Edmonson Voice Staff
Police nabbed another impaired driver in the ongoing "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign on Saturday night. Local police have stayed busy with extra traffic safety checkpoints over the summer through the program, which is sponsored by a grant that covers all overtime for the checkpoints.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office along with Kentucky State Police reported that during the road check at HWY 259 and HWY 70, a vehicle quickly stopped short of the checkpoint, turned around, and parked in a random driveway. When officers arrived at the driveway to further investigate, they said the driver smelled very strongly of alcohol and showed fast involuntary eye movement during field sobriety tests, which police say are obvious signs of intoxication.

Police also said the driver, Ted Kinser, 74, Brownsville, refused a chemical test, further field sobriety tests, and was placed under arrest for DUI aggravated circumstances, and Refusal of chemical test. 

"When you sign the paperwork to obtain a driver's license, you also agree with the state of Kentucky to consent to a chemical test if you're arrested for a DUI," said Deputy Wally Ritter. "A refusal of that test will certainly be used against you in court."

Sheriff Shane Doyle noted that his department has made an effort to taken full advantage of the program. "So far, we've had a very successful campaign for Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," he said. "Our traffic safety checkpoints and increased patrol have yielded great results and our roads and families are safer because of it."

Time flies when you're having fun, and also when you're covering Edmonson County news, weather, obits, sports, community info, and more! It's hard to believe, but we'll be celebrating our one-year anniversary this week on Wednesday, September 2nd. 

EdmonsonVoice.com has had a total of 995,000 website visits since our launch last year, and we're trying to reach one million visits before the end of the day on Wednesday. We should reach that goal, but we want to let you know we need your help. 

We'll give away an Edmonson Voice prize pack with either a men's or women's tshirt and a brand new embroidered Edmonson Voice.com hat to celebrate. Just share the link to this story on our Facebook page to enter to win and we'll draw out a random name.

We were the first to bring you several breaking stories over the past year, something that much larger news organizations weren't able to do. We were also able to inform you of traffic accidents that affected your routes, school news that impacted your routines, crime-related stories that have an effect on us all, and the snowstorms of 2015. Unfortunately, there were also community tragedies we reported on, but we were able to get you the official information first, and we did our best to do it respectfully and accurately. 

So, here's to another year, and let's make this one better than the last! Thanks to everyone for making EdmonsonVoice.com EC's most popular news source. We love what we do and we love Edmonson County.

Edmonson Voice Staff
Local police set up a traffic safety checkpoint at the junction of HWY 259 and HWY 70 (Riverhill) Saturday night when a driver of a van came through without his driver's license. Police said the driver was acting very nervous and suspicious as police began to question him.

The driver reportedly gave the officers his name, date of birth, and social security number, but police said all the information came back as false. Officers said they asked the driver to exit the van for further questioning, but before they could get much further, the driver reportedly took off on foot, headed towards the Sav-A-Lot Food Store.

Police began a foot chase with the subject that went back through the parking lot of Hilltop Restaurant. A sheriff's deputy was able to cut the subject off, using his police cruiser to block his pathway just behind the Hilltop Quickstop. The subject was then apprehended without further incident.

Police reported that they found unknown pills, marijuana, and meth in the subject's possession, along with other drug paraphernalia.

The subject, Woody David Woodson, 29 of Bowling Green, who was wanted on several warrants out of Warren County, was arrested and charged with:

• License to be in possession
• No/expired KY registration plate
• No/expired registration receipt
• Failure of non-owner/operator to maintain insurance/security, 1st offense
• Possession of controlled substance, drug unspecified
• Wanton endangerment (police officer), 4 counts
• Fleeing/evading 1st degree, on foot
• Possession of marijuana
• Drug paraphernalia buy/possess

Woodson was transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail. The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Brownsville Police Dept as well as KSP.

The Edmonson County Child Support Office handled 136 cases during the August 21, 2015 Motion Hour.  Of all the cases, 32 bench warrants were issued totaling $178,968.72 in bonds.  “The office is working closely with the Edmonson County Sheriff’s Department in efforts to serve bench warrants,” said J.B. Hines, Edmonson Count Attorney. 

The Edmonson County Child Support Office has a zero tolerance on failure to pay support and to assertively pursue non-payment.  “Because children rely on support from their parents for necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care, we have implemented a zero tolerance policy,” said Hines.   “I appreciate the work by the members of our office as child support establishment, collection and enforcement is of great importance to some of our most vulnerable citizens, our children.”

As a note, the Child Support Office will conduct the motion hour docket on Friday, September 18, 2015, which is Fair Day.  Failure to be in court, if required, will result in a bench warrant.  “This office takes pride in the community and wants to be involved and supportive of all community events, but we have a duty to the children of this community as well,” said Hines.  

This may not appear in some mobile applications. We are working to improve these situations.

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, August 25, 2015. The Honorable Judge Renona Carol Browning presiding. 

Miranda Marie Fields, Possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor. Agreed order, review on 10-6-15.

Michael Johnson, Carrying a concealed deadly weapon. Violation of KY EPO/DVO. Trafficking controlled substance, 1st offense, Greater than two grams of meth. Pleaded not guilty to all. Preliminary hearing for 9-1-15.

Willie Ray Lindsey, First degree possession of controlled substance/heroin, first offense. First degree possession of controlled substance, drug unspecified, first offense. Possession of synthetic drugs, Class B misdemeanor. Drug paraphernalia-buy/posses. Pleaded not guilty to all. Preliminary hearing for 9-8-15.

Carnell K Meredith, Wanton endangerment 1st degree. Pleaded not guilty. Preliminary hearing set for 9-1-15.

Calla E Foster, Speeding 18mph over limit. Will attend County Attorney Traffic School. Failure to notify address change to dept of transportation. Dismissed.

Tanner M Duncan, Operating vehicle with expired operator's license. No/expired KY registration receipt. No/expired registration plates. Failure to produce insurance card. All charges dismissed.

Kevin Shawn Haycraft, Operating vehicle with expired operator's license. License to be in possession. Failure to produce insurance card. Continued to 9-8-15.

Bobby Allen House, Possession of synthetic cannabinoid agonists/piperazines. Continued for 9-8-15.

Cameron Blair Willett, Possession of alcoholic beverage by a minor. Agreed order, review on 10-6-15.

Nathaniel Lee McCoun, Possession of marijuana. Pleaded not guilty. Possession of alcoholic beverage by a minor. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference for 10-6-15.

John Clark Dillion, Possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor. Agreed order, review on 10-6-15.

Jackson Scott Browning, Possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor. Agreed order, review on 10-6-15.

Ethan Lawrence Landherr, Possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor. Agreed order, review on 10-6-15.

Erin Kelly Murphy, Possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor. Agreed order, review on 10-6-15.

Paul B Schiavone, Possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor. Agreed order, review on 10-6-15.

Logan W Clark, Possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor. Agreed order, review on 10-6-15.

Samuel Seibert Thompson, Possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor. Agreed order, review on 10-13-15.

Harrison Broecker Payne, Possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor. Agreed order, review on 10-6-15.

Glenna M Gaines, Possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor. Agreed order, review on 10-13-15.

Rebecca Anne Buster, Possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor. Agreed order, review on 10-6-15.

Logan Huges Fogle, Possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor. Agreed order, review on 10-6-15.

Michael D Dwyer, Possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor. Agreed order, review on 10-6-15.

Samuel James White, Possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor. Agreed order, review on 10-6-15.

Douglas Eli Jefferson, Possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor. Agreed order, review on 10-6-15.

Claire Michele Sedlar, Possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor. Agreed order, review on 10-6-15.

Griffin Douglas Hicks, Possession of marijuana. Pleaded not guilty. Possession of alcoholic beverages by a minor. Pleaded not guilty. Use/possess drug paraphernalia 1st offense. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference for 10-6-15.

Kenneth Dale Rishel Jr, Failure to wear personal flotation device under 12 years old. Continue on 9-8-15.

Who will be the 2015 Football Homecoming Queen and her court? Find out this Friday night as the Wildcats take on Butler County at Wildcat Stadium. Kickoff is at 7pm.

Front row from L-R: Macy Wrye, Keeley Doyle; Chanley Logsdon; Hannah Meredith and Mollie Cassady
Second row: Abby Alexander, Emma Logsdon, Mikayla Lindsey, Caitlin Simon , Abby Stice and Peyton Martin
Seated: Mary Chris Waddell, Madelyne Taylor, Kennady Doyle, Carsan Logsdon, and  Jhonna Basil
Standing: Olivia Allen, Hannah Lindsey, Cleo Woodson, Maddie Cline, and McKenna Wood

Darren Doyle, story
Pat Prunty, photos
Firefighters responded to 615 Wilderness Road this morning at the residence of Mr. Kevin Cilone. Official reports said that Mr. Cilone was awakened by the sounds of snapping and cracking, and when he went outside to check, he saw that an outside storage building was on fire.

Lincoln Fire Chief Steve Sanders said that firefighters arrived on scene in 12 minutes, but the small building was already fully involved and had begun falling down. 

Chief Sanders also said that a van parked just in front of the building had also caught fire. Firefighters controlled the blaze, but the van was also a total loss. The fire caused some vinyl siding to melt on the house, but the fire was contained and no further damage occurred. 

Along with the Lincoln VFD, the Kyrock Fire Department also responded, as well as Edmonson County Emergency Management Director Pat Prunty. 

Officials don't know the source of the fire, and they said the only thing plugged up inside the building was a small radio. There were no injuries reported.

Darren Doyle, story and photo
Magistrates voted unanimously to approve a new Health Dept. tax at today's Fiscal Court meeting, Monday, 8/24. However, another proposed tax was not voted on, as legal research from County Attorney J.B. Hines' office proved that the proposed Extension Agent tax wasn't a matter for Fiscal Court. 

A state law passed in 1978 gave authority to each county's Extension District Authority Board to levy the tax in each county used to fund their offices. No one locally was aware of the law, which prompted the Fiscal Court to seek out the tax in the first place. 

"We found out that Fiscal Court doesn't control the Extension Office District Board," said Cannon. "The district board has called for a public notice for a special meeting held at 4pm on Tuesday, September 1st, at the Extension office on Mohawk Street." The meeting will be for the purpose of setting the extension tax rate for Edmonson County.

According to David Embrey, County Extension Agent, the board will move forward by attempting to put the tax in place. Judge Wil Cannon said the board has to be reasonable with the tax rate, and it must fall within certain guidelines as governed by the state. Agent Embrey said setting high tax rates would never be the plan.  "We couldn't, and we wouldn't just want to go in and raise taxes just because we can," said Embrey. 

The proposed plan is still to set the rate at .175 per $100 of property value. This rate will only provide funding for the Extension Office to continue the services they currently offer, and nothing extra, which will save the county somewhere around $90,000.  Members of the board include Wil Cannon, Yvonne Campbell, Arlene Skaggs, David Woosley, Melody Prunty, Linda Starnes, and James Davis.

The Health Department Special District Tax, which was voted for by all magistrates, could appear on the upcoming property tax bills, according to Cannon. The rate will be 2 cents per $100 of assessed value. Officials estimated that both taxes will end up costing the average Edmonson County household around a total of $20 per year. So in essence, by each family paying an additional $1.67 per month, the county will save over $200,000 in one year, which according to Cannon, is the amount needed to avert a financial crisis in the county.

In other Fiscal Court News:
Road Report:
County Road Foreman Ray Page reported that he had spoken with a state inspector regarding the construction of a new salt storage bin for the county. The inspector said an architect will have to draw plans for the structure and they'll need to be approved in Frankfort before construction can begin. 

He reported earlier that Harlin Tarter had offered to supply some pre-fab forms, but it now appears as the project will need different sizes than what Tarter had offered. The county has requested bids from two local concrete contractors to pour the walls for the structure.
Sheriff Report: 
Sheriff Shane Doyle wanted to make everyone aware that the local animal control officers, Greg and Kim Carroll, were a huge help at the meth lab bust in Wingfield last week. He said the Carroll's removed some of the vicious animals from the home and placed them in kennels that were at the rear of the property. He said the case couldn't have been worked without removal of the animals.
Blue Holler ATV Park:
Judge Cannon said he and the Sheriff spoke with Kevin Nelson, manager of Blue Holler ATV Park and discussed the complaints of noise, mud on the roads, illegal parking in the cemetery from patrons of the park, and owed taxes. Cannon said Mr. Nelson was in the process of creating new parking on Ollie Ridge Rd and has paid all taxes at the present. Nelson agreed to keeping noise levels down at 9pm from Sunday to Thursday, and 11pm on Friday and Saturday.
Other Tax Rates:
The county agreed to keep property tax and motor vehicle/water craft tax rates the same as last year.
FEMA Funds: 
It was reported that the county will be receiving disaster funds in the amount of $23,191. Edmonson County was declared a state of emergency during the February snowstorm which qualified the county for government funding. The funds will be used towards the new salt bin project.  
County Park Use For Charitable Events:
The court agreed to give Judge Cannon the authority to allow charitable events at county facilities at county parks. He said as long as local non-profits benefit the county, he wanted them to have use of the these facilities at no charge. One example was an upcoming car show that will be a benefit for the proposed Veterans Memorial Courtyard at the courthouse.

Edmonson Voice Staff
Police responded to a report of domestic violence where apparent shots were fired at a Bee Spring residence over the weekend. Mickey Meredith, 78 said his wife, Bertha Meredith, 76, shot at him multiple times with a handgun during an argument. 

Police also said shell casings and the handgun used were found at the scene. Mrs. Meredith allegedly told police the incident escalated from something she said happened over 50 years ago. Police said she told them she didn't want to hit him, only scare him. It was reported that Mr. Meredith claimed he heard the bullets whizzing by his head in the shooting. 

"This incident, although very tragic, highlights some of many different choices we must make everyday in law enforcement," said Sheriff Shane Doyle. "No one gets a free pass from committing a crime regardless of age, gender, race, or any other reason."

Mrs. Meredith was charged with Wanton Endangerment and transported to the Hart County Jail where she was later released on bond. There were no reported injuries.

"The deputy was told that shots had been fired, and apparently Mrs. Meredith admitted to it. He really had no choice," Doyle added.

Edmonson Voice Staff
A man that was arrested back in May in a local marijuana bust, Howard Baird, 54, of Mohawk, is now facing child pornography charges after pornographic images of minors were discovered on his computers that were seized during the raid. 

Police said they obtained search warrants for two desktop computers in an attempt to gain further information of the marijuana growth operation. When officers began to search through the files, they reportedly discovered thousands of images of child porn, some of which they said were digitally altered to depict Baird in the images along with the minors.

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, August 18, 2015. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty, presiding.

Andrea J Eastman, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, 1st offense. Pleaded not guilty. Refusal to submit to breath/blood/urine test. Pleaded not guilty, pretrial suspension. Pretrial conference for 9/1/15.

Michael Robey, Criminal littering. Defer for one year on condition of no further offense.

Lana Sue Logsdon, Theft by unlawful taking or disposition, all others under $500. Pleaded not guilty, Pretrial conference for 11/17/15. 

Raymond Thomas McCormick II, Criminal mischief 3rd degree. Continued to 9/1/15. Court notice sent to defendant.

Tabitha Lynn Lindsey, Fugitive-warrant not required. No warrant received. Bond set at $2,500 unsecured pending warrant.

James Wil Mattingly, Convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Possession of controlled substance, 3rd degree-drug unspecified. Pretrial hearing for 9/8/15. Attorney appointed.

Bobby Allen House, Possession of synthetic cannabinoid agonists/piperazines. Continued for one week.

Larry L Daniel, Assault, 4th degree, domestic violence minor injury. Pleaded guilty. Sentenced to 90 days in jail, credit for 2 days served. Remaining 88 days probated for two years. Costs of $183.

Johnny F Prunty, Operating ATV on roadway, pleaded not guilty. Operating motor vehicle under influence of drugs/alcohol 1st offense, pleaded not guilty. Refusal to submit to breath/blood/urine test, pleaded not guilty, pretrial suspension. Pretrial conference for 9/1/15.

Edmonson Voice Staff
photos by Edmonson Voice
Acting on a drug complaint, police responded to a residence on Henry Meredith Road in Wingfield last night, where the resident was currently on probation from drug charges filed in Warren County. Officials conducted what is known as a "walk-and-talk," where they simply knock on the door, ask if everything is ok, then look for suspicious activity.

Police said a man then opened the door and drug paraphernalia was lying in plain sight. Even though the individual they were looking for wasn't there, they had enough evidence to obtain a search warrant.
Once police served the warrant, they found several baggies of suspected meth, along with scales, an undisclosed amount of cash, and several meth precursors (items used to manufacture meth).

The Edmonson County Animal Control was also dispatched, as there were several vicious pit bulls who came aggressively toward the officers. The animals had to be removed from the premises before the entire search could be conducted.

No arrests were made, but criminal charges for unlawful possession of meth precursor and trafficking controlled substance-meth are currently being sought against one resident, who's name police aren't yet releasing. The investigation is ongoing and more individuals could face charges.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office was assisted by KY Parole and Probation, Kentucky State Police, Brownsville PD, and EC Animal Control.

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, August 11, 2015. The Honorable Judge Renona Carol Browning presiding.

Richard W Russell, Possession of controlled substance 1st degree-1st offense. Possession of controlled substance, 3rd degree-drug unspecified. Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs 1st offense. Controlled substance prescription not in original container. Failure to produce insurance card. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st. Careless driving. Failure to wear seat belt. Pleaded not guilty to all. Public attorney appointed. Preliminary hearing on 8/25/15.

Alexandria S Richardson, Manufacturing meth, 1st offense. Pleaded not guilty. Controlled substance endangerment to child, 4th degree. Pleaded not guilty. Public attorney appointed, preliminary hearing on 8/18/15.

Richard Alan Corbitt, Manufacturing meth, 2nd or greater offense. Pleaded not guilty. Controlled substance endangerment to child, 4th degree. Pleaded not guilty. Public attorney appointed. Preliminary hearing for 8/18/15.

Adam Randell Blanton, Assault-3rd degree-Police/probation officer. Disorderly conduct. Resisting Arrest. Criminal mischief-3rd degree. Burglary, 3rd degree. Terroristic threatening, 3rd degree. Criminal trespassing. Pleaded not guilty to all. Preliminary hearing set for 8/18/15.

Wesley R Yates, Speeding 17mph over limit. Failure to wear seat belt. Paid in full.

Jose Ayala, Speeding 26mph over limit. Amended to 15mph over limit, pleaded guilty, fined $30. Reckless driving, dismissed. Total costs and fines $173.00, paid. 

Kevin Dewayne Coleman, Failure of non-owner operator to maintain required insurance, 1st. Failure to notify address change to dept of transportation. Both charges dismissed.

Richard Tyler Basham, Reckless driving, merge into count 2. Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs-1st offense. Pleaded guilty. Fined $200 and 30 days in jail, credit of two days served. Balance of jail time suspended for 2 years on no similar offense. License suspended for 30 days. Total costs and fines, $753.

Kim A Potts, Speeding 22mph over limit. Will attend County Attorney Traffic School.

Timothy Scott Douglas, Speeding 16mph over limit. Will attend County Traffic School.

Bobby Allen House, Possession of synthetic cannabinoid agonists/piperazines. Failed to appear, $1000 cash bench warrant issued.

Brent Basham, Cruelty to animals-2nd degree. Pleaded not guilty, pretrial conference for 9/8/15.

Martin Ingram, Theft by deception-including cold checks under $500. Failed to appear. $500 cash bench warrant issued. 

Courtiz Antiwan Metcalf, Creel and size limits for fish. Continued on 8/25/15.

Cynthia J Smith, Non-resident fishing without a license/permit. Pleaded guilty. Fined $100. Total costs and fines $254. 

Jeffery N Wolschleger, Non-resident fishing without a license/permit. Continued for 8/25/15.

"It's an unfortunate reality that we carry a gun because we have to, not because we want to," Doyle said. He then explained how they train with realistic targets, and mix "shoot" targets (life-size photos of armed assailants) with "no-shoot" targets (life-size photos of people holding water bottles, cell phones, etc...) He said this adds more real-life elements to the training. 

"It's better to make mistakes on a paper target than to accidentally shoot an innocent person," he added. "I want to thank the Brownsville Police Dept, as well as the other officers from Fish and Wildlife, the Dept. of Agriculture, and also Rockcastle Shooting Center for allowing us to use their facilities."

Sheriff Shane Doyle gave the monthly activity report for July at the Fiscal Court meeting on Monday, 8/10.

The following locations are approved safety traffic checkpoints in Edmonson County used by local law enforcement:

• US 31W just South of Barren County line
• US 31W @ KY 259
• US 31W @ KY 101
• KY 259 @ KY 70 North in Brownsville
• KY 259 @ KY 70 South in Brownsville
• Crossroads KY 70 and KY 185
• KY 728 @ Nolin Dam
• KY 101 @ KY 743 (New Grove Rd)
• KY 259 in front of the Fair grounds
• KY 728 @ Lincoln VFD
• KY 185 Near Independence Church
• KY 187 @ KY 238 (Sunfish School Rd)
• KY 1749 @ Sailings Grocery
• KY 743 @ Sulfur Rd
• KY 259 @ Cedar Grove Church Rd
• KY 259 @ KY 2336 (Jock Rd)
• KY 655 (Segal Rd) @ Honey Creek Rd
• KY 1827 (Briar Creek Rd) @ Brooks Rd
• KY 185 near EG Nash Rd (Grayson Co Line)

Edmonson Voice Staff
With police agencies all across the nation being placed under scrutiny for alleged misconduct, police brutality, and racial profiling, Sheriff Shane Doyle has recently discussed the possibilities of the purchase of body cameras for members of his office. More and more agencies are using the personal cameras to protect citizens from misconduct, for police training, as well as protecting law enforcement from liability.

The problem for acquiring the personal devices? They're very expensive. With budget issues facing all Edmonson County offices, extra purchases that aren't necessary for operation are not options at this time, that is, unless you receive a generous donation from county citizens.

Sheriff Doyle said through an anonymous donation, his office will be purchasing the cameras for himself and county deputies, at the request of the donors. The donation amounted to $2,000, which he said would cover the cost of the cameras for the department.

"Body cameras allow us to have an additional witness to any situation," he said. "They can corroborate officers' statements and be used as training tools in the future by allowing us to see adjustments we need to make."

Donations to elected offices are highly regulated and are placed under a microscope to assure that funds are not misappropriated. 

"We have to walk a very fine line when it comes to donations to the Sheriff's office," Doyle said. "There are tight regulations as to how they can be made and how they're to be used. The donors in this case wanted to remain anonymous because they didn't want any recognition for their generosity. The donors were aware of our need and limited resources, and specifically requested the funds be used for body-worn cameras. I can't say just how much we appreciate this support."

Doyle said he is currently field testing different options and that the purchase will be made once it's determined what best fits his department.

Blanton was arrested and charged with Assault 3rd -Police Officer, Disorderly conduct 2nd,  Criminal mischief 3rd, Burglary 3rd, Terroristic threatening 3rd, Criminal trespassing 3rd, and Resisting arrest.

"If an officer gives you a lawful order to exit the vehicle during a traffic stop, please do so," said Deputy Jones. "If not, more charges are likely to follow."

Blanton was transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail where he is being held on a $5,000 bond.

Darren Doyle,Edmonson Voice
Local fire departments responded to a barn fire just before midnight last night (Monday 8/10) on Orchid Road in the Cedar Springs community. Officials said that when they arrived, the barn, owned by Charlie Tarter was fully engulfed.

Rocky Hill Fire Chief Trenton Sowders said there was approximately 2,000 square hay bales, along with 100 or so rolls of hay, all of which were lost. He also said the barn was full of various farm equipment and machinery. "They got one small tractor out just before we got there," he said. "Another tractor's rear tires were on fire, but we kept water on those tires long enough for someone to drive it out."

He said a neighbor, Randy Howard, suffered minor burns on the backs of his arms while trying to save equipment and was treated at the scene by Edmonson EMS.

Officials have no idea what caused the fire and there were reports of a rekindle this morning, and with the amount of hay and equipment in the barn, it's possible for the fire to smolder for a couple of days.

Assisting the Rocky Hill Fire Department was the Chalybeate VFD along with Edmonson EMS and the District 2 Constable.

Chief Sowders said he appreciates the support of the other local fire departments. "This was something that one department couldn't handle alone," he said. "We're thankful no one was seriously injured." The barn, hay, and most of the equipment was lost in the fire.

Arrested where Richard A. Corbitt, 45, of Segal and Alexandria Richardson, 24, also of Segal. They were both charged with Manufacturing meth and Controlled substance--endangerment to minor 4th degree, due to a three year old child also being at the scene. 

Assisting the sheriff's office was the Brownsville Police Dept. and the District 2 Constable.

Darren Doyle
The Fiscal Court approved Judge Cannon to begin appointing members to a newly formed Industrial Zoning Committee. The committee will be made up of magistrates and possibly citizens from each district. Cannon said this is not to keep industry away from the county, but rather to set a certain minimum distance from a new industry from a residential area.

"First, we have to define a residential area," Cannon said. "Is it one house? Three? These are things we have to figure out." He said he didn't want to say that a business simply can't come into a certain place because some people may not want it, but the regulations have to be clear cut and all options researched.

He referenced the construction dump that was almost put in operation in Chalybeate a few years ago. "That would've been in an area where there's a lot of nice homes. There would've been lots of consequences if something like that had've happened. We're just trying to protect property values and the styles of living people have," he said. 

Cannon asked all magistrates to find qualified candidates to be on the committee as he would reach out to ones he had in mind. The findings will be discussed at next court meeting.

New Salt Bin Construction
The court also approved construction of a new salt bin for the county road department. County Road Foreman Ray Page had spoken in past meetings about the deterioration of the current bins. "It's getting to the point that I'm afraid the EPA is going to fine us," said Page at today's meeting.  He also said the road crew can handle the labor to construct the building which will save the county a substantial amount of money. Page said Harlin Tarter has volunteered to help with some concrete forms for the project. Cannon said the exact cost was not yet known, but a small surplus in gas tax money would probably cover the majority of the cost.

Courthouse Square Sidewalk Project 
Judge Cannon also reported that the sidewalk project was near completion. He noted that the City of Brownsville voluntarily funded half the project, which they weren't required to do as the property belonged to the county. He commended Mayor Jerry Meredith for his willingness to help and noted that the county and city governments had a great working relationship, something that's not always been seen.

Recreational and Room Taxes Collected
Tourism director Rhonda Clemmons reported that her office had received back taxes from The Blue Holler ATV park in the amount of $2,500, all of which will go to Parks and Rec, and $4,000 from Park Mammoth Resort for their Room Tax share. That amount will be shared between the Tourism and the Parks and Rec departments.

Approval of Semi Annual Night Meetings
The court voted on holding night meetings semi-annually beginning in January. The first of the two meetings will be held on the 4th Monday night in January, the other on the 4th Monday night in July of next year. Mag. Mark Woosley made the motion to hold a meeting each quarter, seconded by Mag. Joe Durbin, with Clark Wood voting with them, however, Magistrates Edd Rich, Buck Simmons, and Johnny Brooks voted against the motion, forcing Judge Cannon to break the tie with another 'no' vote. Cannon said he wanted to see night meetings, so rather than seeing them voted down, he asked for a vote at least for a semi-annual meetings. That vote passed.

Veteran's Courtyard Plans Changed
In recent court meetings, Judge Cannon proposed making improvements to the outside of the courthouse by making a "Veteran's Courtyard." He had discussed the construction of paving stones put down that would have veterans' names engraved in each one. The plan was for citizens to purchase the stones with their choice of names to be engraved. Members of the local DAV attended today's meeting to oppose the construction of the engraved pavers.

"With all due respect for the idea of honoring our veterans, that in lieu of placing the pavers on the ground, a wall be erected in the courthouse yard, similar to the one Park City, to display the engraved pavers," said WWII Veteran and past DAV Commander Wiley Willis in a written statement to the court. Other members of the DAV said the engraved names of fallen soldiers shouldn't be walked on, and that the area that would make up the courtyard is often frequented by people who have "little respect for public property" that throw trash and cigarette butts down on the current pavers.

The court agreed to look into the idea of constructing a memorial wall instead of the walking pavers. 

The next Fiscal Court meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 24th, 2015 at 9am.

Darren Doyle, story and photo
Judge Executive Wil Cannon discussed two new proposed taxes at today's Fiscal Court meeting that he says will repair a huge hole in the budget for the next several years. During the last few meetings, Cannon has explained that the county has been operating on a budget that has relied heavily on the county's savings, an account that will soon be bled dry.

The county currently funds both the County Extension Agent's office and The County Health Department. These offices are basically provided to Edmonson County solely on the support of the county government. Cannon has said that Edmonson County is one of the few left in the state that doesn't have a tax for each of the offices. Both offices combined cost the county around $200,000 to $210,000 per year, which is near the amount that the county needs to balance the budget for next year.

The proposed taxes would be added to property tax bills as well as motor registration taxes to the tune of about .2 percent for a Health Department Tax, which is still half of the .4% most counties pay, and a slightly lower .175% for the Extension Agent tax.

Cannon said that a recent study showed that Edmonson County is among the bottom 4 counties in the state for the lowest tax burden.  Cannon said that county governments are some of the last to recuperate from recessions. "I'm going to guess it was around 2008 when the (county's) financial issues started. Our property assessments basically stayed the same  through the recession, and this year was really the first time they've shown a rise since then."  

With the county's income staying the same but expenses continually rising, the county has been forced to dig into it's savings. Cannon stressed that the county hasn't added new or more services, it simply has to find a way to fund current programs and expenses. "Without increasing revenue we'll be forced to make cuts, and we can't cut the services our county currently provides."

Several residents in attendance spoke in favor of the new taxes if they were indeed going to fix the budget. The proposal will be on the next Fiscal Court agenda for a final vote.