee owners.

Beyond his professional success, Dion has been an active community leader. He served as President of the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce and has served as a board member in numerous organizations, including the Warren County Water District, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, and the WKU Hilltopper Athletic Foundation.

During his acceptance speech, he credited his family roots in the Jock community, the education and relationships grown at Edmonson County High School, and the value of hard work and honesty for his success. He honored his wife, children, and grandchildren and thanked the community for prayers offered up for one daughter that had faced numerous health issues.

 

State Representative Michael Lee Meredith was also gracious to his family and community.

A 2003 graduate of Edmonson County High School, he served two years on the Brownsville City Council prior to serving in the Kentucky House of Representatives where he is proudly known as the Gentleman from Edmonson. Michael was the youngest member of the legislature when he was elected and now, after 14 years, he is one of the most senior members and has represented Edmonson County in the House longer than anyone in our county’s history.

He chairs the House Banking and Insurance Committee and is the former chair of the House Local Government Committee.

Michael has passed numerous pieces of important legislation, including helping secure $50 million for a veterans nursing home in South Central Kentucky. A strong advocate for our local schools and students, he was instrumental in getting $10 million for the new vocational center at ECHS.

 He has served on the boards of the Edmonson County Tourism Commission and Lifeskills. He is currently a member of the Edmonson County Lion’s Club and is a Leadership Edmonson County Alumnus.

He thanked several in the audience, such as teachers and mentors, and honored his late mother, Peggy Meredith for guiding him along the way.

Regina Parsley Byrd, a 1970 graduate of Edmonson County High School, was the final inductee of the evening and the 2025 class.

A lifelong Edmonson County resident, Regina is a financial advisor with over 30 years of experience, managing offices in Bowling Green and Hodgenville. She has led the boards of several non-profit organizations, including the Commonwealth Health Corporation Foundation, Networking Women of Bowling Green, and the Edmonson County Woman’s Club. She has also been an active member of the Edmonson County Tourism Commission, Bowling Green Women’s Fund, Chalybeate Homemakers, and the Elm Street Society.

Her efforts have earned her several accolades, including the prestigious Athena Award in 2003. Regina and her husband, Ken, live in the Chalybeate community.

She credited her parents, her family, prayer, and good people around her for achieved success.

In addition, the Edmonson County High School Honorary Alumi Award was presented to Dale "Doc" and Sara Gray for their contributions to families and communities throughout the area over their lifetimes. Mrs. Gray tearfully accepted the awards on behalf of her and Mr. Gray, who was unable to attend.

Many of the past inductees were present at last night's event, including, Bro. Jerry Patton, Scottie Woodcock, Johnny Pete Vincent, Dr. Kevin Clemmons, Jeanne Patton, and family members of the late David Webb, Jimmie Gipson, and N.E. Reed.

The HODA inductees are selected each year by the EC HODA Committee. Nominations are accepted throughout the year and the intent of the program is to honor alumni whose exceptional achievements and careers reflect the highest values embraced and promoted by Edmonson County School and the HODA Selection Committee.

Award recipients have distinguished themselves by contributions made in their fields of work, professional or public service, or in the betterment of humanity.

Last night's event was started by Edmonson County Board of Education member Wynn Caudill, who got lots of laughs from the crowd as his anecdotes set the tone for an engaging night. 

Former inductees Dr. Kevin Clemmons, Jeanne Patton, and Bro. Jerry Patton introduced this year's inductees, respectively.

Several ECHS students put in hours of work to help complete the event, including Sydney Blanton, Lilly Carroll, Abigail Hogg, Brayden Johnson, Marley Perry, Lola Ramsey, Evelyn Ulm, Kennedy Webb, and the ECHS Horticulture Club.

The 2025 HODA Committee Members are Regina Parsley Byrd, (ex-officio member for this year) Jamie Carnes, Cooper Clark, April Hennion, Amanda Lich, Chair, Scott Lindsey, Carol Stice, Laura-Grace Vincent, Johnny Webb, and Jonathan Williams.

Darren Doyle, story:
In 2024, $720,000 in state funding was allocated for the support of a new Kentucky Trail Town grant program. Legislation allowed certified Kentucky Trail Towns eligibility up to $30,000 in funding for recreational projects, including trail development and maintenance, project enhancements and marketing efforts. Brownsville was recently named one of the 19 Trail Towns in Kentucky that will receive a portion of $543,374 in funding, which is the maximum award of $30K. 

According to a press release from Governor Andy Beshear's Office, Brownsville plans to use grant funding to enhance accessibility for travelers by providing an ADA-compliant launch ramp, as well as new signage, a trailhead bike rack, community events and marketing initiatives. Vanessa Ulm, director of the Edmonson County Tourism Commission and representative of Brownsville Trail Town, highlighted the importance of improving access to trails and waterways.  

“Time on the trails has the ability to connect us with nature, encourage healthy lifestyles and offer opportunities to relish in the local flavor of our communities, and this generous grant will allow us to greatly enhance our efforts in these endeavors as our community and visitors continue to seek a bevy of outdoor experiences," she stated.

According to the release, the Kentucky Trail Town program is a tourism and economic development program designed to provide a strategic plan for communities to capitalize on recreation opportunities. Each Trail Town has made the public commitment to share their outdoor opportunities, culture, history and stories with guests seeking adventure. 

Neighboring towns Cave City, Horse Cave, and Park City were also awarded the maximum amount.

The 30 certified Kentucky Trail Towns are: Berea; Brownsville; Burkesville; Campbellsville; Cave City and Horse Cave; Columbia; Dawson Springs; Elizabethtown; Elkhorn City; the Harlan County Tri-Cities of Cumberland, Benham and Lynch; Hazard; Hyden; Irvine and Ravenna; Jamestown; Liberty; Leitchfield; Livermore; Livingston; London; Manchester; McKee; Morehead; Morgantown; Munfordville; Olive Hill; Park City; Pikeville; Royalton; Slade; and Stearns.  

MAMMOTH CAVE, KY. – A new-to-science species of ancient shark has been discovered through an ongoing Paleontological Resource Inventory (PRI) at Mammoth Cave National Park. The new species of obruchevodid petalodont, called Clavusodens mcginnisi, was identified by researchers through fossil teeth collected from deep inside the Ste. Genevieve Formation within Mammoth Cave.  
 
“The fossil discoveries in Mammoth Cave continue to reveal a wealth of new information about ancient shark species,” said Superintendent Barclay Trimble. “Researchers and volunteers collected samples from the main Mammoth Cave system and from smaller isolated caves throughout the park that have provided new data on previously known ancient sharks and revealed several species that are brand new to science. These discoveries help scientists to better understand the relationship and evolution of modern shark species within this relatively small geographic region.”
 
Clavusodens mcginnisi, or “McGinnis’ nail tooth,” was discovered from a number of small teeth found throughout the Ste. Genevieve Formation rock layer in Mammoth Cave National Park. Its name is derived from the shark’s back teeth which superficially look like old iron nails because of their flat crowns and long tooth bases. Nick-named “Chipmunk sharks” for their small size and chisel-like front teeth and crushing back teeth, members of the Obruchevodidae were between 3-4 inches in length. Their small size allowed them to avoid larger predators as they foraged on crustaceans, worms, and small brachiopods found along the sea floor. The species name, mcginnisi, honors retired National Park Service superintendent and naturalist David McGinnis, whose 39-year career started at Mammoth Cave National Park.
 
The Ste. Genevieve Formation at Mammoth Cave is a layer of rocks that date back to approximately 340 million years ago. The rocks consist of limestones and shales which formed on the bottom of a warm ocean reef. The majority of fossilized sharks are found in invertebrate hash beds, a rock layer made of skeletal and shell parts of crinoids, blastoids, corals, gastropods, and brachiopods. Prior to the discoveries made at Mammoth Cave over the last several years, no shark fossils were known from the Ste. Genevieve Formation. To date, over 70 species of sharks and other fish have been identified from this geologic layer, including four new species.
 
Visit Mammoth Cave National Park PRI to learn more about the park’s ancient shark research and view images of ancient shark discoveries in our Shark Photo Gallery.

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

Sasha Marie Williams, Bail jumping first degree.

Richard Lee Kuykendall, Sexual Abuse first degree.

Deborah Ann Cowles, Wanton endangerment first degree. Assault fourth degree (domestic).

Bobby Joe Bishop, Jr., Unlawful transaction with a minor, first degree-victim under 16 years of age. Rape, third degree (two counts), Sodomy, third degree (two counts).

Marquise Lynn Cornelius, Bail jumping first degree.

Joshua Glenn Tate, Assault second degree, Assault fourth degree (domestic), Resisting arrest.

Christopher Dale Matthews, Theft by deception of property values at $1,000 or more, less than $10,000.

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.