Story and photos by Joseph Barkoff.
​With 3.9 million set to graduate from high school in 2025, according to the Department of Education, the “largest and most diverse in history,” here in Edmonson County, Edmonson County High School seniors moved their tassels over and contributed just over a 100 to the national tally Saturday, May 31st in Brownsville.
 
It was a perfect day for a graduation ceremony. Not too hot, not too cold, pretty Goldi-Locks all the way around. Which made it easier for the procession of families lined from the doors at the front of the school down the sidewalk, down the stairs past the flagpole, out into the parking lot and to its edge.
 
Inside the gymnasium, the blasting air conditioner would soon meet its match against almost every seat from all corners on every bleacher filled with families and friends.

​“There are some particularly talented students in this class,” Edmonson County principal Jonathan Williams said before the doors opened. “I don’t just mean academically. Their hands, from a technical and career standpoint, a lot of talent. Several academic type scholars and then there’s just a lot of kids who are gonna be good solid citizens. I’m excited about that.”
 
He feels along with the student’s families, they have produced some folks who will contribute to not only the county, but society and the future, he said.
 
Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.
 

Edmonson Voice Report, photo by Adelyn Graham:
Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce President Darren Doyle presented a check for $2000 today to Edmonson County High School to help start the Chamber's brand new scholarship/grant program to benefit both business and vocational students.

The vocational and business departments will receive a local Chamber grant in the amount of $1000 each.

"The number one job of the Chamber of Commerce is to promote our local business community," said Doyle. "What better way to do this than to encourage entrepreneurship and hard work to Edmonson County students?"

Doyle said the scholarship/grant fund has been in the making for over a year now.

"We didn't know exactly how we wanted to do this during our first discussions," he said. "We did a lot of research, talked to local business owners, as well as school personnel to see how we could best do it. We decided that learning entrepreneurship doesn't just begin and end with a regular business course. Some of Edmonson County's most successful businesses are skilled trades and we want to combine opportunities for both types of students. Of course, ECHS has great vocational and business courses."

The scholarship, which will be available to both business and vocational students for the 2025-26 school year, will require a high GPA, entrepreneurship skills, work ethic, and teacher recommendation, among other requirements, Doyle said.

"Even students not planning on college are eligible for a grant instead of a scholarship," he said. "Running your own business takes very specific skills, and some of those don't have to be learned in college. Students planning to start their own business or those that already have will be great candidates for this award."

ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams, who accepted the check on behalf of ECHS, said this was a great idea that he supports.

"We want to extend our thanks to the Edmonson County Chamber for their support of our programs," he said. "The grant awarded today and future funds will make a huge impact on our students."

Today's check presentation was also attended by Superintendent of Schools Brian Alexander, Assistant Principal Nikki Culbreth, vocational instructors Brandon Meredith, Shane Wilson, and Nick Rich, business teachers Jody Booth and April Hennion, as well as several vocational students.

In addition to Doyle, the Chamber Board is made up of Vice President Josh Casey, Treasurer Daniel Bolton, Mark Wardlow, Sherrell Thompson, Alicia Edwards, and Corey Culbreth. Kayla Childress serves as the Chamber Coordinator/Secretary.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Edmonson County taxpayers can assess the values of their properties each year, during a limited period before annual taxes are due.

This year's inspection period will run from June 2, 2025 until June 16 2025. 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, 2025 assessment on which state, county, and school taxes for 2025 will be due on November 1, 2025.

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 (open until 5pm on Fri), 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 The Homestead and Disability Exemption amount will stay the same this year (adjusted every other year) at a reduction of $49,100 to your assessment.  This is a savings of approximately $450.    This is the amount that comes off the top of the taxpayer’s assessment if they qualify.  To receive the exemption, they must be age 65 or 100% disabled for the entire year, own, and occupy the residence.

Darren Doyle, story:
Rhonda Clemmons, (56), former Edmonson County Tourism Director, Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce Director, and Edmonson County Planning Commission Secretary, has taken a plea deal where she is avoiding jail time as of now with a pretrial diversion. She was accused of taking more than $30K from Edmonson County Tourism.

In April of 2021, Clemmons was indicted on more than 50 counts of forgery and/or theft. She faced 52 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument and one count of Theft by Unlawful Taking over $10,000.

Those 2021 indictment documents stated, "Rhonda J. Clemmons, committed the offense of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree when, with knowledge that it was forged and intent to defraud, deceive or injure another, she uttered or possessed a forged check on the account of the Edmonson County Tourist & Convention Commission."

The original indictment further stated, "Rhonda J. Clemmons, committed the offense of Theft by Unlawful Taking over $10,000.00, when she stole approximately $30,407.77 from the Edmonson County Tourist & Convention Commission."

Each charge states that the acts were committed on or between January 14, 2019 through May 21, 2020.

Clemmons eluded law enforcement for 10 months after the indictment and was eventually found and arrested in North Carolina in February of 2022.

In an April 1, 2025 agreement, Clemmons pleaded guilty to Theft by unlawful taking, $1,000 - $10,000 and Forgery second degree, both Class D Felonies. She was sentenced to 5 years for each count, with pretrial diversion for that time period, avoiding jail time as long as the terms and conditions of the court are met during that time with monthly supervision from Probation and Parole. The charges will be dismissed after successfully completing the 5 year period and obeying all rules and regulations imposed by Probation and Parole.

Without the agreement, she faced as much as 20 years in prison or more.

Clemmons was also ordered to have no contact with Edmonson County Tourism, as well as two individually named Tourism Commissioners.

The court also ordered "restitution reserved." This is a situation where the court delays determination of the amount of restitution, typically after further investigation. Oft times the exact amount owed is not yet finalized at the time of sentencing or diversion agreement, which is possible in this case.

Clemmons was not accused of any wrongdoing while serving as Director of the Chamber, nor as Secretary of the Planning Commission, but she was terminated from both positions separately in the wake of her initial indictment.

According to current Director of Edmonson County Tourism Vanessa Ulm, the $30,407.77 Clemmons was accused of stealing remains missing.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
An Edmonson County veteran received a prestigious medal in a ceremony at the 2025 Army Aviation Association of America or "Quad A," last week in Nashville, Tennessee.

CWO-4 (Chief Warrant Officer 4)Tim "T-bone" Vincent, age 66 of Bee Spring, a retired Apache helicopter pilot, received the medal, which is the fourth highest award for heroism, and the highest for aerial achievement, as he was joined by some of his fellow officers at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.

He is known as Tim, T-bone, and Vinny, and most would agree he is a hero, although he disagrees on the latter.

Tim invited me to his home on Thursday, May 22nd and shared many stories about his nearly 30 years of military service. Most of those stories were filled with funny and fond memories of his fellow servicemen and not about the medal, which is only one of several he has received.

Tim, a 1977 graduate of Edmonson County High School, earned his nickname "T-bone" from playing high school football.

"I was a freshman and it was a situation where I had this particular good run and Mark Seabolt said something like 'Give him a bone!' And somewhere in there, he came up with T-bone, and it stuck," Vincent said.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in April of 1980 where he would go on to airborne school, then reported to Savannah, Georgia to the First Ranger Battalion where he completed ranger school. 

"I went through a lot of military schools. Pathfinder, static line jump master, halo jump master," he said. He then pointed to a photo of himself jumping from a military aircraft.

"That's me clearing the tailgate of a C-130. Those guys in the forefront there are about a half-second in front of me. That's about a 12,500 feet free fall," he said.

(photo below)

Vincent's pride in his military service goes far behind the one mission that earned him his most recent medal. I felt like I was watching a movie in my mind as he described so many of his experiences. But it wasn't a movie at all. It was very real.

So what earned him the medal? As a highly-skilled pilot of an AH-64 Apache helicopter, which is a heavily armored, twin-engine attack helicopter used by the U.S. Army and other international forces, he and fellow pilots fired the very first shots of the Gulf War in 1991.

Tim described the mission, and while it took months of preparation and training, he said it only took a few minutes to complete.

"The first shots of the war is the claim to fame," he said, which took place on January 17, 1991.

"There were two radar sites about 10 miles apart on the Iraq border and we had two Air Force Pave Lows. They had GPS back then. They wanted to lead us in. It was their mission originally and they figured out that they couldn't do it. They got us  within 16 km, about, you know, 10 or 12 miles. Then they peeled off to a release point over here. We had two teams that went to a release point about 10 km from the radar site. There was two of them, 10 miles apart and then we broke off. Four aircrafts went to this one, four aircrafts went to this one. All this was done under no (communication). We took off an hour and a half later--what they said was "Party in 10..." and that was a 10-second countdown. And we opened up on 'em."

"We took out those two radar sites. It all happened in about 2 to 3 minutes. We had flown from about 50 to 100 feet to get there, and on the way back out-- we’re coming out, (at 500ft) but what that did was open up a corridor that was 10 miles wide and 500 feet high. And all them aircraft that went to Baghdad went through that corridor at about 300 feet, and us coming out. They were like "whew, whew, whew," (he motioned with his hand as something quickly coming toward him) and the first time I ever saw a stealth fighter was that night under FLIR (forward-looking infrared). It was the first shots of the war."

Without radar, Iraqi fighters wouldn't know what was headed their way. Those American fighters coming in the corridor prepared by Vincent and others, now with no radar detecting them, opened fire on Baghdad as Operation Desert Shield came to and end and Operation Desert Storm was now underway.

Vincent said he and his buddies listened on their way out as they heard the radio communication from the fighters that went in.

"It was the coolest play-by-play I'd ever heard."

He retired in 2008 after completing 292 combat missions, 27 direct-fire engagements, 987 total combat hours, in addition to 235 total jumps from an aircraft, with 100 of them being free fall.

He asked me if I knew what a direct-fire engagement was. "Where someone is shooting back at you?" I asked ignorantly.

"Not anymore," he quipped.

He showed me a framed print of an Apache entitled "Deliverance," by artist Dru Blair, who had signed the piece. In the frame were his other medals and pins that included the Air Medal, Legion of Merit, Merit Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Southwest Asia Service Medal.

He shared more stories before asking if I could take a photo of him with his wife Maria Roslyn, and granddaughter Ariana together as we finished a cup of coffee. I was happy to oblige. As someone who never served, I love and appreciate hearing the stories from veterans, especially those from our own community, who made great sacrifice for all of us today.

He took as much or more pride in the stories unrelated to his newest medal. Stories about being a Ranger instructor and completing flight school.

He shared a personal interaction with General Norman Schwarzkopf, the leader of all coalition forces in the Gulf War. He said General Schwarzkopf noticed Vincent's uniform, which indicated his experience prior to becoming a pilot, which was already 10 years worth of service.

I took one last look at the newly received Distinguished Flying Cross medal on his kitchen table. I asked him, "Did you ever wonder why it took 34 years to get this? Do you ever think about that stuff?"

He chuckled with a quick "no."

Basic government red tape prolonged a medal that should have been awarded decades ago. If not for a friend who fought for Vincent's medal, he wouldn't have received it, but that seemed to be last on Vincent's list of wants.

"I'm not a hero by any means," he said. "But I sure served with some."

I thanked him for his service.

"Well, you're welcome. I was proud to serve my country, my state, and I was proud to serve my county," he said with a smile.

As I left his beautiful home, we walked outside on his front porch. It has a composite decking floor built around a massive, industrial flag pole with a light and Old Glory waving high. At the base of the pole where the names of six fallen fellow Apache pilots.

"Every Memorial Day I put a drink out there for each of them. I miss them." And that was all he said about it. I got a bit of a lump in my throat.

Vincent's brother John E. Vincent, a Chalybeate resident, is also a combat vet. Tim has a son that serves in the Marine Corp, Wesley B. Vincent, and he also has a daughter, Jordan Vincent.

He is the son of the late Tranze and Erma Vincent.

Finally, with Memorial Day coming up, I'd like to encourage everyone to visit EdmonsonVets.com, which is a website I created in conjunction with local VFW member Floyd Houston that contains each soldier's photo currently on display in the Edmonson County Courthouse Hall of Honor. It's a project that they all deserve.

Happy Memorial Day to everyone.

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Schools will be dismissing early today, Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 1:30PM due to the potential of severe weather.

Superintendent of Schools Brian Alexander said the forecast has a possibility of severe weather hitting our area during the regular time of buses being on the roads for afternoon routes, which will hopefully be avoided.

"We're trying to space it in between windows and we feel this is the safest choice for our students and staff," he said.

He also said this will not affect the school calendar, as the time will not have to be made up.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
On Thursday, May 15th, the Edmonson County Board of Education voted to approve bids presented by Alliance Corporation to begin an expansion and renovation at South Edmonson Elementary School. This will be the first major renovation since the school was constructed in 1999.

The project will consist of replacing heat pumps, exhaust fans, parking lot renovations, a complete library renovation, the addition of eight new classrooms, two additional sets of restrooms, and a roof project to repair extensive roof leaks throughout the building. 

"The school district is eager to begin this project as soon as the children are on summer break," stated Callie Belliles, Director of Facilities and Safety of Edmonson County Schools. "Efforts are already being made to clean out the library in anticipation for its expansion and facelift."

Josh Long, building principal, commented on the project. "I'm extremely thrilled for construction to get started at South Edmonson. We are all very eager for the opportunity to prepare students from Kindergarten through 6th grade. Something else that makes this construction exciting is that the library will be completely renovated and remodeled, which the students will really love."

SEES Librarian Lauren Parrigan shared her enthusiasm by stating "As the librarian at South Edmonson, I am so proud of our upcoming library renovation. This updated space will give our students a place to explore, create, and fall in love with reading all over again. It's such an exciting time for our school."

According to Belliles, Alliance will begin work at the beginning of June. The Board of Education, alongside South Edmonson, will host a groundbreaking ceremony on June 14th to mark the beginning of a 14-month renovation and construction time span.

"The Board expresses their gratitude to Sherman Carter Barnhart, Alliance Corporation, STW Engineers, Baird and Arnold Consulting and Engineering for their efforts in planning and preparing this opportunity for our students," said Belliles.

According to Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools, Brian Alexander, the estimated total cost of the major project will be $5.9 million.

Darren Doyle, story:
A Brownsville woman has passed as a result of injuries attained in a crash in Brownsville on Friday night.

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement was dispatched to the location near Webb's Eats & Treats on South Main Street in Brownsville at 7:27PM on Friday, May 16th, to the call of a two-vehicle collision with injuries.

The Sheriff's Office stated that through investigation it was discovered that Kristopher McCombs, (45), of Segal was operating a 1997 Chevy Blazer, headed south on Main Street. For an undetermined reason, the Blazer crossed the line and entered the path of Sheila VanMeter (67), of Brownsville, who was headed north in a 2016 Chevy Equinox, the Sheriff's Office said.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the two vehicles collided head-on and came to rest at a residence beside the restaurant.

Mrs. VanMeter was transported to the Medical Center in Bowling Green by Edmonson EMS where she succumbed to her injuries a short time later and was pronounced dead, the Sheriff's Office stated.

According to the Sheriff's Office, McCombs refused medical treatment at the scene.

The collision remains under investigation at this time by the Sheriff's Office.

In addition to the Sheriff's Office and EMS, Brownsville Fire Department and Brownsville Police also responded to the scene.

Edmonson Voice Report:
A KSP trooper who was indicted in March of this year on one count of unreasonable force was arrested last week and faces DUI-related charges.

According to an arrest citation, Kentucky State Police Post 3 responded at 8:23PM on May 7, 2025 to a Barren County church for a 911 hang-up where there was no answer.

Law enforcement reportedly made contact with Jarrod Lewis (28) of Hiseville where he had allegedly been drinking or had alcohol in the vehicle.

According to KSP, the hood of the truck was warm and the engine had recently been on with keys in the ignition. Troopers reportedly conducted field sobriety tests where the odor of alcohol was on Lewis’ breath, and according to troopers, Lewis' blood alcohol level showed nearly three times the legal limit.

Law enforcement reportedly found an open alcoholic beverage in the truck and according to authorities, Lewis stated he had purchased multiple alcoholic beverages.

He was arrested and placed in the Barren County Detention Center and charged with:

• Operating motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, first offense (aggravated circumstance)
• Possession of open alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle

Lewis is currently employed as a Kentucky State Police trooper but has reportedly been suspended since being indicted on a federal charge of using unreasonable force in March of this year. The federal charges are unrelated to the DUI-based offenses.

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Senator Mitch McConnell (KY) introduced the bicameral Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act. According to Rep. Guthrie's Office, this bill would give the park the ability to acquire an additional 551.14 acres of land from the Nature Conservancy. This newly acquired land would enhance protections in the Green River watershed, further conserving the area’s wildlife and cultural heritage while generating additional tourism to Kentucky’s Second District, Guthrie's Office stated.

The land is located near and around the former Park Mammoth Resort and Lookout Restaurant, which was recently lost in a fire.

“Every year, Mammoth Cave National Park draws hundreds of thousands of visitors and contributes nearly $90 million to our local economy,” said Congressman Guthrie. “This natural wonder has inspired people for thousands of years, playing a foundational role in the culture of our region. I am proud to introduce the Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act to expand protections for the cave system’s important biodiversity and rich history, ensuring that it can be studied, maintained, and enjoyed by future generations of Americans.”

“Kentucky is lucky to be home to an abundance of natural treasures, among them, Mammoth Cave National Park. This extensive cave network has been inspiring Kentuckians and drawing visitors from all corners of the globe for generations. Beyond its role in driving tourism to our Commonwealth, the park also plays a crucial role in the region’s economic growth, supporting good jobs for the people of Kentucky,” said Senator McConnell. “I’m proud to partner with Congressman Guthrie on this important initiative once again which will expand the critical habitats that the National Park Service protects and preserves in the park.”

You can find the full text of the Mammoth Cave Boundary Adjustment Act here.
 
Guthrie's Office also stated the following:

• This legislation authorizes the National Park Service to acquire 551.14 acres of land currently owned by the Nature Conservancy (TNC). 
• This expansion would allow the National Park to manage land in Edmonson and Barren Counties, further conserving the area’s wildlife and cultural heritage.  
• The property includes cave passages, including Coach and James Caves, which hold prehistoric and historic artifacts. 
• In 2023, the park received more than 650,000 visitors, generating $89.6 million for communities surrounding the park. This expansion of the park is expected to drive further economic growth in the local community. 
• This legislation is supported by local elected officials in the surrounding counties.
• Established as a National Park in 1941, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world’s longest known cave system, stretching a mapped 426 miles with many miles still undiscovered.
• In 1981, the park was named a World Heritage Site, and in 1990, a Biosphere Reserve.
• In April 2025, Congressman Guthrie welcomed Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to Mammoth Cave National Park for a tour of the park and a discussion with NPS staff about its importance. You can learn more about their visit here.

Edmonson Voice Report:
The former Superintendent of Owensboro Public Schools was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in federal prison for numerous child sexual exploitation offenses.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.

According to court documents, Matthew D. Constant, 53, a former superintendent, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison followed by a life term of supervised release for two counts of online enticement of a minor, three counts of receipt of child pornography, two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, and two counts of transferring obscene material to a minor.

There is no parole in the federal system.   

This case was investigated by FBI Owensboro and the Kentucky State Police.

The OPS system suspended Constant without pay in June of 2023 in the midst of allegations he was involved in a relationship with an 18 year-old student enrolled in another school district. Just over one month later, Constant was arrested and charged with procuring or promoting the use of a minor and tampering with physical evidence while he was the school superintendent.

In August of 2024, Constant was indicted on the following charges:

• Two counts of online enticement of a minor
• Three counts of receipt of child pornography
• Two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor
• Two counts of transferring obscene material to a minor.

He pleaded guilty to the charges in February of 2025, which was not part of any plea deal, according to court records.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.

Darren Doyle, story:
A man and woman were arrested yesterday and charged with burglary after a neighbor's call.

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a trespassing call at 3759 Otter Gap Road on Monday, May 5th around 3PM. A neighbor said they observed two individuals at the residence that shouldn't be there and that the individuals were removing items from the home, the sheriff's office stated.

Deputies made contact with Chad Whitson (54), Bowling Green, and Madison Deckard (30), Chalybeate, who were with the items in the yard, according to the sheriff's office, with some of the items having the resident's name on them.

Both were placed under arrest and charged with: Burglary second degree (Class C Felony) and Criminal Trespassing.

They were lodged in the Hart County Jail.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
After three years, the specific timeline for the rebuild of Sunfish-Round Hill Road remains unknown as Edmonson County Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey says "complexity of the work," and things "factored in that we were not accounting for," are some of the issues the county is facing with the massive road project.

The county road off of HWY 70 (Morgantown Road) and HWY 187 (Sunfish Road) first began to collapse in the summer of 2022 due to the parallel Cub Creek that had exceed its original banks and began eroding the base of the road. The initial extensive repair was attempted by the Edmonson County Road Department, under the direction of then supervisor Greg Carroll, hired by the fiscal court led by former Judge/Executive Wil Cannon.

According to the current Judge/Executive's Office during a March 2024 interview, the more the road crew worked on the repair, the more repairs were needed. Eventually, the entire base of the road failed and was dug completely down to the creek, at a depth of nearly 20 feet from the top of the road. This is when Judge Lindsey said the county discovered that they didn't have the funds to rebuild the road. As a result, portable barriers with "Road Closed" signage were placed on both sides of the breach.

However, in April of 2023, Donald Hardison, a Muhlenberg County man, was found deceased in a 2007 Ford Expedition after driving off the closed road into water at the construction site of Sunfish-Round Hill Road. It is unclear whether or not the barriers were in place when the man drove into the water. At the time, Judge Lindsey said they had been placed in the correct areas but it was not known where they were at the time of the accident or if the man simply avoided and driven around them. It is an approximately 20 foot drop off from the roadway to the bottom.

Regardless of where they are placed, the barriers alone can still be driven around fairly easily. In December of 2019, Alexandra Richardson was able to drive around the same barricade on Oak Hill Road, where flooding had caused the water to be several feet over the road. She drove into the water while intoxicated with her 20 month-old son and another juvenile. The boy died as a result of the crash and Richardson was charged and convicted of murder and sentenced to 20 years in jail.

Nearly three weeks passed after Mr. Hardison's accident before Edmonson County Fiscal Court voted to take a more permanent action to avoid the possibility of anyone else driving into the drop off. Some Sunfish residents attended the May 8, 2023 fiscal court meeting and demanded action be taken immediately. The court voted that day to place large loads of rock at both breaches which still remain today, along with "Road Closed" signs.

The breach is well over 100 foot long by 20 foot deep, and still has a portion of Cub Creek running into the original base.

Judge Lindsey announced to the Edmonson County Fiscal Court on March 18, 2024, that he had found a possible solution for funding, which was estimated to cost around $900K. He said that while the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had agreed to pay for the project, the county would have to cover the initial cost, which they didn't have. Lindsey said that the county could secure a line of credit through the Kentucky Association of Counties, a state governing body of county offices in KY, (KACo). He also said that he hoped the work would be done in 2024, which did not happen.

We followed up with Judge Lindsey last week about the status of the project that has disrupted the lives of many Sunfish area residents, and asked for an update.

The credit line was secured in June of 2024, according to Judge Lindsey and the $900k has been borrowed. The funds have been placed in a separate account, ready for use.

Lindsey said a variety of factors have hindered the project but that he feels they have all been addressed and the county is close to moving forward.

"Some of the factors that took some time to complete were having to do with the geo-studies that were completed in and around the roadbed to make sure that the foundation the road was being rebuilt on was strong enough to support the road," he said. "Or does it need to be secured by using engineering methods like rail and cribbing that would add strength to the affected area. There were several other tests that were done as well."

He also said due to the water issue from the creek, rerouting the water under the road without eroding the road base had to be part of the solution. If not, the road would continue to fail as a result of the same issue.

"There were also multiple options presented as to the possible placement of the road based on the information gained from the results of the engineering studies. Once the best option was chosen, we had to obtain the right-of-ways and permissions to use that model from the landowner. That has now been discussed and verbally agreed to, and we are moving forward using that information."

Lindsey said he had hoped the entire project could have been completed last year.

"Unfortunately, due to the complexity of the work, and things that factored in that we were not accounting for originally, the project hasn't moved forward as quickly as we had hoped or intended."

He said the county hired an engineering firm, Arnold Consulting Engineering Services, (ACES) who was an approved state vendor, and one that the county has used for other projects in the past.

"They have been doing the testing and engineering for the blueprints and planning to rebuild the road. They are handling the engineering and scope of work for the project. We will take sealed bids for the reconstruction once ACES gets the bid packet finalized."

Judge Lindsey said while no specific time period has been discussed by ACES, he said it is a priority and they are working on that now. Once they submit all the information to the county, the fiscal court will advertise for bids, which would take two to three weeks, then those bids will be opened and read at the following meeting.

"It is the goal of all involved to be able to get this project completed this year," Judge Lindsey said. "We want to get it completed as soon as possible."

Darren Doyle, story:
A Wingfield man was arrested and faces multiple felonies after a suspicious vehicle call yesterday.

On Thursday, May 1st, Edmonson County Sheriff deputies were dispatched to the Beaver Dam Creek Baptizing Center for the call of a suspicious vehicle with a male subject passed out behind the wheel. According to the Sheriff's Office, a deputy located the vehicle at the location and saw drug paraphernalia in plain view.

The operator was identified as Samuel Lamb, (33) from the Wingfield community, who told law enforcement he had just fallen asleep, the Sheriff's Office stated. Another deputy arrived on scene and deployed a K-9 unit, who gave a positive alert on the vehicle. A search of the vehicle resulted in more drug paraphernalia, suspected methamphetamine, and a shotgun, according to the Sheriff's Office.

It was discovered that Lamb was a convicted felon, which resulted in enhanced and additional charges.

He was arrested and charged with: 

• Possession Controlled Substance 1st Degree, 3rd or Greater Offense (Methamphetamine) Firearm Enhanced
  
• Drug Paraphernalia-Buy/Possess(Firearm Enhanced) 
• Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon
  

He was lodged in the Hart County Jail where he is currently listed with no bond.