Darren Doyle, story
Laney Meredith, Scott Lindsey, photos
Several hundred people came out to ECHS last night for the annual Edmonson County Relay For Life to fight cancer and help the American Cancer Society. Normally held at the ECHS football field, the event was moved into the gym due to rainy weather, but it didn't keep folks from having a good time while raising money for a wonderful cause.

Participants were busy all through the night with events like cake walks, all sorts of games, live music from Black Gold, and local realtor and auctioneer Alan Kepple led a basket auction.

The event was opened up by prayer from Anthony Cobb, grandfather of Relay For Life Chairperson Haley Miller, then the National Anthem was sung by ECHS senior Laney Meredith.

Guest speaker was Blake Alexander, who discussed losing his brother, Jacob Irwin to cancer a few years ago when Jacob was a high school senior at Edmonson County. 

The survivors, their caregivers, and families were then recognized as they took their ceremonial lap around the gym in the "Survivor's Walk," to a standing ovation from all in attendance.

Relay For Life Committee Member and our own WildcatsLive Broadcaster Scott Lindsey said the event is always very moving and means so much. "We relay each year to remember the loved ones and friends lost and to honor the survivors that are still battling that give us hope," he said. "We also do this to fight back against that cowardly disease called cancer."

The total for Friday night's events was $34,016.28, but more was expected to trickle in over the next few days. Lindsey said simply saying thanks didn't seem to be enough. "All the workers on the committee put so much work and time into making this happen each and every year. We also want to thank our ACS sponsor Molly Embry for all her support."

He also mentioned each team and team captain. "Their hard work raises much need funds for research," he said. "We also want to thank our special guests that took part in our programs, as well as everyone who came out to last night's events. I was a great night for Relay."

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty presiding.

Matthew D Tomes, Speeding 19mph over limit. Failure to notify address change to dept of transportation. Failed to appear.

Kenneth Edward Jergensen, Speeding 25mph over limit. Ordered to attend County Attorney Traffic School. Failure to produce insurance card, proof shown, dismissed. One headlight, proof shown, dismissed.

Kimberly Bowers, Speeding 23mph over limit. Ordered to attend County Attorney Traffic School.

Nicholas D. Carroll, Assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury. Failed to appear, $1,000 cash bench warrant issued.

Joshua Lee Smith, Obstructed vision and/or windshield. Operating vehicle with expired operator's license. Failure to produce insurance card. Proof shown on all counts, all counts dismissed.

Edmonson Voice Staff
The Edmonson Voice and D93's The Tony Rose Morning Show on WDNS have partnered with the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce to bring "EC Chamber Talk," a new monthly segment to the popular radio show that highlights local chamber members.

With the recent overhaul of the chamber's website, the organization is working hard to promote it's members in better and more efficient ways while taking advantage with a partnership from two major media outlets.

"The chamber had tried utilizing another radio station in the past with a partner-type scenario, but it didn't really pan out to help the chamber," said Edmonson Voice Editor Darren Doyle. "With our strong relationship with the community-minded folks at D93 and my longtime friend Tony Rose, we hope to bring something new and fun to help Edmonson County."

Chamber Director Rhonda Clemmons said the chamber was excited about the new opportunity. “We feel this new member benefit will offer an unprecedented member service, as well as promote our chamber website and upcoming chamber and community events."

Superintendent of Edmonson County School, Patrick Waddell has announced a slight delay in dismissing school buses due to an active thunderstorm warning.

"We cannot dismiss school buses in the event of an active thunderstorm warning," he said. "The warning is scheduled to be over soon, so we're looking at an approximate 10 minute delay unless the warning is updated."

Waddell said there was no need to be alarmed but protocol called for the delay. 

Also at the Monday, April 25th fiscal court meeting, County Road Foreman Ray Page reported that his crew had been busy paving various areas. Judge Wil Cannon also reported his office had received a call complimenting Page and the road crew for recent work completed on J.O. Davis Road. Cannon said it was important to note that folks are sometimes ready to call and complain about something, but rarely to call and commend any departments.

Sheriff Shane Doyle reported that Det. Wally Ritter's vehicle had been taken to a local repair shop for issues that the truck was having in the wheel. The repair shop said that it looked like someone had purposely loosened all the lug nuts on Ritter's vehicle, which could have been disastrous. The incident caused other damage to the wheel and is currently being repaired.

Sheriff Shane Doyle reported that a donation along with a grant had recently allowed him to not only purchase body cameras for his deputies, which you can read about by clicking here.

Parks and Rec Program Administrator Greg Hudson reported on a huge Pro Disc Golf that was held over the weekend at Chalybeate Park. Hudson said over 14 states were represented and the event seemed to be a success. He said he was looking forward to hosting more major events at the park.

He also reported that the little league baseball and softball seasons were underway and had seen a successful start. Hudson said he feels like Parks and Rec is an all-out community service that is trying to help the county year round, working with everyone. "It seems that we're making progress with the rest of the organizations in the community," he said. "We're improving our cooperation with all local organizations so we all can get the most from our individual programs, but for the same good."

During the last meeting, a representative from United Way of Southern Ky requested $7500 from the county to help fund the organization's new "2-1-1" Help Call System that would be a system for Edmonson County residents that could direct people to job openings, health care questions, education possibilities, and more. Judge Cannon said he liked the idea, but because of an already strapped budget, contributing to the program would force cuts somewhere else, something he didn't think was a good idea. The court disapproved the funding at this time.

• Judge Cannon also spoke about the new emergency radio upgrade that was discussed back in February of this year. The system was originally estimated at a $100K cost but the latest projections showed a price of around $123K. The county will have to borrow the amount in order to fund the upgrade, but Judge Cannon said the current system is obsolete and the upgrade was a neccessity.

Emergency Management Director Pat Prunty said some estimates had exceeded $200K, but he felt like the one proposed to the court from Motorola of Bowling Green was the best option. The court agreed to accept Motorola's bid and move forward with the upgrade that would take place in June or July.

​Prunty also reported that the county had also recieved a CMRS Grant in the amount of $56,792 which will be used for upgrading county mapping and digitizing records. 

• The court also approved a 25mph speed limit on Monroe Wilson Road in the Wingfield community. Mag. Buck Simmons said the road is only around 200 yards long and needs a 25mph speed limit. The court approved the change.
• Tourism and Chamber Director Rhonda Clemmons reported that the new Chamber website built by Studio DD Media had already been a success and new business had already purchased memberships through the site. She also said the Chamber and Tourism Commission were working hard on upcoming events and she reported on the recent Trail Town Program meeting. 

​She also reported on outstanding room and rec taxes and on some past due accounts which had been paid. She said Park Mammoth had paid their current quartly taxes and around $8,000 in back taxes. She said Blue Holler Off Road Park, which is now out of business, last made a payment in January, but the amount was for their October 2015 taxes. She estimated that the park still owes around $1000 to the county and asked the court what steps they'd like to take in order to collect.

Judge Cannon said that the park had broken the law by not paying the taxes and said the court would proceed to file a legal complaint through the County Attorney in order to properly collect the amount owed.

• County Attorney J.B. Hines reported that there will be a new Assistant County Attorney hired soon. Hines said the new assistant has experience in bankruptcy, organization, and open record meeting laws. He said the new assistant would also work on collecting delinquent property taxes. Hines also said a new website was being built for his office in order to better serve the people of the county. He said bench warrants will be posted on the site as well as other relevant legal information that would benefit folks that use the office's services.
• County Clerk Kevin Alexander reported that absentee voting had begun in his office for the May 17th primary election. He also reported that coming up this May will mark one year since his office started opening on Saturdays. He said he was very happy with the way that the new hours had gone so far and that citizens seemed to take advantage of the new opportunity. He also gave credit to PVA Kyle White's office in his cooperation with the Clerk's office as well as a Clerk's office employee Anne Vincent for her recent outstanding work in the office. 
• Judge Cannon reported that changes had been made to his office's Windstream phone service. The county had been paying for five phone lines in their plan, but he said they never worked. He said that the plan had been lowered to two lines, but the second line rarely worked. The plan has recently been changed to one line only. "Windstream can't seem to get our phones working properly, so why are we paying for a line that doesn't work?" he said. "If we had another phone option here, we'd change in a heartbeat, unfortunately, we're stuck with Windstream."

The next Fiscal Court meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday, May 9, 2016.

Darren Doyle story and photo
The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office was placed under scrutiny by some when it decided it would be beneficial to the county to withdraw from the Drug Task Force in the fall of 2014 under the direction of then Sheriff Wil Cannon. 

Cannon's argument at the time was that he felt like his deputies would be better off operating within the department, investigating their own cases, investing the appox. $50K/yr paid out to the DTF back into their own department, and being able to keep almost all of the drug seizure property and cash from their own arrests.

The plan would only be effective if, in fact, the department was able to make at least the same amount of drug related arrests in Edmonson County. Since that time, the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office has made more drug arrests in the county than they ever did while a member of the DTF, according to current Sheriff Shane Doyle.

"We worked well with the members of the DTF while we were in the organization," he said. "However, most every case was assisted by a local officer. If our guys helped work the case, then our guys were tied up and their guys were tied up. We were paying around $50,000 per year to the DTF, plus turning over all seized drug money and property to them. We felt like our resources could be better used in another way. I was on board when Wil Cannon, who was sheriff at the time, decided to withdraw, and it's proven to be the right move as our drug related arrests have increased greatly since then."

The department has recently purchased $2400 worth of body cams and dash cams for all deputies thanks to over $9000 in seized drug money and property along with a $2000 anonymous donation to the Sheriff's office.

The Sheriff is also carrying another firearm, thanks to the seizure of a weapon carried by a burglar in a September 2014 case. Although not a drug seizure, the Sheriff's office still benefits when cash and property and seized in arrests.

"Everyone knows we're a small county with a strapped budget," he said. "Opportunites like seized property and cash help us acquire better equipment, which helps us better protect our people and get more drugs out of our county."

Edmonson Voice Staff
Two teens were involved in a Sunday afternoon crash on HWY 70 at 1157 Morgantown Road when the driver, Cierra Elmore, 17, of Mammoth Cave said a wasp flew into the Doge Caravan she was driving. 

According to law enforcement, Ms. Elmore was startled and reacted to the wasp which caused her to run off the road and crash into a utility pole. The pole was snapped in two and the van took on extensive damage.

Officials said that both front airbags deployed but thankfully, neither Ms. Elmore nor her passenger, Jade Lashley, 15, of Segal were injured. Both teens were wearing their seatbelts. 

The road was shut down from Mt. Zion Church Road to Higgs Road from the time of the accident around 6pm until one lane was finally opened around 10:30pm. The utility pole was carrying telephone lines and officials said more than three hours passed before Windstream arrived.

Responding to the scene was the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Bear Creek Fire Dept, and Edmonson EMS.

Barbara Johnson, EC Conservation District, story and photos
On Thursday, April 14, 2016, the Edmonson County Conservation District and the Kentucky Division of Forestry visited with Kyrock and South Edmonson Elementary Schools. Forester Tammy Rogers, and Ranger Chris Scott spoke with the students about the importance of trees in our environment. Each student at both schools received an oak seedling to plant, for a total of 900 seedlings in all.

Want to save money on laundry detergent? How about helping the Edmonson County Archery Team? They're trying to raise funds to help them finish their season as they try to qualify for the World Competition and here's how you can help. Did we mention you could save money? Click below as Archery Booster Club member Tyra Keltner explains.

Darren Doyle, story and photo
Emergency personnel were called to a three car accident with possible injuries yesterday at Veterans Memorial and Park Place Center during the middle of the 3pm school rush hour.

According to police, Sara Saling, 27, of Bee Spring and Jitendrakumar Patel of Brownsville were waiting in the southbound lane on Veterans Memorial Highway to turn left into Park Place St. Police also said that Charline Thomas, 66, of Brownsville was travelling south when she struck Patel’s vehicle in the rear, forcing him to go forward, also striking Saling’s vehicle.

Reports showed that as emergency personnel arrived, medical assistance was offered to all parties involved, but police said both Patel and Saling were not injured. Thomas was transported to Bowling Green Medical Center via Edmonson EMS for non-life threatening injuries.

Traffic was held up for about a half hour as it was detoured out HWY 70 through Arthur Road. Rumors of the severity of the accident spread quickly, but other than delayed traffic and minor injuries, things were back to normal in a short amount of time.

A statement from the Brownsville Police Department thanked the Brownsville Fire Department, Edmonson County EMS, Edmonson County Dispatch and all other first responders who arrived to help.

"The Brownsville Police Department would also like to thank the citizens of Brownsville for being patient while the road was temporarily blocked during school traffic. We would like to also encourage everyone to drive safely during hazardous weather," the statement read.

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, April 19, 2016. The Honorable Judge Renona Carol Browning, presiding. 

Mary Fay Burns, Speeding 21mph over limit. Pleaded not guilty, pretrial conference for 5-13-16.

Thomas M Jaggers, Sodomy, 1st degree. Sexual abuse 1st degree. Assault-3rd degree-police probation officer. Wanton endangerment-1st degree police officer. Resisting arrest. Terroristic threatening-3rd degree. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Preliminary hearing for 5-3-16.

Charles Pendleton, Escaping contents, shifting/spilling loads. Pretrial conference for 5-3-16. 

Brett Dennis, Speeding 17mph over limit. Will attend County Attorney Traffic School. Deferred one year.

Donna Lynn Seaman, Speeding 17mph over limit. Will attend County Attorney Traffic School. No/expired registration plates-proof shown, dismissed. No/expired KY registration receipt-proof shown, dismissed. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st. Pleaded guilty, fined $500, $450 of which suspended for 2 years on condition of no similar offense, must enroll in County Attorney monitoring program. Failure to notify address change to dept of transportation, dismissed.

Ashley D Hazelwood, Inadequate silencer (muffler). Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Pleaded not guilty to both charges. 

Joyanna D Roof, Improper passing. Deferred one year.

Kenneth Davis, no operator's license. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 5-31-16. No/expired registration plates, proof shown, dismissed. No/expired KY registration receipt, proof shown, dismissed.

Linda Sue Breneman, Illegal possession of legend drug. Possession of marijuana. Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Pretrial conference 4-26-16. 

Darren Doyle, story and photos
Firefighters were called to the home of Bruce Denham on Chalybeate Road this afternoon when a pick up caught fire in a wooded area and began to spread into the woods. Denham, who is known for owning many junked vehicles and school buses said he was driving the truck around the property when the transmission started to malfunction.

"It was a good old little truck," he said. "I drove it out there and it started acting up. I could go backwards, but it wouldn't go forwards. I guess the transmission line came off or something. I just parked it out there and walked back up to the house. When I looked out there again, it was on fire."

Denham's house is located just a few houses down the road from the Chalybeate Fire Department so the response time was quick. Tons of old cars and car parts are scattered throughout the wooded area behind Denham's home from a salvage business he ran years ago. 

Firefighters were called back out a couple hours later when the blaze rekindled, but everything seemed to be under control around 4pm. 

Also responding to the blaze was the Brownsville Fire Department. There were also members of the Kyrock Fire Department present on scene. ​

The following students and teacher were recognized at the April 11th, 2016 Edmonson County Board of Education meeting for their outstanding achievements and excellence. They were honored for the following:

• Nikki Culbreth - Campbellsville University Excellence in Teaching Award
• Gabe Smith - 1st place team at the state FFA land judging. Will represent Edmonson County at the Nationals (in Oklahoma) the first week of May.
• Eli LaMastus - 1st place team at the state FFA land judging. Will represent Edmonson County at the Nationals (in Oklahoma) the first week of May.
• Patrick Priddy - 1st place  team at the state FFA land judging. Will represent Edmonson County at the Nationals (in Oklahoma) the first week of May.
• Carsan Logsdon - Wendy's Heisman
• Laney Meredith - Kentucky Coaches Association Scholarship winner
• Madelyne Taylor - Ronnie Harmon Scholarship Award for Sportsmanship
• Emily Davidson - Governor Scholar and 1st place team  at the state FFA land judging. Will represent Edmonson County at the Nationals (in Oklahoma) the first week of May.

Nominees and their guests gathered at Edmonson County High School tonight for the first annual "Edmonson County's Finest Awards." There were a total of 65 nominees and 20 winners. Did you vote for the winners? Check out the list below:

Several Edmonson Voice staff members were also recognized for their hard work and contributions to the successful news network. Most all nominees and winners gave grateful remarks.

"I'm very proud of this," said Gale Renfro with Mid-State Tile Company as he held his plaque. "The county voted on this and I can't wait to hang this on the wall."

Josh Roney with State Farm said he thought the large turnout for the first year event was promising. "This was a great event and everyone did a great job. Thanks very much for this." 

The nominees and their guests enjoyed snacks and refreshments as they networked and fellow-shipped throughout the night. 

Editor Darren Doyle was very pleased with the event, especially for the first year. "The whole purpose of this event was to help promote Edmonson County commerce and organizations," he said. "We didn't really know what to expect or if there would even be enough interest. We were amazed at the results. We're already looking at next year, too. If everyone who took interest in this year's contest can share that with someone else, then it will only grow bigger and bigger. When we help each other, we all win."

Thousands of votes have been counted and the winners will be announced tonight at the first annual "Edmonson County's Finest Awards," presented by EdmonsonVoice.com, tonight at 6pm at Edmonson County High School. 
​
Our readers gave an overwhelming response to this contest and we're proud to present these awards to the winners tonight, chosen by you.

There are 20 categories and 65 finalists. Each of our finalists will be recognized tonight and our winners will be presented with plaques.

Who do you think won? We'll have a full recap with photos of the winners tomorrow. Thanks for voting and stay connected!

courtesy of Vanderbilt School of Engineering News
Former ECHS student, WKU graduate and Vanderbilt graduate student Darren Tinker has been selected by NASA for its 2016 class of Space Technology Research Fellowship.

Tinker is a second year graduate student in mechanical engineering. His research – An Additively Manufactured Torch Igniter for Liquid Propellants – is funded up to $74,000 for one year, but the award may be renewed for up to three additional years.

The coupling of additive manufacturing and liquid fuel propulsion systems is the next great advancement for space technology and will help ensure that spaceflight remains safe, affordable and sustainable.

Under the NASA fellowship, Tinker will design a 3D-printed torch igniter that is hypothesized to act as a suitable replacement for igniters machined out of wrought metal stock.

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, April 12, 2016. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty presiding.

Jarrid N Knight, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs 1st offense. Pleaded guilty. Careless driving (merged into count one). Possession of marijuana. Pleaded guilty. Sentenced to 30 days in jail to run concurrent. Obstructed vision and/or windshield, deferred 6 months.

Calvin E Watt, Attempt careless driving. Pleaded not guilty. Operating motor vehicle under influence of drugs/alcohol, 2nd offense. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 4-19-16.

Jason Paul Veach, Manufacturing methamphetamine 1st offense. Unlawful possession of meth precursor 1st offense. Pleaded not guilty, waived to Grand Jury.

James Michael Harper, Manufacturing methamphetamine 1st offense. Unlawful possession of meth precursor 1st offense. Pleaded not guilty, waived to Grand Jury.

Elvis Francisco Acosta Miralda, Operating motor vehicle under influence - aggravator - 1st offense. Wanton endangerment - 1st degree, No operator's license, Possession open alcohol container in motor vehicle. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial hearing 4-26-16.

Amanda Donanita Rosenberger, Theft by unlawful taking or disposition shoplifting. Pleaded guilty, sentencing scheduled for 4-26-16.

"I'm very proud of our officer for taking immediate action," said Sheriff Shane Doyle. "The victim underwent a horrible experience. Thank God our officer was able to prevent the situation from getting even worse. We hope and pray for a speedy recovery for the victim."

Edmonson Voice Staff
The Edmonson County Water District was informed of a 16" water line break today around 10am behind the right side of the high school. Hundreds of thousands of gallons flooded the school parking lot, down toward the football field house, down Houchins Ferry Road, to Brownsville Manor, and down to the ditch in front of Minit Mart on Main Street.

Superintendent of Schools Patrick Waddell said although the water was a major concern, there were no real problems at the high school. "Our water supply is fine and we have plenty here at school," he said. "We are acquiring bottled water in case we need it, but everything should be fine and no one should be concerned."

Edmonson County Water District Director Tony Sanders said that the line was shut down as quickly as possible, but the water supply was still available to area residents. "We're not sure what caused the break," he said. "It could've been a rock that shifted underground, or a root; anything. It will be at least 3 or 4 hours before everything is completely repaired."

Sanders said after the repair, the line will have to be flushed and there will be boil water advisory at some point, but hopefully not for the entire county. "We'll notify all our customers by phone when the advisory goes out, but right now, everything's ok. We hope to have it isolated to the south side of the county only."

We'll keep you up to date as details become available.