Darren Doyle, story:
County Judge Executive Wil Cannon was the tie-breaking vote at today's fiscal court meeting that amended the county ordinance  which originally required the minimum building lot size to be 3/4 acre.

At the last meeting, a local developer asked the court to reconsider the ordinance for homes put on the county sewer system. The original ordinance, which has been in place for about 20 years, required all building lots to be 3/4 of an acre in order to accommodate septic tanks, lateral lines, and the required drainage systems for each home.

The developer told the court at the previous meeting that homes placed on the county sewer system do not require the same type of drainage system and set up and would allow more building in the county for those homes on sewer. The county agreed to make the amendment for new lots on sewer from 3/4 to 1/2 acre; however, during today's meeting, magistrates discussed the possibilities of reducing the minimum lot size even further.

Magistrate Mark Woosley said that while some builders in the county would prefer even a 1/4 acre minimum lot size, to which he was opposed, a 1/3 acre minimum would be a good combination for all involved, or a lot with a minimum of 14, 520 square feet.

"You'll have more builders placing more homes on more lots," he said. "This will be a good opportunity for the county without things being too crowded."

Mag. Woosley made the motion to reduce the required minimum for lots on sewer from 3/4 acre to 1/3, which was seconded by Magistrate Joe Durbin.

​Mag. Durbin's opinion was that some landowners don't maintain the full 3/4 of an acre now and that reducing the required lot size for sewer-placed homes could cut down on larger, unkempt lots.

Other magistrates like Edd Rich and Buck Simmons spoke against the motion.

"(If) you keep cutting down lot sizes, you'll have to go through the front door just to get to the back yard," said Mag. Simmons.

Woosley's motion also contained language that would exclude mobile homes, manufactured homes, and house trailers from the ordinance. Those structures would still be required to be placed on 3/4 of an acre, regardless of sewer or septic tank.

The motion came to a vote where Woosley, Durbin, and Magistrate Johnny Brooks voted for, while Rich, Simmons, and Magistrate Clark Wood voted against, which resulted in a 3-3 tie.

Judge Cannon was then allowed to place a tie-breaking vote, for which he voted in favor, and the motion passed.

The amendment to the ordinance will be in effect (assuming the ordinance is passed) for new lots only and will not affect existing lots or homes. New lots that are not on sewer will also not apply. Those lots will still be required to have a minimum size of 3/4 of an acre.

​Rhonda Clemmons, Edmonson County's representative for the SOKY Film Commission recently attended a film: expo in Burbank, CA, where she helped the commission promote filmmaking in southcentral Kentucky.

She said over 200 people visited their booth, with around twenty movie crews that showed interest in coming to Kentucky. Clemmons also said that the experience was very positive and others from the commission were looking to receive some productive results from their trip.

Clemmons mentioned the casting call being held in Cave City on Tuesday. Catering and chair rental were being taken care of by local county business for film.

"We feel like we had a good showing at the expo," she said. "We were very popular and very well received."

Looking to appear in a movie? Check out the casting call in Cave City for your opportunity to play a role in a feature film, promoted by the Southern KY Film Commission.

Darren Doyle, story and photos
Edmonson County Parks and Rec hosted the annual community wide Easter Egg hunt at HWY 70 Ballpark today. Several volunteers were on hand from different area organizations to help with the event.

Four different age groups gathered about 12,000 eggs, all in about 10 minutes. Sunny skies and temperatures in the 60's drew a nice crowd to the park today and the eggs were filled with candy and vouchers for special prizes.

Parks and Rec Program Administrator Greg Hudson said he was pleased with the turnout.

"We wish to thank Brownsville Missionary Baptist Church and the Chalybeate Fire Department for helping us with today's event," he said. "We had over 300 people come out today. We also thank our Park Partners for their support with Parks and Rec activities throughout the year."

It is one of the many free community events provided by Edmonson County Parks and Rec over the course of the year.

​Check out the slideshow below for some really cute kids having lots of fun at today's event.

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. The Honorable Judge Joseph B. Hines presiding. 

Jackee L Gable, Alcohol intoxication in a public place-first and second offense. Pleaded guilty. Total fines and costs $184.

Robert E Mace, Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess. Failed  to appear, bench warrant issued.

Perry Suttle, Theft by deception-including cold checks under $500. Failed to appear, bench warrant issued.

Wendell Dale Vincent, Theft by deception-including cold checks under $500. Failed to appear, bench warrant issued.

Thomas Allen Payne, No/expired KY registration receipt. Dismissed. No/expired registration plate. Dismissed. Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess. Pleaded guilty. Traffic in marijuana less than 8oz, first offense, pleaded guilty. Fines and costs, $354.

by Representative Michael Lee Meredith:
The most significant legislative session in modern Kentucky history has officially come to an end. Although it was just a short, 30-day session, the General Assembly has accomplished more in 2017 than in any recent 60-day session.
 
Last November, when Republicans took control of the Kentucky House, Speaker Jeff Hoover made it clear that the House would finally be a functioning institution. He was adamant that the day’s work would start on time, we would do the people’s business, and then return home to our communities after passing significant legislation to better Kentucky. Promises were made, and those promises were kept.
 
In the last few days of the 2017 session, the House and Senate worked together on a multitude of bills that address serious issues in our Commonwealth.
 
The drug epidemic, and specifically the rise of opioid prescription painkiller abuse across Kentucky, has been the subject of much legislation. We closed out this session by passing a modified version of House Bill 333, which limits the amount of schedule II controlled substances prescribed in Kentucky to a 3-day limit. This measure provides numerous exemptions for patients in cases where a prescription lasting longer than three days is medically necessary. House Bill 333 also increases penalties for those who traffic fentanyl and heroin in our communities, who deserve to face the full brunt of the law. Kentucky is at the epicenter of our nation’s drug crisis, and the measure we passed makes our state a leader in combating this serious epidemic.
 
In keeping with our focus all session of increasing economic opportunity and jobs for Kentuckians, we passed legislation on the final day of session to approve $15 million in bonding for a potential $1 billion economic development project in eastern Kentucky. This amendment to House Bill 482 is the direct result of an opportunity that presented itself as a result of Governor Bevin and the Economic Development Cabinet seeking out new businesses to come to Kentucky – businesses that employ our citizens, many of whom are struggling just to get by. According to the Bevin Administration, Kentucky is competing with one other state for this opportunity, and our passage of this bonding will give the company assurances of to our ability to help finance this project.
 
If Kentucky is chosen, this project will provide 1,000 construction jobs, as well as 500 full-time positions with an average annual salary of $75,000. This is the type of economic opportunity that we have been working toward, and is a direct result of the Legislature’s and the Governor’s shared goal of making Kentucky more business-friendly. It is my hope that positive economic news like this will spread all over the Commonwealth so that our rural areas can prosper again.
 
When you take into consideration the important work that we did earlier this session to protect life, create jobs, and save taxpayer dollars, it is easy to see how significant this session was. We accomplished a great deal on behalf of the citizens of Kentucky, and I look forward to continuing the work that makes our state the very best version of itself. 
 
It is a great honor to serve as your voice in Frankfort. As always, I welcome your comments and concerns on any issues impacting our Commonwealth, even while we are not in session.  I can be reached through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181, or you can contact me via e-mail at Michael.Meredith@lrc.ky.gov. You can keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page at www.lrc.ky.gov.

***UPDATE: At 12:43 pm, April 6, 2017, The Kentucky State Police reported that the missing/ runaway juvenile, 13 year old Lillian Gibson, had been safely located.
 
The Kentucky State Police Post 3 Bowling Green would like to thank anyone that assisted with information in locating her.

No other details were available regarding the incident.

(original post, 9:11am, 4/6/17) A Plum Springs teen with several Edmonson County ties has been reported missing and her family is requesting help. 

Lillian Gibson, 13 yrs old was last seen at her home between 3am-6am on April 5th. She is homeschooled and was reported to have deleted her Instagram account just before it was discovered she had gone missing.

Family members fear she may have met someone through social media and met with them. She has several family connections in Edmonson County and her family are afraid for her safety.

​If you have any information, you are encouraged to contact the Kentucky State Police at 1-800-543-7723 

Even though it was nasty for a short time, the sun returned and this beautiful rainbow photo was submitted by Vanessa Ulm of Chalybeate.

Hard rains and dime to quarter size hail fell all over the county while the majority of Edmonson County residents experienced power outages. WRECC crews reported that there were some broke transmission poles in southern Warren County on Upper Dixie Highway, just below the Warren/Edmonson line. Power was restored shortly after isolating the problem areas.

According to meteorologist Landon Hampton at WeatherOrNotBG.com, wind gusts as high as 62mph were recorded on the north side of Warren County in today's storm.

Potential storms are still in the forecast for the greater Edmonson County area but the greatest threat of severe weather has passed, according to the latest weather predictions.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Several dozen acres burned today at a rifle shooting range located on Chaumont Road, owned by Park Mammoth. According to emergency workers at the scene, dry grass ignited as a result of rifle fire by several shooters at the range. High winds from the approaching thunderstorm blew in from the south west and quickly spread the fire throughout the field.

Fortunately, the fire was contained to the large field only and was kept away from the woods. Responding to the blaze were the Brownsville, Rocky Hill, Chalybeate, and Park City Fire Departments. 

Firefighters had the fire under control in about an hour. Several departments actually met heavy rains on their way back to their respective stations. Wind gusts in northern Warren County were recorded at 62mph today during the severe thunderstorm that swept through Edmonson County.

No injuries were reported in the fire.

Darren Doyle:
Deputy Stoney Phillips with the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office escaped serious injury after he was involved in an accident on Thursday night.

Officials said that Deputy Phillips was traveling south on HWY 743 (Chalybeate School Road) near Pine Grove Presbyterian Church when reports said a deer suddenly crossed his path. Phillips was forced to immediately slam on his brakes to avoid hitting the deer, but officials said the vehicle's ABS anti-lock feature failed and the brakes locked, causing the vehicle to slide off the roadway and into a fence where a fence post came through the windshield and struck the officer in the head.

Phillips was taken to the hospital but only suffered a minor head injury. Sheriff Shane Doyle said this is exactly why he has lobbied to the Edmonson County fiscal court for better vehicles.

"I understand budgets and shortfalls, and I'm very grateful that the fiscal court approved the four new vehicles that we're adding to our office," he said. "The truth is, I think had Deputy Phillips been in a newer and safer vehicle, he could've avoided this accident."

Doyle said the old vehicles are safety hazards and money pits.

"For years, we've sunk thousands upon thousands of dollars in broken-down cars for the sheriff's office because that's all we could afford. The problem with that is, we're still spending close to the same money in the long run as new or near-new vehicles because it takes so much money to keep repairing them and keeping them on the road." 

Doyle said Phillips experienced a close call.

"A log fence post came through the windshield and struck him in the head. Thankfully, he wasn't seriously hurt, but this is the reason we need newer, safer vehicles and equipment. We've already taken delivery of two of our vehicles and Deputy Phillips' vehicle is coming tomorrow. These are simply a necessity to our office and we're truly thankful that we have the opportunity to serve Edmonson County in much safer vehicles."

Sheriff Doyle said the Kentucky State Police are investigating.

​*Comments without a first and last name and an email address are not published. All comments are subject for review and must adhere to the Edmonson Voice commenting policy which is posted on this site.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
Edmonson County Judge Executive Wil Cannon has signed a proclamation for Tuesday, April 4, 2017 as National Service Recognition Day in Edmonson County.

Judge Cannon met with Steven Bliss, a 2008 graduate of ECHS and a graduate of the University of Kentucky. Bliss serves ECHS as a Kentucky College Coach for Americorps. The organization helps students prepare for life after high school in a number of ways, such as: pushing higher education, vocational school, auto mechanic certification, and four-year degrees. 

Bliss said that AmericaCorps also gives back to local communities by leading service projects that help local food banks, humane societies, and others.

The proclamation stated that it "encouraged residents to recognize the positive impact of national service n our county; to thank those who serve, and to find ways to give back to their communities."