An Edmonson County Jury found Jackie L. Temples, 59, of Rocky Hill, guilty of DUI in the courtroom of the Hon. Judge Renona Browning on Wednesday, April 15th. Temples was accused of driving his vehicle while under the influence from the Wingfield area to his Rocky Hill home on September 15, 2014. Deputy Stoney Phillips with the Sheriff's Office stopped Mr. Temples and after performing field sobriety tests, placed him under arrest for DUI and careless driving. Temples was sentenced to 4 days in jail and the maximum fine of $500. He will also have to complete an alcohol counseling class with a $375 cost and pay court costs of $153. In addition, is driver's license will be suspended for 30 days. Sheriff Shane Doyle was pleased with the verdict. "The Sheriff's Office takes impaired driving very seriously," he said. "This incredibly dangerous and careless act causes thousands of injuries and deaths every year. We're thankful for the jury's service and their decision." Edmonson Voice Staff Jenna Sanders, a student at ECHS, won first place honors in Edmonson County for the 2014 Conservation Writing Contest, and Rebecca Brooks a student at Kyrock Elementary won first place honors in Edmonson County for the 2014 Jim Claypool Art contest. These contests were produced as a partnership between Kentucky Farm Bureau and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts, and themed around the topic of soil conservation. Students from grades 6-12 from across the Commonwealth used the soil conservation theme to create 17,028 writing entries, and students in grades K-5 created 47,356 art entries. Both Jenna and Rebecca received a $25 check in the mail from Kentucky Farm Bureau, along with a plaque and certificate commemorating their accomplishments from the Edmonson County Conservation District. The first, second, and third place winners in each school received plaques and certificates from The Edmonson County Conservation District. The school with highest percentage of entries, South Edmonson Elementary, received a $100.00 check from the Edmonson County Conservation District, second highest percentage winner was ECHS, receiving a check of $50.00 The Edmonson County Conservation District Supervisors would like to congratulate the winners, and to thank the students, teachers and schools for making the contest a success. Above: L-R, Conservation Writing Contest ECHS winners 2nd place, Madison Alexander, 1st place and county winner Jenna Sanders, Edmonson County Conservation District Supervisor Jimmie Luttrell who presented the awards. (Maranda Garrett, 3rd place winner not pictured) Above: South Edmonson Elementary Winners of the Art Contest are L-R: 1st John Michael Meredith, 2nd Olivia Davis, 3rd Kayla Wingfield, also pictured is Mr. Jimmie Luttrell, Edmonson County Conservation District Supervisor who presented the awards. Kyrock Elementary winners art and writing contest are Front Row L to R: 3rd Place Lillian Bryant, 2nd Place Anna Kate Simpson, 1st Place and County Winner Rebecca Brooks Back Row L to R: Mr. Jimmy White- Principal, Nan Raymer -Art Teacher.
South Edmonson Elementary Winners of the Jim Claypool Art Contest are L-R 1st John Michael Meredith, 2nd Olivia Davis,3rd Kayla Wingfield, also pictured is Mr. Jimmie Luttrell, Edmonson County Conservation District Supervisor who presented the awards. Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, April 14th, 2015. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty presiding. Troy Allen Cowles, Manufacturing meth, 1st offense. Trafficking in controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense. Possession of controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense. Receiving stolen property under $10,000. Bond to remain. Attorney appointed, pretrial hearing scheduled for 4/21/15. Carolyn Lynn Anglin, Manufacturing meth, 1st offense. Trafficking in controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense. Possession of controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense. Receiving stolen property under $10,000. Bond to remain. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Attorney appointed, pretrial hearing scheduled for 4/21. Cody Willoughby, Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Continued in two weeks. Nicholas R. Sanders, Four counts of theft by deception including cold checks under $500. Pleaded not guilty to all counts. Pretrial conference for 4/28/15. Leslie Eugene Young, Disorderly conduct. Pleaded guilty. 30 days in jail, 29 of which are probated for two years. Fined $50. Total fines and costs, $234. Deanna M. Miller, Alcohol intoxication in a public place, 1st and 2nd offense. Pleaded guilty, fined $25. Total fines and costs $209. Jamie Lee Sanders, Alcohol intoxication in a public place, 1st and 2nd offense. Controlled substance prescription not in original container 1st, possession of controlled substance, 3rd degree, drug unspecified. Pleaded not guilty to all charges, pretrial conference for 4/28/15. Donald R. Kelly, Operating Motor Vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, aggravator, 1st offense. Pleaded not guilty, pretrial conference for 4/28/15. Kaitlyn E Miller, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, 1st offense. Pleaded not guilty, pretrial conference for 4/28/15. Attorney appointed. Thomas M. Minton, Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Continued in two weeks. Lorenzo I Harris, Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Failure to produce insurance card. Failed to appear, notice sent to Dept. of Transportation. Galwyn D Harris, One headlight. Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Failure to surrender revoked operator's license. Failure to produce insurance card. Speeding 20mph over limit, No/expired registration plates. No/expired KY registration receipt. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Pretrial conference for 4/28/15. Richard W Russell, Speeding 19mph over limit. Failure to produce insurance card, proof shown, dismissed without prejudice. Complete County Attorney Traffic School, deferred for 6 months. Review in 60 days. Brook R Smith, Speeding 15mph over limit, continued on 4/21/15. No/expired registration plates, no/expired KY registration receipt. Failure to produce insurance card, proof shown, dismissed without prejudice. Richard W Russell, Theft by deception including cold checks under $500. Plead guilty. Continued for sentencing on 5/12/15. Johnathan Minton, Operating on suspended'revoked operator's license. Possessing license when privileges are revoked/suspended. Pleaded not guilty to both charges. Pretrial conference for 5/12/15. Susan Denham, Terroristic threatening, 3rd degree. Pleaded not guilty, pretrial conference for 4/28/15. Martha Lindsey Poteet, Convicted felon in possession of a handgun. Continued in two weeks. Mammoth Cave National Park Public Information Officer Vickie Carson has reported that the Green River Ferry is closed today, Wednesday, April 15, 2015. The closure is due to high water. The river currently measures 24 feet at the ferry landing and is rising.
With much more rain in the forecast and a flood warning already issued for much of the Green River area, it is unknown when the ferry will reopen. You can stay updated on ferry operations by calling 270-758-2166, or by following the park's twitter account @MammothCaveNP. If you read our weekly district Court Report, then you've probably recently noticed many traffic violations with little or no punishment. One reader emailed us and said, "Why do police write the tickets if they're all going to be dismissed in court?" Well, that's a good question, but it's actually not what's happening. County Attorney J.B. Hines has implemented a county traffic school program that is available to first-time or infrequent traffic offenders. "We don't want to just beat folks over the head with punishment," Hines said. "We simply want you to comply with the law." Hines said that similar local programs are effective and he believes it will also be successful in Edmonson County. The program consists of an online, two-hour course that the offender must take. After completed, the offender receives a certificate that must be presented to Hines' office within 60 days. The offender also pays anywhere from a $35-$45 program fee, depending on the points system violation, and an additional $25 administrative fee to the Circuit Court Clerk's office. These costs are greatly reduced in comparison to fees paid from a violator not participating in the program. The case is then either dismissed or in the event of a higher points violation, diverted for 6 months. Hines pointed out that not all traffic citations qualify for the program. Violations such as DUI, failure to provide insurance, no seat belt, suspended license driving, CDL violations and a few more are not eligible, neither are drivers that have participated in the program over the last 12 months. The fees stay in the county with a percentage paid to the Sheriff's office as well as the County Attorney and Circuit Court. Hart County Attorney Mike Nichols said that his office has used the same program for several years. "Drivers learn through education, they're spending less money on fees, they're not racking up points on their licenses, and lives are being saved in Hart County," he said. "I've never had a situation where I wished that we'd never used the program." Nichols noted that although no program is perfect, the results of county programs implemented statewide have been overwhelmingly positive. He estimated that a large majority of Kentucky's 120 counties participate in some type of traffic school program. So even though it may appear that traffic offenders are easily being let off the hook, that's not necessarily the case. Past results in other KY counties show that programs like this one work, and Hines looks for the same positive results here in Edmonson County. Darren Doyle Edmonson Voice The agenda was completely full at yesterday's Edmonson County Fiscal Court, some of it we have already reported. The first being that Hellervik Oilfield Technologies is progressing toward the purchase and management of the Rocky Hill Gas Plant, and the monthly Sheriff's report for March.
Judge Wil Cannon also reported that the county is currently paying $275/mo in rent for 400sq ft of the former Webb-Co Bldg (next to the Community Center) only to store food bank items. The owner, Timmy Vincent, offered to sell the entire building to the county for the amount of $103,000. Various members of the court agreed that if the purchase price was fair, the building could be a benefit to the county in the long run, however, most all the court agreed that the $103K price was significantly too high. Judge Cannon discussed various offers and what the payment would be over different time periods. The court discussed a number of reasons that owning the building would be good for the county government, such as more office space, storage, the location of the building, and the possibility of a monthly payment not being a great deal higher than the rent that's currently being paid. Cannon also discussed that if the current asking price was set in stone, then purchasing the building would become very difficult and wouldn't be feasible. The court agreed to further discuss with the current owner and report back at the next meeting. Additional items on the agenda were as follows:
Edmonson Voice Staff Sheriff Shane Doyle released the monthly activity report from the sheriff's office for March, 2015 at today's Fiscal Court meeting. He reported the following:
Doyle has applied for Edmonson County to participate in the "Click It, or Ticket" campaign and has also received a $1,000 grant to be used for some overtime within the sheriff's office. He also reported that his office will be hiring it's very first detective, Ret. Trooper Dathan Terrance to focus on special investigations and drug activity. Det. Terrance's salary will be funded with part of the money saved by the county no longer being in the Drug Task Force. Doyle said this will allow the sheriff's department to focus more on drugs here at home, without having to share it's officers and resources with agencies outside the county.
You can visit the Sheriff's Department Facebook Page by CLICKING HERE. Edmonson Voice Staff Representatives from Hellervik Oilfield Technologies paid another visit to Fiscal Court today with more information on their intentions to purchase the Rocky Hill Natural Gas Plant, owned by Atmos Energy. Gary Minard, General Manager of the company, said that he understood why some area residents still opposed the plant being in operation, specifically the noise factor, the company being from out-of-state, and the fact that the company is unknown to this area. The company is looking to secure industrial revenue bonds from the county, however, does not need the bonds in order to purchase and operate the plant. So what does that mean, exactly? Industrial revenue bonds are like a governmental stamp of approval on a business, usually a factory or other type of manufacturing facility. Once issued, the company usually saves a huge amount in tax rates, property taxes, insurance and interest rates. A government entity (the county, in this case) would issue the bond for a certain amount to the company (Hellervik). The company keeps all revenue that it generates, but the sponsoring government would hold title to the underlying collateral of the company until the bonds are paid back. This puts financial liability on the company, not the government agency. In the event the company fails, the government agency is not out any money, but could suffer credit and reputation damage. The county has been researching the risks that could be involved with issuing the bonds, but so far, everything looks to be in the county's favor. Minard said that Bank of Edmonson County would be able to provide proper financial information to the court in order to prove the company's assets and credit. Hellervik is working with local attorney Greg Vincent, not someone they have on retainer, or an attorney from a larger city. Different court members noted that non-reputable companies usually have trouble when trying to go this route, and discussed how Hellervik has cooperated above and beyond the requirements. Minard also said that benefits to the county would include: a large amount of tax revenue, 25 new jobs, fair royalty payments to landowners, and the company would be very happy to host several town hall meetings to hear from the public. Minard said the company was more than happy to provide business, personal, and credit references. The company currently has agreements with approximately 1/3 of local landowners. Judge Cannon and several magistrates asked some questions, had more discussion, and agreed to vote on the bond issue at next Fiscal Court meeting. The court seemed very positive in regards to the issue, but wanted more time to be sure that issuing the bonds would be best for Edmonson County. We spoke directly with the Chairman and CEO of Hellervik Oilfield Technologies, Dr. Lowell Hellervik and asked him point blank why his company is different than the one that Edmonson Countians were very upset with. "We're not a large utility company," he said. "We're more of a home-grown kind of organization that is probably more aligned with the population of Edmonson County. We want to help Edmonson County citizens get a solid footing on their contributions to the natural gas flow and the gas plant." When asked how he could convince a small county in rural KY to do business with an unheard of company from North Dakota, he replied, "If folks will just look at the character of our leadership and ownership, I believe that they'll find we're a reputable and honorable organization that will provide a very positive influence in Edmonson County." Mr. Hellervik noted that he was a "small-town guy" himself, and has many similarities with folks here. Darren Doyle, Edmonson Voice As promised, the Edmonson County Clerk's Office will begin Saturday operating hours beginning May 9th, 2015 at 8:00am. From that time forward, the office will be open each Saturday from 8am until 12 noon. With the addition of Saturday operation, the office will change it's Thursday operating hours from all day to 8am until 12 noon. The rest of the week's scheduling will remain the same, which is: Mon-Weds 8am to 4pm, and on Fridays, 8am until 5pm. "This is something we wanted to do from the very beginning, but a few unforeseen circumstances came up that didn't allow us to reopen until this scheduled date," said Kevin Alexander, Edmonson County Clerk. "We have a completely new staff that has worked hard to get up to speed on Kentucky's vehicular computer system along with everything else required to make the office run smoothly. It's been an interesting three and a half months, but we're getting there." According to Alexander, employees from the Grayson County Clerk's Office, including Clerk Sherry Weedman, have traveled to the Brownsville office to help and train the EC Staff daily over the past three months. He also noted that the Commonwealth of KY's Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing has implemented a new decal system, called PODD (Print On Demand Decals) that gives the customer registration stickers and receipts with a new look. "We're one of the first counties in south central KY to get these," he said. "The receipts and decals look different than what we're accustomed to seeing, but they work just the same." Clerk Alexander also wanted to mention that individuals who are poll workers will have training on Wednesday, April 22nd at 5pm.
The Clerk's office will also be closed on Thursday, May 7th for required election training in Bowling Green. "My staff and I want to thank everyone for their patience with us during this transition," Alexander said. "We said we were going to reopen on Saturdays, and we're glad to be able to finally do it. We feel that this will certainly help all those people who have trouble getting to the office during the Mon-Fri workweek." Edmonson Voice Staff, Darren Doyle, photos Make plans to attend another Sanders & Sanders Auction this Saturday, April 18th on Stockholm Road in Mammoth Cave, Ky beginning at 9:30am. The sale will feature 79 acres offered in two tracts as well as tons of personal property, tools, farm equipment, lawn mowers, power equipment, vehicles, a home, barns, antiques, primitives, guns, and so much more!
For a closer look at the auction photos, click here. Visit Sanders and Sanders Auction and Realty's website here. You can also speak with a team member by calling 270-286-8400 or 270-784-0054 Everyone worked as hard as they could today to try and prep the fields for the Jamboree tomorrow, but it was simply too wet to have in shape by the first scheduled game. Director Greg Hudson said, "It's amazing how much A.B. Webb (Head of Parks and Rec) accomplished today. The infields are in pretty good shape, but there's just too much water in the outfields." Hudson said that Webb and others pumped over 160 gallons off the T-Ball field, only to have that much or more still remaining. Regular games will begin on Monday night with the all-day Jamboree being rescheduled for Saturday, April 25th at the same time. Edmonson Voice Staff
Story and Photos The Edmonson County Parks and Rec Baseball and Softball Jamboree is scheduled to kick off tomorrow morning at 9:30am, but the key word there is "scheduled." With an extreme amount of rainfall over the last few weeks, the field conditions at the Highway 70 Sports Complex have been questionable, at best.
The annual Jamboree is the start of the season for 29 baseball and softball teams this season, with over 500 youths participating. The program has gotten much attention leading up to the opening day event as many changes have taken place since last year. With an added program director, Greg Hudson, and several new members added to the Baseball/Softball board, changes that many citizens wanted to see within the program are now taking place. We spoke with Director Hudson earlier today. "Obviously the big question is, will we be able to play tomorrow," he said. "The infields were very wet this morning and there was water standing in parts of the outfields. Hopefully the sunshine and wind will help dry things out. We'll be working on them all day today with hopes of playing tomorrow, but we won't know for sure until around 8pm or so, tonight." Hudson said that coaches should be contacting all players/parents tonight to inform them of the decision that will come later this evening. We will stay up-to-date tonight and pass along any word that we receive. Edmonson Voice Staff Edmonson District Court was held Tuesday, April 7th, 2015. The Honorable Judge Renona Carol Browning presiding. Kaitlyn E Miller, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, 1st offense. Arraignment set for 4/14/15. Jerry D Erassarrett, Wanton endangerment, 1st degree. Possession of open alcohol container in a motor vehicle. Improper turning. Careless driving. Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Operating motor vehicle under influence of drugs/alcohol, aggravator 1st offense. Pleaded not guilty to all charges, Preliminary hearing for 4/21/15. Kyle Andrew Lawrence, Assault 4th degree, domestic violence minor injury. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference for 4/21/15. Todd Alan Clark, Alcohol intoxication in a public place, 1st and second offense. Pleaded guilty, fined $25. Total fines and costs $209, paid. Kristi Clark, License to be in possession, proof shown, dismissed without prejudice. No/expired KY registration receipt, pleaded guilty. Fined $25. No/expired registration plates, pleaded guilty. Fined $25. Operating motor vehicle under influence of drugs/alcohol, aggravator, 1st offense, pleaded guilty. Waived aggravator charge, 30 days in jail, suspended for two years on no similar charge, license suspended for 30 days. Fines concurrent. Total fines and cost, $728. Show cause hearing for 4/6/16. Richard Kelly Ferguson, Reckless driving. Speeding 26mph over limit. Possession of open alcohol beverage container in motor vehicle. Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, 2nd offense. Pleaded not guilty to all. Public attorney appointed, pretrial conference for 7/14/15. Bond modified, released on own recognizance. Brooklyn R Smith, Speeding 24mph over limit, sentenced to County Attorney's traffic school. No/expired registration plates, pleaded not guilty. No/expired KY registration receipt, pleaded not guilty. Failure to produce insurance card, proof shown, dismissed without prejudice. Cody Willoughby, Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Failed to appear, bench warrant issued, $500 cash. Nicholas R Sanders, Four counts of theft by deception including cold checks under $500. Failed to appear, bench warrant issued, $2000 cash. Tonya Michelle Johnson, Theft by deception including cold check under $500, dismissed without prejudice. Kelvin Gene Asher, Failure to wear seat belts, pleaded guilty, fined $25. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st, pleaded guilty. Fined $500, $450 suspended for 2 years on no similar offense. Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess, pleaded guilty. 45 days in jail, suspended all but 4 days for 2 years on no similar offense. Total fines and cost $259. Show cause hearing for 8/11/15. James K Webb, Harassing communications. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference for 4/21/15. Kyrock Firefighters battled a car fire that occurred in the 10,000 block of HWY 259N in Bee Spring on Thursday, April 9th. A 2002 Mini Cooper driven by Jacob Webb caught fire somewhere in the engine compartment and quickly became engulfed. Fire Chief Mike Clubb said no injuries were reported, but the car was a total loss. Above: Kyrock firefighters Stanley Whitaker and Tyler Hamilton work to extinguish a car fire Thursday. (M.Clubb)
Edmonson Voice Staff Sheriff's deputies were out until nearly 4am Friday morning, April 10th, serving a search warrant on a meth lab bust in lower Wingfield. On Thursday night, April 9th, around 9pm, Deputies Jones and Ritter along with Sp. Deputy Coniglio responded to a drug complaint at 4484 Wingfield Church Road. After police were given consent to enter an outbuilding, they found enough items in plain view to obtain a search warrant for the residence and additional buildings on the property. Once the search warrant was obtained, Deputy Phillips and Sheriff Doyle arrived at the scene to assist. Upon serving the search warrant, police say a "one-step" meth lab was found in the garage along with numerous precursor chemicals, in addition to tubing, grinders, blenders, funnels, and finished methamphetamine. Officials reported there were also several cell phones, surveillance cameras and equipment, a scanner, and cash seized on scene. A 1995 Chevy Blazer was also found on scene, which was reported stolen out of Warren County. Deputy Phillips, also a certified meth lab technician, disassembled and neutralized the meth lab on scene. Carolyn Anglin, 53, and Troy Cowles, 50, both of Wingfield, were charged with manufacturing methamphetamine 1st offense, trafficking in controlled substance 1st degree - methamphetamine, possession of controlled substance 1st degree 1st offense - methamphetamine, and receiving stolen property greater than $500 less than $10,000. Both were lodged in the Hart County Jail. The investigation is still ongoing, and investigators say that more charges are likely to come.
"The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office would especially like to thank County Attorney JB Hines for coming out late to write the search warrant," Sheriff Doyle said. "Also thanks to Officer Nathan Dennis with Brownsville City Police Department for helping detain the suspects." The Sheriff also noted that the arrests would have been much more difficult without help from the public. "Things always work better when we work together," he said. Edmonson Voice Staff The Edmonson County Sheriff's Department completed one of their yearly firearms training sessions Wednesday at Rock Castle Shooting Center at Park Mammoth. State regulations require all law enforcement officers to pass firearm qualification tests every year, however, the Sheriff's Department holds training sessions up to four times per year. "The Sheriff's Office takes training very seriously and firearms training is no exception. With all the scrutiny surrounding law enforcement and questionable shootings, we strive to be highly skilled in our jobs and we want to serve AND protect our citizens." Tuesday, a South Carolina police officer was fired and charged with murder after shooting a man 8 times during a traffic stop that went horribly wrong. The officer reported that the victim took the officer's Taser, causing the officer to fear for his life, resulting in the shooting. However, a video of the incident surfaced, telling a different story and one that resulted in charges filed against the officer. "We obviously don't know all the details of the South Carolina shooting," Doyle said. "But the video is disturbing and I don't believe someone had to be shot. This is part of the reason we go through extensive training, and not just shooting at targets. We go through extremely involved exercises under very tough conditions that we believe can keep these incidents from happening here. We believe there's just as much training that goes into when NOT to fire your weapon as there is when you do." Edmonson Voice Staff
Mammoth Cave National ParkWednesday, April 8, 2015
3:55 p.m. Green River Ferry will close at dusk tonight (Wednesday) because of drifting debris. The river measured 21 feet at the ferry at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, and rising. It is likely that the ferry will be closed Thursday morning. Check the ferry information telephone line (270-758-2166) or the park Twitter account (MammothCaveNP) for current information. Former Bowling Green Ophthalmologist and current United States Senator Rand Paul held a press conference at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville today to announce his candidacy for president in the 2016 election. Paul, a tea-party favorite, said he wanted to focus his campaign on restoring freedoms back to Americans, controlling U.S. debt, common sense government, and jobs for anyone that was willing to work. He also said one of his goals was to make sure our children had the same opportunities that he and his generation had. He addressed radical Islam being an enemy to America and said that we must defend ourselves against it. Paul joins the race along with Texas Senator Ted Cruz. Other republicans that are formally exploring a candidacy are Jeb Bush, Chris Christie, Ben Carson, George Pataki, Lindsey Graham, Donald Trump, Rick Perry, and Scott Walker. Current democratic candidates are former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and former US Senator from Virginia Jim Webb. Other potential candidates are Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Andrew Cuomo, Al Gore, and several more. Paul began practicing ophthalmology in Bowling Green in 1993 at Downing McPeak Vision Center, then worked at Graves Gilbert Clinic for a number of years. After that, he opened his own practice that was eventually merged with Dr. John Downing's office when Paul was elected to the US Senate. Edmonson Voice Staff Whether you're off to church today, hunting eggs, spending time with family, hanging out, or all the above...From all of us here at the Edmonson Voice, have a Happy Easter. Thanks for reading the Edmonson Voice and for your continued support.
On Tuesday, March 31st, at approx. 4:00 pm, Lt. Jeff Jewell with the Brownsville City Police responded to a vehicle accident on the Brownsville Bridge involving a Farmer's Fertilzer truck from Smiths Grove and a silver Chevy Impala driven by Blake Meredith, 35, of Clarkson. According to police, a large piece of steel flew off of the trailer being pulled by the fertilizer truck, bounced off of the roadway, and shot through the center of the windshield of the Impala. The piece of steel was hurled directly between Meredith and his passenger and twin brother, Brett Meredith, 35, of Leitchfield. The large piece of steel then glanced off of Blake's right arm and hit the back seat. They both sustained minor injuries due to flying glass shards, but both refused any medical treatment. The truck was driven by Roger Johnson, 47, of Smiths Grove. Lt. Jewell was assisted on scene by Deputy Stoney Phillips of the Sheriff's Office. There were no traffic citations issued, and no charges were filed. Edmonson Voice Staff
Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty, presiding. Monte M Towe, Custodial interference. Unlawful transaction with a minor, 1st degree illegal cont sub, physical injury. Date was set on bail bond for defendant to appear. Continued in two weeks, court notice sent to defendant. Pricilla Sue Towe, Custodial interference. Unlawful transaction with a minor, 1st degree illegal cont sub, under 18. Date was set on bail bond for defendant to appear. Continued in two weeks, court notice sent to defendant. Teddy L Forbes, Assault 4th degree domestic violence, no visible injury. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference for 5/12/15. Tonya Michelle Johnson, Theft by unlawful taking under $500. Pleaded not guilty. Terroristic threatening, 3rd degree. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference for 4/14/15. Tonya Michelle Jonson, Terroristic threatening, 3rd degree. Pleaded not guilty. Harassing communications, pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference for 4/14/15. Alvin E Courtney, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, 1st offense. Pleaded not guilty. Failure to notify address change to dept of transportation. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference for 6/9/15. Galwyn D Harris, One headlight. Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Failure to surrender revoked operator's license. Failure to produce insurance card. Speeding 20mph over limit. No/expired registration plates. No/expired KY registration receipt. Given 4/14/15 court date on citation. Cory A. Ashley, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, 2nd offense. Pleaded guilty. Careless driving, merged into other charge. Total fines and costs $878. Re-docket in two weeks for sentencing. Thomas M Minton, Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Failed to appear, $250 bench warrant issued. Wallace D Roddy, Reckless driving. Improper passing. Driving too fast for traffic conditions. License plate not legible. Failure to produce insurance card. No/expired KY registration receipt. Obstructed vision and/or windshield. Improper equipment. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference for 5/12/15. Cody L Tibbs, Speeding 10mph over limit. Sentenced to traffic school. No/expired KY registration plates, proof shown, dismissed without prejudice. No/expired registration plates, proof shown, dismissed without prejudice. Failure to produce insurance card, pleaded guilty, fined $50. No motorcycle operator's license, proof shown, deferred for 6 months. Total fines and cost $193. Geronimon Felix Galleges, No operator's/moped license. Pleaded guilty. 30 days, probated for 2 yrs with no driving without valid license. Total cost $143. Salvar Ahmed Islomovich, Speeding 26mph over limit. Amended to 15mph over, sentenced to traffic school. Careless driving, merged into count one. Court cost $143. Jennifer C Woodcock, No/expired KY registration receipt. Proof shown, dismissed without prejudice. No/expired registration plates. Proof shown, dismissed without prejudice. Failure to produce insurance card, defer for one year. Court cost $143. Chrystal D Sosh, No/expired KY registration receipt, No/expired registration plates, Failure to wear seat belts. Order signed to dismiss without prejudice. Kimberly R Smith, No/expired KY registration receipt, No/expired registration plates, Failure to wear seat belts, License to be in possession. Pleaded not guilty to all, pretrial conference for 4/14/15. Kimberly R Smith, Failure to produce insurance card. Pleaded not guilty, pretrial conference for 4/14/15. Wallace D Roddy, Possession of marijuana, pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference for 5/12/15. Ashlie Logsdon, Assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury. Pleaded not guilty, pretrial conference for 5/12/15, order signed. Nicholas Wilson, Theft by unlawful taking all others $500 or more but under $10,000. Asked for attorney, attorney appointed. Pleaded not guilty, Pre hearing for 4/28/15. All Night Session in Frankfort Leads to Passage of Major Bills on Final Day of 2015 Session FRANKFORT, Ky. – The House and Senate worked from the late night of Tuesday into the wee hours of Wednesday morning, adding an additional day to wrap up the 2015 Session of the Kentucky General Assembly. During the final hours until we adjourned around 4 a.m. on Wednesday morning, agreements were reached on several key bills including what many consider to be the top priority for this session, addressing the growing problem of heroin. Senate Bill 192, which was signed into law hours after it was approved by the General Assembly, takes a comprehensive approach to the scourge of heroin. It provides for tougher penalties for heroin trafficking, including the creation of a mandatory 10 year prison sentence for those who import heroin into the Commonwealth. It also contains a ‘Good Samaritan’ provision giving legal immunity to individuals who report an overdose to authorities in a good faith effort to save a life. The bill also provides more access to Naloxone, which can help reverse the effects of a heroin overdose, and Vivitrol for treatment of addicts to help them kick their heroin habit. The proposal also directs the use of $10 million in savings from the recent restructuring of the Department of Corrections to provide for additional treatment options, including the hiring of additional social workers to increase the utilization of alternative sentencing programs, and to increase funding for the Prosecutors Advisory Council to aid in the prosecutions of street level dealers. Another major issue addressed in the final hours was how to stabilize Kentucky’s motor fuels tax as it related to decreased money for maintain roads and bridges in our cities and counties. House Bill 299 was a result of an agreement between the House and Senate as a bipartisan way to address it. The bill which passed allows the motor fuels tax to drop to 26 cents for the coming year. This means Kentuckians will enjoy savings at the pump, while ensuring there is an appropriate level of revenue to continue to patch potholes and build roads. Of that funding, nearly half goes into the rural and secondary road aid fund which is directed to our local governments. While House Bill 299 addresses an immediate need, conversations have already started with hopes we can come up with a more comprehensive gas stabilization plan perhaps in 2016. Dating violence is another front on which state lawmakers fought during the 2015 session. Intent on adding Kentucky to the list of states that allow civil protective orders for dating violence victims, both chambers voted in the final hours on Tuesday evening to give final passage to House Bill 8 which offers dating violence victims both security and peace of mind that they don’t now have. HB 8 will allow Kentuckians who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking to receive “interpersonal” civil protections via the courts beginning Jan. 1, 2016. Currently, civil protections are only available to abuse victims who are married to, living with, or have a child with their abuser or stalker, while other victims must seek criminal protection from their abuser—a process that offers no immediate protection and can require a long wait as a criminal complaint works its way through the legal system. Legislators from both sides of the aisle lauded the bill’s passage, which received final passage in the House on a 100-0 vote. Senate Bill 133 also passed in the late hours of the session. This legislation will add Kentucky to a list of at least 24 other states with an ignition interlock requirement for drunk drivers. It will allow courts to supplement hardship driver’s licenses for those who must get to work or school with ignition interlocks—devices that require a driver to clear a dashboard-based breathalyzer test before starting a vehicle. The devices would not be required for first time offenders unless that person is found guilty of an “aggravating circumstance” such as having a child as a passenger or traveling more than 30 mph over the speed limit. The bill was approved by a 100-0 vote in the House before receiving final passage in the Senate. While those bills made it to the Governor’s desk, many others died in the final hours of the 2015 Session. Legislation dealing with local option sales tax, public private partnerships, reforming the teachers’ retirement system, as well as several bills dealing with pro-life issues, education, and local government issues did not make it to the Governor’s desk before the gavel dropped. I’m sure these and many other issues of importance will be discussed during our Interim Session which will start in June. Despite the 2015 Regular Session coming to an end, I still welcome any ideas and concerns important to you as we start looking ahead to next year’s legislative session. I encourage you to contact me by e-mail at [email protected], or call our toll free number at 1-800-372-7181. On Tuesday, March 31st 2015, while conducting normal patrol, Brownsville Police Officer Garth Avery observed a white passenger car conduct a U-turn at the intersection of South Main Street and Mammoth Cave road. Officer Avery made contact with the vehicle on Mammoth Cave Road and observed the vehicle swerving in the roadway, traveling across the yellow line and back to the white line. A traffic stop was initiated and police say that a very strong odor of alcohol was emitted from the driver of the vehicle, Jerry Erassarret, 42 of Brownsville . A number of field sobriety test were then given which were failed. Erassarret's blood-alcohol level was more than double the legal limit. There was also a passenger of the vehicle, a two year-old toddler. Erassarret was arrested for the following charges: -improper turning -careless driving -operating on suspended/revoked operators license. -possession of an open alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle. -operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs/etc .08 or above(aggravated circumstances) 1st offense. -wanton endangerment 1st degree He was transported to the Hart County Jail. Officer Avery was assisted in the investigation by Edmonson County Sheriff's Office Deputy Jordan Jones, and District 2 Constable Tim Skees. Edmonson Voice Staff |
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