Several Rocky Hill-area residents attended Monday's Fiscal Court meeting and expressed their opposition to anyone purchasing the existing Rocky Hill Gas Plant, currently owned by Atmos Energy. Jeff Casey, a representative of Onyx Exploration, addressed the court and explained his company's intentions of purchasing the plant and requested three million dollars in industrial revenue bonds from the county. At the last meeting, the fiscal court voted to proceed with the bonding of Hellervik Oil Technologies in the event that they completed the purchase from Atmos. Onyx, a completely separate company, and essentially a competitor, discussed some of the same plans that Hellervik reps had done in previous meetings. Onyx's representative, Jeff Casey, didn't receive a warm welcome. Wayne Childress, a resident who lives directly across the road from the plant, asked Casey if Onyx purchased the plant, would there be anything done to help with the noise pollution beforehand. Casey said his plan would be to start the plant first, but have the sound control project completed within 6 months. Childress still seemed unsatisfied. He said his cattle were scared to the back of his property and that it took a week before they came back. "Anytime you can hear machinery running 3 or 4 miles away...what would you do?" Childress asked. Another resident, Phillip Crews, also spoke of the noise pollution. "I've been in construction all my life," he said. "You can put silencers on those machines, and I know what I'm talking about." Casey responded by asking "Oh, you can?" Crews seemingly became more agitated. "Yeah, you sure can!" Casey laughed and said "Well, I'll talk to you about that later." Maybe he actually wanted to speak with Mr. Crews about it, or maybe he was trying to be sarcastic, but either way, it didn't go over well with citizens. "It's not funny," said one woman. Another citizen said no matter what type of sound control any company tried to do, it wouldn't matter. "I worked for General Motors for 30 years," he said. "I know what kind of noise these machines make. What ya'll are proposing to do won't do any good." He continued and said that he and his wife could barely sleep at night when the plant was previously running because of the constant roaring of equipment One man said "When the plant was in operation, if I didn't know better, I'd swear there was a freight train coming." Another resident, Maurita Miller, pointed out that not only was the noise unbearable, but that the plant put off emissions that left a sticky residue on people's property. "Who's going to be responsible for when people start getting sick?" Casey said, "It almost sounds like the plant needs to be moved." "Excellent!" One lady said. "That's the only good thing you've said today," said another man. District 6 Magistrate Mark Woosley spoke up. "We understand your concerns," he said. "But someone's going to buy it and we're not trying to slip anything in. The fiscal court is not buying the plant." One resident accused District 3 Magistrate Clark Wood of not holding town hall meetings like he said he would. Mag. Wood said he did in fact try to hold a meeting, but no one showed up. The situation began to heat up, then Judge Cannon spoke up. "We don't take sides with companies, period," he said. "The first thing we want to do is protect our citizens. This is a very tough situation because someone can buy this plant with or without the fiscal court." He pointed out that the court has already voted on moving forward with the industrial bonding with Hellervik Oil. "Hellervik has been trying to work with this county for the last 6 weeks," Cannon said to Jeff Casey. "This is the first time we've ever laid eyes on you."
It is important to emphasize one thing that Cannon pointed out. Anyone with enough money can purchase the plant without anyone's approval. Edmonson County does have a planning commission, but there are no zoning requirements here. Both Onyx and Hellervik, or anyone else for that matter can purchase this plant, or frankly, purchase any piece of land anywhere in the county and put another plant on it. Without zoning, there is no way around it. This is obviously the big disadvantage to not having zoning, however, most county residents still oppose it. "Revenue for the county is great, but the most important thing is to protect our citizens," Cannon said. Cannon said that the court is waiting for the bond covenant with Hellervik (or the contract) to be drawn up and inspected by an attorney that specializes in bonding to make sure there is zero liability to the county. No further action was taken with the Onyx company at the meeting. Darren Doyle story and photos A single vehicle accident claimed the life of Trent Woosley, 19, of Roundhill sometime around 3:00 AM Saturday morning. According to Butler County Deputy Joe Alford, it appeared that Woosley fell asleep at the wheel while driving home from work that night. Deputy Alford said that Woosley was traveling northbound on KY Hwy 185 when his vehicle went off the right hand side of the road and hit a driveway culvert, causing the vehicle to then travel back across the roadway, flip over and land on its top in a ditch. Woosley was pronounced dead at the scene. No drugs, alcohol, or foul play were shown to be involved in the crash, and it appeared that the vehicle was traveling at a normal rate of speed for that portion of roadway, which was somewhere in the 5000 block of 185. Deputy Alford was assisted on scene by Butler County EMS, 4th District VFD, Morgantown VFD, Morgantown Rescue Squad, Bear Creek VFD, Butler County Deputy Justin Deweese, along with the Butler County Coroner Marty Jones. Darren Doyle Edmonson Voice James Comer,a republican candidate for Kentucky Governor, stopped at the Dairy Queen this morning to meet and greet with Edmonson County residents and discuss the upcoming primary election, now just over a week away. In between cups of coffee and handshakes, Comer, who is the current Agriculture Commissioner, sat down with us to answer a few questions. We asked Commissioner Comer what was the most important issue he's hearing from Kentuckians. "We have to create jobs in Kentucky," he said. "What that's going to take is the next Governor passing a bold agenda to the general assembly to improve the business climate. That's why I appreciate the support of Rep. Michael Meredith and other legislators in the area because we can make Kentucky's business climate better. We can get better business here, and that means more and better wages. The need for jobs is the biggest need we've seen, and that's our number one priority." We then asked him what makes him different from the other republican candidates (Hal Heiner, Matt Bevins) that are running against him in this primary. "I can do what I've said I can do," he answered. "The next governor will have a democratic house and a republican senate. If we want to do things like being a right-to-work state...things like passing comprehensive tax reform...those have to be approved by the general assembly. Reforming education? It all has to go through the general assembly. The next governor has to be someone that brings people together and I've done it as Ag Commissioner and as State Representative. So, the difference between those guys and myself is, I can actually do the things we're campaigning on. Another difference is, I can win in November." He pointed out that both of his republican opponents lost their last elections. He also said he received 93,000 more votes in the Ag Commissioner's election than Jack Conway (democratic governor's candidate) received when he ran for Attorney General. Lastly, we simply asked him why Edmonson Countians should vote for James Comer? "Because I'm from south-central Kentucky (Tompkinsville) I graduated from Western Kentucky University, and Monroe County is very similar to Edmonson County," he said. "We're a rural, republican county that's been neglected by democrat governors in the past. I want to do things for Edmonson County...I know how to get to Brownsville, and I'll work with local leaders and business owners to try to create jobs here in Edmonson County." Darren Doyle story and photos If you've ever driven along KY Highway 743 (Chalybeate School Road) outside of school hours, you're lucky to meet another vehicle on your route. If you've ever driven the road during the morning or afternoon school rush, it can be an absolute nightmare. "Since we've been working on this project, we only see a handful of cars during the day outside of the school rush," said Darrin Escue, Foreman for Scotty's Contracting. He then shook his head and grinned. "But during the morning and evening school hours, it's complete chaos." Folks that travel to and from South Edmonson Elementary are looking forward for a much more open, straight, and safer path during these busy times. Escue said with 110 days until the projected completion date, Scotty's is on track and that so far, everything has worked out smoothly. Escue said that construction will be creeping into Chalybeate Church's parking lot within the month. "There's actually two new entrances that will be built (for the church). The old one will go away, but they'll always have access in and out pretty much at all times at either one access or another." The church has plans in place to redo the front porch with new sidewalks according to those new entrances. Along with a different view at the church, the entrance of Denham Road will also get a face lift. Drivers have complained for years about pulling onto 743 from the small county road due to the large blind spots in both directions. "It's going to help Denham Road by leveling it out where it's not such an incline at the entrance," Escue said. Escue said that the new road has been raised a total of 26 feet from the original highway at Kinser Cemetery. He said that it's taken between 100-110 loads of rock hauled in each day to reach that level. The road will be wider and have much wider shoulders to better accommodate school buses along the route.
The new portion of the road will begin at the intersection of 743 and the old 101 (now 3611) and end just before the entrance of the Chalybeate Sports Complex. Escue said the plan was to keep the old route open throughout the entire construction process and that keeping the flow of traffic moving is a priority. Darren Doyle story and photos On Thursday May 7th, 2015, at around 11:16pm, Brownsville Police Department Officer Garth Avery observed a red BMW traveling south bound on Highway 259 north with one headlight and speeding. Police stopped the vehicle at Kerr's flower shop. Officer Avery reported that the driver had very blood shot eyes and slow and slurred speech. Field sobriety test were administered and the driver could not perform a portion of the test and showed evidence of being under the influence. The driver admitted to Officer Avery that he had smoked marijuana early that night. According to police, consent to search the vehicle was granted and officers discovered a small amount of packaged marijuana, a small quantity of controlled substance pills, and several items of drug paraphernalia. Also found in the search was $391 in cash. The driver of the vehicle, Zebulon Higdon, 20, of Big Clifty, was arrested and charged with the following: One headlight, speeding 15 mph over the limit, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs etc..08 or above-1st offense, drug paraphernalia-buy/possess, trafficking in a controlled substance-1st degree-1st offense-(<10 D.U. drug unspecified), possession of a controlled substance-1st degree-1st offense-drug unspecified, possession of marijuana, trafficking in marijuana-less than 8oz-1st offense. Higdon was transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail. Officer Avery was assisted in the investigation by Officer Nathan Dennis and Deputy Wally Ritter.
Edmonson Voice Staff LOUISVILLE – The Kentucky Life Sciences Council (KLSC), in collaboration with the Spina Bifida Association of Kentucky (SBAK), the Alliance for Patient Access, and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs presented Congressman Brett Guthrie with the “2015 Medicare Part D Patient Access Champion Award” today. The Congressman received the award for his unwavering efforts to protect the health benefits of Kentucky’s seniors. KLSC advocates for policies that bolster the life science environment in Kentucky. Along with that work, the organization aims to support policies that increase innovation in the life sciences sector while promoting patient access to those innovations – including access to medication. “The Medicare Part D program is an essential one to providing access to medications for seniors while improving the overall healthcare environment by functioning effectively and efficiently” said Kyle Keeney, President and CEO of the Kentucky Life Sciences Council. “As such, it is our pleasure to present this award to Congressman Brett Guthrie who has demonstrated a commitment to protecting the program and Kentucky seniors.” 50 members of Congress from 29 states, including both republications and democrats, were selected to receive the award. Criteria for the award included:
The Kentucky Life Sciences Council serves as a resource for lawmakers, industry participants, the media, the public, and those outside the state wishing to learn more about Kentucky’s life science community. Learn more at kysciencecouncil.org. Edmonson District Court was held Tuesday, May 5th, 2015. The Hon. Judge Renona Browning presiding Toni Daniel Avery, Wanton endangerment, 2nd degree. Pleaded guilty. 30 days in jail, suspended for 2 years on no similar offense. Menacing, pleaded guilty. 30 days in jail, suspended for 2 years on no similar offense. $184 court cost. Cory L Kinslow, Assault, 2nd degree, pleaded not guilty. Criminal mischief, 3rd degree, pleaded not guilty. Preliminary hearing for 5/12/15, public attorney appointed. Mason L Kinslow, Assault, 2nd degree. Terroristic threatening, 3rd degree. Criminal mischief, 3rd degree. Theft by unlawful taking or disposition all others under $500. Pleaded not guilty to all. Preliminary hearing for 5/12/15, public attorney appointed. Noah Ridgeway, Trafficking in controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense (greater than 2 grams meth). Possession of controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense. Drug paraphernalia, buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty to all, preliminary hearing for 5/12/15. Public attorney appointed. Herman F Byers, Giving officer false name or address. Tampering with physical evidence. Possession of controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense, drug paraphernalia-buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty to all, preliminary hearing for 5/12/15, public attorney appointed. Michael Scott Terry, Failure to produce insurance card, pleaded guilty. Fined $50. No/expired registration plates, proof shown, dismissed without prejudice. Total fines and costs $193. Kimberly R Smith, No/expired registration plates, No/expired KY registration receipt, License to be in possession, all dismissed without prejudice. Failure to wear seat belts, paid. Tony Lee Jaggers, Operating ATV on roadway. Pleaded guilty, fined $25. Total fines and costs $168. Trstan Nash Thompson, Inadequate silencer (muffler). Deferred for 6 months. Shiloah B Crawford, No/expired Ky registration receipt, No/expired registration plates, both dismissed without prejudice. Failure to produce insurance card (merged into) Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st. Pleaded guilty, fined $500, $450 of amount suspended for 2 years on no similar offense. Cameron D Peavler, No/expired registration plates, no/expired KY registration receipt, Failure of non-owner operator to maintain required insurance. Proof shown for all counts, all dismissed without prejudice. Regina Raye Smiley, Speeding 13mph over limit, Drug paraphernalia, Possess open alcohol beverage container in a motor vehicle, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference for 6/2/15. Penney Hawks, Theft by deception, including cold checks under $500. Pleaded not guilty, final pretrial conference for 6/16/15. Bench trial scheduled for 7/14/15. Penney Hawks, Theft by deception, including cold checks under $500. Pleaded not guilty, final pretrial conference for 6/16/15. Bench trial scheduled for 7/14/15. Michael A Wilson, fleeing or evading police, 2nd degree (on foot), speeding 26mph over, unauthorized use of motor vehicle, 1st offense. Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license, drug paraphernalia-buy/possess, possession of controlled substance, 3rd degree drug unspecified, reckless driving. Pleaded not guilty to all. Failure on non-owner operator to maintain required insurance, 1st. Proof shown, dismissed without prejudice. pretrial conference for 6/2/15, public attorney appointed. Phillip G Wingfield, possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty to both. Attempt speeding in a restricted zone. Amended to carrying concealed deadly weapon, pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference for 6/2/15. The Brownsville Police Department received several calls after 8am on Saturday morning stating that different vehicles left unlocked had been rummaged through and disturbed sometime the night before. A total of five vehicles on Dogwood and Washington Streets were included in the reports as well as several items that were discovered missing. Lt. Jeff Jewell opened an investigation regarding the thefts of items such as: a wallet with cash and debit cards along with a shotgun from a truck on Dogwood St. Later in the afternoon, Lt. Jewell and Officer Nathan Dennis conducted more patrols in the area and spoke with individuals known to frequent the streets in that area. Around midnight, while patrolling the area around the Minit Mart, constable Tim Skees along with Officer Dennis received a tip as to the location of the missing shotgun. The gun was then located under a nearby shed by officials at the intersection of Dogwood and Reservoir Streets. "Thanks to Constable Skees for his help," said Officer Dennis. The investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information or tips is asked to call Edmonson County dispatch at 270-597-2729. Edmonson Voice Staff South Edmonson Elementary recognized over 130 students who scored either "Proficient," or "Distinguished," in several categories in KPREP Testing from last year. SEES Principal Jamie Woosley said that the awards ceremony is a way to show pride to everyone what their students are doing. "It's become a tradition, and the students want to put forth their best effort so they can be a part of it," he said. Woosley said the school has high expectations for their students and when great achievements are reached, it calls for celebration. The annual ceremony, which started three years ago, first only recognized students within the building, but now recognizes 5th grade students (last year's 4th grade tests) by bringing them from the 5th/6th Center to SEES for the event. "We handed out more awards than ever before," Woosley said. "The school received Proficient status this year and this ceremony was proof why." Over 300 medallions and plaques were given out to 138 students. Woosley said that most people don't realize where the school once was and how far it's advanced. "Three years ago, SEES was in the 27th percentile with testing scores," he said. "This year we've improved to the 84th. Our staff has worked hard on aligning a rigorous curriculum, our students have worked hard to learn the content, and our parents and community have been supportive in our efforts to move from good to great!"
He also noted that credit is due to so many, not just one person or group. "You can't do what we've done on your own. This has been, and will continue to be, a team effort." Darren Doyle Story and photos (Brownsville, KY)- On Sunday, May 3, 2015 at approx. 1:50 am the Kentucky State Police Post 3 Bowling Green was contacted reference to a domestic disturbance at 22682 Louisville Road in Edmonson County. Upon arrival Troopers found that a 53 year old male had been assaulted and sustained multiple injuries. Through the investigation it was discovered that he had been assaulted by Cory Kinslow (28) and Mason Kinslow (22) with a piece of lumber, where his life had also been threatened by one of the subjects. Also, the victim stated that some of his prescription medications had been stolen and his vehicle had been damaged. Both Cory Kinslow and Mason Kinslow were located and lodged in the Hart County Jail. Cory Kinslow was charged with Assault 2nd Degree and Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree. Mason Kinslow was charged with Assault 2nd Degree, Terroristic Threatening 3rd Degree, Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree, and Theft by Unlawful Taking Under $500. The victim was transported by Edmonson County EMS to The Medical Center in Bowling Green where he was admitted for the treatment of his injuries.
The investigation is still ongoing and being led by Trooper Graham Rutherford, Lieutenant Tim Adams, Trooper Harrison Wells, Edmonson County Sheriff Deputy Stoney Phillips, and Barren County Sheriff Deputies Adam Bow and Jimmy Pedigo. Edmonson Voice Staff via KSP On Friday, May 1st at 11:42pm, the Brownsville Police Department along with the Edmonson County Sheriff's Department were conducting a road safety check point at the intersection of Morgantown Road (KY HWY 70) and Highway 259 North. According to reports, officers observed a 2012 Kia with passengers inside who were said to be found acting suspicious. After consent to search the vehicle was given, Officer Garth Avery and Deputy Wally Ritter located a substantial amount of suspected crystal methamphetamine totaling over 3 ounces and a large amount of cash totaling $4791 inside the vehicle. The following subjects were arrested: Noah Ridgeway, 50, Forest Park, GA, charged with trafficking in a controlled substance -1st degree, 2 grams or greater (methamphetamine), possession of a controlled substance -1st degree, 1st offense(methamphetamine), and drug paraphernalia-buy/possess. Herman Byers, 48, Forest Park, GA, charged with giving an officer a false name or address, tampering with physical evidence, possession of a controlled substance 1st degree, 1st offense(methamphetamine), and drug paraphernalia-buy/possess. Both subjects were arrested and transported to the Hart County Jail. The 2012 Kia Forte they were driving was also seized along with the narcotics and currency. Deputy Ritter and Officer Avery were assisted in the investigation by Officer Nathan Dennis and Special Deputy Jimmy Coniglio. Edmonson Voice Staff
(Brownsville, KY)- The Kentucky State Police Post 3 Bowling Green is investigating a fire that destroyed a corner strip mall located at the intersection of Washington and Main Street in the limits of Brownsville that occurred on June 21, 2014. The fire is believed to be an act of Arson. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Kentucky State Arson Task Force at 1-800-27ARSON. Information can be left anonymously and any information that leads to an arrest and conviction is eligible for a $1,000.00 reward. |
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