​The Edmonson County real property tax roll will be opened for inspection from June 6th through June 20th, 2016. Under the supervision of the property valuation administrator or one of the deputies, any person may inspect the tax roll.

"We encourage everyone to double check their assessment," said PVA Kyle White. "After this period closes, there can’t be any assessment changes to the tax roll.  That’s why it is so important to correct assessments now, not in the fall when people receive their tax bills. Once Edmonson County’s tax roll is certified by the Department of Revenue, there can be no assessment changes."
​
This is the January 1, 2016 assessment on which state, county, and school taxes for 2016 will be due about November 1, 2016.  

The tax roll is in the office of PVA in the Edmonson County courthouse and may be inspected between the hours of 7:30am to 4:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, and from 8:00am to 12 noon on Thursday and Saturday. 

Any taxpayer desiring to appeal an assessment on real property made by the PVA must first request a conference with the PVA or a designated deputy. The conference may be held prior to or during the inspection period. 

Any taxpayer still aggrieved by an assessment on real property, after the conference with the PVA or designated deputy, may appeal to the county board of assessment appeals.

The taxpayer can appeal his assessment by filing in person or sending a letter or other written petition stating the reasons for appeal, identifying the property and stating the taxpayer's opinion of the fair cash value of the property.

​The appeal must be filed with the county clerk's office no later than one work day following the conclusion of the inspection period. 

Any taxpayer failing to appeal to the county board of assessment appeals, or failing to appear before the board, either in person or by designated representative, will not be eligible to appeal directly to the Kentucky Board of Tax Appeals.

Appeals of personal property assessments shall not be made to the county board of assessment appeals. Personal property taxpayers shall be served notice under the provisions of KRS 132.450(4) and shall have the protest and appeal rights granted under the provisions of KRS 131.110.

The following steps should be taken when a taxpayer does not agree with the assessed value of personal property as determined by the office of PVA.

(1)   Property owner must list under protest (for certification) what he believes to be the fair cash value of his               property.
(2) Property owner must file a written protest directly with the Department of Revenue, Office of Property                 Valuation within 30 days from the date of the notice of assessment.
(3) This protest must be in accordance with KRS 131.110.
(4) The final decision of the Department of Revenue may be appealed to the Kentucky Board of Tax Appeals.

Homestead and Disability Exemptions.  If a person is age 65 or 100% disabled as of January 1, 2016, they qualify for up to $36,900 exemption in their real estate assessment of their primary residence.  If they have signed up in years past, they don’t have to again, and it will automatically be taken off their tax bill.​

Edmonson Circuit Court was held on May 16, 2016 where a Grand Jury returned the following indictments:

Nicholas S. Sanders, Theft by failure to make required disposition.

Tanya Winburn, Operating motor vehicle under influence of drugs or alcohol, Presciption controlled substance not in original container. Possession of controlled substance first degree, Disregarding stop sign.

Paul Wilson, Leaving scene of accident, Criminal mischief first degree, Wanton endangerment first degree, Theft of motor vehicle registration plate, persistent felony offender first degree.

Bryan R. Vincent, Possession of firearm by convicted felon, Persistent felony offender second degree.

Danny Pedigo, Theft by unlawful taking over $500.00

Jeffery Saling, Possession of a handgun by convicted felon, Tampering with physical evidence.

David Mize, Bail jumping first degree, Persistent felony offender second degree.

Phillip Smith, Bail jumping first degree.

Joseph Ryan II, Assault second degree, Assault fourth degree.

Thomas Jaggers, Attempted rape first degree, Sexual abuse first degree (five counts), Burglary first degree, Assault third degree, Wanton endangerment first degree, Resisting arrest, Terroristic threatening third degree, Criminal mischief second degree

Nathaniel Ryan, Assault second degree, Assault fourth degree.

Ronnie Lane, Bail jumping first degree, Persistent felony offender first degree.

Bryan Keith Johnson, Criminal possession of a forged intrument second degree, Theft by deception over $500.

Joseph Ryan Sr. Assault second degree, Assault fourth degree.

Jeremiah Lay, Possession of firearm by convicted felon.

Jason Veach, Manufacturing methamphetamine, Unlawful possession of a meth precursor, Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled substance first degree, Persistent felony offender first degree.

Cory Lindsey, Disregarding stop sign, possession of handgun by convicted felon.

Taylor Miller, Theft by failure to make required disposition.

Troy May, Burglary second degree.

Timmie J Hooten, No insurance, Expired KY registration plates, Expired KY registration receipt, Disorderly conduct second degree, possession of controlled substance first degree-meth. Possession of drug paraphernalia, Operating a motor vehicle on suspended license, Possessing license when privileges are revoked.

Shannon Harrison, Criminal abuse second degree-child 12 or under, Wanton endangerment first degree.

Shanda Guthrie, Manufacturing methamphetamine, Unlawful possession of meth precursor, Engaging in organized crime, Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nathaniel J. Bumppo, Wanton endangerment first degree, Resisting arrest.

James Michael Harper, Manufacturing methamphetamine, Unlawful possession of a methamphetamine precursor, Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled substance first degree.

Kymbra Gross, ​Manufacturing methamphetamine, Unlawful possession of meth precursor, Engaging in organized crime, Possession of drug paraphernalia.

​Ronald Edward Miller, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol or drugs-fourth offense, Driving DUI suspended license-third offense, Possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, Persistent felony offender first degree.

Porter Gross, Manufacturing methamphetamine, Unlawful possession of meth precursor, Engaging in organized crime, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Persistent felony offender first degree.

Corby Isenberg, Possession of firearm by convicted felon, Defacing a firearm, Possession of a defaced firearm, Persistent felony offender second degree.

Sara Robin Harrison, Criminal abuse second degree-child 12 or under, Wanton endangerment first degree.

Stephen Flaherty, Wanton endangerment first degree, Assault fourth degree, Terroristic threatening third degree, Persistent felony offender first degree.

Caleb W. Huff, Manufacturing methamphetamine, Unlawful possession of a meth precursor, Engaging in organized crime, Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Adam Gallagher, Manufacturing methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Unlawful possession of a meth precursor, Persistent felony offender second degree.

John Downs, Wanton endangerment first degree, Possession of controlled substance first degree-firearm enhanced, Receiving stolen property-firearm, Possession of a defaced firearm, Possession of drug paraphernalia-firearm enhanced, Tampering with physical evidence, Criminal mischief first degree.

Brianna Cowles, Unlawful distribution of meth precursor.

Scotty Davis, Possession of firearm by convicted felon, Wanton endangerment first degree, Persistent felony offender second degree.

Helena York, A.K.A. Helena Carroll, Manufacturing methamphetamine-second offense, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Unlawful possession of a meth precursor, Engaging in organized crime, Persistent felony offender second degree.

Quentin Andy Hornback, Bail jumping first degree, Persistent felony offender first degree.

Devon Chrisley, Sexual abuse first degree-victim under 12-complicity, Sodomy first degree-victim under 12-complicity (four counts).

Jason Dague, Speeding, 26mph over limit, No proof on insurance, Improper passing, Operating motor vehicle under influence of drugs or alcohol , aggravated, Fleeing or evading police first degree motor vehicle, Fleeing or evading police first degree, Four counts of wanton endangerment first degree, Wanton endangerment first degree, police officer, Possession of controlled substance first degree-meth, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Resisting arrest.

Dustin Wells, Sexual abuse first degree-victim under 12 years of age.

​Shannon Bennett, Sexual abuse first degree-victim under 12-complicity, Sodomy first degree-victim under 12-complicity (four counts).

Herman Byers, Bail jumping first degree.

Kelvin Asher, Bail Jumping first degree.

Adam Blanton, Bail jumping first degree, Persistent felony offender second degree.

Paul Bruton, Burglary third degree, Tampering with physical evidence, Theft by unlawful taking over $500.

Elvis Francisco Miralda Acosta, Operating motor vehicle under influence of drugs or alcohol, Wanton endangerment first degree, No operator's license, Possession of open alcoholic container.

An indictment is only a formal charge and is not an admission of guilt. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Darren Doyle, story and photo
A Wingfield man narrowly escaped serious injury yesterday when the car he was working on slipped off the jack, pinning him underneath. The car fell on Russell Steven Hawks, 58, at the home of his parents on Wingfield Church Road around 6pm.

Brandon Graham, a neighbor and member of the Wingfield Fire Department, said his 6 year old daughter came in from playing outside and told Graham she could hear someone screaming. Graham lives just down the road from the accident. He said just a minute later he heard the emergency page and responded to the scene in his own truck.

"I used a jack out of my truck and was able to get the car off of him," Graham said. "He crawled out from under it on his own free will." 

Edmonson Voice Staff
photos courtesy of Matt Minton
The Kyrock Fire Department responded to a call of a truck on fire this evening around 7pm on the farm of Matt Minton on 259 North near the JR Food Store. Minton said the flatbed Ford Ranger caught fire while he was driving it. 

"The truck lost power and when I got out, there was fire on the ground and liquid flames dripping from the engine," Minton said. "I believe it was a blown transmission line that leaked onto an already hot exhaust."

Firefighters were unable to save the truck, but Minton was deeply thankful for the amazing effort from emergency personnel.

"I'd like to give a shout out to the great work of the E C dispatch and the Kyrock fire department," he added. "They were all prompt, professional, and awesome."

Most graduation ads and wishes say "best of luck," "congratulations," or other positive remarks, and those are all very thoughtful, however, everyone here at The Edmonson Voice would like to add "thanks" to that list.

We cover many events from our schools, school activities, and sports, and our news organization couldn't be prouder to work, live, and play along side the kids that make up the students of Edmonson County Schools.

We are very proud of the class of 2016 and they will be greatly missed. We see these kids when they don't know we're watching. We see how they interact with other students, teachers, coaches, and the community. While no one's perfect, we feel it's our duty to let the people of Edmonson County know just what kind of young men and women make up the class of 2016, and it's the kind that makes all of us proud.

Our hope and prayer is this: that these students will be able to stay in this county or this area to raise their families, hold careers, contribute, and be part of this community even bigger and better than they have as students.

May God Bless each of you. It's been a pleasure being able to share some of your school experiences with you. From all of here at The Edmonson Voice and Wildcats Live, THANK YOU.
-Darren Doyle, editor

Darren Doyle, story and photos
It was standing room only as folks packed the ECHS gym once again for the 2016 Graduation Ceremony today in Brownsville. Rylan Moore was named Valedictorian and Jarod Hines was named Salutatorian.

Twenty one students were recognized as having 4.0 GPA's during their career at ECHS. Forty one students received Honors Diplomas. Two students were recognized for enlisting in the Armed Forces, Edgar Espinoza in the Army and Ethan Madison in the Marines.

Eli LaMastus gave opening remarks, Morgan Skaggs introduced the platform guests, Jhonna Basil introduced Salutatorian Jarod Hines, Mrs. Patricia Sharp recognized perfect attendance award recipients Kayla Whittington (this year) and Travis Raymer (perfect attendance all through high school).

Corentha Skaggs and Michael Meredith recognized several students with special achievements.

​Alexis Whitfill introduced Laney Meredith, Kayla Meredith, and Lauren Carey as they sang an emotional song written by Laney entitled "When I Go."

MaryChris Waddell introduced Valedictorian Rylan Moore and Counselor Michael Meredith, Principal Tommy Hodges and Superintendent Patrick Waddell delivered the diplomas.

The ECHS performed a medley from the band "Journey" as well as The National Anthem and Pomp and Circumstance.

Closing remarks were given by Kennady Doyle in a beautiful heartfelt prayer.

Enjoy this slideshow from today's event:

Darren Doyle, story and photos
Judge Executive Wil Cannon was humbled by the large crowd that attended today's annual Memorial Day Ceremony in the courtyard of the Edmonson County Courthouse. Cannon, an Army veteran, was master of ceremonies for today's event that was also a dedication of the newly constructed memorial wall that Cannon proposed almost a year ago.

"To see a crowd this big is a great thing," he said. "I'm proud to live in Edmonson County where citizens care for and remember veterans."

Bro. Jerry Patton gave the invocation after Boy Scout Troop 597 presented colors at today's event. Cannon said he was proud to be the Judge Executive where there were Godly people. "Veterans fought and died to give us the right to worship God in the way we see fit and all the other freedoms we enjoy today."

Guest speakers included General Dan Cherry, Penny Saltsman, Maurita Miller, and Rep. Michael Lee Meredith.

Enjoy a slideshow of today's events.

Edmonson Voice Staff
Tim Skees, photo
Firefighters are suspecting arson as the unofficial cause of yet another fire in Edmonson County, which is the fourth of its kind in seven days. Emergency personnel were called out to another abandoned mobile home last nigh around 10pm on The Knobs Road, a connecting road from KY HWY 422 to KY 259.

According to District 2 Constable Tim Skees, who is also a firefighter, the same signs were present at last night's scene as the others that happened within a week. 

Citizens are encouraged to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity, especially around abandoned properties. "This person will be caught eventually through public tips, trail cameras, or observation and collection of evidence," Skees said. 

He also said firefighters are always at risk of injury or death when fighting fires and this type of behavior could cost a firefighter or other person their life.

A person convicted of First Degree Arson, a Class A felony, could face a sentence of 20 to 50 years in prison and fines reaching up to $10,000.

"Anyone with any information or seeing suspicious activity should call law enforcement officials." 

Responding to the blaze was the Rocky Hill VFD, Chalybeate VFD, Brownsville VFD, and District 2 Constable.

Edmonson Voice Staff
photos by Tim Skees
Strong winds blew through Brownsville Thursday afternoon and caused minor damage around town. Country Bouquet Florist saw their front sign blown several feet and tossed through the side of their building.

Other parts of town had several limbs and branches down and the little league fields at HWY 70 were underwater as around 2.5 inches of rain fell during a very short period.

Edmonson Voice Staff
​The Honors College at WKU recognized more than 200 graduates, the largest class in its history, at the annual Honors College Graduation Luncheon on May 13, 2016.

At the graduation luncheon, each attendee was recognized individually and received a graduation medallion and certificate.

Megan Skaggs, an English and International Affairs major and a 2012 ECHS graduate, received the Honors College Scholar of the Year award.

Megan is the daughter of Allen and Laura Skaggs of Windyville.

Edmonson Voice Staff
A Wingfield man was arrested on several DUI related charges just days before he was scheduled to appear in court for sentencing in several felonies he was charged with over a year ago.

Brandon Appleby, 32, was arrested April 18th, 2015 after a high speed police chase and charged with three felony offenses as well as aggravated DUI. He was accused of attempting to hit a law enforcement officer with his car during the incident. He had been out of jail on bond for those charges and scheduled to appear in court for sentencing on May 16th, 2016.

On May 10, 2016, Appleby and a friend were camping at the Houchins Ferry Campground where U.S. Park Rangers said he was driving suspiciously in the Campground area. A further investigation showed that Appleby had a suspended license from a previous DUI.

​Officials said that a traffic stop was made near the Edmonson County Bus Garage where Rangers reported that Appleby and his passenger, Sarah Shepherd showed signs of intoxication. It was also reported that Shepherd couldn't spell her name when speaking with officers. 

Appleby reportedly admitted to drinking prior to driving and after field sobriety tests were administered, he was placed under arrest for Driving under the influence (2nd offense) along with Aggravated Driving DUI suspended license, and Possessing license when privileges are revoked/suspended.   His passenger was arrested for public intoxication.

Sheriff Shane Doyle made a statement regarding public intoxication charges. "Someone might see this case and see it as unfair because the passenger wasn't driving and had nowhere else to go while the driver was stopped. If a passenger is intoxicated and the driver is arrested for DUI, the passenger is essentially stranded in public while drunk. If you're going to be an intoxicated passenger in a vehicle, you better make sure your driver is sober, otherwise you'll also be arrested."

Also assisting on scene was the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office and Brownsville Police.

Appelby was transported to the Hart County Jail while Shepherd was transported to the Barren County Jail. Appleby pleaded not guilty to all charges in district court this past Tuesday, May, 24th.

Edmonson Voice Staff
​A Brownsville woman escaped injury when her car exited the roadway and overturned on Oak Hill Road in a single car accident Saturday, May 21st around 5:45pm.

Police said that Kathy J. Johnson, 54, of Brownsville, was traveling west on Oak Hill Rd when she said she met on oncoming car in her lane of traffic. Police also reported that Johnson said she swerved to miss the car which resulted in her vehicle turning 180 degrees and landing upside down.  She told police that she was able to roll down the passenger's window, crawl out and get help.

The Brownsville Police Department said that they were grateful for the help provided on scene by the Sheriff's Office, both Brownsville and Chalybeate Fire Departments, and Edmonson EMS.

A portion of the road was closed for about an hour as traffic was detoured through Oak Grove Church Road while rescue personnel cleared the area.

Police said Johnson was wearing her seat belt and was uninjured. She reportedly refused medical treatment at the scene. ​​

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty presiding. 

Travis Paul Wayne Pike, Rear license not illuminated, Operating on suspended/revoked license, failure to produce insurance card. Transport ordered, new tentative court date for 5/31/16.

​Timothy Blake Taylor, Inadequate silencer/muffler. No tail lamps, Vehicle transport explosives not marked. Amend to all others, failed to appear. Notice sent to dept. of transportation.

Jason K Smith, Operating on suspended/revoked license. Failed to appear, $250 bench warrant issued.

Nicholas D Carroll, Assault 4th degree domestic violence. Pleaded not guilty. Ordered no contact with victim. Pretrial conference 6/7/16.

Chelsea B Mauer, Public intoxication. Disorderly conduct. Failed to appear, $250 bench warrant issued. 

Gerald Lee Smith, Assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 6/7/16.

Darren Doyle, story
Yes, that's South Edmonson Elementary Principal Jamie Woosley, not a victim of a kidnapping, although Woosley said he was certainly a victim as he was taped to the wall and hit with whipped cream pies today at school.

The event was a reward for students who were the top sellers in the school's recent cookie dough/popcorn fundraiser, a drive that grossed around $8,000 in total sales. The school's portion of the proceeds will be used to purchase much needed playground equipment.

"I don't know who's idea this was, but it sure wasn't mine!" Woosley said, laughing. "The kids absolutely loved it, and that's what it's all about."

He said about 25 students took turns slapping the pies in his face while the rest of the school cheered them on.

"The PTO allowed teachers to pay $5 each to get in on the fun, too," Woosley added. "That money went towards the fundraiser as well. I think a few of them pushed a little too hard with the pies, but..." he said with more laughs.

Woosley said the school is always trying to find new ways to motivate students to succeed. If it takes kissing pigs or taking pies, he's certainly not afraid. Teachers said it was as fun of an event as they had ever taken part in, and that it's something that won't be soon forgotten.

Other schools in the Edmonson County School System have also included lots of fun activities this week as school comes to a close. Administrators, teachers, and staff countywide are working hard to end the school year on a positive note.

Although Woosley got himself in (ahem) a "sticky" situation today, there was certainly no shortage of positivity today at SEES.

Edmonson Voice Staff
Another school year is headed for history and the Edmonson County High School class of 2016 are scheduled to walk the line this Saturday to receive their diplomas. 

ECHS Counselor Michael Meredith said 129 students are on the list to graduate, with three of those students receiving alternate diplomas. "This year's class was third all-time in scholarship awards with a four year total of over 1.6 million dollars."