Darren Doyle, story and photos:
The Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce held their annual spring luncheon today at the Edmonson County Public Library, which was sponsored by St. John's Church, with special guests from A Plus Family Healthcare.

A Plus CEO Patrick Merritt, along Kasey Alford, owner of Alford's Pharmacy and Drive Thru, who also serves as an adviser to the clinic's board, announced today that the clinic is now a non-profit organization and is focusing on bringing better healthcare to Edmonson County.

​"I've always wanted to help treat patients," said Alford, who helped start the clinic in 2017. "The potential for what this can bring to our county is unbelievable."

Alford said the road that led to this decision has not been an easy one. 

"We've been asked why we'd become a non-profit because the requirements are so much more difficult and scrutinized than privately owned clinics," Alford said. "Well, we believe that it's because this is much bigger than me or anyone else in this room. This is potentially one of the biggest opportunities we've all had in Edmonson County in many years."

Alford discussed how being non-profit would also allow the clinic bigger and better opportunities to not only provide better and more affordable healthcare to all of Edmonson County, but to be able to support local causes and other needs.

"One example would be to possibly be able to put a nurse in each school in our school district," he said.

The clinic is now in the process of being federally designated, the purpose of which, is to enhance the provision of primary care services in underserved communities. 

Merritt discussed Edmonson County's needs, specifically.

"Research has shown that there are 1000 people for every one healthcare provider, but not in Edmonson County. That number is more like one provider to 6000 people," he said. 

"We've seen that there's about 8% of our population that is uninsured. A Plus wants to remove the barriers that keep people from receiving care. We want our patients to be part of our family. We now have a sliding fee scale that we feel will allow us to treat whoever needs care, no matter who you are or what your situation might be."

The clinic is now run by a board of directors that is made up of local residents. Several were in attendance today and were recognized. They range from local business owners, church leaders, volunteers, and what Alford described as "community-minded" people that care about Edmonson County.

​The meal was catered by Bee Spring Restaurant as members of St. John's and other volunteers served the crowd.

The luncheon is one of the several events throughout the year organized by the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce.

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County High School held their annual scholarship and award ceremony at the ECHS auditorium on Monday, May 6, 2019. 

"This year's total alone was $368,500 in scholarships," said ECHS Counselor Michael Meredith. "If students can continue their grade requirements, then the number could actually grow into $1.4 million over the course of the college careers."

The following students were awarded these scholarships:

SKYCTC- Student of year Keely Doyle

SKYCTC Scholarship winners—Keely Doyle, Ashton Blevins, Morgan Clubb, James Hollis, Madison McCombs, Abigayle Saltsman, Cassandra Saltsman

WKU Scholarship winners- Spencer Bass, Emma Bullock, Mollie Cassady, Jacob Cena, Caitlin Daniele, Lillian Davis, Kailee Duvall, Mikayla Duvall, Kaley Hartz, Jonathan Hollis, Janie Hunt, Savannah Lindsey, Chanley Logsdon, Elijah Ruth, Lillee Sanders, Karissa Waldrop, Ethan Webb, Trent Whittle, Peyton Wolfe, Macy Wrye
​
Murray State University- Samuel Treece
Berea College-Andrew Embry
Union College- Tanner Woodcock
Alfords Pharmacy-Delila Evans, Kailee Duvall
Jeremy Priddy Memorial-Madison McCombs, Logan Hagan, Emma Booker, Emma Bullock
Kyrock PTO-Abigayle Saltsman
South Edmonson PTO- Madison Doyle
Doyel Memorial- Kailee Duvall, Keely Doyle
ECEA- Janie Hunt
Washington Meredith Lodge- Tanner Woodcock, Morgan Clubb, Lillee Sanders
Mills Family- Jonathan Hollis, Shatella Vincent
NWTF- Madison McCombs
Scott Skaggs Photography- Keely Doyle
Virginia E Webb Memorial- Logan Hagan
EC Band Boosters- Elijah Merryman
Christian Goodroe Memorial- Madison McCombs
Owen Scholarhips – Madison McCombs
EC Farm Bureau- Jarrod Sanders, Trent Whittle
Patton Funeral Home- Jacob Cena, Lillee Sanders, Keely Doyle, Spencer Bass, Hannah Meredith
Key Oil- Spencer Bass
Class of 1980- Hannah Meredith
EC Parks and Rec- Morgan Clubb
All A Classic- Chanley Logsdon
Ronnie Hardin Memorial- Griffin Spainhoward
Hagan Scholarship – Lillian Davis                              
Toyota/Sporting Times- Karissa Waldrop               
Luther Franklin Alexander- Chanley Logsdon        
Limestone Bank - Mollie Cassady    
EC Lions Club- Trent Whittle
BGPD- Cole Bessette

​The Sheriff's Office said that deputies and a constable began searching the area for the vehicle Sowders was driving, which was quickly located on the side of the road on HWY 728 (Nolin Dam Road). Inside the vehicle, deputies found additional fake $100 bills along with paper suspected in the printing of counterfeit money. Acting on a tip of Sowders whereabouts, he was located at Saling's Grocery where he was arrested and charged with:  13 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 1st degree (class C felonies), and Persistent Felony offender, first degree. 

The other occupant of the vehicle, Richard Smith, (36) of Bee Spring was also located later in the day. Smith was also arrested for 13 counts of  Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 1st degree and was also served with bench warrants out of Edmonson and Warren Counties. Both were lodged in the Hart County Jail.

The Sheriff's Office also noted that they wished to thank Brownsville Police and District 5 Constable for their assistance in the case.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
One local teen was sent to the hospital today after a rear end collision in front of Mis Amigos Mexican Grill around 12:40pm.

​According to Brownsville Police, Clay Browning, (18) of Smiths Grove was driving a 2011 Kia sedan facing south on HWY 259N waiting to make a left turn into the parking lot of Mis Amigos.

Police also said that Larry Meredith, (75) of Brownsville, was headed south in an International dump truck when he approached Browning's stopped vehicle. Police said that the dump truck was unable to stop and it collided with the rear of the Kia, pushing it approximately 80 feet. The car was forced off the right shoulder of the road where it ended on its side.

Browning was extricated from the vehicle by Edmonson County JAWS.

Police said that Browning was transported to the Medical Center in Bowling Green for non-life threatening injuries and that Meredith refused medical treatment at the scene. 

Brownsville Police Chief Jeff Jewell was in charge of the investigation. Also responding was the Brownsville Fire Department, KY HWY Dept,  the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office and Edmonson EMS.

Darren Doyle, story:
The South Edmonson Elementary Bulldog Choir performed the National Anthem at last night's Bowling Green Hot Rods game at Bowling Green Ballpark.

In addition to the choir, a local 12 and under youth league softball team from Edmonson County Parks & Rec, made up of local students, also took the field in a pregame ceremony.

The choir later performed the classic "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" during the 7th inning stretch. The choir is led by SEES music and art teacher, Mrs. Jessica Doyle.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
A Butler County jury has found three defendants, all former employees of Genesis Healthcare in Brownsville not guilty of multiple counts of Knowingly abuse/neglect of adult by person.

Jerry Matthew Snyder, (34), of Leitchfield, faced 11 counts of the charge; Kayla D. Kinser, (26), also of Leitchfield faced 8 counts of the same, and Kelly D. Duvall, (54), of Sweeden, faced 4 counts, also of the same charge.

The three former employees were accused of abusing two residents, Mary Lush and Mrs. Jessie Prunty, after an anonymous employee reported the alleged abuse. The two patients each suffered from dementia and have passed away since the initial report of abuse. 

As a result of the initial investigation, the three former employees were accused of slapping, pinching, and pouring water on the patients, along with other forms of abuse. 

The three accused were arrested in September of 2014 by the Kentucky State Police, who were assisted in the investigation by the office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Inspector General, and Wil Cannon, who was Edmonson County Sheriff at that time.

Witnesses of the alleged incidents said the abuse was not reported at the time and attorneys for the co-defendants argued that there were no injuries to the alleged victims.

The trial was moved from Edmonson County to Butler by special Judge Phil Patton, which began on Monday. The jury's decision came today after closing arguments. All three individuals were found not guilty on all counts.

​Heather D. Milby, Possession of controlled substance, first degree, first offense- methamphetamine. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty to all. $1000 bond. Pretrial hearing 5/7/19.

Aaron Vincent Murphy, Improper display of registration plates. Operating on suspended/revoked operator’s license. Possession of controlled substance, first degree, first offense- methamphetamine. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial hearing 5/7/19.

​Lemuel Dew Lamastus, Alcohol intoxication in a public place- first and second offense. Disorderly conduct, second degree. Criminal trespassing- third degree. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference 5/14/19. 

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to change the operation at the intersection of U.S. 68 Glasgow Road and KY 101 Smiths Grove-Scottsville Road in Warren County. The intersection will become a four-way stop. Currently only motorists on the KY 101 approaches to the intersection must stop.
 
The new four-way stop signage is expected to be installed today, Wednesday, May 1st.  Over-sized dual mounted stop signs and over-sized dual mounted stop ahead signs will be installed on all four approaches to the intersection. Rumble strips will be installed on both U.S. 68 approaches, according to a press release from Ky Transportation Cabinet District 3. The flashing beacon will remain at the intersection, but the bulb color will be switched from yellow to red.
 
Message boards to inform motorists of the change were placed near the intersection last week. The change is being done to improve safety of the intersection.