Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, August 30, 2016. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty presiding.

Calvin Dennis, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs-first offense. Possession of controlled substance-first degree-first offense-meth. Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess. Torture of dog/cat with serious physical injury or death. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Pretrial hearing 9-13-16.

Bradley M Wood. Resident fishing without a license/permit. Amend to all others, failed to appear. Notice sent to dept. of transportation.

Joseph E Dillard, Possession of controlled substance-second degree-codeine. Controlled substance prescription not in original container. Illegal possession of legend drug. Pleaded not guilty to all, pretrial conference 9-13-16.

Shauna F McStoots, Failure to or improper signal. Possession of controlled substance-second degree-codeine. Controlled substance prescription not in original container first. Illegal possession of legend drug. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Pretrial conference 9-13-16.

Dalton J Reese, Speeding 13mph over limit. Failure to register transfer of motor vehicle. Pleaded not guilty to both. Continued 9-13-16. Failure to produce insurance card. Proof shown, dismissed.

Brandy J Lindsey, No/expired registration plates. Failure of non-owner operator to maintain required insurance-first. Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference 9/13/16.

Darren Doyle, story and photo
Hellervik Oil Technologies held a public meeting today at the Edmonson County Public Library to discuss their plans to bring a new gas plant to Edmonson County. 

In the wake of the Atmos plant debacle that turned Rocky Hill upside down, general manager Gary Minard said that this is a completely different situation, one that will greatly benefit county residents.

Although the exact location of the property was not disclosed (pending final legal documentation), it was announced as being located in the county just off of 31W, about halfway between the Bowling Green city limits and the Edmonson County Industrial Park. Minard said the proposed location is a 127 acre densely wooded area that will house the plant right in the middle of the property.

So what makes this any different from the failed plant that was located in Rocky Hill?

"We understand the impact that a gas plant has on a community," said Minard. "We don't want to repeat the same issues like the noise and pollution that impacted the folks in Rocky Hill."

Minard said the new plant will not operate like the Rocky Hill plant and will feature better equipment that will help prevent noise and pollution from having negative effects on county residents.

"We first evaluated the Atmos plant, but operating there wouldn't work. The community didn't want that and there were also several other issues. Things just didn't come together but the resources are still here and the opportunity is still here."

After failing to find a buyer for the property, Atmos Energy announced they were dismantling the plant and donating the property to the Rocky Hill Fire Department. However; it's probably more accurate to say the Rocky Hill residents themselves dismantled it. They pushed back against Atmos and the companies that were interested in buying it. The pressure that local citizens placed on the potential buyers was much greater than that of the gas in the lines. Hellervik says this plant will be completely different.

"We've got a good business plan for Edmonson County. This is like a diamond in the rough. We're going to bring revenue to royalty holders and will provide extraction tax revenues to the county. We're not going to take government subsidies. We're going to provide jobs and train people for those jobs. We encourage folks to check out our blog at Hellervik.us. We appreciate the reception we've received and wish to be nothing but good corporate citizens of Edmonson County," he said.

 Judge Executive Wil Cannon said that as long as someone is going to put a gas plant here, he'd rather it be with a community partner that wants to work with the county, and so far, he said Hellervik has shown to be just that.

"I've said this before and I feel that Hellervik coming here is a win-win-win," he said. "We can't stop someone from coming in here and putting up some kind of a plant wherever they choose, so we need to encourage the right group of people. I feel good about Hellervik because they've shown that want to be a good community neighbor."

Cannon said Hellervik has provided a business plan different from other companies interested in the county resources. 

"They're going to first, buy gas from county residents, so that helps right off. They're going to bring jobs to the county, although not every position will be filled by a county citizen, there will still be opportunities. Their tax revenues will pump money back into the county and we'll have some funding to really make a difference."

Cannon said if it's not Hellervik, it will be someone else. That someone else might not be the best for the county.

"These folks have shown that they want to do things differently," he said. "They attend fiscal court meetings. They meet with county and community leaders. They're doing all theses things that they don't have to. They're showing they want to be good fit for the community."

Chairman of the Board and CEO Lowell Hellervik was eager to show the Edmonson Voice the property of the proposed plant but decided that it would be best to hold off until the remaining legal matters were in order. They said they would invite us to the property once the purchase and placement was finalized.

What are your thoughts? Send us an email at: [email protected] or leave a comment below. 

Edmonson Voice Staff
Darren Doyle, photos
For the third time in 24 hours, emergency personnel were called out to another accident in Edmonson County this morning, a two car collision around 7:30am at the intersection of Denham Road and KY HWY 743, near Chalybeate Church.

Authorities reported that Gualdaldo Amilcar, (37) Bowling Green, was driving a 2008 Ford F150 owned by Adam Cassady of Chalybeate. According to official reports, Amilcar was driving south on 743 and attempted to turn left on Denham Road. He apparently turned into the path of an oncoming Nissan Altima, driven by Amanda Sowders (36) of Brownsville, who was headed north on 743 after making a drop off at school. 

Officials said that Sowders tried to avoid the truck by veering right, but was unable to get out of the way and was hit. Her car traveled several feet off the road up an embankment.

Mrs. Sowders was transported to the Medical Center in Bowling Green by Edmonson EMS for non-life threatening injuries. 

Amilcar was not injured. He was cited for driving without an operator's license.

Also responding to the accident were the Chalybeate and Kyrock Fire Departments and the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

Edmonson Voice Staff
Darren Doyle, photo
Two more were sent to the hospital this afternoon in the second Edmonson County crash of the day as emergency responders were called out to Oak Hill Road, just north of the Willie Webb Road intersection around 3:30pm.

Authorities said that Theresa Wheat, (57) of Brownsville, was headed north on Oak Hill Road in a 1992 Chevy Blazer when for an unknown reason dropped off the right shoulder of the road. She reportedly was unable to keep control of the SUV and it traveled for approximately 100 feet on a grassy bank before coming to rest at the bottom of an embankment, narrowly missing several trees and a concrete drainage tile.

She and her passenger, Timothy Webb, (54) also of Brownsville, were both transported to the hospital via Edmonson EMS for non-life threatening injuries. 

Also responding to the scene were the Brownsville and Chalybeate Fire Departments and the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office. ​

She and her passenger, Timothy Webb, (54) also of Brownsville, were both transported to the hospital via Edmonson EMS for non-life threatening injuries. 

Also responding to the scene were the Brownsville and Chalybeate Fire Departments and the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office. ​

Darren Doyle, story and photos
A woman and a two-year old child were involved in a single vehicle crash this morning on Wingfield Church Road that sent the woman to the hospital.

Emergency personnel responded to the 7600 block of Wingfield Church Road (KY HWY 1749) this morning around 7am where the call first came in as trapped driver.

According to KY State Police, Kristen Cowles, (23) of Bowling Green was headed north on 1749 when she saw a truck and trailer attempting to pull onto the highway as she topped a hill in a 2000 Honda. Police said she thought the truck was going to pull into her path and as a reaction, slammed on the brakes, skidded out of control, and crashed into a tree. 

Rescuers were able to free Ms. Cowles from the car and she was transported to the Medical Center in Bowling Green via Edmonson EMS for non-life threatening injuries. Police said the two-year old was properly restrained in a child safety seat and was uninjured. Cowles was reportedly wearing her seatbelt.

Also responding to the scene were the Wingfield and Brownsville Fire Departments and the JAWS of Life. 

The Edmonson County Clerk’s Office has announced that they will be closed on Saturday, September 3rd and Monday, September 5th in observance of Labor Day. 

​On Tuesday, September 6th, the office will be closed from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm to conduct the 2015 Delinquent Property Tax Sale.

Other county offices will also be closed on the same days. 

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, August 23, 2016. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty presiding. 

Mark T Renfro. Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 9-6-16.

Charles W Lindsey. Failure to produce insurance card. Failure to surrender revoked operator's license. Operating on suspended/revoked license. Failed to appear. Bench warrant issued.

Bonnie Ann Graham. Operating vehicle with expired operator's license. Proof shown, dismissed.

​Denver Ray Williams. *OBS* Giving officer false name or address. Illegal possession of legend drug. Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess. First degree possession of controlled substance/drug unspecified-first offense. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial hearing 8-30-16.

​Brett Austin Higgs. Assault fourth degree-domestic violence-minor injury. Deferred two years pending no new charges involving aggressive behavior.

Teddy Lee Higgs. Assault fourth degree-domestic violence-minor injury. Deferred two years pending no new charges involving aggressive behavior.

Bruce Robinette. Operating vehicle with expired operator's license. Proof shown, dismissed.

Keith Allen Lockard. Assault fourth degree-domestic violence-minor injury. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference for 9-6-16.

Holly A Redman. Violation of KY EPO/DVO. Alcohol intoxication in a public place-first and second offense. Pleaded not guilty to both. Pretrial conference 9-6-16.

Joshua R Sykora. Driving on DUI suspended license-first offense. No tail lamps. Possession of marijuana. Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference 9-6-16.

UPDATE**
The ferry is open as of Thurs, 8/25 at 12:35pm**

Mammoth Cave National Park public information officer Vickie Carson has announced that Mammoth Cave Ferry is closed due to a fallen tree on one of the main cables.

"There was a huge tree that fell on the cable and it will have to be replaced," Carson said. "The ferry will be closed for the rest of today as well as tomorrow until the repairs have been made."

We will pass along updates as they become available.

Darren Doyle, story

**UPDATE** This year's fair theme is "History Of Mammoth Cave." Mark Rich, Mammoth Cave NP Safety Officer Named Parade Grand Marshal:

It's hard to believe, but yes, it's almost that time of year once again, when the smell of corn dogs, kettle corn, and other scents that are, well, interesting to say the least...okay, enough of that. Let's talk about the 2016 Edmonson County Lions Club Fair.

This year will feature much of the same events that people have grown to love over the years, like beauty pageants, a baby show, the parade and school day, and of course, the mud bog and demolition derby.  One change is that the beauty pageants will be held at the ECHS auditorium, not SEES as in years past.
​
Fair Board Chairman Mike Blanton has been busy all year long (just like every year) preparing for this year's event. 

"I feel really good about the carnival this year," Blanton said. "The company we've hired has said that they're bringing in some really good rides and we hope this will be a good year."

Blanton says it's difficult for a small community like Edmonson County to contract a company to bring large numbers of rides or larger attractions because those companies stay booked in long term contracts with places and events with higher populations.

​Blanton says the purpose of the fair is to bring good, quality family entertainment to Edmonson County while raising money for the many charity works handled by the Lions Club throughout the year. 

The Lions Club is made up of volunteers that don't receive any payment for their work throughout the year. The organization funds charity events and causes like the new coat program for all head start students, the Angel Tree program which adopts needy families at Christmas, The Backpack Food program for schools, a scholarship, the annual Parks and Rec Fireworks at Freedom Fest, and various school causes along with other good deeds no one ever knows about.

This year's fair schedule is as follows:

• Friday, Sept 9 7PM:  Beauty Pageant at ECHS Auditorium Click Here For Details
• Saturday, Sept 10 9AM: Poultry Show,  7PM: Beauty Pageant at ECHS Auditoruim
• Monday, Sept 12, 6PM: Baby Show, at Fairgrounds. $10 entry fee, registration is 5PM,for more info, please call the EC Extension Office at (270) 597-3628.
• Tuesday Sept 13, 7PM Mud Run (See Slideshow For info)
• Wednesday Sept 14, 4PM Family Night At Carnival
• Thursday Sept 15, 8AM-Noon: Check in exhibits, 1PM-6PM Exhibit Judging, 7PM Drag Racing (see slideshow)
• Friday Sept 16 9AM: Parade and School Day at Fair, 7PM: Mud Bog (see slideshow)
• Saturday, Sept 17 8AM-10AM: Pick up exhibits, 7PM Demolition Derby

Gate admission for all pageants and Baby Show is $5.00 and does not include carnival rides. The carnival will begin on Tuesday, Sept 13th and run through the end of the fair. Gate admission is $10 per person and includes carnival rides and feature event of the night.

Check out all the additional details in the slideshow below. If you miss something, just use the arrow key to go back, move forward, or pause.

Judge Cannon said he was only interested in backing one of the groups. "PAWS was here in the beginning of this thing and I believe they're the group we need to support."

Smith says that HSEC is not a conflict of interest in any way. "We don't think that there is any conflict of interest in working with PAWS, but it is their decision," she said.  "Until the county supplies them with money, land, or a building they are not working with the county, just letting the county know how there efforts are progressing."

Scott Lindsey, vice president of PAWS, said PAWS was indeed working with the county. "We were so pleased and honored to get the endorsement from Judge Will Cannon at yesterday’s Fiscal Court meeting," he said. "He along with the Magistrates have been extremely welcoming, and have offered to lend their support any time we need them. Our members even went with Judge Cannon after the Fiscal Court meeting yesterday to look at possible locations for the building site of a new shelter."

Smith said the reason for forming HSEC had nothing to do with PAWS not allowing her to serve in their group. Instead, she said PAWS waited too long to get organized and to come up with a game plan.

"HSEC was founded in the beginning of August after giving the PAWS group more than enough time to organize and get all of their paperwork together and submitted," she said. "It has been almost 10 weeks since the announcement of PAWS.   I was told of it's beginnings 10 days before that announcement.  So we waited patiently for 8 weeks for something legal and lasting.  When we didn't see it come we took action.  We are more than willing to work with PAWS and bring them under the umbrella of our 501(c)(3)."

Lindsey said it takes time to get the paperwork done properly. "We didn't have an attorney on retainer because we aren't involved in any lawsuits. We searched until we could find an attorney that would offer their services at no cost so we could use our funds for the right reasons. We want to make sure that when people donate to PAWS, we use that money for the benefit of the animals of Edmonson County. So in our minds, if it takes a little longer, that’s ok, because we're saving thousands of dollars that can go to the welfare of our animals."

​Smith also said that her group, HSEC, was the only humane society in Edmonson County.

"PAWS has never claimed to be a humane society," Smith said. "It is not stated in any of their advertising, their Facebook page or on their web site that they are a humane society.  They in fact, claim to "work toward building a humane society."   We do, however, believe that there is always room for animal welfare groups of all types."

Lindsey disagreed and said he wanted to clarify that PAWS was indeed a humane society. 

"We weren’t aware that someone would take our name so literally," he said. "We also weren’t expecting this to be turned in to a competition. No, we didn't put “Humane Society” into our wording, or “brand”, but in reality, that has been the plan from day one."

Smith said ​HSEC is willing to work in conjunction with PAWS to meet the shared goal.  "We don't want an "Us Vs. Them" mentality at all.  Hopefully, with two capable groups working on the issue we can get to our shared goal even faster."

She also said that government support wasn't the focus of her group, but to simply raise funds for an animal shelter.

"I can understand Mr. Cannon and his feeling that PAWS should be the only group," she said.  "Quite frankly, with all of the shelter issues that have gone on, I bet he was hoping not to see my name associated with anymore of it at all."

She said she's worked for almost two years without government support, but that even if she had received support, it would have been from a government that was opposed to bring the former shelter up to standard or closing it altogether.

When asked if her mission could be accomplished without county support, she said, "Yes we do believe that it can be done.  It might not be easy, but things worth fighting for rarely are."

Lindsey said PAWS would continue trying to reach the same goals that they've had from the beginning.

"Our mission, dedication, and passion for our animals and our county, has not, and will not change. We want to work with the officials of Edmonson County as well as everyone else," he said. "But we have to do it in a sensible and proper manner. We want to build a self-sustaining shelter, and make sure that everything that we do is the right thing for our animals and our county." 

Darren Doyle, story
The second reading of Ordinance EC-16-28, or more commonly known as "the golf cart ordinance," was approved at Monday's fiscal court meeting. 

The ordinance will allow golf carts to be driven on all county roads with speed limits of 25MPH or less, provided that the carts pass county inspection and are registered with the county.

The first discussion of a golf cart ordinance was focused on sub divisions only but the first actual reading of the ordinance was changed to include all roads with 25MPH speed limits.

Sheriff Shane Doyle made a clarification to something he had spoken to in a previous fiscal court meeting regarding side by side ATVs.

"When I first spoke on this, I understood the law to say that side by side ATV's could be licensed and insured to be driven on public roads, provided they had turn signals, seat belts, a license plate, and met all other qualifications. We've since learned that those licenses have been revoked in Frankfort. What I initially said about the situation at the time was accurate; however, that law has been clarified since I first spoke, and side by side ATV licensing has been cancelled at the state level."

Doyle also added that there is a provision for farm use that allows farmers to drive the ATVs up to .2 of a mile on public roads.

Darren Doyle, story
Sheriff Shane Doyle gave a very blunt description in fiscal court today of the way that he sees Hart County Jail inmates and suspects in custody abusing the system and racking up thousands of dollars in medical bills that the county is being required to pay.

"We've basically got half of everybody we arrest saying there's something wrong with them and they need to go to the hospital," Doyle said. "Sometimes, they don't need anything more than a band-aid, if that."

He said by law, if an inmate or suspect in custody requests medical attention or says they need to go to the hospital, the county is required to not only see that they get there, but either the jailer or a sheriff's deputy has to stay with them until they are treated and released. In addition, the county must cover all expenses from each visit.

​"Recently, Deputy Jones arrested a man and placed him in the back seat of his cruiser. The suspect began banging his head up against the cage in the car until he had a cut on his forehead," Doyle pleaded. "The suspect starts yelling he has to go to the hospital, and a band-aid would've been more than enough. It was basically a scratch. So, Deputy Jones had to transport him to the hospital and stay tied up until this guy got a band-aid in the emergency room. And this was for banging his own head," he said, clearly frustrated.

​Doyle said having manpower tied up in a hospital room when a particular injury doesn't warrant a hospital visit is difficult enough, however, it's happened when there was only one deputy on duty.

"We've been in discussion with Rep. Meredith and he's in the process of preparing something that can possibly be taken to legislature," Doyle added.

"There are some guys that get arrested and they grab their chest and complain of chest pains. They weren't having chest pains when they were driving drunk or coming through a road safety check with drugs, but you put hand cuffs on them and all the sudden they're having a heart attack and they have to go to the hospital. They're not having a heart attack, they just don't want to go to jail. This is a ridiculous burden on the county."

Doyle said until something can be done to change the law, his plan was to organize a meeting with the Hart County jailer and other county officials to see if they could help cut down on unnecessary medical treatment.

"Thankfully, our jailer, Hank Vincent, was able to stay with one of the guys the other night. If not, we'd have had no deputy on duty because they'd be sitting in a hospital, waiting until an emergency room doctor told the suspect there was nothing wrong with him."

He said if nothing was changed, the county's hands were tied. 

"We're in contract with Hart County. We're at their mercy," he said.

Darren Doyle, story
The Edmonson Count fiscal court voted to keep property tax rates for this year the same as last for property, motor vehicle, and water craft taxes.

The rates will be as follows: (cents per $100)
Property taxes:  13.9
Tangible Property tax: 19.5
Inventory tax: 17.1
Motor Vehicle tax: 19.5
Water Craft tax: 19.5
Aircraft tax: 19.5

The Edmonson County Ag-Extension Office also voted to keep their tax rates the same at 1.75.

Edmonson County property owners currently pay ambulance, property, extension office, health department, library, school, and state taxes in addition to local fire dues on their yearly tax bills. 

Darren Doyle, story and photo
Judge Executive Wil Cannon announced that the Edmonson County Fiscal Court had received a federal grant for the use of flood control in the amount of $17,695.45. 

Judge Cannon said that Edmonson County received the grant because of the county's location in proximity to Nolin Lake and the Nolin Dam. The can be used for anything in the county that suffers from flooding or to prevent further flooding.

The walking trail at Chalybeate Park has suffered from erosion, poor drainage, and has developed ditches and ruts where they're not supposed to be. According to Parks and Rec Program Director Greg Hudson, the trail is not safe to use. The first reading of a county budget amendment to allow Parks and Rec to use the funds to repair the trail was approved at today's fiscal court meeting.

"We're very fortunate to have the opportunity to use this federal grant money," said Hudson. "Although it was only the first reading of the budget amendment today, we feel confident that the court's final vote will be for us to use the funds to repair the trail. Then we'll have a place where we can host 5K runs or other events."

Hudson said the funds will allow the area to be paved from the beginning of the trail throughout the length of the basketball courts then the remainder will be smoothed out and finished with gravel. 

​Officers said while searching the man, they found a bottle of Lyrica with no prescription information, a used syringe and multiple spoons with residue, along with a corner bag which contained residue that tested positive in a field test kit for methamphetamine.

After being in custody for over an hour, Williams finally admitted to officers that he was Denver Williams.

In addition to the outstanding warrant, Williams now faces charges including: Giving an officer a false name or address, Illegal possession of a legend drug, Possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance 1st degree - drug unspecified.

Our friends at Cee Bee Food Store will be contributing to the Edmonson Voice even more as they now will help us bring you a brand new page, our "Recipe of the Week."

Each week, we'll bring you a brand new recipe from one of our readers, so we need your recipes! It can be any kind of dish, whether a main course, side dish, appetizer, bread, or dessert. 

This exciting new feature will begin next month, so stay connected to the Edmonson Voice for all the details.

Just email your recipe to: [email protected] and we'll randomly select a new one for everyone to enjoy each week. This is made possible only by the good folks at Cee Bee Food Store in Brownsville.

Having sponsors like Cee Bee Food Store is why we can offer you our news with no subscription fee. Just one of the many businesses and organizations that aren't just talking about a strong community, they're part of it!

FRANKFORT, Ky. (August 19, 2016) - Rep. Michael Meredith, R-Brownsville, has called on Secretary Greg Thomas to encourage the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to examine the CSX railroad crossing in downtown Oakland on Vine Street. After the most recent fatal collision that occurred earlier this month, Rep. Meredith informed the Transportation Secretary of the hazardous conditions at the crossing. 
 
“Our community has suffered too many tragic accidents due to the current condition of this crossing,” said Rep. Meredith. “I am hopeful that we can secure crossing gates once the Cabinet has reviewed our circumstances. The Oakland community deserves this necessary safety measure and I look forward to working with Secretary Thomas to improve the safety of this railroad crossing.”
 
Additionally, Rep. Meredith has also requested the Transportation Cabinet address the overgrown foliage along the crossing, stating that it is a serious obstruction to visibility and a serious hazard to travelers.

Edmonson District Court was held on August 16, 2016. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty presiding.

Corby James Isenberg, No/expired KY registration receipt. No/expired registration plates. Obstructed vision and/or windshield. Obscuring the identity of a machine $500 < $10,000. Operating on suspended revoked operator's license. Possessing license when privileges are revoked/suspended. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security first. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Pretrial hearing 8/30/16.

Joshua W Eichler, Driving on DUI suspended license-first offense. Possession of open alcohol container in motor vehicle. Careless Driving. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Pretrial conference 9/6/16.

Lucas S Manning, Assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 8/30/16.

Jon M Staggs, Speeding 14mph over limit. Continued 9/13/16.

Ethan C Ashley, Possession of controlled substance, 3rd degree-drug unspecified. (two counts) Pleaded not guilty to both counts. Pretrial conference 8/30/16.

Jennifer Hellkame, Skiing without observer or wide angle mirror. Continue in two weeks.

Jessie W Johnson, Possession of controlled substance, first degree, first offense, meth. Possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Pretrial hearing 9/13/16.

Holly Ann Redman, Violation of Ky EPO/DVO. Pleaded guilty. Sentenced to 60 days in jail, credit for 21 days served. Remaining 39 days probated on condition of no further violation. Fines and costs $189.

Darren Doyle, story
​Eric Tuck, photos
What was first thought to be something that fell out of the back of a truck turned out to be a close call for a Chalybeate man in his own driveway on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 around 7pm.

Don Starnes, owner of Starnes Construction, said he was returning home from work on Tuesday when he saw something laying flat in his driveway. He said he was on the phone at the time and wasn't paying too close attention to the object on the ground. He said at first glance, he assumed it was possibly a piece of building material or a tool that had fallen from an employee's truck.

He said he pulled up beside the item, still on the phone, and opened the door to pick it up. As he opened the door, he saw that it was actually a three foot-long copperhead that struck at his hand, hitting the running board of his truck.

"I threw the phone down and pulled out the pistol I carry," he said, which was a five-shot .22 magnum. "Well, I emptied that gun and hit him twice in the body, but that didn't stop him, he was a very aggressive snake."

Starnes said he grabbed a tool out of the bed of his truck and swung it at the snake in an attempt to finish it off.

"Every time I'd get close enough to hit it, he'd strike at me," he said. "I finally hit him in the head and killed him, but man, you talk about a close call."

Starnes joked about being able to hit the snake with gunfire in all the excitement. "He was moving around and I was moving around, so I thought that was pretty good, me being able to hit him."

He said he was certainly going to clean up and organize around his shop and home. "They say where there's one, there's at least one more. I'd just like for people in our community to be aware."

Although copperhead bites are rarely fatal in adults, their venom breaks down muscle tissue and causes extreme pain and discomfort over long periods of time.

The snake measured 38 and 1/2 inches long. Some suggested making a belt from the snake, but a family friend joked that Starnes' belt size is much larger than a 38.

Darren Doyle, story and photos
Emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash this afternoon around 4pm on the north side of the Brownsville Bridge near Mis Amigos Mexican Grill.

Police said a white 2005 Kia Spectra driven by Anthony Adams, (80) of Segal, was apparently traveling south in the northbound lane when he met a 2014 Kia, driven by Monte Prewitt, (63) of Brownsville, who was headed north. Police reported that Prewitt tried to avoid Adams, but was hit in a side-swipe crash.

​Monte and a passenger, Tina Prewitt, (49) were transported to the hospital via Edmonson EMS for non-life threatening injuries. Adams refused medical treatment on scene. Police reported that the cause of the accident was either "inattention or lack of vehicle control."

Police also said that after investigating, a passenger in the Prewitt vehicle, Joseph T. Basham, (25) who has resided in Edmonson County for the last four months, was found to have outstanding warrants from Jefferson County.

Basham's warrants were for promoting contraband, two separate parole violations, a possession charge, and a previous traffic violation. He was taken into custody without incident and lodged in the Hart County Jail.

Traffic was backed up on the Brownsville bridge all the way into town as well as back to the Water Department building headed north. Both vehicles were towed.

Responding to the scene were Brownsville Police, Kentucky State Police, Brownsville Fire Dept, Edmonson EMS, and District 2 Constable.

Darren Doyle, Zack Ryle, story
Forty-eight Gatton Academy students, including ECHS Senior Mackenzie Daniels, have returned home following a 23-day study abroad program to London and Harlaxton College in Grantham, England.

Accompanying the students on the trip were Professor Walker Rutledge, WKU Department of English, and Derick B. Strode, Tori Hampton, Chloe Muller and Alex Sorrels of The Gatton Academy.

The Gatton Academy has offered this study abroad program to rising seniors annually since 2011. Students who choose to go on the program take an Honors-designated section of English 200: Introduction to Literature course. The program is structured so students are in class one day studying a specific author and literary work and on a field trip the next day immersed in the literary setting of the piece, walking in the author’s footsteps.

Daniels, the daughter of Matt and Lysette Daniels of Chalybeate, discussed some of the places she visited.

"We stopped at different authors' homes and birthplaces, and different places that inspired the writing of the novels or short stories we read," said Daniels. "One day we hiked the moors because we read "Wuthering Heights and we visited the Brontë's (the author) home. We actually saw the building at Wuthering Heights."

The students spent their first week of the course in London. On days out from London, the class went to Chawton to see Jane Austen’s home, Winchester to see the Winchester Cathedral and riverside Keats’ walk, Bath to take in several Jane Austen sites, and Oxford for a tour of sites associated with C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Harry Potter series.

"In London, we went to typical London places with my friends, actually on my birthday," she said. "We went to the London Eye (Ferris Wheel) and we ate fish n' chips like London teenagers would." 

Following London, the students were based at Harlaxton College for the final two weeks. This majestic manor allowed the students ample space to roam and interact during the times when class was not in session. From Harlaxton, field trips were taken to sites associated with John Bunyan, D.H. Lawrence, Kenneth Grahame, Shakespeare, Byron and the Brontës.

Daniels said her favorite part of the trip was the moors. "The English countryside was really nice. We hiked three or four miles. It was just pure in nature and very pretty."

The Gatton Academy will host four study abroad programs during the 2016-2017 school year — two study abroad programs to Costa Rica in January; a travel abroad program to Greece in January; and a study abroad program to England and Harlaxton College from late July to early August.

She said the Gatton Academy at WKU has really challenged her in her studies and has allowed her to gain real-life experience in an adult world. 

"It's allowed me to level with adults a lot more," she said. "I feel comfortable now in conversations with people in the workforce, and I have a better understanding of future possible careers. "When I visit colleges now, I feel really ready. It's been a really good stepping stone between high school and college." 

She hasn't decided on what college she'll be attending just yet, but right now she said she's leaning toward the University of Kentucky. She said her plans are to enter either the pharmaceutical or pre-med field.  ​

Edmonson Voice Staff Report
Emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle accident Sunday night around 9:30pm where a Grayson County teen was injured in a rollover crash.

Officials said that Haley Dawn Aubrey, (17) of Leitchfield was leaving her boyfriend's home and was headed north on Brownsville Road in the Pig community when she lost control of a small passenger car for an unknown reason. 

Reports said her car ran off the road and flipped completely over. She was transported to the hospital via Edmonson EMS for non-life threatening injuries.

 All air bags deployed in the teen's car, according to officials. 

Her boyfriend, Nathaniel Miller, told the Edmonson Voice that Haley was recovering. "She's doing alright," he said. "Her left arm is hurting and she has a compressed vertebrae in her lower back."

Responding at the scene were Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Edmonson EMS, and the Chalybeate Fire Department.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report
A Mammoth Cave man with three outstanding warrants and a suspect in several burglaries was located and arrested in Bowling Green in a multi-agency case involving the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, the U.S. Marshal Service, and Bowling Green Police Department.

Andy Hornback (31) was wanted on a bench warrant for a burglary charge where he pleaded guilty, a criminal trespass warrant, and another warrant for bail jumping.

He is also a suspect in numerous burglaries around the Cave Hollow Bay area. He was spotted by the Cave Hollow Bay Homeowners Association back in June of 2016 but he fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.

​A statement from the sheriff's office said they had been close to an arrest of Hornback multiple times but he was able to elude law enforcement. "We got a tip he had moved out of the area so we contacted the marshal service," said Detective Wally Ritter. "They have much better resources to track and locate fugitives and we're very fortunate to have a great working relationship with their office."

​Official reports said that the marshal service received a tip that Hornback was staying with his girlfriend in a Bowling Green hotel. He was found by the marshal service and arrested at the Executive Inn on August 8, 2016 around 6pm by Bowling Green Police.

​He was transported to the Warren County Regional Jail and transferred to Hart County Jail the next day on a $26,000 cash bond.

His charges include: Bail jumping-first degree, Persistent felony offender, Criminal trespass-first degree, and Burglary second degree.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report
The Edmonson County 5/6 Center was on alert today as a punctured gas line in front of the building caused the school to be evacuated for a short time this morning.

A utility worker apparently grazed a two inch line with the bucket of an excavator which caused natural gas to spew up in the air high pressure. 

Emergency Management Director Pat Prunty said that Leitchfield Utilities was nearby and was on scene to shut off the gas supply and repair the line very quickly.

"Natural gas dissipates in the atmosphere much more quickly than propane," Prunty said. "It is not near as explosive as other flammable gasses. The main concern with a natural gas break is keeping it away from building ventilation sources, but there was really no major concern with that here today."

EC 5/6 Center Principal Alan Talley said the school was evacuated as a safety concern, but there was never any real threat to students or school staff.

"Through Edmonson County Emergency Management, the State Fire Marshal informed us that the only real concern here was a strong odor," Talley said. "Just as a precaution, we evacuated the students onto the baseball field around 10am and we were back inside around 10:50am."

He said the evacuation was extremely smooth and the students handled the situation with no issues.

"The kids were awesome," he added. "Everything was fine." ​

Edmonson Voice Staff
Jones and Gravil Tax Service, located in Bee Spring and owned by Josh Jones and Wymon Gravil, has announced that they have joined the campaign to bring "Tango," a 15 month-old German Shepherd K9 drug detecting officer to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

To make a donation, simply mail a check, made out to "ECSO Donation Account" to:
Edmonson Voice
PO BOX 94
Brownsville KY 42210

Please email us at [email protected] or call our office at 270-597-6550 to let us know. We will also accept credit card payments; just email or call M-F, 8am-6pm to let us know what amount you'd like to donate. 

​Jones said the local tax service is simply trying to do their part to help fight drugs in Edmonson County. "We feel like this is a great way for us and others to help give back," Jones said. "We know Tango can make a difference and we want to help get him here."
​
Local businessman Josh Casey, owner of C&C Firearms, organized a raffle for a Savage .308 rifle last week where all profits will go towards the purchase of Tango. Casey said since the raffle announcement was made on EdmonsonVoice.com, other sponsors have gotten involved. 

Casey said he wanted to show support to law enforcement after the recent attacks on officers in Dallas and New Orleans when Deputy Jordan Jones came into the store and began talking about the expense of getting a K9 Unit. 

"It seemed like the perfect opportunity to get involved with this," Casey said. "More and more people are getting involved all the time. Just this morning, the guys from Total Tire and Repair donated a $100 gift certificate. It really speaks well of just what type of community we have here."

​Prizes in the raffle include not only the rifle and tire certificate, but also a pair of Rocky Boots, ​a BackYard BBQ and Grill party pack, a pair of Vortex Optics binoculars, a $50 Cabela's gift card and one free slide cerakote from Southern Kentucky Tactical, LLC.

Sheriff Shane Doyle said it will take around $7,000 to make the initial purchase of Tango, and the Sheriff's Office will also have to make other investments like a safe and proper kennel, a bullet-proof vest for Tango, and other specialized K9 equipment.

He said other private donations have also been made from local businesses.

"We're almost there, and it's because Edmonson County has come together to help us," Doyle said. "We know that our community is ready to fight the war on drugs with us, and we know Tango will help us do that. We are deeply humbled by the support so far."

You can read more about the addition of Tango in our earlier reports:

Sheriff's Office Looking To Add K9 Unit To Patrol

​C&C Firearms Holding Benefit Raffle For Sheriff's Office K9 Unit Effort: Win A Savage Rifle--UPDATE--MORE PRIZES