Edmonson Voice Staff
Traffic stops are the most common incidents that police officers work while on the job. Although our local officers rarely engage in a dangerous threat here at home while stopping a vehicle, they still have to be ready for those situations. The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Brownsville Police, and the U.S. Park Service worked together through hot and muggy conditions yesterday as they completed a Traffic Stop Threat Response course, held in the rear parking lot of ECMS.

"There is a significant number of officers killed by gunfire every year, and of those, it's not uncommon for a large number of those to be from what should be routine traffic stops," said Sheriff Shane Doyle. "You can get kind of in a rut when you handle all these traffic stops where they're all pretty much the same, so we wanted to go through this training so than we can be better prepared for any situation that arises."

Doyle said the officers went through a number of scenarios, some for one officer and some involving two. He said some of the real-situation stops were simple where nothing happened, while others had a subject immediately "open fire" on the officer. The U.S. Park Service provided realistic feel air-soft guns for use during the drills. This required all the officers to wear protective gear during the seminar. "The 'bad guys' had these guns as well as the 'good guys', and we were shooting at each other," Doyle said. "They may be plastic BB's, but you feel them when they hit."

The course and scenarios were led by Deputy Wally Ritter and Officer Nathan Dennis. Also participating were Fish and Wildlife Officer Steve Nelson, District 2 Constable Tim Skees, and Probation and Parole Officer Josh Watt. There were also two that volunteered to be the "bad guys," Ethan Decker and Clay Deweese. 

"We all want to thank ECMS Principal Brandon Prunty for letting us use the school's facilities during the exercise," Doyle said. "The key to this was multiple agencies coming together once again. We all have to work together in a county of our size, and it was a very positive training. Also thanks to Deputy Ritter and Officer Dennis for a job well done. This was just another way to be better prepared to serve the folks of Edmonson County."

Darren Doyle, Edmonson Voice
The annual Freedom Fest Fireworks and Little League awards show has been postponed due to rising chances of severe weather that according to the forecast, should arrive right at start time for tonight's celebration.

Parks & Rec Director A.B. Webb said that he, Judge Cannon, and Pat Prunty with Emergency Management have been following weather models all day. "According to what we're all seeing, it looks like heavy rain will get here about the time we plan to start," Webb said. "Within a short time after that, there's supposed to be straight line winds and more rain, so we'd rather be safe than sorry."

Webb reminds everyone of the situation about 4 years ago during the show when severe weather suddenly hit. "It was terrible. There were people driving all over the place, cars getting stuck, cutting ruts. Everybody was trying to get out all at the same time. We had wreckers pulling people out plus, several wrecks." he said. 

The festival has been rescheduled for next Friday, July 3rd at the same time, with awards kicking off at 6pm, live music from Roosterfish at 7pm, with the fireworks wrapping things up at dusk.

"We've tried every angle we know to try, and the chances are just too great for bad weather," he said. "We'd hate for everyone to come out tonight and then all this hit. We want to do what's best and safest for everyone."

Avery and his passenger, Brandon Embry (17) of Brownsville, were both transported by Edmonson County EMS to the Medical Center in Bowling Green for non-life threatening injuries.

The investigation is still ongoing and being led by Kentucky State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer Nick Pruitt.

District Court was held on June 23, 2015. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty presiding.

William Alex Webb, Assault, 1st degree. Possession of synthetic drugs- Class B misdemeanor. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty to all, probable cause found, matter sent to grand jury.

Gerald E. Bentkowski, Disorderly conduct, 2nd degree. Menacing. Terroristic threatening, 3rd degree. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference set for 7/7/15.

Shawn K. Wainscott, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs- 1st offense. Possession of marijuana. Possess open alcohol beverage container in a motor vehicle. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Criminal mischief- 3rd degree. Leaving scene of accident/failure to render aid or assistance. Failure to wear seat belts. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference set for 7/7/15.

Rebecca Marie Buford, Assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury. Endangering the welfare of a minor. Resisting arrest. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference set for 8/4/15.

Andrew D. Buford, Assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury. Endangering the welfare of a minor. Pleaded not guilty to both. Pretrial conference set for 8/4/15.

Ryan Neal Davis, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, aggravator, 3rd. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference set for 8/4/15.

Earl Thomas Haskins, Driving DUI suspended license- 1st offense, aggravator. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference set for 7/7/15. Attorney appointed.

Felicia Lovell Taylor, Theft by deception including cold checks under $500, 2 counts. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference set for 8/4/15.

Charles E. Horton, No/expired registration plates. Proof shown, dismissed. No/expired KY registration receipt. Proof shown, dismissed. 

Alex J. Mattingly, No/expired registration plates. No/expired KY registration receipt. Failure to appear. Notice sent to Department of Transportation.

Eric S. Vibbert, No/expired registration plates. No/expired KY registration receipt. Both deferred 1 year. 

Jackie T. Scruggs, No operators/moped license. Pleaded not guilty. Continued for 7/7/15.

Edward F. Mudd, No/expired KY registration receipt. Proof shown, dismissed. No/expired registration plates. Proof shown, dismissed. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st. Pleaded guilty. $500 fine, 30 days in jail. $450 and jail time probated for 1 year. Operating on suspended/revoked operators license. Pleaded guilty. $50 fine. Total fines and costs $193. Review on 12/8/15. 

Scott A. Healy, Operating on suspended/revoked operators license. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference set for 8/4/15.

Ronald Eugene Aubrey Jr., Obstructed vision and/or windshield. Operating on suspended/revoked operators license. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference set for 8/4/15. 

Justen B. Davis, Failure to wear seat belts. No tail lamps. Failure to appear. Notice sent to Department of Transportation.

Dacoyte Wayne Richards, Failure of owner to maintain require insurance/security 1st. Continued for 7/7/15.

Cory W. Lindsey, Obstructed vision and/or windshield. No tail lamps. Continued for 7/7/15.

Ethan A. Vincent, Leaving scene of accident/failure to render aid or assistance. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference set for 7/7/15.

Ronnie Dalton Cox, One headlight. No/expired registration plates. No/expired KY registration receipt. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st. Failure to appear. $500 bench warrant issued.

Danny L. Denny, Failure to wear seat belts. Failure to produce insurance card. Signed order to dismiss.

Samantha D. Easto, Failure to wear seat belts. Pleaded guilty. $25 fine. Failure to notify address change to Department of Transportation. Proof shown, dismissed. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st. Pleaded guilty. $500 fine, 30 days in jail. $450 and jail time probated for 1 year. Total fines and costs $193. Review on 9/29/15.


John Joseph H. Obrien, Possession of synthetic cannabinoid agonists/piperazines. Pleaded guilty. 30 days in jail- credit of 2 days served. 28 days probated for 2 years. Total fines and costs $184. Review on 9/29/15. 


Joseph Michael Sherk, Disorderly conduct, 2nd degree. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference set for 7/7/15.


Michael Robey, Criminal littering. Continued in 2 weeks.


Jerry M. Napier, Assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference set for 7/7/15.


Craig J. Kilgore, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, 3rd offense. Driving motor vehicle while license suspended for DUI- 3rd or greater offense. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference set for 8/4/15.

Darren Doyle, story and photo
In addition to the little league discussion on the Monday, June 22nd Fiscal Court meeting, county officials also heard from County Road Foreman Ray Page as he explained problems with the county's road salt bin.

Page said the storage unit, which was built in 1972, was constructed on the lowest point of the property, which causes water to infiltrate the bin, which then leads to salt leeching into the ground, then into the ecosystem. Page said the EPA has informed the department that the bins will either have to be repaired or rebuilt, and at an estimated cost of $25,000, the county faces a difficult decision.

Judge Cannon discussed possibilities of maybe postponing any improvements until next year, with hopes of a better budget situation, but Page said fines from the EPA could exceed the projected cost of improvements that would probably need to be made asap. Page also explained many improvements and alterations the bin has undergone over the years, but the structure over 40 years old that is exposed to not only weather, but also salt has certainly seen its better days. 

Cannon said he would research the matter further and discuss with Foreman Page to look at every option available to the county.

The Circuit Court Clerk’s office has announced that it will close this Wednesday at 1:00PM in order to attend the funeral of Peggy Jo Jaggers, who was a retired Deputy Court Clerk.  This is driver testing day and there will be road tests in the morning, however the written test will be cancelled for the afternoon.   

by Laney Meredith, story
Darren Doyle, photos

There was a packed court room at Monday's Fiscal Court meeting as many concerned parents and coaches discussed the future plans of the little league program. Judge Wil Cannon started the discussion by saying Little League Program Director, Greg Hudson, was thrown into a moving stream after he was hired, which led to his resignation. 

Cannon said that according to his research, no other Fiscal Court in the state of Kentucky governs local Parks and Recreation programs. He reiterated that "County government should not be appointing (little league) board members".  Cannon said that his plans would be for the county to still provide the property, maintenance, electricity, water, concessions, and that all the proceeds from the concessions could be kept in the program. Cannon stated, "The last thing we want is to turn our back on the little league program."

Mark Woosley, District 6 Magistrate, said the Fiscal Court hired Hudson to better the program, and the reports that he had received were that things were much better. He added that the county's fees are half the price of what other counties pay  to participate in little league programs. Woosley said as a member of Fiscal Court, he would support little league as much as he could. He also commended Greg Hudson for the job he had done with the program this season. 

Darren Doyle, story and photo
During the Monday, June 22nd Fiscal Court meeting, Judge Wil Cannon expressed his disappointment in a recent article on the Edmonson County Animal Shelter published by The Daily News in Bowling Green. You can read the article by clicking here, and Cannon said the photos were taken from odd angles and his quotes were taken out of context. 

"They've got a picture of one animal here that looks like its starving to death," Cannon said. "They should at least ask the question to the Carrolls (the shelter owner/operators) When did you pick this animal up?"

Cannon said other photos of kittens with "goo in their eyes" were published. "They (Daily News) didn't ask the question of how long the kittens had been there, if they had, they'd know that the kittens were dumped there the night before. If they want to be fair, they should have asked those questions," he said.

"If they want to put pictures of three-day old dog waste on there, that's fine, that was true and accurate, but the rest of the story is just painting the picture that they wanted people to see." 

Judge Cannon said that some of the published information was just flat out wrong. 

"One place in the article, they claimed that dogs in an outdoor kennel didn't have food or water. Well, I went over there, right behind those reporters that came in my office and said there was a cage up there that was dirty and didn't have food or water, so I drove straight up there," said Cannon. "I looked at that same cage and there was water in the bucket...it wasn't full, but if they'd bothered to look over into the bucket, they'd have seen water. And if they knew what they were looking for, they'd have known that the dogs had been fed, because dogs don't do what those dogs were doing (waste) without being fed."

Cannon said that the Carrolls are feeding and watering the dogs every day, and felt that the article misrepresented what the shelter does on a regular basis. "There were some cages that weren't clean," he said, "and there's really no excuse for it, but the shelter got caught this one time." One time, he says, that's not the norm.

He held up a copy of the paper in his hand for the magistrates to see. "It's not entirely accurate, and I wanted you all to know that," he said as he tossed the paper aside.

Cannon urged the magistrates and others in attendance to visit the shelter and see for themselves. "What I think you'll find is that the cages are normally kept clean, and that this is an unusual occasion." 

(Brownsville, KY)-  On Sunday, June 21, 2015 Kentucky State Police Post 3 Bowling Green responded to a home invasion at 1258 Chalybeate School Road in the Chalybeate community of Edmonson County.  An unknown male perpetrator forced his way into the front door knocking 86 year old resident, Harry Barlow, to the floor, causing minor injury to the victim.  The perpetrator proceeded to take money and prescription medication from the residence.

 

The perpetrator was described as a white male, approximately 5' 10" tall, weighing 180 pounds , wearing blue jeans and having a blue scarf or bandana covering his face.  Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police at (270)782-2010.

 

The investigation is still ongoing and is being led by Trooper First Class Chris Newkirk.

via KSP

Each week, we get tons of feedback from our readers, whether it be through website comments, social media interaction, emails, and sometimes letters via standard mail. Unfortunately, a large number of those are never seen because our Comment Guidelines are not followed.

We love to hear from you, and we want other readers to hear what you have to say, however, there are guidelines set up so everyone can enjoy. Please click on the above link for all the details, but the two main reasons we don't publish comments on our site are: 1. Full names aren't listed in the comment, and 2. The comment is some sort of attack on an individual or local group/organization. 

If you won't provide your full name and email address, your comment will not be published, period. Your email is never published or seen by the public, and we don't store that information. We simply need your address to verify that you're a real person, not a spam generating computer system that could damage our site.

Thanks for your cooperation, as we're still growing and reaching more readers every week. Our site views continue to climb each month (currently around 100K) and we'll continue to do our best to bring you accurate news, weather, and info in a manner that everyone can enjoy.
-Edmonson Voice Staff

We wish all the dads out there a very happy day today. We encourage you to call or visit your dad, or someone that's been a father figure to you today if you have the opportunity. 

Maybe it was a teacher, coach, pastor, uncle, neighbor, or friend, or maybe all the above, but we all had someone that was/is a dad to us in some form or fashion.

So on this special day, thanks, Dads, for all you've done and all you do. Happy Father's Day.

It is almost State Fair Time! The Kentucky State Fair will take place in Louisville, KY Aug. 20-30. The Edmonson County Tourism Commission once again will have a booth for Edmonson County in the Pride In The Counties area but volunteers are needed to assist with the booth.

To achieve this goal, the Tourism Commission is starting a program for businesses and organizations to “Adopt a Day At The State Fair.”

In return for your staff manning a booth for the day, the business or organization will receive free fair tickets & free parking for volunteers, and the business or organization will receive advertising presence in the booth for the day, and special recognition plaque presented at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner in the Fall.  The Tourism Commission is asking for the sponsor to send at least 2 employees to sit in the Edmonson County booth, inside the South Wing exhibition area (air conditioned) for the day to greet people.

“We feel the booth at the state fair is an important marketing tool. Many Nolin Lake land owners and visitors are from Louisville area and interject money in our community," said Tourism Director Rhonda Clemmons. "We also feel the booth projects a positive image about Edmonson County to the entire state. Only with the help of our community, can we successfully achieve this project.”

Those wishing to volunteer and sponsor a day are asked to do so by.  Aug. 5th.  Please “Adopt a Day At The State Fair” by calling 270-597-2222 or email [email protected].

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday June 16, 2015. The Honorable Judge Renona Carol Browning presiding.

Aaron Seth Bevins, Public intoxication of controlled substance (excludes alcohol). First degree possession of controlled substance/drug unspecified- 1st offense. Controlled substance-prescription not in original container. Possession of marijuana. Pleaded not guilty to all. Preliminary hearing set for 6/23/15. Public attorney appointed.

Craig J. Kilgore, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs- 3rd offense. Driving motor vehicle while license suspended for DUI- 3rd or more offense. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Continued for 6/23/15. Public attorney appointed.

Bryan Lee Tipton, Fleeing or evading police, 1st degree (on foot). Possession of controlled substance- 1st degree- 1st offense (methamphetamine). Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Possession of marijuana. Wanton endangerment- 1st degree- police officer. Reckless driving. Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, aggravator- 1st offense. Refusing to submit to breath/blood/urine test(s). Pleaded not guilty to all. Preliminary hearing set for 6/23/15. Public attorney appointed.

Terry M. Morris, Fleeing or evading police- 2nd degree (on foot). Possession of controlled substance- 1st degree- 1st offense (methamphetamine). Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Possession of marijuana. Pleaded not guilty to all. Preliminary hearing set for 6/23/15.

Philip J. Pitts, Nonresident hunting/trapping without license/permit. Continued for 6/23/15.

Joseph Penn, Assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference set for 7/14/15.

William Albert Gregory, Alcohol intoxication in a public place- 1st and 2nd offense. Pleaded guilty, fined $25. Disorderly conduct- 2nd degree. Pleaded guilty, 30 days in jail, suspended for 2 years on no similar charge. Defendant sent to Lifeskills for counseling and substance abuse evaluation and treatment. Total fines and costs $209.

Michael D. Hardin Jr, Assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference set for 7/14/15.

Dustin A. Lane, Operating on suspended/revoked operators license. Possessing license when privileges are revoked/suspended. Failure to notify address change to department of transportation. Pleaded guilty to all. Pretrial conference set for 7/28/15. Failure to produce insurance card, proof shown, dismissed. No/expired registration plates, proof shown, dismissed. No/expired KY registration receipt, proof shown, dismissed.

Brent A. Pennington, Speeding 16MPH over limit, will attend County Attorney traffic school.

Casey Wade Decker, Speeding 21MPH over limit. Continued for 6/23/15.

Daquan Levelle Mays, Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st. Proof filed, dismissed.

Curtis Roger Gann, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, aggravator- 1st offense. Possession of open alcohol beverage container in a motor vehicle. Pleaded not guilty to both. Pretrial conference set for 7/14/15.

Jeffrey B. Wilson, Resident fishing without a license/permit, paid in full.

Chip Devon Rich, Violation of KY Emergency Protection Order/Domestic Violence Order. Dismissed.

Trent D. Costello, Assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference set for 7/14/15. Public attorney appointed.

Danny Vincent and James Miller were chosen as Master Conservationists for 2014 by the Edmonson County Conservation District Board of Supervisors for their outstanding achievements in soil and water conservation.

The Master Conservationist program, sponsored by the Kentucky Soil and Water Commission, was established in 1983 to recognize those who have excelled in soil and water conservation and protection, and have completed more than 90 percent of their conservation plan.

Awards were presented by Wayne Thompson, Chairman at the June 16th  2015  Supervisors meeting. The supervisors and staff would like to congratulate both Mr. Vincent and Mr. Miller on their achievements.

Darren Doyle, Edmonson Voice
The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office responded to a stabbing at Jones' Park, a private, family-owned park on KY HWY 185 (Caneyville Rd) about a mile from the Roundhill crossroads. 

Police say when they arrived, they discovered a 16yr old male juvenile that had a stab wound on the right side of his stomach. According to witnesses, a fight had occurred earlier between the juvenile and William Alex Webb, 18, of Bee Spring. The juvenile accused Webb of stabbing him and leaving the scene. Edmonson County EMS transported the juvenile to The Medical Center at Bowling Green where he was treated and released. 

Police later found Webb around 11:30 at a residence in Brownsville. Webb was arrested and charged with assault first degree, possession of synthetic drugs, drug paraphernalia - buy/possess. Police said more charges are likely to come.

The investigation was led by Deputy Jordan Jones and assisted by Deputy Wally Ritter and Officer Garth Avery. Webb was transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail. Bear Creek Fire Department was also on scene.

  The Edmonson County Board of Education met June 8, 2015 and recognized these teachers receiving the Excellence in Teaching Award:

Left to right:  Carolyn Vincent, Lauren Alford, Amanda Davis, Superintendent Patrick Waddell

The school board also recognized the 2014-2015 retiring staff members:  Supervisor of Instruction -Alex Fitzpatrick, Edmonson County High School Teacher -Bobby Joe Duncan,  Instructional Aide - Patty Massey.

Not Present were Teacher - Tommy Webb, Instructional Assistant - Carol Lindsey, Cook - Carolyn Mills, Bus Driver - Johnny Skaggs

Not long after EdmonsonVoice.com was introduced to the world, folks began emailing, messaging, and asking us, "When are you going to have a weather page?" Well, thanks to Southern Care Walk-In Clinic, that time has come. We're putting the finishing touches on it right now, and we think you guys are going to like it!

Starting tomorrow, Tuesday June 16th, Edmonson County's first local forecast will be available on our site. It's so easy: all you'll do is click the "Weather" tab and boom! Brownsville's forecast will appear with current temp and conditions, along with the 5 day forecast. Want Bee Spring's forecast? Smiths Grove? Just type in any zip and your local forecast will be shown. We're even working on adding our very own weatherman to our staff. 

We're excited and we hope you are, too. We continue to grow every day and we're now reaching more than ever. Thank you for your relentless support and we ask that you keep reading EdmonsonVoice.com. 

Darren Doyle, story and photos, Edmonson Voice
Local firefighters responded to a house fire around 1:30 AM on Monday, June 15th, to the home of Mrs. Jessie Miller, at 1063 Chalybeate Rd, about a mile south from the Beaver Dam Baptizing Facility. According to Chalybeate Fire Chief Daniel Johnson, who was first on the scene, a detached garage and three vehicles were engulfed when firefighters arrived. 

"Mrs. Miller saw bright lights out the window and then realized her garage was on fire," Chief Johnson said. Officials said that she and one of her sons, Ronald Miller, got out with no injuries.

Officials said that it's obvious the fire started in the garage and made its way to the end of the home. There were three vehicles in the driveway, all of which were completely lost. 

Mrs. Miller's other son, Mike Miller, was also at the scene. "The only thing in there (the garage) that was running was a refrigerator," he said. "We had some stuff stolen out of there recently, and you know, we had a 50cc scooter right there in the door, and I swear, I don't see it," he added. "It could be under that stuff there, (he pointed to the rubble) but it's a big scooter so the motor and frame should still be there."

He pointed out that the scooter was parked in front of an old garden tiller, which could still be seen, but the scooter wasn't visible. This raised the question of a possible theft and arson to some at the scene, but no officials have eluded to that as of right now. A close family friend was overheard telling Mr. Miller that his nearby residence was broken into yesterday and several items were stolen, (currently under police investigation) but again, no official word that the two incidents are related, nor that any crime was committed at Mrs. Miller's home.

Chief Johnson said firefighters left the scene around 4 AM but were called back around 7 AM when the blaze rekindled inside the home. The firemen were spraying firefighting foam when they returned. The foam is a compound used to cool surface areas and prevent the fuel's contact with oxygen, which suppresses the fire.

The blaze was contained to the south end of the home, but the entire attic area took on smoke and water damage. Mr. Miller said it was unclear of what steps would be taken next. "We can't bother anything until the insurance company gets here," he said.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Bryon Tipton, 36, from Lexington, and the passenger was identified as Terry Morris, 33, from Leitchfield. Morris was found to have outstanding warrants in Daviess County for manufacturing meth, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, along with seven other felony warrants and several misdemeanors. 
 
Tipton, the driver, was charged with wanton endangerment 1st (police officer), reckless driving, DUI 1st (aggravated), refusal of DUI test, fleeing and evading 1st (motor vehicle), possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana. Police say more charges are likely to come. 

Morris, the passenger, was charged with fleeing and evading 2nd, possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana. The National Park Service said they have more charges pending, including speeding of 90mph in a 55mph zone, possession of controlled substance (meth), possession of marijuana, operating under the influence, and refusal of chemical test. Police suspected both subjects were highly under the influence of meth and both reportedly had "meth sores" on various places.

Deputy Scott Skaggs, (KSP Ret.) was traveling north towards Brownsville on Veteran's Memorial with his family on his way to church. He said he met the vehicles in the chase as they were heading south. "I saw the pickup go into the emergency lane and passed an RV on the right shoulder of the road," he said. "When the truck came back onto the roadway, it came into oncoming traffic, nearly hitting a silver van behind me. The van had to go off on their shoulder to avoid being struck."

Emily Ellis, the driver of the silver van, said the same. "The pickup came into my lane and I had to take the emergency lane," she said. "If I hadn't moved, he would have side-swiped me. I didn't know what was going on until I saw the cops."

Both subjects were transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail. The Brownsville Police Department would like to thank the MCNP Rangers, Deputy Wally Ritter, KSP Post 3, Edmonson County Dispatch, and Edmonson County EMS.

by Edmonson Voice Staff
Bowling Green Police have reported that they have received several phone calls regarding a scam and the I.R.S. According to the reports, the scammer calls saying he or she is from the I.R.S. and that the person being called owes back taxes. The caller is very intimidating to the person, threatening to put them in jail if back-taxes are not paid. 

Some Edmonson County residents informed us of the same incident happening here. They said they didn't answer the calls, but received voicemails where the voice sounded computer generated or altered, and demanded that they call them back at a different number. 

Police say that if the I.R.S. is owed money, they will send written notification to the taxpayer and certainly won't make threatening phone calls. Citizens are reminded to simply hang up on any suspicious phone call and to never give personal information over the phone. 

by Laney Meredith
Wednesday night, police received a tip about a possible intoxicated driver in the Brownsville area. Police soon matched the description to a vehicle and performed a routine traffic stop in the 700 block of KY HWY 70 (Morgantown Rd). 

According to police, after making contact with the car, it was found that the driver was not intoxicated, however, police say the passenger of the vehicle, Aaron Bevin, 40, of Sweeden, strongly smelled of alcohol. Police say a routine search was conducted where hydrocodone and marijuana were found in Bevin's possession. 

Bevin was then charged with possession of controlled substance- 1st, prescription medication not in original container, possession of marijuana, and public intoxication of controlled substance. 

The investigation was led by Deputy Jordan Jones and assisted by Deputy Wally Ritter and Officer Garth Avery.

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday 6/9/15. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty presiding.

Chip Devon Rich, Violation of KY Emergency Protection Order/Domestic Violence Order. Continued for 6/16/15.

Curtis Roger Gann, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, Aggravator- First offense. Possession of open alcohol beverage container in a motor vehicle. Continued for 6/16/15.

Kimberly Ann Lamb, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs first offense. Pleaded guilty. Sentenced to 30 days in jail, suspended for two years, on no similar charge. Total cost and fines $728.

Lee E. Ray, Assault, second degree- Domestic Violence. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial hearing for 6/16/15.

Charles Ray Hayes, Trafficking in controlled substance, first degree, first offense, drug unspecified. Assault third degree, police/probation officer. Resisting arrest. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial hearing for 6/16/15.

Bobby J. Lindsey, Assault fourth degree domestic violence, minor injury. Failed to appear. Bench warrant issued, $500 cash.

Charles Ray Hayes, Harassment- no physical contact. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference for 7/7/15.

Verlon Dale Harder, Public intoxication- controlled substance (excludes alcohol). Possession of marijuana. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference for 6/23/15.

Tyler William Hardin, Public intoxication- controlled substance (excludes alcohol). Possession of marijuana. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference for 6/23/15.

Kyle D. Smith, Speeding 16MPH over limit. Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs- first offense. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference for 6/23/15.

Crystal L. Porter, Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Pleaded not guilty. Continued for 8/18/15.

Marlin D. Martin, No/expired registration plates. No/expired KY registration receipt. Proof shown for both, both dismissed.

Bobby C. Hayes, Failure to wear seat belts. Too many passengers in vehicle (front seat). Pre-payable, continued 7/7/15.

Aaron R. Miller, No operator's/moped license. Pleaded not guilty. Continued for 8/18/15.

Darrell W. Duvall, No/expired registration plates. No/expired KY registration receipt. Failure to produce insurance card. Proof shown on all counts. All dismissed.

William A. Gregory, Criminal trespass- first degree. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference for 7/7/15.

Wallace D. Roddy, Reckless driving. Improper passing. Driving too fast for traffic conditions. License plate not legible. Failure to produce insurance card. No/expired KY registration receipt. Obstructed vision and/or windshield. Improper equipment. Pleaded not guilty to all. Continued for 8/18/15.

Silas Dakota Kinser, No/expired KY registration receipt. No/expired registration plates.  Proof shown for both, both dismissed.

Tammy J. Embry, No/expired KY registration receipt. No/expired registration plates. Proof shown for both, both dismissed. Failure to produce insurance card. Pleaded guilty, fined $50. Total fines and costs $193.

Cheyl D. Demunbrun, No/expired KY registration receipt. No/expired registration plates. Proof shown for both, both dismissed.

Mark Vaught, License to be in possession. Failure to produce insurance card. Proof shown for both, both dismissed. Following another vehicle too closely, speeding 13MPH over limit. Pleaded guilty. Sentenced to traffic school.

Silas Dakota Kinser, Obstructed vision and.or windshield. One headlight. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference for 6/23/15. No/expired KY registration receipt. No/expired registration plates. Proof shown for both.

Sandy D. Clark, One headlight. No tail lamps. Failure to or improper signal. Proof shown on all counts. All dismissed.

Dillon J. Raidt, One headlight. Failed to appear.

Helen J. Lawrence, Failure to produce insurance card. Deferred one year. No/expired registration plates. Will dismiss.

Julia E. Wood, Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security- first. Failure to notify address change to Dept. of Transportation. Failure to produce insurance card. Proof shown for all, all dismissed.

Dacoyte Wayne Richards, Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security- first. Continued for 2 weeks.

Paula Litlen, License to be in possession. Proof shown, dismissed.

Paul Collins, Theft by unlawful taking or by disposition, all others under $500. Criminal mischief- third degree. Possession of burglary tools. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference for 6/23/15.

Robert Lynn Tucker, Commercial fishing gear, pleaded guilty, fined $100. Illegal taking of wildlife, pleaded guilty, fined $50 per, $500 total. Loss of hunting/fishing license for 1 year. Total fines and costs $754.

Freddie A. Wells, Commercial fishing gear, pleaded guilty, fined $100. Illegal taking of wildlife, pleaded guilty, fined $50 per, $500 total. Loss of hunting/fishing license for one year. Forfeit boat, motor, trailer. Total fines and costs $754.

Glen R. Wood, Possession of marijuana. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference for 6/23/15.

Stacie Lindsey, Possession of marijuana. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Pleaded guilty. Sentenced 45 days in jail. Serve two days, 43 days probated for 2 years on no similar charge involving a controlled substance. Total fines and costs $184.

Jarred S. Carmickle, Possession of marijuana. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Pleaded guilty. Sentenced 45 days in jail. Serve two days, 43 days probated for 2 years on no similar charge involving a controlled substance. Total fines and costs $184.

Julia E. Wood, Reckless driving. Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs- first offense. Controlled substance prescription not original container- first. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference for 10/13/15.

Charles C. Vibbert, Assault- second degree. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial hearing for 6/23/15.

Darren Doyle, story and photos
Members of Chalybeate Fire Department took a trip down to the Beaver Dam Creek Baptizing Facility on Thursday evening as they used their trucks to help clean up the area.

Fire Chief Daniel Johnson said its something that the department tries to do at least once a year. "It only takes a couple of hours, but it really makes a big difference," he said.

Johnson said it helps the department stay up to speed on use of equipment and helps out their younger members with some practice. The facility is owned by the area churches that use it and maintained by church members and other volunteers. 

Participating in the cleanup were Chief Daniel Johnson, Deputy Chief Jeremy Porter, Randy Vincent, Assistant Chief Richard Jurisich, Thomas Slaughter, and Gary Dale Porter.