Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The Corps of Engineers has contracted a bank stabilization team to stop the erosion at the point across from Moutardier.  With a large area of open water, heavy recreational boating activity, and periodic flooding, the exposed shoreline is eroding exponentially, according to a statement from the Corps. 
 
The project is based out of Moutardier boat ramp beginning Tuesday, July 18, 2017 and will take approximately three weeks considering the weather. The Corps is urging boaters to be cautious when using the ramp, as it will be back down only at the time of the project due to the presence of heavy equipment and a barge utilized to transport rock from the courtesy dock at the turn around.   

Corps officials said that contractors will have someone out to guide traffic throughout the day and barricades.   Users should expect some delays of 10-15 minutes when rock is being delivered. 
 
"We appreciate your patience and courtesy at this time," the Corps said in a released statement. " This project is important to minimize the erosion at the point to protect multi-use trails and reduce siltation of the lake.   Over a period of a few years, the stone used to protect the banks will revegetate and create a new fish and wildlife habitat." 

Tony Rose was on hand to help local volunteers and explained the impact that local events like this have, and how they help Stuff the Bus.

"We use Edmonson County as an example when we're out talking to other counties and they say 'what can we do to get involved with Stuff the Bus?' I say, this is what they do in Edmonson County and they've been doing it for 11 years, and every year the partnership gets stronger, the community involvement gets stronger, it forms great relationships with us."

He said Edmonson County was known as the "gold standard" when it comes to raising school supplies.

"We want to bring that effort in to help the most kids and the most families as possible," said Rose.

​So why do so many organizations come together every year for the event? Community Education Director Lisa Whobrey summed things up the best.

"We do it for the kids," she said. "Nothing more, nothing else, we simply do it for the kids. We do it because we love our kids. The kids in Edmonson County, they're the best, and we want every child that comes on the first day of school to not have to worry about anything. This is why we do it."

Trooper Jeremy Hodges, the newly named KSP Public Affairs officer, was on hand all day, driving up in a 1949 Ford KSP Cruiser that was actually in service decades ago.

"The Kentucky State Police teams up the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office and the Brownsville Police each year as show of support in an effort to help our local students," he said. "It's also great for me to participate in my own home town with folks I know. It makes today even better for me, and we're proud of the work that's gone into this event."
​
Today’s supplies will go to Stuff The Bus next week, then will be multiplied and delivered to Edmonson County Schools for the upcoming school year.

All info via KSP Post 3 Press Releases:
FIRST UPDATE:  at approximately 10:38 p.m., the Kentucky State Police received a report of a four vehicle injury accident located near the 30 mile marker of Interstate 65 northbound.  The collision involves two passenger vehicles and two commercial vehicles.  KSP Troopers and Commercial Vehicle Officers are currently on scene conducting a preliminary investigation into the collision, which has resulted in multiple fatalities. 

SECOND UPDATE: The fatality collision, which occurred at the 30 mile marker of Interstate 65 northbound, has resulted in six confirmed fatalities.  The names of the deceased have not been released due to pending notification to family members, and two involved deceased individuals have not yet been identified.   Kentucky State Police and the Warren County Coroner’s Office are working diligently to make notifications and positive identities at the time of this release.
 
As of 5:09 am on July 14, 2017, all northbound lanes of Interstate 65 have been reopened.

THIRD UPDATE: A preliminary investigation of the collision has revealed the accident which occurred at the 30 mile marker of Interstate 65, happened at a particular portion of Interstate 65 where road construction was being conducted, and the roadway merges from three lanes of travel into two lanes.  Traffic was congested due to the construction.  An involved commercial vehicle was stopped in traffic, in the right lane of Interstate 65, with two passenger vehicles stopped immediately behind it.  A second commercial vehicle approached in the right lane, failing to stop for traffic, striking the trailing passenger vehicle, causing a chain reaction collision. 
 
The names of involved parties and deceased persons have not been released due to pending notification to family members.  Two of the deceased individuals have not yet been identified.

FOURTH UPDATE: A preliminary investigation into the four vehicle fatality has revealed the following new information with confirmation of identities of the involved parties.  William Sowell, 58, of Milan, TN was traveling northbound on Interstate 65 operating a 2014 Volvo Semi truck and trailer.  The semi-truck struck a passenger vehicle, which was stationary in the right lane of travel, causing a chain reaction collision involving one additional passenger vehicle, and one additional commercial vehicle.  Sowell was treated and released from an area hospital. 
 
Both passenger vehicles and the additional semi-truck were all stationary in traffic in the right travel lane, prior to the collision.  The following occupants of one of the involved passenger vehicles, a 2007 Hyundai ENT van, have died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision: 
 
Robert Hogan, Beech Grove, Indiana, 77 years of age (deceased)
Jonell Boster, Beech Grove, Indiana, 48 years of age (deceased)
Lonnie Boster, Indianapolis, Indiana, 59 years of age (deceased)
Carl Boster, Beech Grove, Indiana, 17 years of age (deceased)
Lonnie D. Boster, Indianapolis, Indiana, 30 years of age (deceased)
 
One additional passenger in the above listed Hyundai ENT van, a juvenile, has been admitted to Vanderbilt University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries sustained in the collision.
 
The operator of the second involved passenger vehicle’s name is currently being withheld, pending death notification to family members.
 
Keith Vickers, 64, of Hamden, OH was operating the second involved commercial vehicle, a 2016 Freightliner, and did not report any injury on scene.

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. The Honorable Judge J.B. Hines presiding. 

Emily Jayne Kirk, Theft by deception-including cold checks under $500. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 9/19/17.

Ashley Massey, Instructional permit violations. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security first. No/expired KY registration receipt. Dismissed on motion of County Attorney.

Dustin Hunt, Speeding 25mph over limit. Continue to 7/25/17.

Lee Edward Thompson, No/expired registration plates. No KY registration receipt. Failed to appear.

Brian Wayne Sturgill, Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security first. No/expired registration plates. No/expired KY registration receipt. Dismissed. 

Aaron Daniel Meredith, No/expired registration plates. No/expired KY registration receipt. Speeding 15mph over limit. Continue 7/25/17.

Vincent G. Gray, Failure to produce insurance card. Failed to appear. 

Chelsea B. Mauer, Public intoxication controlled substance-excludes alcohol. Pleaded guilty, fined $25. Disorderly conduct-2nd degree. Pleaded guilty. Six days in jail with time served. Total costs and fines $184.

Jason Michael Salyer, Enhancement trafficking in controlled substance-first degree-second or more offense-2 grams or more of meth. Convicted felon in possession of firearm. Enhancement cultivation of marijuana-5 or more plants-first offense. Enhancement traffic in marijuana-less than 8oz-second or more offense. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Preliminary hearing 7/18/17. Bond modified to $5000 cash on condition of wearing ankle monitor and refrain from illegal drugs, weapons, and alcohol, along with being subject to random drug testing.

Darren Doyle, story:
A trial that was scheduled to begin yesterday, July 12, 2017 stopped before it started when the defendant, Howard Baird, (56) of Brownsville agreed to a plea bargain from the Commonwealth Attorney's office just before the trial began.

Baird was arrested on May 18, 2015 at his residence after officers uncovered an elaborate marijuana cultivating and trafficking operation on his property. 

In the arrest, the Edmonson County's Sheriff's Office seized over $6300 and 14 acres belonging to Baird, while destroying marijuana plants, buds, and numerous bottles of schedule I and II narcotics. If found guilty on all charges, Baird was facing up to 20 years in prison with forfeiture of his cash and acreage.

While searching for further trafficking evidence on two seized computers, law enforcement officers reportedly discovered thousands of images of alleged child porn, some of which they said were digitally altered to depict Baird in the images along with the minors. The child pornography case is now a federal case and is still pending, completely separate from yesterday's plea agreement. 

Commonwealth Attorney Blake Chambers said that Baird had been offered the same plea agreement since Chambers took office in May of this year, which was three years in prison by pleading guilty to Cultivating in marijuana - more than 5 plants and Trafficking in marijuana greater than 8oz, less than 5lbs. In the former plea, Baird's seized 14 acres would have been returned to him.

​​Yesterday, as a normal practice, the prosecution offered Baird one final plea, which was three years in prison by pleading guilty to the same charges, but he would forfeit the acreage and cash to the sheriff's office. There was one stipulation added where Baird can still retain his property if he can pay $10,000 to the sheriff's office before sentencing which is scheduled for mid-August. Baird agreed to the plea. 

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
As the beginning of the new school year approaches, it's also time for the local "Adopt-A-Backpacker Program" to begin. 

Local coordinator Michelle McCoy said the program will once again be partnering with Feeding America and the Family Resource Center/Youth Service Center, in order to help improve the lives of many children in Edmonson County. 

"For each $120 donation, you can adopt one child to receive a bag food every Friday for the entire school year," she said.
​
It's easy to sign up right here; just print the form at the bottom (which has Edmonson County pre filled) or donate online at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/feedingamericaky  (Choose $120 Adopt-A-BackPacker for an entire school year and be sure to choose "Adopt Backpacker/Edmonson Co" under Special Purpose For Your Donation).
 
"Sadly, many children in our county are going an entire weekend with little or no food when a school meal is not available," said McCoy. "Children who suffer from food insecurity do not perform well academically, display unacceptable behaviour and have poor attendance due to illness or unexcused absence." 
 
She also asked for everyone to consider the results from going without food for an entire day, maybe even two. "Can you imagine your own child or grandchildren going without?  With your help, we can help cut down on the number of kids that go hungry."

She's asking local residents to help and to share with your employees, co-workers, family, and friends. 

"If we all give a little, there will be none going without.  For each $120 donation, you can adopt one child to receive a bag food every Friday for the entire school year."
 
Should you have any questions, you can contact Michelle directly at 270-784-2371.

Darren Doyle, story
Kentucky State Police Post 3 has announced that Master Trooper Jeremy Hodges of Chalybeate has been named as the post's new public affairs officer following the retirement of Trooper B.J. Eaton.

Trooper Hodges has served in the KSP for 16 and a half years, with the last two serving as detective.

"It's an honor for me to be named to this position," said Tpr. Hodges. "I've been fortunate to have been able to remain close to my home here in Edmonson County for the majority of my career. To be able to continue serving Post 3 and our home town in a new role is a blessing."

Trooper Eaton said he plans on doing mission work in the church once fully retired from KSP. 

"I will be around a couple more weeks assisting and training," Eaton said in an emailed statement. 

Even though Tpr. Eaton won't officially retire until the end of the month, Tpr. Hodges has already assumed his new position.

His wife is Edmonson County Circuit Court Clerk Tanya Hodges and he's the son of J.D. and Linda Hodges of Chalybeate.

It's certainly not breaking news, but we had to share our SkyView photo of tonight's sunset from the southern end of the county, looking out toward the Wingfield community.

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Fiscal Court was held on Monday, July 10, 2017 in the upstairs courtroom of the county courthouse.

In addition to the report given by county road foreman Ray Page, several other reports were delivered from county offices.

Sheriff's Report: Sheriff Shane Doyle reported that a recent audit conducted to see that the county PVA's Office and the Sheriff's Office works accordingly during tax time passed with excellent results. He also discussed the recent Independence Day holiday that he said was fairly non-incidental and safe throughout the county. He also publicly commended Probation and Parole Officer Josh Watt for his quick action that was credited for saving two lives in a recent fiery crash.

​Jailer report: Deputy Jailer Todd Vincent reported there were 14 current inmates housed in the Hart County Jail under Edmonson County care along with four more on home incarceration. Vincent said that the inmate count had been somewhat reduced thanks to County Attorney Greg Vincent and Sheriff Doyle for seeing that non-violent offenders that could serve sentences via community service or home incarceration were doing so. He said this is helping with jail expenses for the county.

Hart County Jail was the only detention facility in the entire region that submitted a bid to house Edmonson County prisoners. The price went from $24/day per inmate to $40/day. Having no other option, the county was forced to agree to these terms. County Attorney Vincent said that the final contract was in it's final stages of language clarification but that it would be completed soon. 

​County Attorney report: CA Greg Vincent reported that he was informed of a federal lawsuit against several defendants, including two local deputies by a man arrested by Kentucky State Police in 2015. Vincent said the suit had already been dropped against multiple defendants and expected the county deputies to be released from the suit as well. He was informing the court because county employees are represented by the county's insurance firm's legal counsel. The court later met in closed session for a short discussion regarding the suit.

Parks & Rec: Program Administrator Greg Hudson updated the court on the current 10&Under District Baseball tournament being hosted at HWY 70 ballpark. He said the park had received multiple compliments on the field condition, umpires, facility, and concessions and was proud of the work being done by Parks & Rec and the Baseball/Softball Board.

He mentioned that the recurring bluegrass jam at Bee Spring park had been extremely popular and had exceeded expectations. He discussed the success of the recent Freedom Fest and announced an upcoming disc golf tournament that is scheduled to take place at Chalybeate Sports Complex this weekend.

In other fiscal court news, the court approved:

• A 2% county employee pay increase
• A $50/mo allowance for the dog control officer for temporarily housing and caring for dogs
• Use of the Community Center lawn for a  Trail Town kiosk once status has been established
• Appointment of Dr. Kasey Alford and Sherell Thompson, school nurse to local Board of Health

The next fiscal court meeting will be one of the two annual nightly meetings and is scheduled for Monday, July 24, 2017 at 6pm in the upstairs courtroom of the county courthouse.

Edmonson Voice Staff:
Members of the Southern Kentucky Film Commission present certificates of achievement to interns who worked on upcoming Hallmark Film Runaway Romance.

Pictured from L-R: Hart Co Judge Executive  & SOKY Film Commission President Terry Martin, Intern Bryan Clark II, Intern Amelia Mann, Actor Branscombe Richmond, Edmonson County native and Intern Casey Newton, Executive Director of KY Film Office & Ky Film Commissioner Jay T. Hall, and Intern Jeremy Aubrey. Also recognized but not pictured was Edmonson County resident Tim Skees.

"We are so proud of all the projects in the SOKY film region & the Commission's intern program focusing
on training & building local crew," said Edmonson County SOKY Film Commission Chair Rhonda Clemmons. "Congrats to Southern Ky Film Commission & 'ACI Inspires' on the completion of production/filming of Runaway Romance.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
Edmonson County Road Foreman Ray Page announced during Monday's fiscal court meeting that road crews will be working on a section of Oak Grove Church Road, just on the Brownsville side of the church beginning Tuesday morning, July 11, 2017.

Page said the county road crew has plans of cutting down approximately five feet of a hillcrest that has posed a danger to drivers for years. The road immediately turns as drivers top the hill and most drivers can't see where the road actually goes until on top of it. Even while driving the speed limit of 35mph, the hill is a serious threat to drivers in both directions, especially to unfamiliar and young drivers.

Foreman Page also said that the road will remain closed through Thursday, possibly longer depending on weather and other factors. 

Oak Grove Church Road is a cut-through road that intersects Mohawk Road on both the Chalybeate and Brownsville sides.

It's hard for some to think about it, but the return to school is just around the corner. Check out all the dates and times for Edmonson County Schools open house meetings. For more information, please call the specific school in which you're interested:
SEES: 270-597-2379, KYROCK: 270-286-4013, 5/6 CENTER: 270-597-3900, 
​ECMS: 270-597-2932, ECHS: 270-597-2151

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Today, a grand opening and ribbon cutting was held at the Kentucky Transpark to celebrate the new Interstate-65 interchange, Exit 30. Chamber officials, representatives from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Inter-modal Transportation Authority gathered along with local business leaders and federal, state, and local officials at the exchange, which is only a few miles away from the southern Edmonson County line.
 
This $66.8 million project will provide direct access to I-65 for companies in northern Warren County, including those in the Kentucky Transpark and Scotty's Industrial Park. According to the BG Chamber, all previous industrial traffic was forced to access both parks via Exit 28, near the General Motors' Bowling Green Assembly Plant and the National Corvette Museum, approximately four miles away. The new connector road is four lanes, with the ability to be expanded to six lanes in the future.

"The Commonwealth's transportation systems, together with our geography, climate, workforce and other distinct advantages, make Kentucky a world-class place to do business. This new I-65 interchange will further position the Bowling Green region for sustained economic development and job growth," said Gov. Matt Bevin. 

Senator Mitch McConnell also spoke at today's ribbon cutting.

"The opening of this I-65 interchange is a landmark achievement for Warren County," said Senator McConnell. "The Kentucky Transpark is an economic driver for South Central Kentucky, and Exit 30 will help the region continue to prosper. I was proud to partner with community and state leaders to make this interchange a reality, and I am grateful for their dedication to this project. Because of their work, this interchange will help support jobs, investment, and economic development to our state."

Phase I of the project features a new interchange on I-65 with a new exit numbered 30. The connector road from I-65 to U.S. 68 is a four-lane section with a divided median with future expansion possible to six lanes. Phase II of the project, expected to open in 2018, will extend the connector road from U.S. 68 to U.S. 31-W and will be a two-lane section with the option to expand to four lanes.

The project serves as the front door to the Kentucky Transpark, an industrial business area featuring regional, national and international outreach. As of April, the Transpark supports more than 2,600 jobs, which will have a $5.9 billion economic impact on South Central Kentucky over the next 10 years. Since 2011, 300 acres and 1.1 million square feet of industrial space have been developed within the Kentucky Transpark. It is home to two state-of-the-art vocational-based education facilities and eight of the region’s targeted industries. The surge in the once rural area has provided residents and commuters with many options for employment and commerce. However, with large growth comes the challenge of managing traffic changes and increased traffic volumes.

According to the KY Transportation Cabinet, District 3, traffic volume on I-65 in northern Warren County has more than doubled to more than 50,000 vehicles per day since 1988, with many of those being commercial vehicles. U.S. 31-W handles about 22,000 vehicles per day in the urban area.

​One of the main highways servicing the Transpark is U.S. 68, which carries about 4,900 vehicles per day, and KY 446, which is exit 28 on I-65, which carries approximately 17,500 vehicles per day. The opening of the new I-65 interchange with the connector road gives residents and commuters another access point to northern Warren County and gives commercial vehicles a safer, more reliable route to serve the industries in the area.

“Warren County and South Central Kentucky is growing rapidly and it is important that our infrastructure keeps pace with our economic growth,” said Rep. Michael Meredith, R-Brownsville, Chairman of House Committee on Local Government. “The completion of this interchange will benefit economic development in our area and I commend all those involved. Quality infrastructure is necessary for creating jobs and I will continue to advocate for a modern transportation system that makes our region attractive.” ​

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The Southern KY Film Commission is in search of 80 junior high school students for the upcoming film "M.O.M." Lunch will be provided each day.

They are looking for students from ages 9 (if tall) up to age 16.

Everyone interested in being part of the M.O.M. movie as an extra must email [email protected] with the following information:

1) Parent/Guardian First and Last Name, phone and email. 
2) Student(s) name, age and grade.

A spokesperson from the commission said that after they've emailed and are accepted, they will receive a follow-up confirmation email listing exact arrival times, location, and any further wardrobe specifics not listed here.

It is best if the students could attend ALL THREE DATES: 
-Saturday, July 8th: Need 80 Students (approx. 9:30am - 6pm Central Time)
-Sunday, July 9th: Need 25 students (approx. 9:30am - 6pm Central Time)
 AND Need 80 Total students to start at 2pm Sunday - 6pm Central Time)
-Sunday, July 23rd: Need 80 Students (approx. 12 noon - 6pm Central Time)

Location: Munfordville, Kentucky. Location address and exact times will be sent after parents respond via email with their students information.

Wardrobe: Normal school clothes and bring a backpack if you have one. Can bring a book or a notebook. However, please no white shirts, and no logos. Wear one outfit and bring a couple different options. They encourage students to be your real self: Smarties, Sporties, Crafties, Arties, etc... also Nerd, jock, musician, artist... Bring a couple changes of clothes so the costume designer can see some options. 

​Any further questions, please email [email protected].

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle accident today on Mohawk Road that sent three people to the hospital, including a seven year-old.

Officials said that Samantha McCoy, (20) of Brownsville was headed south in a Honda Civic on Mohawk Road around noon when she saw an approaching Scion TC, driven by Diana Bond (54) of Bowling Green. Authorities said that as McCoy attempted to slow down to better accommodate the oncoming car, the brakes locked on the steep downhill slope and she skidded into the oncoming lane, striking the Scion. 

Ms. Bond and her seven year-old passenger were transported to the Medical Center via Edmonson EMS for non-life threatening injuries. Miss McCoy was taken to Greenview Hospital by her family, also for non-life threatening injuries. 

It was reported that all parties were wearing their seat belts and airbags were deployed in both vehicles.

Police said that according to evidence at the scene, both cars were driving according to the speed limit but that wet road conditions and the winding slope were factors in the accident.

Responding to the scene was the Brownsville Police Department, the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, and both the Brownsville and Chalybeate Fire Departments.

​KSP said through investigation, Nicholas J. Wilson, (28) of Mammoth Cave, who was an acquaintance of Devore, was identified as a suspect in the incident. Later in the evening, the victim and vehicle were found in the city limits of Munfordville, according to KSP.

The male victim, identified as Timothy Devore, was identified and pronounced dead by the Hart County Coroner’s Office and will be taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Louisville for an autopsy.

Nicholas J. Wilson was arrested at KSP Post 3 and charged with one count of Murder. He was lodged in the Hart County Jail.

The investigation is still ongoing and is being led by Detective Mike Wathen. He was assisted at the scene by other Troopers and Detectives of KSP Post 3, Munfordville Police Department, and Hart County Coroner’s office.

Darren Doyle, story:
The family of James Allman, one of the victims in last Monday's car crash, has suffered another loss as Allman's ex-wife and mother of his three children has died unexpectedly from a heart attack, brought on by an asthma attack, according to close family friend, Laura Stewart, of Jasonville, Indiana.

Mrs. Stewart contacted the Edmonson Voice and shared the family's heartbreaking story. According to Mrs. Stewart, Anita Allman, (48) of Plainfield, IN drove to Tennessee to be with her children, Nicholas Allman (20), Willie Allman (20), and Destanee Allman (17) who were at the side of their father, James.

Stewart also said that Mr. Allman had undergone two different surgeries as a result of more than 50% of his body suffering from third degree burns, some she said went to the bone.

Mrs. Allman apparently suffered the attack as a result of the stress she suffered as she went to be with her children and died suddenly on Thursday, June 29, 2017.

​"Not only are the children having to deal with their father suffering from the crash and all the medical bills that go with that, they now have to deal with planning their mother's funeral and those expenses," Stewart said. "They desperately need help."

She said Mr. Allman was induced into a coma and he had been waking slowly under medical supervision.

A GoFundMe page has been set up in the family's name to help with expenses through this difficult time. To donate to their account, click here: 

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. in Liberty Christian Church Cemetery in Orleans, Indiana. Hall-Baker Funeral Home in Plainfield, IN are in charge of funeral arrangements. Those wishing to help can also make donations to the funeral home to help with burial expenses. 

"The family would appreciate any help during this time. This has been an awful 24 hours," Mrs. Stewart said.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
Tons of you have contacted our office and have inquired about fireworks rules, regulations, and ordinances. We've also received some complaints from homeowners asking us about the process for reporting their neighbors for too loud and too late activities.

​While we don't get involved in personal matters, we've spoken to local authorities about the matter and we've put some info together to help everyone enjoy fireworks season a bit better.

One of the things people love about Edmonson County is that there is much freedom to individual property owners regarding what you can do on and with your property. Most of those freedoms are based on the idea that as long as it doesn't bother your neighbor, you're good to go. 

However, there's always been sort of a gray area when it comes to noise, because there are no county ordinances regarding the subject. That sometimes makes it difficult for local officials to interpret and enforce. So what's the bottom line?

Common sense.

According to Sheriff Shane Doyle the key to keeping everyone happy this Independence Day week is to respect your neighbors. 

"We ask you to have your fireworks finished up by 10pm," he said. "Most people will want to get started as soon as it gets dark, which is around 8:30-9pm. It's going to be very unlikely that someone has a reason to shoot fireworks for more than an hour."

He says most everyone works during the day and when 10pm comes around, folks are heading to bed or settling down for the night.

"Don't fire them into your neighbor's yard without permission and inform your neighbors of your intentions so they know what to expect."

He also said to have a hose handy in case of fire. "Thankfully, we've been getting rain consistently, so we don't have a huge threat of field or forest fires, but we still ask you to use common sense, courtesy, and safety measures."

Brownsville Mayor Jerry Meredith said there were no official city ordinances regarding fireworks, but said much of the same thing the sheriff said.

"Common sense is the key," he said. "We don't mind fireworks in the city as long as it's not too late and someone isn't going overboard."

Sheriff Doyle said his office will refer any incident to a disorderly conduct statute. "If an incident becomes a nuisance and it's unreasonable, we can arrest."

Doyle concluded his statements by referring back to common sense. 

"Any fireworks going past 10pm will open the door for problems," he said. "Most people don't make any other loud rackets past 10pm and fireworks shouldn't be any different. Just respect others, be safe, and we'll all enjoy the holiday."