Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty presiding.

Jamie Henderson, Leaving scene of accident/failure to render aid or assistance. Failure to report traffic accident. Criminal mischief-3rd degree. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference on 8/23/16.

Dakota W Stone, Speeding 25mph over limit. Failed to appear, notice sent to dept. of transportation.

Brian Darrell Cain, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs-first offense. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 10/4/16.

Lori Michelle Cripe, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs-first offense. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 10/4/16.

Cesar R Gomez, Speeding 15mph over limit. Pleaded guilty, fined $30. No operator's license. Pleaded guilty, sentenced to 30 days in jail, probated for two years, fined $250. Failure to produce insurance card, dismissed. Total fines and costs $423.

Melinda Logsdon, Menacing. Deferred for two years. Given a stay away order.

Bradford Warren Decker, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs-first offense. Pleaded guilty. Possess open alcohol container in motor vehicle, merged into count one. Total fines and costs $528.

Joey Andrew Cash, Operating on suspended/revoked license. Failure of non-owner operator to maintain required insurance 1st. No expired registration plates. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference for 8/9/16.

Darren Doyle, story
When kids work hard to help others, they deserve credit. In a world full of bad news and depressing headlines, it's always good to see someone working hard so others can enjoy the benefits. 

Rachel Lindsey, a 20 year-old student at BG Tech, said she got tired of hearing about violence against police, tired of hearing complaints about the police, and decided to take action instead of complaining herself.

She used her skills in designing Tshirts, which can be seen on her Facebook Page (The Krafty Kentuckian) and designed her own T's in support of police and law enforcement everywhere.

"With all the shootings going on against police I just thought I needed to do something to show support, to give back," she said. "I didn't think it was right to keep the proceeds, so me and my family took the money and bought school supplies and donated them to the Youth Service Center."

It's not like they only bought a couple of pens and a Trapper Keeper, either...(man, what I'd give for an A-Team Trapper Keeper..) The proceeds from Rachel's T shirt sales were a whopping $500. That equaled out to be an additional truck load of supplies on top of the three vehicles that local school personnel unloaded earlier today.

So, thank you, Rachel. You helped support two wonderful causes that will never have too much support. You can find out more about Rachel's T shirts and other clothing items by visiting her personal Facebook Page: click HERE.

Rachel plans on graduating this spring from Bowling Green Tech with an associates degree in science and hopes to become a pharmacy technician.

After cramming cruisers and stuffing buses, the next thing to be done is to un-cram and un-stuff them. There was plenty of that going on today as members of the Edmonson County Family Resource and Youth Service Centers unloaded two trucks and a van stuffed full of school supplies that were donated from this year's record setting school supply drive, Stuff The Bus 2016 with Tony Rose and D93.

Edmonson County had their own supply drive here on July 15 along with Kentucky State Police at Cram The Cruiser. Those supplies were then donated to STB, which doubled and tripled before making their way back to Edmonson County Schools today.

Workers sorted out the supplies in equal piles that will be sent to each EC school that ranged from pencil erasers to soccer balls. In addition to the regular notebooks and folders you might expect, there were also canned goods, clothing from Fruit of the Loom, and earbuds to go around.

After all the supplies were sorted and distributed, Tony Rose said he's already been rewarded. "When we're handing out these supplies, we see the looks on these faces. We truly see the difference that STB is making, and we love working with Edmonson County's Family Resource and Youth Service Centers. We're honored to help Edmonson County just like they help us."

Family Resource and Youth Service Center members say that the huge return from STB will last all year long, and that the supplies will be available to any student that has a need.

Stuff The Bus '16 saw the biggest amount of school supplies yet, bringing in over 16 tons of supplies that were distributed all throughout the region. The local Cram the Cruiser event in Brownsville also saw the biggest return to date, bringing in loads of supplies and $1300 in cash donations.

Another entire truck load of supplies was donated by Bee Spring resident, Rachel Lindsey, 20, a student at BG Tech. She designed t-shirts supporting law enforcement and sold them to benefit Cram The Cruiser. Over $500 in supplies were added to Edmonson County's totals, thanks to Rachel's efforts. 

Darren Doyle, story and photos
The annual Back To School Bash drew a large crowd of Edmonson County students, their friends, and families last night as event goers enjoyed a Star Wars-themed evening filled with games, prizes, and free school supplies at ECHS.

"This was a great opportunity to help families prepare for the upcoming school year," said Lynette Saling with the Family Resource Center. "We couldn't do this event without all the great vendors, businesses, donors, and our schools and their PTO's."

The event is sponsored each year by the Family Resource/Youth Service Centers, the Edmonson County Health Department, and Community Education.

All local schools set up booths so attendees could meet principals and some of the faculty and staff, while local businesses were set up handing out info and free goodies.

"We also want to send out a special thanks to our local FFA club for setting up the event and clean up," Saling added. "They were here all day. It's just been a great event."

The Kentucky State Police have announced that the body found in the Green River in Hart County on July 23, 2016 has been identified as 22 year old female Kristen Edwards of Barren County.
 
KSP Post 3 in Bowling Green received a report from someone who was fishing in the Green River near Johnson Springs Road in Hart County who advised that they had found what appeared to be a body just before 7am on Saturday, July 23.
 
Detectives found a dismembered body in a container floating in the Green River.

This investigation is still ongoing and being conducted as a Murder, and for that reason, no other details can be released at this time.
 
Anyone with information in reference to this case or Ms. Edwards is asked to please call the Kentucky State Police at (270)782-2010.

Darren Doyle, story
​Sheriff Shane Doyle says that his office is nearing the purchase of a German Shepherd drug dog that will become the county's K9 unit.

Doyle said Deputy Jordan Jones recently inquired about a K9 program, but Doyle didn't see it being feasible with an already strapped budget. According to the sheriff, Dep. Jones has been busy on his own time researching the idea, visiting training facilities, and gathering the proper information and resources in order to make it work in Edmonson County.

"I've been thoroughly impressed with the research and hard work that's been done by Deputy Jones," he said. Doyle said that Jones has already secured some donors for the addition, approximately $5,000 worth. The total estimated cost of the highly trained animal will be somewhere around $7,000.

"This is the only financial investment that we can make as a Sheriff's Office that will actually allow us to bring in more income, by way of drug money and seizures," said Doyle. "We're not looking to go out here and worry about profits, but a highly trained drug dog like Deputy Jones has found will help us get more drugs out of this county, and we can invest seized drug money back into our budget, which eases the tax payer."

Deputy Jones said he feels like the addition of a K9 unit will have a huge impact on fighting drugs in Edmonson County. "I'm honored to be part of this project and do my part in helping make this a safer place for our kids," he added.

Doyle said the plan is to continue working on the project and implement the new canine deputy within a year. 

Homeowners in lake area subdivisions and developments say it's much easier to travel from their homes to neighboring homes and docking areas in a golf cart than in regular vehicles. 

After discussing, all magistrates said they would be in favor of an ordinance allowing golf carts within subdivisions. Judge Cannon said even if the court approved, it would still take some time before everything about an ordinance could be finalized. It would first have to be drafted and more than one reading would likely take place. He said at minimum, a final signed ordinance was still several weeks out.

Some in attendance questioned whether or not they would be hassled by local law enforcement for simply riding a cart to a neighbor's or down to the water until an ordinance was passed.

Sheriff Shane Doyle assured the citizens that his office tries to use practical ideas when enforcing the law and said his office would support such an ordinance in the event that cart drivers used good judgement. “We’ve always tried to apply common sense and the intent of law," Doyle said. "I know you're all good people and as long as you're not driving recklessly on a cart, or allowing underage drivers, we're not going to be looking to write golf cart tickets until an ordinance is passed."

Another homeowner asked that if an ordinance was passed and their carts were driven at dark, “Will we have to have lights, turn signals, and all these other things? We've heard that.”

Doyle said according to state law, yes.  Another driver asked if side-by-side ATV's be included in a golf cart ordinance, to which Doyle replied no. The ordinance would only allow golf carts, but that side-by-side ATV's can already be allowed on public roads as long as they meet all legal road requirements, such as proper lighting, license plates, registration, car insurance, etc.  

One homeowner asked if one could currently drive golf carts on private roads with no ordinance. County Attorney J.B. Hines said yes, but legally could not cross public roads to get to another private road while on a cart.

Hines said he would begin the proper steps in preparing the first draft for a golf cart ordinance to allow legal use of carts within subdivisions only and it would be brought up again at future fiscal court meetings.

Darren Doyle, story
Sheriff Shane Doyle has announced that Eriq Roscoe, 52, of Sweeden has been hired as the county's new animal control officer through Edmonson County Fiscal Court.

Roscoe is a retired 23 year veteran of the United States Navy and is the owner of Beach House Tanning and Fitness in Bee Spring.

Doyle said there was a huge interest in the position with many applicants but Officer Roscoe's past military and community service experience made him best fit for the job.

"Officer Roscoe has a long history of service and he's reached out to us several times, offering his help to the county," Doyle said. "We feel like his experience, work ethic, and love for animals will be huge assets to this office and our entire county."

Officer Roscoe is originally from Birmingham, Alabama and married his wife Virginia (Lane) Roscoe, a native of Edmonson County 23 years ago. They moved back to the county about five years ago to take care of the family farm, first owned by Hack and Nelda Lane in Sweeden.

He said his 12 year old daughter who will be going into the 7th grade at ECMS wants to be a vet, has several pets, and stays busy on the farm, always taking care of animals. Roscoe said the family's love for animals helped them see a need and a way to help.

"I'm just glad to have the opportunity to help the sheriff's office and this community," Roscoe said. "I'd like to bring pride to this position in the name of Hack and Nelda Lane."

​Doyle said Officer Roscoe will be required to complete specific training as soon as possible and will assume his duties immediately after that. The sheriff's office will supervise the county position.

Darren Doyle, story and photos
Hundreds came out to the 9th Annual Relay for Life Car Show and Craft Festival on the square in Brownsville this past Saturday, July 23, 2016, sponsored by Order of Eastern Star #577 and Jones Custom Creations.

Event coordinator Richie Jones said 94 cars were registered in the event along 27 vendors inside the Community Center for the craft fair. 

Over $5,000 was raised at the event, all of which will go to Relay for Life. 

Edmonson Voice Staff Report
A two vehicle accident on Caneyville Road (KY HWY 185) sent three adults and a seven week-old infant to the hospital this evening around 5PM in a rollover crash.

Officials reported that Samantha McGrew, (24) of Roundhill, was driving a 2015 Chevy passenger car with two passengers, her husband, Cody McGrew and the newborn, when she attempted to pull onto Caneyville Road from her driveway. 

Reports said that McGrew pulled into the path of an oncoming 2014 Jeep Liberty driven by Karla Chaffins, (53), of Tennessee.  Officials said that the driver of the Jeep attempted to avoid the Chevy but struck the car on the passenger's side and overturned.

Chaffins was transported to the hospital via Edmonson EMS with an apparent arm injury while Samantha McGrew, Cody McGrew, and the infant were transported via Edmonson EMS for non-life threatening injuries. Officials reported that the infant, who was properly restrained, showed no injuries.

All involved were reported to be wearing seat belts and multiple airbags deployed in both vehicles.

Also responding to the scene was the Bear Creek Fire Department.

Darren Doyle, story and photos
The Edmonson County Family Resource/Youth Service Center unloaded an entire truckload of school supplies at Stuff The Bus 2016 yesterday from this year's Cram The Cruiser, sponsored by Kentucky State Police. Even though there has been plenty of local coverage from the Edmonson Voice about how it all works, many Edmonson County residents are still asking, "Why are you taking our school supplies to Warren County?"

Even though the idea of donating locally gathered supplies from an Edmonson County fundraiser to an outside event seems a bit off, the huge area-wide Stuff The Bus charity event benefits an entire region, and here's how it works:

Stuff The Bus works like a successful financial investment. Counties and organizations gather school supplies at their own events, which usually bring very positive amounts. They could easily keep that and distribute the supplies within their own schools, but that amount would only be the amount raised.

With Stuff The Bus, supplies and cash are donated to the regional cause, one that's run by a ton of volunteers and bargain hunters. Those bargain hunters take the amount of cash donated and by using coupons, watching sales ads, and making timely purchases, they double and triple the amount of supplies from the organizations donated to Stuff The Bus and return a much larger investment back to the schools and organizations from where they came.

The remaining items come from tons of sponsors, businesses,individuals and families that donate to the amazing cause that netted 16.25 tons of school supplies for this year's record-setting amount.

Everything that Edmonson County volunteers donated at the Cram the Cruiser, which was sent to Stuff The Bus, will come back to Edmonson County schools in much larger amounts. If you donated a box of crayons at Cram the Cruiser, Edmonson County schools will actually end up with up to three boxes to use right here at home.

The supplies that were unloaded yesterday from KSP, State Representative Michael Lee Meredith, and Family Resouce/Youth Service Center employees and volunteers, filled up a single pickup truck bed, but what they'll bring back to our schools this week will likely fill up two vehicles and an entire van, and it's all for our kids.

So why fool with all this multiplying and divvying up? I mean, why not just have each local school do their own thing and forget it? Well, with donors from all over contributing to a collective organization, there are more options for each school in the region. Edmonson County may have received all notebooks and crayons at their individual fundraiser but might have a greater need for pencils and canned goods. With having a large bank of supplies to choose from, they can request more of what they need as an individual school system, while other schools can take advantage of the things not needed as much here.

It takes special people to figure out how to sort and distribute the supplies fairly, and hands down, its one of the best things to happen to local schools in years.

Edmonson County residents should embrace and fully support Cram the Cruiser, Stuff the Bus, and what our local volunteers do for Edmonson County kids.

The Edmonson Voice would like to publicly thank our school system and D93's Tony Rose along with all the Stuff the Bus and Cram the Cruiser staff members, volunteers, KSP, and our local law enforcement, as well as all the wonderful donors who continue to make a difference in our region and county.

In the wake of recent discussions about Edmonson County Constables, one constable requested feedback regarding public opinion of the position. 

We published a short article on Thursday, July 21, 2016 with a brief overview on constables in Kentucky and Edmonson County. We asked two questions pertaining to the issue of constables and 146 votes were cast. Results show that 76% of those voting said that there is no need for constables in Edmonson County with only 9% of votes saying that local constables do a good job. The complete results were as follows:

"Is there a need for constables in Edmonson County?"
76% said NO
21% said YES
 3% said DOESN'T MATTER

"Do Edmonson County Constables do a good job?"
40% said NO
36% said SOME DO, OTHERS DO NOT
15% said DON'T KNOW ONE WAY OR ANOTHER
 9% said YES

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky., July 22, 2016 –
Mammoth Cave National Park has announced that Cedar Sink Trail will close on Monday, July 25, for needed maintenance and repair. 

According to park public relations officer Vickie Carson, the trail will be closed for two to three weeks.   A sign will be posted at the trailhead on Pig Road.

Wooden steps down into the sink are in need of repair, as well as the trail surface, about one mile in length.  Some metal hand rails will be painted.

Carson said the trail will reopen as soon as the work is complete.

Make plans to attend the next Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting on Monday, July 25, 2016 at 6pm upstairs in the Edmonson County Courthouse. 

Last year, the fiscal court voted to hold two night meetings per year in order to better serve those unable to attend the regular meetings held at 9am. 

Although specific county concerns should be directed to local district magistrates, everyone is welcome to attend.

Edmonson Voice Staff, photos courtesy of Edmonson EMS
An Edmonson EMS Ambulance was rear ended today in Bowling Green while transporting a patient from the Medical Center. 

According to Kentucky State Police, the ambulance was stopped at a traffic light on Cemetery Road waiting to turn onto the I-65 interchange when Robert Proctor, (59) of Bowling Green, who was driving a 1991 GMC SUV collided with the rear of the ambulance.

Keith Sanders, Director of Edmonson EMS, said no one in the ambulance was injured and the patient was transferred to another ambulance for safe transport.

Proctor was transported to Greenview Regional Hospital for non-life threatening injuries and was treated and released.

The ambulance sustained only minor damage but will be out of service until the vehicle has been repaired and inspected for safe and proper usage.

Edmonson Voice Staff
Blue lights, red lights, flashing, or no lights. What does it mean, and does it matter? Over the past couple of years, Edmonson County constables have been a source of controversy from time to time. 

There are some county officials, employees, and residents that support the mission of the constable and say they are needed, while others think it's an unnecessary position that brings unwanted liability to the county.

So, just what does a constable actually do? Well, according to the Kentucky Constitution, Section 101, Constables will possess the same qualification as the sheriffs and may exercise jurisdiction in any part of the county. (OAG 62-115 and 40-776). Simply put, constables are peace officers, they can carry a gun, and have the authority to arrest people.

The law also says that constables are elected in each magisterial district in a county. Currently, even though there are six districts in Edmonson County, there were only four districts with constables on the ballot in the last election, which resulted in only four constables that were elected. However, one of those did not pay his official bond and forfeited office. It's also important to note that each constable ran unopposed, one being a write-in. That also means that each current constable would have been elected with only one vote, so some might argue that "elected official" might not be a fair description of current constables in Edmonson County.

Local law enforcement has gone on record to say that locally, constables have both helped and hindered their work. Sheriff Shane Doyle has said that while the right person serving as constable can be a great help, the fact that the office has no training or experience requirements causes a huge unknown, and for that, as far as his office is concerned, the position of constable is no longer necessary.

Others argue that as long as a person is willing to volunteer for a job and help out whenever and wherever they can, it only helps the community and they should be welcomed to do the job that the law says they are elected to do. Some have also said that constables have been treated unfairly and deserve better treatment and thanks than they've received.

One constable reached out to the Edmonson Voice and asked, "What do people think?" "Do people see the constable as a help to the community, or do they serve no purpose?"

​We thought we would allow our readers to voice their opinion on the matter of constables. ​

Voting for this article has been completed. To view complete results, please click on this update.

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, July 19, 2016. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty presiding.

Jennie Lee Rouark, Failure to wear seat belts. Failure to produce insurance card. Failed to appear. Notice sent to dept. of transportation.

Sandra Dee Payton, Controlled substance prescription not in original container. Illegal possession of legend drug. One headlight. Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs-aggravator-1st offense. Wanton endangerment-1st degree. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial hearing on 8/16/16.

Gene Leo Duncan, Driving on DUI suspended license-1st offense. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference in two weeks.

John T Walters, Too many passengers in vehicle (front seat). Failure to produce insurance card. Continued in two weeks.

Halei Mott, Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Continue in two weeks.

Sara Mahoney, Operating vehicle with expired operator's license. No/expired registration plates. No/expired KY registration receipt. Failure to produce insurance card. Proof shown, all dismissed.

Steve Meredith, Operating ATV on roadway. Continue in two weeks.

Jessica Elaine King, Alcohol intoxication in a public place-1st and 2nd offense. Possess open alcohol beverage container in motor vehicle. Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess. Continued in two weeks.

Cynthia M Kaczmarek, Operaing motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs 1st offense. Possess open alcohol beverage container in motor vehicle. No/expired registration plates.

Earl T Haskins, Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Continued on 8/16/16.

Larry W Downey, Failure to use child restraint device in vehicle. Proof shown, dismissed.

Ruth Ann Daniel, No/expired registration plates. No/expired KY registration receipt. Proof shown, dismissed.

Matthew Gerard Flesch, Alcohol intoxication in a public place-first and second offense. Possess open alcohol beverage container in a motor vehicle. ​

Edmonson Voice Staff, story and photo
Edmonson County helped kick off one of the region's top charity events, Stuff The Bus '16, last week in Brownsville with Cram The Cruiser, but now it's time for the main event.

STB began this morning around 6AM at the Bluegrass Cellular parking lot on Campbell Lane and will last until Monday, July 25. The school supply drive benefits schools all over the region, but you can earmark your donations to be distributed in your county by simply letting the volunteers know.

Tony Rose, from D93, who created the event, says the event grows every year, this year being no exception.

"We've got more sponsors on board right now that ever before, and it doesn't show signs of stopping or slowing down," said Rose.

According to Rose, even though STB started as more of a radio stunt 11 years ago, it's purpose was still intended to benefit local students. Two and a half tons were school supplies were collected in the first year, which seemed like a lot at the time. "That lasted about 30 minutes," Rose said, laughing. Over 15 tons of school supplies were distributed throughout the region last year which was an all time record.

You can bring by donations like backpacks, pencils, pens, crayons, notebooks, or cash. STB volunteers are busy scouring sale ads and clipping coupons to turn cash donations into more school supplies.

"We're looking to set a new record again this year and hope to reach 16 tons," he said. "Cram the Cruiser was huge this year in Brownsville and we thank our partners in Edmonson County for their support. Come on by this week and support a cause that helps so many."  

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office has announced that it will close at 1pm today, Tuesday, July 19, 2016 due to office electrical problems. 

The office will be open tomorrow from 8am until noon. Law enforcement officers will remain on their regular shifts; the closing is for the office only.

For emergencies, call 911 or contact Edmonson County Dispatch at 270-597-2729.

via United Way of Southern Kentucky​
(July 18, 2016) – United Way of Southern Kentucky announced today that Southern Kentucky
2-1-1 services are now available to the 10-county BRADD region.
 
A statement from UWSK said that 2-1-1 is an easy to remember three-digit telephone number assigned by the Federal Communications Commission for the purpose of providing quick and easy access to information about health and human services. Professional Information and Referral Specialists work with callers to assess their needs, determine their options and provide appropriate programs/services, give support, intervene in crisis situations and advocate for the caller as needed.

"Instead of multiple calls leading to dead ends, with one call to 2-1-1, people can reach a trained specialist who assesses a caller’s full scope of needs and matches them to the right services with everyday needs such as food, housing, utilities or transportation," the statement read.
 
2-1-1 also assists during times of disaster, providing critical information about evacuation routes, food, and shelter. 2-1-1 is a powerful resource for help and hope in any community assisting callers of all ages and circumstances including families, parents, seniors, veterans, and low-income individuals.

As of today, when 2-1-1 is dialed in Southern Kentucky, there will be a compassionate person at the end of the phone line, transforming a family and changing our community, one phone call at a time. In real time, callers will be able to find what shelters have beds available, what agencies have utility assistance dollars, where to find help for addiction issues or with an aging parent. 2-1-1 will be the place to call when you don’t know where to go to get help when you need it.
 
2-1-1 will also serve as a social barometer that enables service providers, funders, and other stakeholders information about the needs of those in our community at any given time. The call data that is gathered will provide information to help make our human services delivery system better.
 
2-1-1 is core to the mission of United Way and integral to Community Impact. United Way of Southern Kentucky decided to bring 2-1-1 to Southern Kentucky after an extensive community research project that included almost 5,000 surveys and 55 Community Conversations in which it was discovered that people don’t know where to go to get help when they need it.
 
United Way of Southern Kentucky anticipates call volume for year one to be between 6,000 – 7,500 (2% - 2.5% of population) and to reach 22,500 – 24,000 calls annually by year three (7.5% - 8% of population).
 
United Way celebrated the Grand Opening of the Southern Kentucky 2-1-1 Contact Center today with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting and Open House with tours of the Center available for those in attendance. Callers can also reach Southern Kentucky 2-1-1 services by calling 1-844-966-0906.
 
For more information on how you can make the choice to LIVE UNITED through giving, advocating and volunteering, log on to the United Way of Southern Kentucky website at www.liveunitedtoday.com.  ​

Edmonson Voice Staff Report
A traffic safety checkpoint at New Grove Road and KY HWY 101 resulted in an arrest with multiple charges for a Chalybeate woman around 10:30pm on Saturday, July 16. The checkpoint was conducted by the sheriff's office and Kentucky State Police.

The Edmonson County's Sheriff's Office said a 2008 Mercury passenger car operated by Sandra Payton, (44) of Chalybeate, stopped at the checkpoint when officials said they noticed Payton showing signs of impairment.

The officers said that after standard field sobriety tests were administered, it was determined that the woman was driving under the influence, suspected to be caused by prescription drugs. 

​Officers also reported finding hydrocodone pills along with a piece of a suspected Gabapentin tablet that they said were in an improper container.

Payton was charged with:

• Operating motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs etc, first offense, aggravated circumstance
• One headlight
• Failure of owner to maintain required insurance, first offense
• Prescription controlled substance not in proper container
• Illegal possession of legend drug 

In the vehicle was also a child that officials said was around five years old, which resulted in an additional charge of Wanton Endangerment 1st degree, a class D felony. If found guilty, she could face up to 5 years in prison on that charge alone.

Payton was transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail.

Darren Doyle, story and photos
Edmonson County looked more like Hazzard County at the Chalybeate Fire Department on Saturday as hundreds came out to check out iconic car models from the classic TV show "The Dukes of Hazzard," presented by Hazzard Life.

The company, who specializes in building and maintaining The General Lee (69 Dodge Charger), Daisy's Roadrunner, (1974 Plymouth Roadrunner from seasons 1 and 2), and Rosco's patrol car (1976 Plymouth Fury), brought the cars to the fire department to help in their annual fundraiser which included an auction, fresh grilled food, and live music. There were also games and activities for smaller kids.

Even though the cars were replicas and were not actually used in the show, the vibe and authenticity of the cars were more than enough to give someone the itch to climb in through the windows or slide across the hood. (We asked if we could, but it didn't happen.)

The fundraiser, sponsored by D93's Tony Rose Morning Show, The Edmonson Voice, and SERVPRO, drew the largest crowd to date for Chalybeate's annual event that raised a record amount of money for much needed equipment for the fire department.

Tony Rose, one of the area's most well-known personalities, said he felt like he was a kid again as he raced down Chalybeate stretch with Hazzard Life's Kenneth Wayne Mahan, Edmonson Voice Editor Darren Doyle, and Chalybeate Chief Daniel Johnson.

"Riding in the General Lee was awesome," Rose said, smiling. "And as much as Bo and Luke Duke were heroes to so many back in the 80's, our volunteer firefighters and emergency crews are the real heroes today. To be able to help promote this event with our friends, The Edmonson Voice, and support our local firefighters, that's what it's all about."

Chief Daniel Johnson said the fire department would like to thank all of the donors and supporters for this year's event. "We had overwhelming support from our community that helped us raise much needed funds for our department."

He said the auction was a success partly due to donated rides in the General Lee from Hazzard Life, auctioned off to the highest bidders. "The event was truly memorable, allowing several people to get a once-in-a-lifetime ride thanks to Hazzard Life," Johnson said. "Their presence, along with D93, The Edmonson Voice, live music from Rye Davis, and our community made for a great day."

Johnson said his department is looking forward to more successful events in the future. "We're thankful to live in such a great community."