Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Classes were back in session for Edmonson County Schools as students all across the county began the 2022-23 school year today.

Today's start was supposed to be several weeks ago; however, due to needed repairs that weren't discovered until a major renovation project was underway this summer at Edmonson County High, that date was changed to today.

We spoke with Superintendent Brian Alexander, in addition to all five principals of county schools today about the first day of school and their thoughts on the upcoming year.

"We have had an outstanding day today at all schools," he said. "The first day of school will always have a couple of hiccups but honestly we really didn't see that today."

"We are all extremely happy to have kids back in our buildings.  We appreciate the understanding of the school community in our delay to start the school year.  We are hoping for a "back to normal" school year this year with a mild winter so we can focus on instruction and learning as we go through this year.   It's just great to have Edmonson County Schools back in session."

Edmonson County High School
ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams described the day as "fun and energetic."

"There was a lot of positive energy flowing in our building among students and staff," he said. "I think that the extended summer break was good for the kids but I believe it also allowed them to be a bit more eager to return.  I'd like to set a positive tone for our school that can be shared with everyone. What we need is a 100% re-dedication to teaching and learning.  We are out of Covid prison and my goal is to be more laser-focused on learning.  I'm excited because we have a very talented staff, more opportunity than our students have ever had, and freedom to educate without restrictions."

Edmonson County Middle School
"First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Willis family," said Principal Brandon Prunty. "They have been on our minds this morning as we begin the year.  Levi will be greatly missed by his school family at ECMS."

Mr. Prunty said today he saw a smooth start to the school year were students seemed excited to be at school and together. "The teachers and staff have worked very hard to get ready for the first day of school and everything we'll be doing this year.  We're looking forward to getting back to a regular routine and hope that this can be a year without any interruptions."

"We'll take some time these first few days going over rules and expectations, just to set the tone for the year, then we'll dive into instruction.  We want students to enjoy their middle school experience, but at the same time we expect them to work hard, be respectful to others, and do the right thing.  We're just ready to get back to business at ECMS."

"As always, we ask that parents and guardians contact us at school should any issues arise.  The relationship between school and home is such an important part of student success."

Edmonson County 5/6 Center
"Today was a great day at the Edmonson County 5/6 Center," said new Principal Jarad McReynolds. "Our excellent staff came in with renewed enthusiasm and an eagerness to push our Wildcats to greatness.  Our students had a few nerves but overall were excited and respectful.  This year we want our students to remain engaged and willing to accept any challenge that they encounter.  We are going to celebrate our successes big and small along the way."

"I’m looking forward to a great year at the 5/6 Center," Mr. McReynolds said as he added, "Go Wildcats!"

South Edmonson Elementary
SEES Principal Josh Long, who returns from a year-long hiatus at another school, said that today is a great day to be a Bulldog.

"This place was full of smiling faces this morning," he said. "Kids are happy and glad to be back. Staff members are having a blast. We are so excited to get the year started."

"We are continuing to focus on increasing student achievement through intentional planning and collaboration. One of our big rocks this year is striving for student growth and pursuing our motto, success for every child, every day."

Kyrock Elementary School
"Everyone was so happy to be back in school this morning, said Kyrock Principal Shaun Stice. "There were a lot of smiles and hugs.  We love our Blackhawks and we look forward to an awesome year that is hopefully clear of distractions."  

Darren Doyle, story:
Brownsville resident and local veteran Mike Stoyonovich, Army First SGT. Ret., was inducted in the the Kentucky Veteran Hall of Fame on August 27, 2022.

The ceremony, which was held in Lexington on Saturday, featured the induction of 29 Kentucky military veterans from 16 counties, the largest class in its history.

While Stoyonovich has only been an Edmonson County resident for around 8 years, his impact on the local veteran community has made it as though he's been here a lifetime. Stoyonovich, a Vietnam vet, retired from the U.S. Army and soon joined a Disabled Veterans of America in Russell Springs, KY in 2009. Upon moving to Edmonson County, he joined local Chapter 32 but soon realized there was more needed from him than simply being a member.

"I guess you could say I had an epiphany," he said. "There was just something about the people here that was so unselfish. Everybody here was a neighbor, and they helped each other. That's when I saw that I had been pretty selfish with my time. They encouraged me to volunteer as opportunities came up. Now it seems like I can't say no."

He was named DAV Junior Vice Commander in 2015 and became Adjutant in 2016, where he handled all the administrative duties in the chapter. In 2018 he was encouraged to run for Junior Vice Commander of the State Executive Council and he won. In that same year, he was also appointed as State Service Officer for the KY State DAV.

He was honored as Disabled Veteran of the Year in 2019 by the KY DAV and in 2020, was named Service Officer of the Year.

Inductees were first celebrated Friday night, escorted into a Grand Gala dinner by the Lexington Police Honor Guard and bagpipe ensemble. After their military service was briefly summarized, inductees were escorted to their tables by members of Pershing Rifle Company C-1 from the University of Kentucky.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the near-record crowd: "Veterans put country and people first," he said.

Stoyonovich said the induction was truly an honor.

"To have my name associated with the best veteran advocates is unbelievable," he said. "It was a first class ceremony and I was just in awe the whole time."

While he has complied an impressive amount of hardware over the years, it isn't the plaques, trophies, or shadowboxes that keep him going; his role as a local service officer in the DAV, which helps provide benefits for veterans and their families, is what it's all about.

"Since I've been working with vets here in Edmonson County, we've been able to help 2500 local veteran families and secure over $2 Million in income for them, and that's a blessing," he said. "One example is from the case of a widow woman who was 83 years old. Her husband, who had died, had retired from the Army full time but she was left without any benefits or insurance. She was living on $300 a month and had been given a place to stay by a neighbor. We were able to get her about another $1500 a month in a pension. I remember her telling me, 'you changed my life,' and she baked two cakes and brought them to us. That's why I do this."

In addition to his military service and serving others through the local DAV and VFW Chapters, Stoyonovich also joined the Edmonson County Planning Commission in 2015, where he now serves as Chairman, he is also a board member of the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce, the BRADD Steering Committee, a Chamber representative on the County Rec Tax Committee, and he was named a "Citizen of the Year" in 2021 by the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce.

During the induction ceremony, a KVHOF medal was presented to each veteran as their community service was narrated. They were also given an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. Framed medals were presented to stand-ins for deceased inductees. Afterwards, Judge Lindsey Hughes Thurston formally swore the class into the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame. The class plaque was unveiled, a replica of one now permanently displayed with earlier class plaques in the Kentucky Capitol building. Names will eventually be added to regional KVHOF monuments planned for installation around Kentucky.

Darren Doyle, story:
A Brownsville man was arrested and faces a felony drug charge after a traffic stop in Brownsville on Saturday, August 27th.

According to a Brownsville Police arrest citation, Christopher David Self (42) of Brownsville, was operating a Buick Century on Dogwood Avenue when he turned onto Reservoir Street without the use of a turn signal. A Brownsville Police officer initiated a traffic stop where Self was then identified and was found to be driving on a DUI suspended license.

Self was also wanted on an outstanding warrant, according to the citation. The citation also stated that Self admitted to having a methamphetamine pipe in the vehicle and a search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a pipe that contained suspected meth. Police also found a bag on the ground near Self's driver side door that also contained suspected methamphetamine, to which Self admitted ownership, according to the citation.

Self was arrested and charged with:

• Failure to or improper signal
• Driving on DUI suspended license, first offense
• Possession of controlled substance, first degree, third or more offense (meth)
• Drug paraphernalia buy/possess
• Failure to appear
• Serving parole violation warrant

He was lodged in the Hart County Jail.

Darren Doyle, story: flyers courtesy of Edmonson County Tourism
The Edmonson County Lions Club Fair is returning to the county for 2022 and will take place on various dates between Friday, September 9th and Saturday, September 17th. This year's theme is "New Beginnings."

Some changes are coming with this year's fair, according to Fair Board Chairman Mike Blanton.

There will be no carnival this year; however, a multitude of games and activities will be provided on Fair Day for all the kids on Friday, September 16th from 10:30AM to 3PM, that include inflatables, dunk tank, pony rides, foam machine, hayrides, and more, plus the exhibit entries and poultry show. The admission is free on Friday for these events until 3PM.

The exhibit barn opens on Thursday, September 15th with entries accepted from 8AM to noon and must be picked up by Saturday, September 17th between 8AM and 10AM.

In addition, a fun horse show, car show, and other activities will be offered along with the regular nightly events that have been held for years, including a mud run, mud bog, baby show, pageants, ATV-UTV drag racing and the demolition derby.

The baby show and pageants will be held at Edmonson County High School.

Admission for nightly events are $10 each.

For more information, visit the Edmonson County Lions Club Facebook Page or [email protected].

Madison Doyle, story:
Judge Executive Wil Cannon invited new Scott Waste Site Manager, Sam Upperman, to speak at today's fiscal court meeting on August 22, 2022. Upperman said today that former District Manager Pete Reckard, who was normally the one slated to address multiple complaints in local county fiscal court sessions, was no longer with the company.

Upperman said he wanted to make the court aware of the changes that are being made within the company to ensure that the people of Edmonson County can become satisfied with Scott Waste. "First of all I want to say we've already been here and apologized, and all of the excuses you have heard so far are not your problem," Upperman stated. "As of last week you guys should have already been seeing improvements, and I called Judge Cannon to ask if his office had received anymore complaints and he said there were none. That's the expectation going forward, and it should have been this whole time."

Judge Cannon then asked Upperman to explain everything that has been done to improve the services, and how it will continue to improve. Upperman said first, he personally swapped some drivers around so that different drivers would be taking the Edmonson County routes, and second, they put better trucks in the area to reduce the possibility of a breakdown, and said the company just received five brand new trucks. Upperman also stated that within the past four weeks, they have hired eight new people they are training right now, creating a "bench" so that if a regular driver gets injured, sick, etc., someone can be pulled up and take their place.

Upperman told the magistrates and Judge Cannon that if they receive any complaints at all, to forward those directly to him, and that he would personally see that the people of Edmonson County's needs were met. Trey Holman, Operations Supervisor of Scott Waste, also apologized for the excuses previously made and said those excuses should no longer exist. He also told the magistrates and Judge Cannon they could forward any complaints directly to them. Both Upperman and Holman left their business cards for the magistrates to have all of their contact information.

A representative from Green River Management, Dave Jolley, also attended today's meeting. Judge Cannon opened the floor for him to speak, and he said that Green River Management does 80-90% of the trash pick up in Butler County. Judge Cannon then asked the magistrates if they had any questions for Jolley, and they had none.

"What I would like to do is keep what we have, at the price rates we have, but we can only do that if you all [Scott Waste] continue to improve," said Judge Cannon. "What I would like to do is have a meeting with you guys and our magistrates at the first of November to see if these changes keep happening, and if they don't, we will be forced to go another way." Judge Cannon also referenced that he saw on the recent Edmonson Voice survey that the majority of Scott Waste customers were not satisfied with their trash service, and he said he hopes that will change soon with the changes being implemented in the company. In that survey from last week, only 20% of county residents polled said they were completely satisfied with Scott Waste.

An evaluation meeting with Scott Waste was set for November 8, 2022, so the court can decide if the changes the company has implemented are truly working. The county agreed to hold off on deciding on additional trash collection options until then and no other action is being taken at this time.

The court also voted to set tax rates from 13.8 cents per 100 dollar value, to 13.7 cents per 100 value, which is a decrease from the past two years. Judge Cannon said they have been working towards this decrease in order to allow for inflation and get caught up with some other things they needed to take care of. "We are in okay financial shape, we aren't exactly where we would like to be but we are okay," he said. "I know this will take us in the right direction."

All other tax rates will be the same as they have been for the last several years, with 19.5 of tangible property, 17.1 of motor vehicles, 19.5 inventory, 19.5 watercraft, 19.5 aircraft, and 20 on bank shares. The vote was unanimous.

In addition to this, the court also voted to:

• Approve to appoint Greg Nugent to Water Board to complete open term. Term expires 8/24/24.
• Approve to appoint Mike Stoyonovich to Recreation Tax Committee.
• Approve to appoint Arlene Skaggs to Aging Council Board. Term expires 6/30/24.
• Approve Sheriff’s July Monthly Fee Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Treasurer’s June Monthly Settlement Report- Bank Correction.
• Approve Judge’s Quarterly Report- Bank Correction.
• Approve August Cash Transfers.
• Approve Hart County Jail Inmate Housing Contract.
• Approve to waive fees for Homemakers Community Center rental on 11/12/2022.
• Approve Treasurer’s Annual Settlement FY 22.
• Approve to pay $4480 on Health Department DG Construction Project.

The next fiscal court meeting will be held on September 12, 2022, at 9 am.

2021 DELINQUENT TAX BILLS
EDMONSON COUNTY CLERK KEVIN M. ALEXANDER
108 N. MAIN STREET, P.O. BOX 830, BROWNSVILLE, KY
PHONE - 270/597-2624 FAX 0 270/597-9714
PROPERTY TAX SALE TO BE HELD September 13th, 2022 at 11:00 AM CT at the above address.
Bills are in numerical order.
Listed for Edmonson County.

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson Voice opened a survey on August 9, 2022, the day after an Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting where the renewal of the county's exclusive trash collection agreement with Waste Connections (formerly Scott Waste) was discussed.

The survey ran for 10 days and resulted in 434 entries being submitted and calculated in the final total.

Overall, only 20% said they were satisfied with Scott Waste, and while the other three options were close in numbers, it still means that 80% of those participating in the survey are either not happy with their current trash collection option or are looking for other options.

In total, 38% (two categories combined) say they want to keep Scott Waste, although nearly half of those choosing to keep them are still unsatisfied with their service, as 48% of this group  say they are not willing to gamble on a worse option (85 votes for being satisfied with SW and 79 votes to keep them, although they are not happy).

Nearly a third of those surveyed are willing to pay more for trash service, or are willing to chance having Scott Waste win the bid again, this time at a higher price, if it means having even the possibility of another provider as an option.

The Judge Executive's Office told us last week that at least one other company was currently interested in placing a bid for exclusive service for the county and that magistrates were seeking options available in other counties.

The results were as follows:

• 34% (138 votes) Allow individuals to choose their own company but lose franchise and grant money
• 30% (132 votes) Open up bids for one exclusive provider, even though the price might be higher, or that Scott Waste could still be awarded the bid at a higher price than the current price
• 20% (85 votes) I am satisfied as a Scott Waste customer, let's keep them
• 18% (79 votes) I am NOT satisfied with Scott Waste, but I don't want to risk getting a worse option, let's keep them

The top vote getter (34%) was the option to discontinue an exclusive agreement with any company and allow individual trash collection companies to service county residents as individual residents choose. The county has been against this option in times past due to losing the benefits of the Kentucky's Waste Management Plan, which requires a sole provider.

As we previously reported on August 9th, a renewal with Scott Waste's current contract would guarantee that they could not raise their prices by more than 3% per year; however, many residents are dissatisfied with the service they receive from the trash company. There are multiple scenarios that are possible, should the fiscal court decide changes need to be made.

The first is to simply renew the contract and continue with the same as things have been since 2008. Waste Connections would be the sole trash collection provider for all of Edmonson County at the current rate, with the possibility of a maximum annual 3% cost of living increase per year.

The second, is for the county to open up bids to any and all trash collection companies; however, it's possible that another company--including Waste Connections--to submit a higher bid than what county residents are currently paying. It's also possible that Waste Connections could submit the lowest bid while raising prices from where they are now. It's also possible that with another company, the countywide cleanup would be discontinued, as SW/WC provides all the dumpster services for the annual event in their current agreement.

The third option would be to allow individual residents to utilize any company they wish that agrees to provide trash collection at their address for whatever price is charged by the company. Again, with this option, the county would no longer be part of Kentucky's Waste Management Plan, which requires one sole trash collection provider. This would mean the county would no longer receive a franchise fee from one sole provider (approx. $50K per year), and they would also lose grants for the litter abatement program (approx $28K/yr) and the annual tire amnesty program ($4K/yr). There would also be no oversight on individual companies; however, many would argue that Scott Waste has none or not enough now, as the sole provider. This could also mean someone in a pickup truck or trailer, or by other unconventional means could provide trash collection service in the county.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Edmonson County Superintendent of Schools Brian Alexander said today that everything is still on schedule to begin the school year on Wednesday, August 31st as construction projects that delayed the original start to school are now wrapping up.

Alexander said he was hoping to squash any rumors of other delays that have made their way back to the Board of Education office.

"We've had people ask all sorts of questions about running into other delays and going virtual and all kinds of things, but none of that is accurate," he said. "We are looking to be right on schedule."

Renovations have been ongoing throughout the district in various forms, some of which are part of the Guaranteed Energy Savings Project that will allow LED lighting district-wide.

"These new lights are not only much brighter but also much more energy efficient," Alexander said.

He also said that as messy as things have gotten at times over the summer, and with the discovery of sediment in the existing HVAC pipes, crews are working extremely fast to have everything wrapped up over the next three weeks.

"It still looks a little bit out of sorts in places, but earlier in the summer it looked like Nakatomi Plaza," he said laughing, which was a reference to the 1988 Bruce Willis blockbuster movie "Die Hard."

He said during the project, all the sediment was removed and flushed from the HVAC system and that thanks to CMTA, the construction project manager, there was no additional cost to the school district after the problem was discovered. Local contractors R&R Heating and Air Conditioning have installed new HVAC that helps filter out flu, strep, and COVID, Alexander said.

"All our crews have gone above and beyond expectations."

Alexander said no further delays are expected.

"Things are on schedule for August 31st and we're excited to get back to a normal routine with our teachers and staff ready to get back to the business of doing what we do, and that's to provide a great learning environment for Edmonson County students."

by: Darren Doyle
A discussion was held at Monday's Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting about either renewing the contract for county trash pick up with Waste Connections, formerly known as Scott Waste, or for looking for other options.

We were contacted by District 1 Magistrate Mark Meeks, who is seeking feedback from the public on the situation.

A renewal with Scott Waste's current contract would guarantee that they could not raise their prices by more than 3% per year; however, many residents are dissatisfied with the service they receive from the trash company. There are multiple scenarios that are possible, should the fiscal court decide changes need to be made.

The first is to simply renew the contract and continue with the same as things have been since 2008. Waste Connections would be the sole trash collection provider for all of Edmonson County at the current rate, with the possibility of a maximum annual 3% cost of living increase per year.

The second, is for the county to open up bids to any and all trash collection companies; however, it's possible that another company--including Waste Connections--to submit a higher bid than what county residents are currently paying. It's also possible that Waste Connections could submit the lowest bid while raising prices from where they are now. It's also possible that with another company, the countywide cleanup would be discontinued, as SW/WC provides all the dumpster services for the annual event in their current agreement.

The third option would be to allow individual residents to utilize any company they wish that agrees to provide trash collection at their address for whatever price is charged by the company. With this option, the county would no longer be part of Kentucky's Waste Management Plan, which requires one sole trash collection provider. This would mean the county would no longer receive a franchise fee from one sole provider (approx. $50K per year), and they would also lose grants for the litter abatement program (approx $28K/yr) and the annual tire amnesty program ($4K/yr). There would also be no oversight on individual companies; however, many would argue that Scott Waste has none or not enough now, as the sole provider.

The Edmonson Voice is conducting a trash collection survey; the results of which will be shared with county officials.

Please take the very short survey below:

The county entered into an agreement with Scott Waste, now known as Waste Connections, in 2008 when Edmonson County began participating in the Kentucky Waste Management Program. This program recommends the county to have one trash pickup service countywide in order to track the amount of trash being picked up. Judge Cannon has said on more than one occasion that having more than one trash company will hinder the process of tracking that information. All county residents are required by ordinance to have weekly trash pickup.

As a participant in the program, the county receives grant money that pays for the litter abatement program and a tire amnesty program.

Waste Connections also donates each year to the Freedom Fest, which provides a free fireworks show each summer, and provides the dumpster services for the annual countywide cleanup. Waste Connections also pays a franchise tax back to the county each year, which is around $50,000 a year.

Trash pickup was late again last week for a large number of county residents.

After hearing the magistrates' opinions, Judge Cannon said "I know things aren't going good right now, but I am afraid of making this change right now."

The court read the current contract with Scott Waste, and magistrates agreed that more time was needed to gather more information about all available options before making a decision. The motion was made by Johnny Brooks to table until the next meeting, which was seconded by Corey Vanmeter.

The court also approved a jail bid from Hart County jail for $45 per day, per inmate. Judge Cannon said he would recommend accepting this bid because "we know Hart County has the room, and it's the most efficient for our county because it's an easy drive and it will save us money in the long run."

Deputy Jailer Todd Vincent agreed, and he said "If you look at somewhere else, the drive is going to be farther, we would have to pay employees more, and we can't really afford to do that so I think it would hurt us in the long haul if we went with somewhere else."

The court also voted to approve/acknowledge the following:

• Schedule Tax Rate Hearing for August 22, 2022 at 8:45 am.
• Approve Resolution EC22-22, FY23 Flex Roads Agreement.
• Approve E911 22-257 Grant Contract.
• Approve Protegis Annual Fire Extinguisher Inspection Quote.
• Acknowledge Dog Control's July CAD Status Report.
• Acknowledge BGWC July Shelter Director's Report.
• Acknowledge BGWC Letter from Shelter-Director- additional fees.
• Approve 2023 Litter Abatement Grant Application.
• Approve Edmonson County Conservation District 2022 Tax Rates.
• Approve Big Reedy Conservancy District 2022 Tax Rates.
• Approve KACCA Conference/Lodging for Joe Carl Daugherty.
• Approve CDBG #20C-196, Lincoln Fire Department Project.
• Approve Treasure's July Monthly Settlement Report.
• Approve County Clerk's July MVAV Collection Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s July Deed Transfer Tax Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s July Occupational Tax Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s July Excess Fees Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s July Delinquent Tax Collection Report, pending final audit.

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for August 22, 2022 at 9 am.

Edmonson Circuit Court was recently held where a Grand Jury returned the following indictments:

Elvis Lindsey, Theft by deceptions $1,000 or more.

Savanna S. Hunt, TBUT or DISP all others $1,000 or more.

Janet L. Compton, Possession of controlled substance in the first degree, second offense (meth).

Stanley T. Harvel, Trafficking in marijuana (less than 8 ounces), Trafficking in controlled substance in the first degree (greater than or equal to 10 D.U.), Drug paraphernalia buy/possess, Alcohol intoxication in a public place, Possession of open alcohol container in motor vehicle.

Nyla O. Sharpe, Trafficking in marijuana (less than 8 ounces), Trafficking in controlled substance in the first degree (greater than or equal to 10 D.U.), Drug paraphernalia buy/possess, Alcohol intoxication in a public place, Possession of open alcohol container in motor vehicle.

Mikayla N. Robledo, Possession of firearm by convicted felon, Persistent felony offender in the first degree.

Karen L.Mcclellan, Trafficking in a controlled substance first degree (greater than or equal to 10 D.U.), Trafficking in controlled substance in the third degree, Prescription controlled substance not in original container.

Justen R. Nichols, Drug paraphernalia buy/possess (firearm enhanced), Possession of controlled substance - first degree - meth (firearm enhanced).

Robert E. Bandy, DUI first offense, operating motor vehicle on suspended or revoked license, Careless driving, Wanton endangerment- first degree, Possession of open alcohol container in motor vehicle, Possession of marijuana.

Danny W. Gregory Jr., Possession of firearm by convicted felon, Persistent felony offender in the first degree.

Joshua K. Lashley, DUI first offense, Possession of controlled substance first degree - third offense - hydrocodone, Possession of marijuana, Drug paraphernalia - buy/possess, Prescription controlled substance not in original container, Careless driving.

Kristen L. Matthews, Drug paraphernalia buy/possess, Possession of controlled substance first degree (meth), Careless driving.

Christopher S. Evans, Bail jumping in the first degree.

Jordan K. Gray, Wanton endangerment first degree (four counts), Criminal abuse first degree (child 12 or under).

Stacy A. Neff, DUI first offense, Possesion of controlled substance first degree (meth), Drug paraphernalia buy/possess, Bail jumping, first degree.

James O. Hart, Trafficking in controlled substance first degree (Carfentanil or Fentanyl derivatives) - firearm enhanced, Trafficking in controlled substance (greater than or equal to 2 grams of meth) - firearm enhanced, Drug paraphernalia buy/possess - firearm enhanced, Tampering with physical evidence, Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, Operating motor vehicle on suspended or revoked license, Persistent felony offender in the first degree.

John English, Bail jumping in the first degree.

Terry D. Finn, TBUT or DISP all others $1,000 < $10,000, Possession of burglary tools, Criminal mischief in the first degree, Persistent felony offender in the first degree.

Greg K. Rigdon, Torture dog/cat with serious physical injury or death (five counts), Cruelty to animals in the second degree (five counts).

Note: An indictment is only a formal charge and is not an admission of guilt. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (August 2, 2022) – Attorney General Cameron announced on Tuesday that his office joined a bipartisan coalition of 50 attorneys general in forming an Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force. The nationwide task force will combat robocalls by investigating and taking legal action against telecommunications companies responsible for allowing foreign robocalls into the United States.

“Last year, scam robocalls resulted in $29.8 million losses nationwide, and we’re taking every possible action to protect Kentuckians from the financial losses and harm that often result from illegal robocalls,” said Attorney General Cameron. “The Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force will allow us to leverage the resources of attorneys general across the country to push back against bad actors who allow scam robocalls to occur.” 

According to the National Consumer Law Center and Electronic Privacy Information Center, over 33 million scam robocalls are made to Americans every day. Most robocalls, which are used to perpetrate scams, originate overseas. These overseas callers gain access to the U.S. telephone network through Gateway providers. While these providers are responsible for ensuring the traffic is legal, many are not taking sufficient action to stop robocall traffic.

The Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force will focus on tracking down bad actors who do not take steps to appropriately mitigate scam robocalls. These efforts are an important step in helping to reduce the number of robocalls that Kentuckians receive.

To avoid financial losses due to fraudulent robocalls, Kentuckians can follow these tips:

• Be wary of callers who specifically ask you to pay by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
• Look out for prerecorded calls from imposters posing as government agencies.
• If you suspect fraudulent activity, immediately hang-up and do not provide any personal information.
• Report scams to the Attorney General’s office at ag.ky.gov/scams or by calling 888-432-9257.

In addition to Attorney General Cameron, attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming joined the task force.

To report a scam, visit ag.ky.gov/scams.

Edmonson Voice Report:
The Edmonson County school system requests that ALL parents complete the Online Registration process for the 2022-2023 school year at your earliest convenience.  We ask that a parent/guardian complete registration at a time when they are not rushed, as there are several documents to view before completion.


If your child finished the 2021-2022 school year (on May 27th) as an Edmonson County student, please access OLR through the Parent Portal.  If you do not remember your login credentials, follow the Forgot Username/Password link.  The portal can be found at http://boe.edmonson.k12.ky.us/parent-portal/

If your child is starting school for the first time, or if they finished the 2021-2022 school year in another district instead of Edmonson County,  follow this link to register http://mrtg.edmonson.k12.ky.us/OLR.html

If a parent or guardian needs to complete OLR for both a NEW and EXISTING student, first go through the Parent Portal to register the returning student.  Under the student section, click 'Add New Student'.