Edmonson Voice Staff Report Another local teenager was injured in a crash around 2pm today in a single vehicle accident. It's the third serious accident Edmonson County has seen in three days, and the second involving a teen driver in two days. Officials said Jared Mattingly, 17, of Bee Spring was headed north in 8000 block of 259 when his 2001 Chevy pickup left the roadway for an unknown reason and struck a tree. The accident happened just up the road from his residence. Mattingly had to be removed from the vehicle via Edmonson Co. JAWS of Life. He was transported to the Medical Center in Bowling Green via Edmonson EMS. The extent of his injuries was not yet known. Responding to the scene was the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Edmonson JAWS of Life, Edmonson EMS, Kyrock Fire Dept, Brownsville Fire Dept, Dist 2 Constable, and EC Emergency Management.
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Edmonson Voice Staff Report Sheriff Shane Doyle said a string of break-ins and burglaries have recently plagued the Cave Hollow Bay area and the suspect seems to stay just out of reach. "We are almost positive that we know who is doing this, but almost won't cut it," Doyle said. "The burglaries are happening overnight and on properties where no one is home or at seasonal homes. Most of the items taken are food and alcohol." Doyle said that even though the majority of items stolen are not of high value, it's still a serious crime. "Everyone has the right to keep their property safe. We encourage neighbors to be aware of anything that seems off or suspicious activity around vacant properties and trailers with no one inside."
Doyle said what has made it even more frustrating is that people are calling in the next day and saying things like "I saw this guy walking around last night" or "That guy looked like he was up to something." "If something doesn't seem right, it's probably not and you need to call dispatch right then, not the next day or sometime later," Doyle said. "If you wait until then, it's going to be too late, and it could even be your own property." He also reminded everyone to contact the Edmonson County Dispatch Center at 270-597-2729, NOT the sheriff's office. In the event of an emergency, dial 911. Darren Doyle, story The Edmonson County Fiscal Court dissolved their current Animal Shelter/Dog Warden Contract with Greg and Kim Carroll at today's meeting, which you can read by clicking here. In other fiscal court business, Edd Rich reminded the court that the county had voted against the use of flashing or oscillating blue lights on constable vehicles. Mag. Rich said he saw Constable Tim Skees' car with blue and red lights installed and working on his car. He pointed out that laws were laws and they need to be enforced. Sheriff Shane Doyle was asked if he had recently seen any blue lights on constable vehicles, and his thoughts on the matter if any constable has flashing blue lights, to which he replied. "You have the letter of the law and you have the intent of the law. We as a department have always sought to enforce the intent of the law, or what those who passed the laws intended those laws to mean." He said that he has seen lights on a constable's car that when activated, shine solid blue but don't flash or oscillate. He said the solid lights or a flashing red light may not violate the written law, but it's possible that it violates the intent of the law. There was a discussion on the possibility of raising the bond amount for all constables. The current bond for an Edmonson County Constable is $10,000. The Edmonson Voice contacted Constable Tim Skees, who was not present at today's meeting. In a written statement, Constable Skees said: KRS states "flashing, rotating or oscillating blue lights are prohibited." I use only lights which are allowed to the letter of the law. My lights may be blue, yes, but do not flash, oscillate, or rotate, therefore are no more illegal that the ice blue headlights or blue lights everyday persons use on trucks and cars seen every day on roads. The law states shall not be equipped with "flashing, oscillating or rotating blue lights." My view would be "Why is Mr. Rich so against the law, and those who are elected to represent it by the people?" I have the same authority and jurisdiction as any other Edmonson Co law official. Our special deputies which are also not Richmond certified, run blue lights every day, and perform traffic stops and peace officer duties. The exception is they are furnished county vehicles, county tags, county blue lights, and county radio privileges. I work for free, just as the special deputies all do. Only difference between myself and special deputies , is that the people elected me, and special deputies are appointed. I have full support as a peace officer from every county law enforcement officer in the county. However, Magistrate Rich chooses to ignore their judgement and issue his personal thoughts. I pay to serve the people of Edmonson county out of my pocket with zero support of magistrates. If they can justify their stance to the public, I'd like to see that. Judge Cannon said the matter would be discussed further after some research. He also said that a decision for raising the bond would be made at the next meeting. In other Fiscal Court business:
Road Report: Road Foreman Ray Page reported his crew had been busy with various blacktopping jobs throughout the county, mowing crews were working on county right of ways, and new 35mph signs had been posted on Oak Hill Road. Sheriff Report: Sheriff Doyle reported on two different serious accidents in as many days. He also spoke of a rash of burglaries around Cave Hollow Bay, and that his office is investigating a suspect. He also reported that several DUI arrests were made during recent traffic safety checkpoints, which we will have in an upcoming report. Parks and Rec: Program administrator Greg Hudson said that little league baseball is in process of finishing this week and All Star season will begin soon. He announced some of the details for the upcoming Freedom Festival and said that the parks are planning on offering a soccer program for this fall. County Attorney Annual Report: J.B. Hines said that the state requires his office to give an annual report. In the report he described the source of office funds which were: 1. County Attorney traffic school ($3K). 2. Cold check account-fees ($4k) 3. Delinquent tax fees (over $51K) He said the total expenses were around $49K, for the past fiscal year. He said the upcoming year will be increase with the addition of hiring an asst. county attorney to help with delinquent tax collection. New Business: The court opened sealed bids for county road materials from Scotty’s Construction, Caneyville Crushed Stone, Asphalt Materials & Co, Bluegrass Materials, and Park City Stone. Judge Wil Cannon said it was standard practice to accept all bids if it benefits the county. The court also: Reappointed Yvonne Campbell to serve on Aging Committee. Reappointed Mike Stoyonovich as a citizen member to BRADD. Radio System Finance Approval: Radio System Approval: $115,000.00, paid over 5 years, as per agreement between Edmonson County, KACO, and Magnolia Bank. Property Donation To County: Judge Cannon said that Mr. Robert Vincent wanted to donate a half acre piece of property off KY HWY 728 to the county, however; the Judge said the county accepting the donation would not be beneficial. He said the county would have no use for the property but would have to maintain it, or incur expense to sell it. He said the best way for the property to benefit the county would be for it to remain in private hands so property taxes could be paid on it. "It's a very generous offer from Mr. Vincent, who doesn't live in the county, but I think it would be better if it remained in private ownership." Magistrate Edd Rich suggested that the court wait on a decision until magistrates had a chance to inspect the property, to which the Judge agreed. The meeting was adjourned and after a short recess, attendees reassembled for the purpose of discussion on the animal shelter situation. Darren Doyle, story and photos Edmonson County Judge Executive Wil Cannon asked for a motion to cancel the county's animal shelter/animal control officer contract with Kim and Greg Carroll at today's fiscal court meeting. The motion was made by Mag. Mark Woosley and seconded by Mag. Joe Durbin. The vote was unanimous. Several citizens were present at today's meeting, but to much surprise, there were no fireworks or major excitement in the talks. The discussion was focused on how to remedy the county's problem rather than pointing fingers or placing blame. Judge Cannon first asked the Carrolls' attorney, Gary Logsdon, who was present on his clients' behalf, if there could be a mutual dissolution to the contract, to which Logsdon said there was not. Logsdon said that he needed to do more research in order for him to be able to properly advise his clients as to the best decision to make. He said his clients wanted to be fully cooperative with the court. It was then that Judge Cannon read the entire contract to the court and explained that the Carrolls had breached the contract by not upholding the requirements within. The contract also stated that either party could terminate the $30K per year agreement if the other had violated the agreement, which Cannon said was the case here. Judge Cannon then paused the animal shelter discussion in order for the court to handle normal fiscal business, but re-opened the discussion after the official meeting was over. Most everyone in attendance stayed for the group discussion. Kitty Houchin, a resident of Carder Street in Brownsville, spoke on behalf of a group of citizens that are in the process of forming "Edmonson County Paws," the county's first organized humane society. "We're trying to take all the hate, discontent, and everyone that's mad, and focus that in a positive force going forward from today," she said. Cannon reminded the group that the main reason for signing an agreement with the Carrolls was that they were the only ones to submit a bid since 2008. Mrs. Houchin said she felt like there was at least one reason for that. "We certainly understand that, but some of the complaints I've been hearing is that no one else would bid on it because there was no clear direction on what it would take." She said she didn't know that the state law actually defined it clearly. Issues such as land or facility requirements were gray areas. Cannon agreed. "There's not enough definition on that, that's for sure," he said. Judge Cannon also noted that he had received several calls and held meetings with several residents over the past couple weeks discussing a humane society while offering a host of other complaints and suggestions. "I invited them all to this meeting today, but I don't see them here." Mrs. Houchin reiterated that the focus of Edmonson County Paws was to help find a solution. "We appreciate your efforts thus far," she said to Cannon. "We're here to work with you, not against you as an extension of fiscal court." Joe Daugherty, a resident of Pig and a former county dog warden, said he also wanted to help. "I'd love to step into the dog warden position either on a temporary or permanent basis," he said. "This is something that needs people with compassion and love to take care of," he added, to which the crowd applauded. Daugherty said he also felt like there needed to be stricter county ordinances on dogs along with spay and neuter laws. Judge Cannon disagreed. "We don't need new ordinances or laws, we need to enforce the ones we already have, and we need an animal control officer that's available when they're needed." Cannon also said that a dog warden would be unnecessary until there was a facility in which to house the dogs. Lorri Hare, Executive Director of the Bowling Green/Warren County Humane Society, spoke to the group and said that there had been some suggestions a possibility for the BG/WC Society to take on Edmonson County's contract. "The answer isn't for Warren County to take over the surrounding county contracts," she said. "It's for us to come in and help Edmonson County (and others) to develop a better program."
She said her organization would gladly help Edmonson County on a interim basis but the ultimate goal should be for the WC humane society to be a support group for an Edmonson County organization. "It's just a matter of getting the right people involved and we're willing to help. Our board meeting is tomorrow. We've agreed that if Edmonson County finds the right dog warden temporarily, we've already agreed to take those animals. We want to encourage Edmonson County citizens that if they're missing an animal, they need to come look for it at our shelter." She said she has offered help to the Carrolls numerous times but they refused. "This has been a horrific ordeal for many animals at that shelter," she said. I could keep you here for another 24 hours telling similar stories." She said that she wouldn't offer her organization's help if the Carrolls were still involved. "That's not to take anything away from them as people, but I've been trying to help them for three years. It isn't going to happen. We're very glad those doors are closed. I wish nothing ill on them, but they don't need to be in the animal business." Attempts to reach the Carrolls for comment today were not immediately returned. Kim Carroll told us last Monday that she was advised not to comment on the shelter's closing without her attorney present. She also said she wanted to sit down with us as soon as possible and tell her side of the story. Magistrate Mark Woosley suggested that a portion of the 14 acre tract in the process of being donated to the Rocky Hill Fire Department could be a viable location for a new county animal shelter at some point in the future. Several in attendance agreed that it was unlikely for the fire department to utilize all 14 acres in the event that the department even developed the tract, and that at least looking into the idea was favorable. Most county fire departments are each using one acre or less on which to operate their departments. Cannon said that a search for a new animal control officer would be in effect immediately and that a decision would hopefully be made at the next fiscal court meeting on Monday, June 27, 2016. On behalf of everyone at Middlestate Tile Company, located in Chalybeate, we thank each and every one of you for voting our family owned business "Edmonson County's Finest Contractor" in the first annual EC's Finest Awards.
We consider this a great honor and we're proud to be from Edmonson County. You can contact us at: 1040 Beaver Dam Chapel Road Smiths Grove, KY 42171 Phone: (270) 597-3901 From Dale, Gale, Caleb, and Cody. THANK YOU! Edmonson Voice Staff
A two-vehicle collision sent four people to the hospital today, including three juveniles in a serious crash near Nolin Lake around 5pm. According to officials, Jasmine Agnew, 17, of Bear Creek was driving north in a 2002 Ford Mustang on KY HWY 1827 (Briar Creek Road) when she apparently crossed the center line and struck a 2002 Ford F150 driven by Jeffery Burd, 48, of Cave City. Officials said Miss Agnew had to be removed from her vehicle via JAWS of Life, which took approximately an hour to complete. It was reported that she suffered a broken femur among other possible injuries. She was also carrying two juvenile passengers, a 12 year old female and an 8 year old male. Both passengers suffered cuts and bruises but it was unclear as to the severity of their injuries. Mr. Burd was reported to have suffered a broken arm. His passenger, Dalton Broone, 21 of Hardyville was uninjured. Air Evac was requested and landed near the scene; however, no one was transported by helicopter. It was the second day in a row Air Evac was requested in Edmonson County. Miss Agnew and her passengers were transported to the Medical Center at Bowling Green via Edmonson EMS. Mr. Burd was transported to T.J. Sampson Hospital. Responding to the scene was the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Kyrock Fire Department, JAWS of Life, Lincoln Fire Department, Edmonson EMS, and Air Evac. Darren Doyle, story and photos An Otter Gap area farmer was seriously injured this evening around 7pm in a tractor accident on KY HWY 743 (New Grove Rd) when he lost control, crashed into an embankment, and was ejected through the tractor's glass door. Joey Watt, 52, a resident of Otter Gap Road suffered a severe head injury in the accident. According to reports and witnesses on the scene, Watt had finished planting corn in a nearby field and was traveling on 743 when apparently after rounding a curve, the corn planter he was pulling began to fishtail. A deputy said that apparently the planter began to pull the tractor from side to side, causing him to lose control of the machine, forcing him off road. According to the evidence, he was thrown into the roof of the tractor and then ejected out the driver's door, shattering it in the process. Watt was critically injured in a previous accident several years ago when a house trailer he was working under fell on top of him. According to family members, he can only walk with the help of a cane. According to reports, Watt's nephew, Joseph Watt was riding ahead of him in a pickup truck. It was unclear if the nephew saw the crash or simply noticed the tractor was no longer following him, but he quickly turned around to come to the aid of his uncle. Either way, one family member called Joseph a hero for his quick action. Emergency personnel on scene said Watt was conscious and was alert during emergency treatment. The Air Evac Life Team was dispatched and landed in a nearby field, however; the helicopter was too small to accommodate Watt's large frame and a larger helicopter was called. Watt was transported via Edmonson EMS to Kyrock Elementary where he was met by a helicopter from Air Methods with the help of Kyrock Fire Dept and was flown to University of Louisville Hospital. A family member was contacted later to check on the condition of Mr. Watt, but it was not completely known at press time.
No other vehicles were involved in the accident. Responding to the scene was the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, KY State Police, Chalybeate Fire Department, District 2 Constable, Edmonson EMS, and Air Evac. Darren Doyle, story and photos When most people think of the Chalybeate community, bowling alleys, resorts, and booming tourists attractions don't often come to mind, but during the 1800's, those things were prevalent in the small, southern area of southern Edmonson County. The Kentucky Historical Society along with the Edmonson County Historical Society unveiled the new historical marker today in front of a large crowd for both Chalybeate Springs and Chameleon Springs at the junction of KY HWY 101 (Chalybeate Rd) and KY HWY 3611 (old Chalybeate Rd). EC Historical Society member Jeff Houchins, who helped coordinate the event, was pleased with the large crowd today in spite of the heat and humidity. "I'm proud that we now have this marker here to remember our ancestors, our heritage, and the area where we came from," he said. Houchins was raised in the community and lives nearby on Chalybeate School Road. "I feel that we are very fortunate that we grew up right here in Edmonson County," he said as he addressed the crowd. "Especially those of us that grew up around Chalybeate Springs. I know it affected my life, growing up around Mrs Mitchell (Eleanor), Mr. Huffman (Dale), and Doc Gray. It had a great impact on my life." Several in attendance shared memories and stories from their parents and grandparents of growing up in the Chalybeate area and visiting both Chalybeate and Chameleon Springs Resorts and Hotels. Dale "Doc" Gray, who lived at Chalybeate Springs for over 40 years with his wife, Sarah, said the area would always be considered home. He became emotional as he shared many memories of the community. Sarah Gray was also emotional as she shared some of her thoughts on the ceremony. "This is such a special day," she said. "All the wonderful people and memories. This place will always be home." There were also many funny and light-hearted memories shared. One attendee who wished to remain anonymous, said bootleggers would stash their beverages in Chameleon Springs (located in Sulfur Hollow) and were able to charge double because the spring always kept them ice cold. Houchins recognized several people and groups for attending or helping the commemoration come together. Some mentioned were Judge Executive Wil Cannon, County Attorney J.B. Hines, the WKU Folklore Dept, Mag. Joe Durbin, the Chalybeate Homemakers, Reggie and Lisa Jaggers who now own the home on the site of Chalybeate Springs, Creekside Garden and Nursery for use of their ferns, and Byrd Activity Center for the use of chairs at the site. The Chalybeate Springs Hotel was in operation from the late 1800's until just after WWII. Chameleon Springs Hotel was established in 1804 and is credited as the meeting place where Edmonson County was officially formed and established in 1825.
Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, June 7, 2016. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty presiding. Stephen Rhyne Roberts, Jr, Operating on suspended/revoked license. Failure to produce insurance card. Pleaded not guilty to both. Continued on 8/2/16. Randall Whittaker, Trafficking in controlled substance first degree-first offense (meth). Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial hearing 6/21/16. Eva Darlene Dumond, Trafficking in controlled substance first degree-first offense (meth). Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial hearing 6/21/16. Derek Ryan Funkhouser, Cultivation of marijuana, 5 or more plants, first offense. Traffic in marijuana, less than 8 oz first offense. Drug paraphernalia. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial hearing 6/28/16. Andrea Elaine Langley, Possess open alcohol beverage container in a motor vehicle. Possession of controlled substance first degree-first offense (meth). Possession of controlled substance 3rd degree, drug unspecified. Illegal possession of legend drug. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Pretrial hearing 6/21/16.
Heath L Williams, Alcohol intoxication in a public place second offense. Possession of controlled substance first degree (meth). Possession open alcohol beverage container in vehicle. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Pretrial hearing 6/21/16. Zackary S Richards, Assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury. Alcohol intoxication in a public place 2nd offense. Criminal mischief. Continued for later date. Mark A Moon, No/expired registration plates. Operate motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, aggravator, first offense. Pleaded not guilty to both charges, pretrial conference 7/5/16. License to be in possession, proof shown, dismissed. Darren Doyle While many high school seniors will be occupied with a routine summer break, local student Makenzie Daniels has planned a summer of traveling, presentations, and studying at the prestigious Gatton Academy at WKU. Six Gatton Academy students are presenting research this summer at the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools (NCSSS) Student Research Conference at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. From July 9-12, these students will join approximately 100 other students from across the country to share their research work through oral and poster presentations. Makenzie Daniels (’17) of Chalybeate will present “The Isolation of Mycobacteriophage Hemsworth.” Daniels will also be participating in WKU's partnership with Harlaxton College in Grantham, England, to offer a study abroad course. She, along with several other students will study Honors: Introduction to Literature with Professor Walker Rutledge of the WKU Department of English.
About The Gatton Academy: Established in 2007, The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s first residential high school for gifted and talented junior and seniors. The Gatton Academy’s students enroll as juniors and are full-time WKU students pursuing their interests in advanced science, technology, engineering and mathematical careers. The Gatton Academy has been named to the Washington Post’s list of top-performing schools with elite students for eight consecutive years and was named the number one public high school in the United States by The Daily Beast for three consecutive years – 2012, 2013 and 2014. On top of that, she also plans to work as a pharmacy technician. She is the daughter of Matt and Lysette Daniels of Chalybeate. Edmonson Voice Staff Report The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) will dedicate a new historical marker in Chalybeate Springs on Saturday, June 11, at 10 a.m. CDT at the intersection of KY HWY 101 and KY S HWY 3611. The marker will commemorate both Chameleon and Chalybeate Springs. Chalybeate Springs is located at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Reggie Jaggers*. Doc and Sarah Gray owned the home and property until the last few years when they sold to Mr. Jaggers. Chameleon Springs was located at the bottom of Sulfur Hollow and was home to the first hotel and resort in the area in 1804. The spring got it's name from the five different types of minerals in the water, each with a different tint, giving the appearance of color changing waters. The property is now owned by Bruce Denham of Chalybeate. The text on the marker will read:
CHAMELEON SPRINGS Pioneer “long hunters” often camped at mineral springs located nearby. In 1804, their campsite became the location of Chameleon Springs Hotel. A summer resort with five different mineral waters and many activities, it operated until the early 1930s. An 1825 meeting at Bryan’s Tavern at Chameleon Springs formally established Edmonson County. CHALYBEATE SPRINGS Discovered by Dr. William Ford in the early 1800s, the springs were famous for their supposed healing powers. The Chalybeate Springs Hotel provided dancing, dining, horse racing, golf, tennis, and fox hunting. Andrew Jackson is said to have visited often after his presidency. A popular resort for more than 100 years, it closed during World War II. *An earlier version of this report had incorrectly named one of the property owners. the story has been updated with the correct name. We apologize for the error. Darren Doyle, story and photo Judge Executive Wil Cannon said today that he will present a plan to dissolve the county's contract with the Edmonson County Animal Shelter, owned by Greg and Kim Carroll, in the wake of the indefinite closing of the shelter. Director Kim Carroll was charged with second degree cruelty to animals on Friday evening and all the animals at the facility were relocated to other shelters. "When you start to see a pattern, and I've seen it now for a year, where conditions should be getting better but they're not, then there's a problem that has to be fixed," said Cannon. Cannon also explained how the contract between Carroll and the county works. He said that every year since 2008, bids have been offered for the services of County Dog Warden, an office required by the state with which each county must comply. He said the Carrolls have been the only ones that have ever submitted a bid, and according to the law, the county has been required to award them the contract. This year's bid was for $30K, and includes 24/7 dog warden service and a place to house all dogs picked up. The bid price is to include maintenance of the shelter property along with proper care for the dogs, giving them adequate food, water, and shelter. According to KRS 258.095, the law states: The governing body of each county shall employ, appoint, or contract with an animal control officer, or shall contract with an entity that employs, appoints, or contracts with an animal control officer, and shall establish and maintain an animal shelter as a means of facilitating and administering KRS 258.095 to 258.500. KRS 258.095 (13) describes the description of an animal shelter as it states: "Animal shelter" means any facility used to house or contain animals, operated or maintained by a governmental body, incorporated humane society, animal welfare society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or other nonprofit organization; The Carrolls have previously stated that their shelter is not a non-profit, so according to the KRS, it would seem like they wouldn't be qualified to provide these services to any county in Kentucky. This in itself is one of the main questions yet to be answered in a pending lawsuit against the Carrolls and the Edmonson County Fiscal Court. The Carrolls and the county are being sued by a resident that claims the contract is illegal.
We reached out to Kim Carroll today and she advised us that she would provide a statement and answer questions soon, but not now, at the advisement of her attorney. Cannon said the county's responsibility is to award the contract to the most qualified entity and trust them to do their job. He likened it to the county government awarding a bid for a roofing company to install a new roof on the courthouse. He said it's a bid process, awarding the bid, and hoping that the bidder holds up their end of the deal. He said the county has not and will not maintain an animal shelter, as it is not their job. It was contracted out to the Carrolls. "The KRS doesn't break it down like I think it ought to," he said. "I wish there was a state agency that could tighten up the requirements. I think that would help." Cannon did admit that there was more that the county government should have done, although not required by law. "We awarded them a contract, so it's our responsibility (the county's) to make sure they're holding up their end of the contract. And in that, it's our responsibility to make sure they're not neglecting or abusing these animals. That's why I've encouraged our magistrates to stop by there and look around. Stopping by here and there should've kept them on their toes. If we say we're coming on a certain day, well, of course they'll do everything they can to make it clean or whatever is necessary on that day. I can say that none of us (county officials) have done as much as we should have to make sure that the Carrolls are doing all they can to keep it in shape." He also said while there have been multiple complaints about the facility, he still says he has seen it in good shape on more than one occasion, as he's stopped by unannounced. He even said he adopted a dog there a few years ago and there were no issues at all. "I don't think that the way this shelter was found on Friday was the way it is everyday. Unfortunately, it's not the only time things have been bad." Cannon also referenced a newspaper article from last June that he said took his comments out of context and published photos that were unfair. Several citizens have accused Cannon of taking up for the Carrolls in the midst of horrible conditions at the shelter. Cannon said he didn't take up for those conditions or the Carrolls necessarily, he said the particular article wasn't entirely accurate and he was making it known. "They misquoted me in the article," he said. "I'll admit the conditions weren't as good as they should have been, but they took pictures of sick animals that had been dumped there the day before and they made it out like that's the way things were all the time, and it wasn't right. That's why I said what I did. However, there were parts of the shelter that was filthy, and I agreed it was. There was no excuse for that, but sometimes newspapers and tv paint a picture of what they want you to see and not the whole thing." Cannon said if the magistrates vote to dissolve the current contract, with which he was confident, the contract would become void immediately. "We'll actually be going against the law without a running shelter, but we have to get this thing right. We've had no other options for another contract. No one else has ever given us a bid, and we tried very hard to find that last year. We'd like to see a non profit humane society place a bid, but nobody has, and we've reached out to so many to place a bid. Not just anyone can run an animal shelter. Kim knows this, she knows how to run a shelter, I just don't know why things have gotten to this point." He said that whoever is awarded a new contract for dog warden and animal shelter services is going to hold up their end of the deal. "The Carroll's facility isn't perfect. They've made improvements and added on through the years, but it's all we've ever had to pick from. Well, they're not an option anymore. Looks like the county will have to violate the law for at least a little while until we can get our ducks in a row and get it right." Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. The Honorable Judge Renona Carol Browning presiding. Clinton D Browning, No/expired registration plates. No/expired KY registration receipt. Failure to notify address change to dept. of transportation. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st. Pretrial conference for 6/28/16. Aaron John Crain, Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Possessing license when privileges are revoked/suspended. Rescheduled for 7/26/16.
Daniel Austin Johnson, No/expired registration plates, No/expired Ky registration receipt. Proof filed, dismissed. Hunter Lee Miller, Speeding 25mph over limit. No/expired registration plates. Agreed order signed. Edmonson Voice Staff Report Law enforcement officials were called out to the Edmonson County Animal Shelter in Bee Spring this evening when an Owensboro woman found a dead dog in a pen outside as she came to pick up a few animals. The woman reported that the shelter was locked and no one was on site while outside animals were without food, shelter, and water. The sheriff's office responded to the scene but turned the case over to Kentucky State Police due to the shelter being a county office, which created a conflict of interest. The shelter is owned by Greg and Kim Carroll of Bee Spring. Officials said once inside, they found three dead cats and reported several animals were without food and water and were covered in their own feces. 47 dogs and 17 cats were said to be found in extremely poor living conditions and several of the animals appeared to be malnourished.
Witnesses said the owners told officials that several of the animals were unhealthy when they were brought to the shelter and that the poor living conditions of the animals had escalated just today. Shelter Director Kim Carroll, 50, was charged with Cruelty to Animals, 2nd degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Her husband Greg, was not charged. The shelter serves not only Edmonson, but also Grayson, Hart, and Metcalfe Counties and receives a total of approximately $136,000 in funding from the counties combined. KSP said that the shelter has been shut down indefinitely and that all animals will be relocated to Barren and Warren County shelters as soon as possible. The investigation is ongoing. If found guilty, Carroll faces up to 12 months in jail and a $500 fine. Edmonson County Sheriff Shane Doyle has announced that his department will be conducting traffic safety checkpoints throughout the weekend. He also noted that there has been a new location added to the approved list of checkpoint locations; KY HWY 70 at the Mammoth Cave National Park Entrance. "Traffic safety checkpoints have proven to be very effective in keeping our citizens safer," said Doyle. "As a result, we've served many warrants, made drug arrests, and have gotten drunk drivers off the road."
Edmonson Voice Staff Local law enforcement stopped by a Brownsville Road residence today with plans of just speaking with the residents, but the stop resulted in the discovery of one of the biggest marijuana operations seen in Edmonson County. Earlier today, the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, in cooperation with the Kentucky State Police DESI division conducted what's known as a "knock-and-talk" at a residence at 5132 Brownsville Road, (HWY 259 in Rhoda). The Sheriff's office said that the investigation stemmed from a separate assault complaint that Deputy Jordan Jones responded to last weekend. Officers said when they spoke with the resident, Mr. Derek Funkhouser, 35, he admitted to growing marijuana in his home and gave consent to search his property. Law enforcement officials said they found over 130 marijuana plants, along with a large indoor lighting, ventilation, and irrigation system. In addition, a 2012 Chevrolet truck was also seized. "Any time we can get that much dope away from our communities, it's a good day for Edmonson County," said Sheriff Shane Doyle. "The guy was growing his cabbage and zucchini right next to his marijuana seedlings." In total, between $450-500,000 worth of drugs and property was taken from the home. Also at the residence was Mr. Jimmy Stahl, 25, of Farmington, New Mexico. Both were charged with misdemeanor Trafficking in Marijuana and Felony Cultivation of Marijuana, greater than 5 plants. "Mr. Funkhouser and Mr. Stahl both work for carnival companies," said Doyle. "Remember that the next time you let your kids run around the county fair alone." They were transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail. Darren Doyle
Student Council members from the Edmonson County 5/6 Center traveled to Frankfort on Tuesday for a tour of the State Capitol building with Rep. Michael Lee Meredith. Miranda Brown, school counselor and student council sponsor, said the purpose of the trip was to show the council members how state government actually works and how the process has many similarities with their jobs on the council. "We felt this was a great way to show the students that what they do as student council members really does matter," said Brown. "Representative Meredith did a great job of relating his position as our state rep to how the council represents our students." Rep. Meredith said he was extremely impressed with how involved and attentive the students were. "I always enjoy having the opportunity to have young people from our district visit our State Capitol and was especially proud to host this great group from Edmonson County," he said. "The students were very polite and I hope they enjoyed their trip as much as I enjoyed having them in Frankfort for the day." The kids also toured the Governor's mansion and ate lunch with Rep. Meredith at a pizza place downtown. "The kids all had a very positive experience and several of them talked about going into politics," added Brown. "Some even said they wanted to be President someday. It's so awesome to hear that." Edmonson Voice Staff A Sunfish man ran off the road on HWY 185 around 9pm Saturday night and was helped by a passing motorist. The motorist, however was an off duty Leitchfield Police Officer that suspected the driver of being under the influence. According to officials, the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office received the call of the accident from the off duty officer who had detained Mark Moon, 51, of Sunfish. Upon arriving at the accident scene, deputies administered field sobriety tests where it was reported Moon shown multiple examples of being impaired. It was determined that Moon was under the influence of alcohol and was arrested. He was charged with Operating a vehicle under the influence--first offense (aggravated circumstance), No/Expired registration plates, and License to be in possession. Moon was transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail. We've received dozens of entries so far in the 2016 First Annual Edmonson County Tourism/Edmonson Voice Photo Contest. The deadline to submit your photo(s) is this Friday, June 3, 2016 at 6pm. No entries will be accepted after the deadline, no exceptions.
We will narrow down the entries to 10 finalists and let the Edmonson Voice readers vote on the winners. First place will receive $100, second place $75, and third place, $50. For complete details and contest rules, click here. These photos will be used in promotional material and advertisements for Edmonson County Tourism. The clock is ticking...send your entries in NOW by emailing to: editor@edmonsonvoice.com Thanks, and good luck! |
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