Darren Doyle, photo:
No breaking news here, but sometimes it’s good to stop and enjoy God’s handiwork.

This was taken this evening in southern Edmonson County facing southeast.

​If you zoom in, it appears there is a pile of something under the end of the rainbow’s right side. Could it be gold?

Darren Doyle, story:
The spring demolition derby that was held at the fair has been shut down tonight after an event worker was seriously injured.

According to a Brownsville Police Officer, a worker was hit by a derby car inside the ring and has sustained serious injuries. The individual has not been named and the extent of the injuries are not yet known. The worker was being air lifted to the hospital.

Lions Club President Jimmie Duvall confirmed that the derby was canceled after the incident.

"All the drivers agreed to it. It was pretty emotional," he said. "We just don't know a whole lot right now."

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
A Muhlenberg County man that was reported missing by law enforcement yesterday was located deceased last night after an overturned vehicle was reported on Sunfish-Roundhill Road around 10:30PM.

According to Kentucky State Police, Donald Hardison (70) of Muhlenberg County was found deceased in a 2007 Ford Expedition after apparently driving off the road into water where road construction is currently underway on Sunfish-Round Hill Road. The vehicle was overturned, according to Edmonson County Sheriff James Vincent.

Edmonson County Deputy Coroner Richie Jones said that the top of the overturned vehicle was partially submerged in water.

The road has been closed to thru traffic for several months for a road construction project that has been ongoing for about a year and a half, according to Edmonson County Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey. Officials said Hardison drove off where the road ends, which is about a 20-foot drop down to the water. While barricades have been placed on both sides of the construction, Judge Lindsey said it was unclear whether someone moved the barricade before Hardison drove off the road or if he drove around it.

"We weren't there, so we don't know for sure if someone moved it," he said. "We placed the barricades on both sides of where the work is going on. Right now, our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Hardison's family. We will fully cooperate with the investigation and will remain transparent throughout the process."

The gap between the driveable portions of the road is significant and Lindsey said the county has been unable to rebuild the section due to a lack of funds.

"We have requested federal help from FEMA and that process is in the final stages, but our county just doesn't have the funds to rebuild something of that size," he said.

The accident/construction site can be accessed from two different routes: the first is to turn onto Sunfish-Round Hill Road from HWY 70 (Morgantown Road); the other is from HWY 187 onto Sunfish-Roundhill Road. The vehicle went off the road from the route off of 187. There is currently a barricade there, however, one can drive around the barricade, albeit a tight, steep, and muddy route.  The HWY 70 side also had a barricade and multiple "road closed" signs posted. Vehicles cannot drive around this barricade due to the steep embankments on either side. There is also a large pile of rock that is easily visible from the HWY 70 side. Once past the barricade on the 187 side, there would be no visibility of the road end until a vehicle was directly upon it.

KSP also reported that an autopsy is pending and that the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office notified next of kin.

Along with KSP and Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, the Bear Creek, Kyrock, and Brownsville Fire Departments responded to the scene, along with Edmonson EMS.

The accident is still under investigation by Kentucky State Police.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
The subject killed in the officer-involved shooting on Rocky Hill Road on March 30, 2023 has been identified by Kentucky State Police.

"At this time, KSP is able to release findings from the preliminary investigation, which reveals troopers from KSP Post 3 were assisting in a vehicle pursuit initiated by the Brownsville Police Department," KSP said in a released statement. 

According to the statement, Brownsville Police initiated a traffic stop on South Main Street in Brownsville at approximately 8:47PM on a white Dodge Caravan, which subsequently fled after initially stopping.  Brownsville Police requested assistance from KSP Post 3 after the operator of the vehicle began firing multiple shots, which struck the officer’s cruiser during the pursuit, KSP said. 

According to the release, troopers from KSP Post 3 joined the pursuit at approximately 9:02PM, and after joining the pursuit, the operator of the vehicle continued firing multiple shots in the direction of the troopers resulting in two KSP cruisers being struck by gunfire during the vehicle pursuit.  The pursuit traveled through the Rocky Hill community of Edmonson County and Smiths Grove community of Warren County before ending behind a residence on Rocky Hill Road in Edmonson County at approximately 9:27PM, according to state police.

KSP said the operator then fled on foot and troopers, Brownsville Police officers, and deputies from Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office continued to pursue the subject.  The operator, identified as 27-year old Cody Brady of Smiths Grove, KY, fled into a ditch line near the residence while brandishing a firearm.  State police also stated that at the conclusion of the foot pursuit, Mr. Brady discharged a firearm.

"Sergeant Jason Adkison observed Mr. Brady brandishing a firearm, perceived a threat, and discharged his agency-issued firearm," the statement said. "Mr. Brady was fatally struck by gunfire and pronounced deceased at the scene by the Edmonson County Coroner’s Office."

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing at this time.

In accordance with KSP’s policies and procedures, Sergeant Adkison was placed on administrative leave. Sgt. Adkison is an 8-year veteran of KSP.

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (April 28, 2023) – As the warmer weather season moves in and mowing operations pickup, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) wants to remind residents, business operators, and property owners along US and KY routes that any signs placed on right-of-way are prohibited. Election signs, yard sale signs, and real estate signs are just some examples of common signs illegally placed on right-of-way along state routes.

Mowing crews will remove illegally placed signs as they come across them. Some signs create safety hazards for motorists as they can interfere with sight distance. Those signs will be removed as quickly as possible. Any signs taken by the mowing contractor or KYTC crews will be taken to the local county KYTC facility. The signs will be held for a limited amount of time to be reclaimed.

It is also illegal to attach items such as flyers, posters, balloons, or streamers to stop signs, highway markers, or any other road sign or utility pole. Illegal placement on utility poles presents additional obstacles and potential dangers for utility crew workers.

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

Edmonson Voice Report:
Edmonson County High School students competed at the Third District Beta meeting for the first time since 2019, where four out of 14 students placed in events that ranged from academics to visual arts.

Madison Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Fiscal Court met today, April 24, 2023. Today's meeting had a very light agenda. As usual, county department heads gave their updated report since the last fiscal court meeting.

​County Clerk Kevin Alexander reported the days available to vote in the upcoming election. Early excused voting will begin Wednesday, May 3rd and end Wednesday, May 10th. These early excused voting days will be regular business hours. Early voting no excuse will begin Thursday, May 11th and end Saturday, May 13. Thursday and Saturday's voting hours will be from 8 am to 4 pm, and Friday's will be 8 am to 5 pm. Regular voting will take place Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

The Kentucky Road Department District 3 Office spoke at today's meeting and announced the 2023-2024 fiscal year rural secondary program funds. The total available funds are $885, 860. Routine maintenance and traffic on 89.410 miles of rural secondary roads at $4329/mile (37% of initial distribution) in the amount of $387,100. There will be asphalt resurfacing on 1.882 miles of road of KY-3019 Chalybeate Road beginning at the intersection with KY-101, extending north to the intersection with KY-259 for $289,539. The total amount of flex funds (20% initial distribution) are $209,221.

There were no other major discussions on today's agenda. The court voted to:

• Approve to appoint Tammy Sanders to Edmonson County Public Library Board of Trustees, effective 7/1/2023 for a 4-year term.
• Acknowledge BGWC March Shelter Directors Report.
• Acknowledge Jailer’s Quarterly Report for 3/31/2023.
• Approve Darrell Sanders promotion to Assistant Road Supervisor at $18.00 per hour, effective 4/24/2023.

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled to be May 8, 2023 at 9 am.

The Edmonson Voice has partnered with the Bowling Green Hot Rods once again to bring you chances for free tickets all season long!

We'll have multiple giveaways throughout the season where we'll give away different combinations of tickets on our Facebook Page.

Winners will be drawn and given ticket vouchers that can be redeemed at the box office for one reserved seat.

Tickets not valid for July 4th or playoffs and must be redeemed at the Hot Rods ticket office.

Click here to see our full contest giveaway rules.

Darren Doyle, story:
A Brownsville man faces a felony charge after he was arrested in connection with multiple burglaries in the area, according to Brownsville Police Chief Jeremy Hodges.

Chief Hodges said BPD responded to Brownsville businesses Subway, Cee Bee Food Store, and Dairy Queen on Friday to investigate glass breakage, criminal mischief, and attempted burglaries.

"Through investigation, a suspect was developed and Jess Mason was interviewed and arrested in the city limits of Brownsville this morning, around midnight, April 16th," Chief Hodges told the Edmonson Voice.

Hodges said the arrest was made at a residence in Brownsville with assistance from the Smiths Grove Police Department and the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

Jess Mason, (23) of Brownsville, was charged with Criminal Mischief first degree, a Class D felony.

Smiths Grove Police Chief Jason Franks said Mason was also a suspect in multiple burglaries in Smiths Grove on Friday night and Saturday morning that included Marigold Vintage, The Flavor Isle, Dr. Avula's Office at Graves Gilbert Clinic, and Building Blocks Daycare.

"We received several anonymous tips during our investigation of the break-ins," said Chief Franks. "We reached out to Brownsville and Edmonson County, who also were investigating break-ins and we soon realized we were looking for the same guy."

Chief Franks said that Mason also will face charges in Warren County for Criminal mischief first and second degree, as well as Burglary third degree with more charges pending.

"This arrest came about from cooperation between the agencies and from the community," said Chief Franks.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Darren Doyle, story:
A local teen is still missing and her family continues seeking help.

Zoe Evans, the 17 year-old daughter of John and Mandy Evans, has been missing since March 24th. The Evans family are the administrators of Camp Joy in Brownsville.

Mandy Evans contacted the Edmonson Voice and clarified that Zoe ran away on March 24th from Brownsville near Camp Joy and that the camp was not responsible for the missing teen.

Brownsville Police Chief Jeremy Hodges said the investigation is still ongoing.

The Evans family said Zoe was discovered missing around 6AM on Friday, March 24th. The last known contact with her was around 2AM that same morning near Camp Joy.

Zoe is 5 feet, 1 inches tall and weighs approximately 159lbs.

Anyone with any information as to the whereabouts of Zoe Evans is asked to contact the Brownsville Police at 270-597-2729.

**This story has been updated to note that the teen did not run away specifically from Camp Joy.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office has issued a press release regarding a local phone scam that specifically targets the elderly. The press release stated that residents are being contacted by a false police department in other states, informing them their grandchildren have been involved in a wreck.

"Several calls specifically have referenced that their grandchild has hit a pregnant woman and the grandparent needs to wire money to the police department immediately to keep their grandchild from going to jail, and/or being charged with involuntary manslaughter," the release stated.

The Sheriff's Office stated that this is a scam.

"DO NOT give any personal information, or any banking information, including credit card information out over the phone," stated the Sheriff's Office. "Social media platforms are being used by the scammers to gain information, including names and other details about your family. The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, nor any other police department WILL NOT ask you for this kind of information!!"

Anyone receiving this or similar call is advised to call the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office at 270-597-2157. 

Madison Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Fiscal Court met once again today, April 10th, 2023. Today's meeting was very brief, lasting only about 30 minutes. After Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey called the meeting to order, the court approved the current bill list and then county department heads gave their usual update since the last fiscal court meeting.

In new business, the court quickly moved through the agenda with little to no discussion on most of the items. The biggest discussion of today's meeting was the first reading of the EC 23-16 Recreational Tax ordinance, and the first reading of the EC 23-06 Transient Room Tax ordinance, which were both approved.

Judge Lindsey said that the recreational tax ordinance was re-written to "make it more even" for all recreational activities in Edmonson County. Lindsey broke it down to the court by using this example, saying "These numbers may not be exactly correct, but let's say it cost five dollars to get into karaoke in Brownsville. They have to give us 50 cents per each five dollar ticket sold. Now let's say it costs 300 dollars to get into Blue Holler, they still had to give us the same 50 cents per 300 dollar ticket sold. This ordinance has been re-written to a flat out 3% rate, in hopes to make the playing field a little more even."

The transient room tax ordinance was re-written to match the House Bill 8 that was recently passed, according to Judge Lindsey. It is also 3%, matching the recreational tax ordinance.

The court also voted to pay 75% of health insurance premiums for county employees for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Edmonson County Treasurer Tammi Whilhite said that county employees' premium rates are 6.8% this year.

The court also voted to:

• Approve to waive fees for Mark Wardlow’s Community Center (Avie-Lynn Fundraiser) rental April 22nd 2023.
• Approve to Reappoint Patty Forbes to Recreation Tax Committee, effective 4/1/2023 for a 2-year term ending 4/1/2025.
• Approve Resolution EC23-12, Land and Water Conservation Grant Application.
• Approve Treasurer’s March Monthly Settlement Report.
• Approve Judge’s Quarterly Financial Report.
• Approve Coroner Bond #2122275 Renewal.
• Approve Resolution EC23-11, Fiscal Year 2024 County Road Aid Agreement.
• Acknowledge Arbor Day Proclamation.
• Acknowledge Fiscal Year 2024 Edmonson County Extension District Board Budget.
• Approve Sheriff’s March Fee Account Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Sheriff’s March County Property Tax Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Sheriff’s March Fire Protection Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Sheriff’s March Franchise Tax Report, pending final audit.
• Acknowledge Dog Control March CAD Report.
• Approve Leitchfield Exterminating Termite Service Agreement for Health Dept.
• Approve Sheriff’s Quarterly Budget Report.
• Acknowledge County Clerk's March Clerk Storage Fees Report.
• Approve County Clerk's March MVAV Collection Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk's March Excess Fees Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk's March Deed Transfer Tax report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk's March Delinquent Tax Collection report, pending final audit.
• Approve National Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation.

The next fiscal court meeting will be April 24, 2023 at 9 am.

FRANKFORT, Ky.  Attorney General Cameron today issued a consumer alert warning Kentuckians of possible construction and repair scams following the severe storms in parts of Kentucky. Scams can be reported to the Attorney General’s office by visiting ag.ky.gov/scams or calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1 (888) 432-9257.

“Bad actors often follow current events to take advantage of consumers,” said Attorney General Cameron. “We want to make sure our neighbors in parts of Kentucky do not suffer additional financial losses to possible construction and repair scams. Kentuckians can call 502-696-5485 or visit ag.ky.gov/scams to report any suspected fraud.”

Out of town or dishonest contractors may go door-to-door to solicit business from Kentuckians who have experienced property damage. While not all door-to-door contractors are scammers, some may lack the proper licensing for your area, offer quick fixes, or make promises they can’t deliver. Kentuckians can avoid falling for construction and repair scams by following these tips:

• Contact your insurance company. If you are insured, discuss your policy coverage and filing requirements with your insurance company. Ask your adjuster for an estimate for repair costs. Ask your insurance company to recommend reputable contractors to assist with repairs.
  
  
• Research contractors or repair companies and get more than one estimate. Search for contractors on BBB.org, get a reference from friends or family, and check with your local government agency responsible for registering or licensing contractors. Be sure to gather more than one estimate.
  
  
• Do not pay a contractor or business upfront for their services.
  
  

• Do not sign insurance checks over to a contractor. Be sure to get an invoice from your contractor and pay a contractor directly, preferably with a credit card, so that charges may be disputed, if necessary. Review contracts carefully, and do not sign documents that give a contractor the right to your insurance claims.
  
  
• Resist high-pressure sales tactics. Scammers often offer “special pricing” if you hire them on the spot. Do not feel forced to make a hasty decision to hire an unknown contractor. Be proactive in researching and selecting a contractor instead of reacting to sales calls or door-to-door pitches.

While the Attorney General’s Office has not received scam complaints related to construction repairs following the recent severe storms in parts of Kentucky, the office urges Kentuckians to watch out for possible fraud.

Kentuckians may report scams by visiting ag.ky.gov/scams or by calling the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1 (888) 432-9257.

To learn more about construction and repair scams, visit ag.ky.gov/NaturalDisasterScams.