Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County Fiscal Court voted to approve the original recommendation of voter reapportionment at today's meeting that was first presented to the court on July 10, 2023. Reapportionment is required by state law, after the U.S. Census, every ten years. The purpose is to ensure the districts are spread as equally as possible, according to population.

A vote for the recommendation was called for at the July 25th fiscal court meeting but Magistrates voted to table the motion instead, in order to seek out other options.

At today's meeting, magistrates agreed that the other options discussed since that time simply didn't work as well as the original recommendation. District 2 Magistrate T.J. Massey, who described some of the changes as "big changes," said he felt like the best option was to revert back to the first one.

Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey reminded the court that the changes are based on population, only and that each district can only have a 10% or less deviation from the largest district in the county to smallest.

District 4 Magistrate Mickey Johnson also spoke.

"I'd like to say something, since my district will change the most," he said "I love my district and always have. Losing part of Bee Spring is going to be difficult, and it's going to be a challenge to get some of them out and vote. I'm looking for some new precinct locations as a result of this, but I'll accept the ordinance and do what we need to do."

County Clerk Kevin Alexander said that when meeting with BRADD, who assisted in the constructing the possible scenarios, trying to juggle the numbers countywide is very difficult.

"We have grown in population quickly, but hopefully after these changes, we won’t have to have such a big change in another 9 years. Polling is something separate and can be discussed by the local election board, and will be a priority," he said.

He also noted that the magistrates had every right to seek other options and to do their due diligence.

"It’s not easy, change is not easy, but I appreciate the willingness for magistrates to work on this."

The first reading was approved unanimously in a vote by magistrates.

In an interview with Clerk Alexander on July 12th, he first explained how the changes would affect some districts with the presented option resulting in the most significant changes being in Districts 2, 4, and 5. 
 
“With the numbers we were using, it was decided that putting the entire city of Brownsville into one magisterial district was possible," he said, even though they realize the city expands on both sides of the Green River.

With new houses going up every day in the southern area of the county, including several new developments and apartment complexes, the committee also had to anticipate the change in population as best they can when presenting their recommended option. Alexander said this recommendation will allow for the anticipated growth in that area, which may keep future reapportionment from being as significant.
 
“No one likes to have to offer changes like this.  We’ve had some growth already in Chalybeate, and much more in coming.  It is just the numbers we were dealt with," he said back in July.

In other fiscal court news, Transportation Director for Edmonson County Schools Lannie Deweese spoke to the court about some dangerous road conditions that school buses are facing in the county.

He said tree branches and fallen limbs are scraping up against buses on some roads. He said in order to avoid them, drivers would have to veer over too far into the other lane, which is not safe. He presented a list of roads to the court and asked the county to clean them up.

Road Supervisor Joe Montgomery said the mow/trim crew has that responsibility and they are behind, as there is only one crew for the entire county, but Deweese asked for these roads to be prioritized. Montgomery said he would do what he could.

Judge Lindsey also announced that A.B. Webb has officially stepped down as the County Parks Director. He asked for a committee to look at seeing if it was feasible to combine the Park Director position and the Park Program Director position, which was also recently vacated by John Kiernan. Kiernan was asked to be on the committee as Lindsey also asked for magistrate members, where T.J. Massey and Mickey Johnson both volunteered.

The court also voted to:

• Approve Edmonson County Public Library 2023 Tax Rates
• Approve Jailer Bond #4636442
• Approve August Cash Transfers
• Acknowledge City of Brownsville 2023 Tax Rates
• Approve Sheriff Vehicle Purchase

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for September 11, 2023 at 9AM.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
A discussion was held at today's Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting about what has become known as the "Bee Spring Stench," a topic that has many Bee Spring residents demanding action. According to Edmonson County Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey in the meeting, the farm that is the source of the complaints has voluntarily agreed to halt the operation that is causing what locals say it a terrible odor.

After the meeting, The Edmonson Voice also spoke to Jonathan Blanton, the owner of the farm in the Oklahoma Road area. Blanton said he was receiving Perdue Farm shipments of egg shells and culled eggs (eggs rejected by Perdue) and spreading them on his farm to be used a fertilizer. He said he never meant any harm to the community in any way, and that he is doing everything he can to solve the issue.

Lindsey also said that his office had received many complaints about the rotten egg odor that had spread in the community, which came from Blanton's farm. Judge Lindsey also said that Blanton had legally obtained a solid waste permit from the state and was under contract with Perdue to receive the discarded egg shipments.

Several members of the Bee Spring community attended today's fiscal court meeting and were allowed to speak in a public discussion; however, Judge Lindsey spoke first about his meeting with Mr. Blanton.

"He came in my office voluntarily after he talked to Representative Michael Meredith. Jonathan made the decision to stop all operations of the facility that he has. He talked to me and told me they have two shipments left that they had to take per contract." Lindsey continued. "One of them was there Friday and delivered, and then Jonathan shut the second one down and changed the locks on the gate. It was supposed to be due there Sunday night or Sunday evening. He called and told me yesterday that Perdue got extremely ill with him because he shut the last truck off, but he said that he didn't care because he was ready for this to be over with. He started cleanup today and he will be taking what's left at the farm, if it cannot be used as fertilizer or disc-ed up in a back field, it is going to be shipped to an Ohio County landfill that's already agreed to accept the solid waste, and from what I understand, that's where Perdue's contract will keep going."

Lindsey said he had also heard rumors that the owner was going to lease the farm to one or more third parties to continue the fertilizing operation but after speaking to the alleged parties, none of that was true.

Judge Lindsey also told the court that he had discovered an ordinance that was passed by Edmonson County Fiscal Court on January 12, 2012 (EC11-22),  that prohibited anyone in Edmonson County from constructing or operating a solid waste management site until approved by the fiscal court. The eggs being used on Blanton's farm for fertilizer  would be considered solid waste, so even though Blanton had obtained a permit through the state for the operation, he is still required to have fiscal court approval for such use, which he did not obtain. As a result, the fiscal court has the right to monitor the cleanup and termination of the operation, which Lindsey said they would do.

Lindsey said violation of the local ordinance was the only thing the fiscal court could do about the current situation, had Blanton not voluntarily agreed to stop composting. The state permit allowed the rest.

Lindsey also stated that Blanton told him the final cleanup should be finished in approximately a week to ten days.

Several residents spoke about the smell and asked questions about the air, water, and soil quality as a result of the waste being used as fertilizer.

Lindsey said representatives from the EPA had visited the farm where air quality and solid waste testing showed no violations, except for one, where cardboard was being used in a place it shouldn't have been. The results of the water and soil samples have not yet been received, according to Lindsey.

Another resident asked about the farm using manure and Lindsey responded by saying that manure wasn't considered a solid waste for these purposes, because if so, most every farmer in the county would be in violation. Another asked about possible penalties that could be issued to those in violation. County Attorney Adam Turner said there was a penalty clause in the ordinance, along with required public hearings and other stipulations. He also said that a penalty of $1000 per day could be in place for those violating the ordinance. Turner was asked by a resident if Blanton would be assessed these penalties, to which Turner responded no, not at this time, because the operation was being stopped.

The stench Facebook Page claimed there was a drive-by shooting in the area yesterday with more than one post claiming a home had been struck. An attorney representing a Bee Spring resident spoke at today's meeting and said the gunshots were possibly related to those complaining about the odor. We asked Edmonson County Sheriff James Vincent if his office received any complaints on the gunshots. He said yes and an investigation was ongoing; however, he also said the gunshots did not strike any home or property. He added that video surveillance from the area has been reviewed and they are attempting to locate the suspect.

Mr. Blanton told the Edmonson Voice that when he first began spreading the eggs and shells onto his ground, the hot and dry weather began to amplify the odor and he certainly noticed.

"I didn't set out to do it this way," Blanton said. "It turned off hot and the smell got worse, and I apologize for that. I'm trying to fix it. I've done everything within my power to fix it except make it rain, and I can't make it rain."

He said he reached out to some in the area and asked them if it was bad.

"I don't have Facebook, and I sure don't get into the drama on Facebook, but I just asked some people that I could trust and nobody ever said it was that bad. Then it got to be a problem. The EPA didn't tell me I have to quit, but I've voluntarily done this. I really am sorry. I don't know how to get any more sorry. I'm doing everything in my power to stop it."

A Facebook Page called "Bee Spring Stench," that is basically a forum for residents, was started on August 21st. We sent a message to the page to ask if anyone could speak to us about the issue, to which we received the following response:

"I will let you know that the majority of information pertaining to the incident will be found on the page. The people of bee spring built the page with the information provided by actual witnesses of the situation but I am more than happy to help you all create what you need for your own purposes of informing the community. We appreciate the help that was given today."

We then asked if we could speak to someone directly and asked for the page administrator to identify themselves but our question has not yet received a response.

Blanton said no one ever contacted him directly about the situation.

"There was never anyone that called me or contacted me in any way about the smell or I would have done something sooner," he said. He also said he was not aware of the county ordinance that was discussed today but that he is willing to work with the county however possible.

Another resident asked at today's meeting if there could be a follow up at the next fiscal court meeting. Judge Lindsey and magistrates agreed that a follow up would be discussed on the next meeting agenda.

Blanton said he was actually doing clean up at the time of our phone call and that if all went as planned, he hoped to have everything taken care of in a period of 10-14 days, excluding any breakdowns or bad weather.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Buses were back on regular routes this morning all over Edmonson County for the first time in several months as the 2023-24 school year began today in the county school district.

Principals of all five county schools shared their thoughts on the first day, all of which were positive, in addition to Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander.

"Overall, Edmonson County Schools has had an outstanding day for the first day of the 23-24 school year, said Mr. Alexander. "We're excited to see all of our returning students, as well as our new students who have joined us to start a new school year.  Students seem happy to be back in school."

Edmonson County High School Principal Jonathan Williams returns for his 4th year in his current role. He described the first day of the school year at the high school as "phenomenal."

"There was great energy from our staff and most of our students were happy to be back," said Williams.  "All of our new staff members seemed to have a great day also. Our leadership team and staff are excited about the growth and opportunities our kids have here!  It’s an exciting time to be an Edmonson County Wildcat!"

Brandon Prunty, Principal at Edmonson County Middle School said ECMS had a great day and the day began on a positive note.

"Our teachers were eager to meet their new students today and we spent much of the day talking about procedures and expectations.  It's going to be a wonderful year." Mr. Prunty said.

"I would like to let parents know that our drop-off and pick-up lines will not be changed because of the construction at the high school.  Parents will still be able to go behind the middle school, through the construction gates, and exit on Houchin Ferry Road."

Principal of South Edmonson Elementary Josh Long said everyone at SEES had a great first day.

"There is nothing better than seeing the kids excitement as they jump off of the bus and run into school," he said. "Our faculty and staff have worked hard at planning and preparing for another fantastic school year and their hard work paid off today! The hallways were full of smiles and laughter and kids were already working hard in their rooms on beginning of the year activities and telling the teachers and each other about their summer break. The first day is one of the best days of the year and today didn't disappoint. It's a great day to be a Bulldog!"

Shaun Stice, principal at Kyrock Elementary, said the Blackhawks got off to a great start today.

"The students came in with smiles and left with smiles which is what we care about the most," Mr. Stice said. "We are very excited about the things we have in store for our students this year.  We are in the process of obtaining  a greenhouse for the students to enjoy more hands-on activities.  We have several fun and educational field trips planned and several guests coming to bring exciting things to our students to enhance learning opportunities." 

Supt. Alexander ended with a thank-you to the parents and guardians of Edmonson County students.

"We want to thank our parents and guardians for entrusting us with their children, Alexander added. "As always, we guide all our decisions on what is best for kids. We're looking forward to a great year."

Fall sports have been underway for a few weeks already. Heat advisories this week have caused teams to cancel some events while rescheduling others. The season home opener for Lady Cat Volleyball is tonight at ECHS beginning at 5:30PM.

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County tax payers will see a little break on their property taxes this year as the today's Edmonson County Fiscal Court approved the second reading of the 2023 county tax rates.

The rates went down from 13.7 cents per $100 of value to 13.2 cents after today's approval. The compensating rate for 2023 is 12.7, set by the state. 13.2 is the highest that can be set without a recall vote, which is a break for taxpayers.

County Seeks New Parks Program Director
It was announced at today's meeting that John Kiernan is stepping down from the role of Edmonson County Parks and Rec Program Administrator/Director. Kiernan has served in the role since 2018. Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey said that the county is now in search of a new program director, with interviews scheduled for next week.

Green River (Mammoth Cave) Ferry Update
Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey read portions from a letter written to Edmonson County Fiscal Court from Mammoth Cave National Park Superintendent Barclay Tremble in a response to a petition with hundreds of names from Edmonson County and the surrounding area requesting that ferry operation hours be extended.

Ferry operation used to run from 6AM to 10PM but recently was shortened to 6AM to 6PM. A petition was started by local resident Nelson Sanders, who said churchgoers in the area were having to drive miles around the area as a result of the shortened operation hours. The Fiscal Court wrote a letter to MCNP asking to extend the hours back to the original period.

Judge Lindsey read portions of the letter where Tremble discussed budget cuts and not enough manpower to operate the ferry at the requested 16hr interval; however, he agreed in the letter to allow a 6AM to 8PM operation, which is 14hrs per day, every day.

Lindsey said "It's not what we wanted, but it's better than what we had."

That would allow nightly church attendees ferry usage upon arriving to service, which is normally 7PM, but would still require them to drive an alternate route upon exit.
 
Lindsey also updated the court on the status on Sunfish/Roundhill Road, which has unchanged since a Muhlenberg County man drove off the end of a closed portion of the road in April of this year, due to a construction project that's been ongoing for months. The county is seeking FEMA funding to help with the costly repair of the road.

"I don't want to accuse anybody of anything," said Judge Lindsey, "but it seems like it's gone to the state level and just stopped."

The site can be accessed from two different routes: the first is to turn onto Sunfish-Round Hill Road from HWY 70 (Morgantown Road); the other is from HWY 187 onto Sunfish-Roundhill Road. The road remains closed at the construction site.

Magistrates voted to once again table the reapportionment discussion. No motion was made at the July 10th  Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting to approve the first reading of ordinance EC 23-21, which was to approve the recommended reapportionment, a step required by law every ten years, after the census. Magistrates said they were meeting on the topic later today. The item will be discussed at the next fiscal court meeting.

The court also voted to:

• Approve Jason Alexander Notary Bond #4908382.
• Approve Leah Geary Notary Bond #4908381.
• Acknowledge BGWC July Shelter Directors Report.
• Acknowledge Dog Control July CAD Incident Report.
• Approve Resolution EC23-22, Fiscal Year 24 FLEX Agreement.
• Approve Fiscal Year 24 Litter Abatement Grant application.
• Approve EVAPAR Preventative Maintenance Agreement- Grassland Generator.
• Approve Edmonson County Extension District 2023 Tax Rates (no change from last year)

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 28th at 9AM.

Darren Doyle, story:
Law enforcement officials from Mammoth Cave National Park are seeking help from the public to identify individuals involved in repeated acts of vandalism at Joppa Missionary Baptist Church. The vandals have broken windows, kicked in doors, and painted graffiti on church walls between Jul. 5 and Aug. 4, 2023, according to a press release from the park.

The park released two photos which show a group of suspected vandals and a vehicle they were driving during a recent incident. Individuals caught damaging structures or natural surfaces in the park can face serious consequences including arrest with fines of up to $5,000 and six months in jail", the park stated.

“The damage we are seeing at Joppa Church is disappointing and deeply saddening for the park and for our neighboring communities,” said Superintendent Barclay Trimble. “Joppa Church is an important physical connection for individuals and families who once lived, worked, and worshiped weekly on this land before it became a national park. When the walls are spayed with paint, or one of the church windows is destroyed beyond repair, rain is allowed to enter the building to cause more damage to the structure.  With these senseless acts of vandalism, we are losing a piece of park and community history forever.”

The church was also vandalized in 2018, with images spray-painted on the sanctuary floor.

The church and cemetery are both listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Local historian Tommy Bolton, said the church was actually established in 1861, although the sign on the church says otherwise, and was a major part of a community called Elko. Eligh Parsley owned a general store there in the vicinity of schools and several houses. "It was a thriving community until the park moved everyone away by 1945" Bolton said.

Anyone with information as to the possible identity of the vandals is encouraged to call the Mammoth Cave Law Enforcement Office at 270-758-2115 or e-mail the park.

Humane Society Describes Conditions as "Horrible"

Darren Doyle, story:
An Edmonson County man has been arrested and faces animal cruelty charges after law enforcement discovered dozens of dogs in pens, living in inhumane conditions, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

According to an Edmonson County Deputy Sheriff, law enforcement was dispatched to Pine Grove Church Road around 4PM on Friday, August 11, 2023 to the complaint of animal cruelty. The deputy stated that he saw between 50 and 60 dogs in one 20x20 pen and a small shed, living in a mixture of mud, urine and feces, and rotten food with little or no water. 

The deputy also stated that whatever water was available to some of the dogs was extremely dirty and not fit to drink.

In addition, the deputy also said the dogs were being fed rotten chicken carcasses that were infested with maggots. At least one dog was found dead among the group.

Travis Basham, (49), of Bowling Green (Pine Grove) was arrested and charged with Torture of cat/dog with serious physical injury or death (Class D Felony), and Cruelty to animals second degree (Class A Misdemeanor).

Facebook post from the Bowling Green/Warren County Humane Society

In a Facebook post from the Bowling Green/Warren County Humane Society, which included several photos of the incident, stated: "We took three vans to the location, and they all came back full. The conditions were horrible…overcrowded feces-filled kennels and dogs chained to trees throughout the property. Nothing for food but whole dead chickens and rotten eggs that were chucked to them on occasion, discarded by the nearby chicken farm. Their water was green with algae and bugs, and all were malnourished and dealing with fleas, ticks, and skin issues."

In total, 79 dogs were seized and sheltered by the Bowling Green/Warren County Humane Society. The shelter is seeking donations and adoptions for the rescued dogs.

Edmonson County Animal Control also assisted with the rescue.

Basham was transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail.

Madison Doyle, story and photos:
Today, August 11, 2023, Edmonson County High School held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Local Area Vocational Education Centers (LAVEC). In February of this year, the Kentucky Governor's office granted Edmonson County $10,000,000 to expand the vocational wing of ECHS, to enhance trade skill opportunities for students.

The ceremony started by ECHS senior Chaney Browning welcoming all those who were in attendance. She also gave thanks to the Governor's Office and everyone else who had a helping hand in making this project possible. Sophomore Evelyn Ulm then led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.*

Chamber of Commerce President Darren Doyle thanked the Governor's Office and the General Assembly for putting politics aside, and everyone that got on the same page for the benefit of Edmonson County's students and future, as well as many other schools in Kentucky. He described the funding for the new facility as "life-changing" for many in the community.

"As a local business owner who tries to sell advertising every day, I know how hard it is for people to come up with an extra 10 dollars, let alone $10 million."

Superintendent Brian Alexander also gave his thanks and he spoke on the importance of this project and what it will do for the community of Edmonson County.

"I had a visitor stop by my office the other day who is about a year-and-a-half old, and it made me realize it's the children like her who we are doing this for. Kids her age will never remember what this school looked like before this project came along, and I am looking forward to the opportunities she and others will have because of this project," he said.

ECHS School Board Chair Alexander Ulm expressed his gratitude for this opportunity. He thanked not only those who had a helping hand in getting this grant money, but also all of the construction crew members for their work, on the project as well, as it "could not be done without their hard work."

State Representative Michael Lee Meredith mentioned that Edmonson County is one of the eleven school districts who received this grant, and he said it was a great honor to have received this money.

"You can go just about anywhere in the region and find out that some of the very best workers with any type of skill trade come from right here in Edmonson County, and being able to expand this part of the school is only going to increase that," Meredith said.

Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman said it was an honor to be at the ceremony today.

"I know it's already been said that we finally got everyone on the same page to make this happen, but I just want to say this situation isn't about politics, it's not about what side of the fence you're on, it's strictly about student's education, having our teacher's backs, and creating opportunities. Governor Beshear and I are more than happy to be able to grant you all this money."

In February, Governor Beshear went on a tour of the school's current vocational facilities, that included business, healthcare, engineering, ag, auto shop, and welding, all of which look much the same as they did over 40 years ago. The new facility will be the new home for the aforementioned vocational programs at ECHS and is supposed to be completed by the fall of 2024.

*Editor's note: We apologize for not having a photo of Evelyn; however, we also stood and recited the Pledge at that time.

Darren Doyle, story:
The Kentucky State Police has confirmed one woman has died as a result of a two-vehicle collision in the Wingfield Community of Edmonson County earlier today.

KSP reported that on Tuesday, August 8th, 2023 just After 9:00 a.m., Kentucky State Police Post 3 Bowling Green was requested by the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office to investigate a fatal collision in Edmonson County. Troopers responded to the scene of the collision located on Wingfield Church Road at The Bridge Road.

State Police reported that Briana Sefcik, 44, of Bowling Green, was operating a Toyota Camry on Wingfield Church Road when she attempted to make a left turn onto The Bridge Road.  Sefcik's vehicle crossed the oncoming lane of travel and was struck by a Pontiac G6 being operated by Hannah Guess, 19, of Bowling Green, according to police.  Guess's vehicle continued off the left shoulder of the roadway where it struck a tree.  Hannah Guess was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Edmonson County Coroner.   No other injuries were reported in the collision, KSP said.

The investigation is being led by the Detective Shae Foley. He was assisted at the scene by Edmonson County EMS, Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Edmonson County Coroner, Edmonson County Emergency Management, Wingfield Fire Department and KSP personnel.

Darren Doyle, story:
Two individuals were arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including possession of cocaine after a trespassing complaint, according to the Brownsville Police Department.

In an interview with police, BPD stated that officers with the department were dispatched to 103 Reservoir Street in Brownsville around 5:30PM on Monday, August 7, 2023 for a trespassing complaint. BPD said that upon arrival, officers located two individuals, identified as Jolantha Wayne Butts (60) of Bowling Green, and Peggy Sue Bennett (64) of Bowling Green, inside the residence, which police said had been vacant for months.

Police stated that Bennett went outside to her vehicle to retrieve her identification, where police discovered the strong odor of marijuana. Police also said that both subjects admitted to having marijuana inside the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle found suspected marijuana and suspected cocaine, BPD told the Edmonson Voice. Both subjects allegedly stated that they did not have permission to be inside the residence and both were arrested.

Jolantha Wayne Butts was charged with:

• Burglary 2nd Degree
• Criminal Trespass 1st Degree
• Poss Cont Sub 1st Deg, 1st Off (cocaine)
• Poss of Marijuana
• Drug Paraphernalia Buy/Possess

Peggy Sue Bennett was charged with:

• Burglary 2nd Degree
• Criminal Trespass 1st Degree
• Poss Cont Sub 1st Deg, 2nd Off (cocaine)
• Poss of Marijuana
• Drug Paraphernalia Buy/Possess

Both were lodged in the Hart County Jail.

Darren Doyle, story:
Two Ohio men have been arrested in connection with a Brownsville theft, according to the Brownsville Police Department.

Police said that on July 26, 2023 at approximately 2:30AM, a red Dodge Ram pickup pulled into the front lot of Logsdon’s Motorplex in Brownsville. The passenger of the truck got out and loaded up four 2020 GMC Denali wheels and tires, then left the business, according to police.

BPD said the owner of the business noticed the wheels missing on August 2nd and upon reviewing security camera footage, he found the suspect and vehicle on the July 26th footage, and a report was filed with the Brownsville City Police Department on August 2nd.

Yesterday, the victim located the truck and individuals at Parrish Recycling in Bowling Green and contacted Bowling Green Police, according to officials. Once the suspects were identified as Joseph Simon (28) of Massillon, OH, and Dominick Douglas, (28), also of Massillon, OH, Brownsville Police filed for warrants on the subjects.

Today, Bowling Green Police located the subjects once again and arrested them on their warrants, BPD said.

Both were charged with Theft by unlawful taking/disposition all others over $1000 < $10,000, and Criminal trespassing 3rd degree. They were lodged in the Warren County Detention Center.

**UPDATE** August 4, 2023 4:21PM: The suspects were identified and arrested. The stolen property was returned to the owner. Read here: Two Arrested In Connection With Local Theft

The Brownsville Police Department is seeking information regarding security footage of a theft suspect.

“If anyone recognizes this truck or person please contact Edmonson County Dispatch at 270-597-2729 or the Brownsville City Police at 270-597-3814," Officials said. "Your report can remain anonymous. Thank you.”

Darren Doyle, story:
Three individuals were arrested and face multiple charges after a traffic stop on Friday afternoon.

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, a 2001 Honda Civic was spotted on Nolin Dam Road with a window unit air conditioner tied to its roof on Friday, July 28th at 3:21PM. A deputy said the air conditioner was poorly secured and very loose. Upon further investigation, the license plate was expired, no one was wearing seat belts, and a passenger was sitting between two bucket seats, which prompted law enforcement to initiate a traffic stop, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office said consent to search the vehicle was given and a small bag of what appeared to be meth was found in the vehicle. Neither the driver, identified as Michael Basham (37) of Smiths Grove, passenger Natasha Crowder, (40) of Park City, nor passenger David Mize (30) of Mammoth Cave claimed ownership of the substance, according to the Sheriff's Office, and all three were arrested. Crowder allegedly had a meth pipe on her person, according to the Sheriff's Office. 

All three were arrested and individually charged:

• Basham: Possession of controlled substance, first degree (meth), Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess, Violation of conditions release
• Crowder: Possession of controlled substance, first degree (meth), Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess, Violation of conditions release, Tampering with physical evidence
• Mize: Possession of controlled substance, first degree (meth), Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess, Tampering with physical evidence, Failure to wear seat belts.

All three were lodged in the Hart County Jail.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
A Horse Cave man was arrested last night after a brief hospital stay and faces multiple charges after he drove his car into the Nolin River yesterday, according to local law enforcement.

Emergency workers responded to the scene of the Nolin Lake tail water at the Nolin River boat ramp around 4PM, to the call of a vehicle that had driven into the water. Emergency officials first arriving on scene described the driver as "not knowing who or where he was." He was also described as still appearing to drive the car as emergency workers approached him.

The driver, identified as Randy L. Meredith, 61, of Horse Cave, apparently drove a Toyota Camry down the bank and off to the left side of the boat ramp, going airborne and landing into the shallow water, according to Edmonson County Sheriff James Vincent.

The Sheriff said Meredith showed obvious signs of impairment and was transported to the hospital for medical clearance before he was arrested and charged with:

• Operating motor vehicle under the influence (substance)
  
• Reckless driving
  
• Wanton endangerment first degree (police officer)
  
• Wanton endangerment first degree
  
• Public intoxication, controlled substance (excludes alcohol)
  

Meredith was uninjured, according to the Sheriff. He was lodged in the Hart County Jail upon being discharged from the hospital.

Also responding to the scene were the Lincoln and Kyrock Fire Departments, Edmonson EMS, EC Emergency Management, the U.S. Park Service, District 5 Constable, and the Corps of Engineers.

Darren Doyle, story:
Several changes in the Edmonson Lions Club have come about over the last year with some new leadership overseeing the county fair.

After a decline in fair interest since it was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, local resident Donnie Turley, along with some other men felt a need to try to do more. There has been no carnival at the Edmonson County Fair since 2019, and even then, quality carnivals are hard to find that fit small town budgets.

Turley was recently elected the new Fair Board Chairman and immediately went to work trying to find a way to bring back the old days of the fair when kids were excited and families looked forward to bringing their household out to the once-a-year event. Edmonson County is still likely the only school system in Kentucky that finds a way to close school for a day to allow kids to enjoy the annual Fair Day Parade and Fair Day.

Turley, along with County Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey, who is also the new Lions Club Vice President, and Corey Culbreth, the KY Farm Bureau Representative serving on the Fair Board, sat down with the Edmonson Voice to discuss the improvements that are expected at this year's fair.

"I just remember the memories that I have as a kid going to the parade, getting out of school, running around with all my friends at the fair," Lindsey said. "Our theme, which is Old Way, New Day, is intended to honor the history of the fair in our county while doing our best to bring more value to the fair. It's not about us, it's about our community."

Turley said after COVID, interest in the fair began fading fast, and at the current pace, doubts as to whether or not the fair could survive arose.

"We're trying to build it back and you have to start somewhere," Turley said. "We've finally found a reputable carnival company that we feel is safe, reliable, and can bring attractions that the community can enjoy. The rides will be much bigger, better, and it's something we can all be proud of."

Along with a new carnival, the new Fair Board is streamlining the fair into a 5-day event, instead of multiple weekends and gaps that were difficult to schedule. Dates will be Tuesday, Sept. 5th to Sept. 9th and will include the following events with a full carnival each night:

"We're trying to bring the most quality in a shorter amount of time," Turley said. "We really feel like there's going to be something for everyone, and for all ages."

Corey Culbreth, who helped design this year's fair logo, said while growing up, the fair was something he also looked forward to each year.

"We want to help rebuild this into the same experiences like I had as a kid," he said. "We didn't go to Disney like some families did, so the fair was a really big deal to me. We're hoping to make it a really big deal for more kids this year, like it used to be, and we're glad so many have supported our vision so far."

With a new carnival comes new costs--something that has hindered not only the fair in the past, but also literally every other thing in Edmonson County throughout the years. Larger carnival companies require lots of money up front, which was something on which the Lions Club felt like they couldn't take a chance in years past. This year, the Fair Board  began reaching out to local businesses for sponsorships to help guarantee a quality carnival, and the businesses responded.

The same approach was taken by the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce last year when they announced a new festival in Brownsville, The Big Brownsville Bash, with a carnival. Corporate sponsors helped paved the way for the Chamber to bring new activities to the community. While the carnival didn't knock anybody off their feet (figuratively and literally), the idea of something new in the community was well received. The Bash was never intended to be competition to the fair, but only a community addition. The Chamber and Fair Board both agree that each have a place in the community, with the Bash kicking off the summer season, while the Fair brings it to an end.

In addition to the above scheduled events, the fair is continuing its baby and beauty pageants, but moving them both to earlier dates so that winners have opportunity to compete at the state levels. Fair goers also often complained about having the baby pageant outdoor at the fairgrounds due to hot or unpredictable weather, and since the pageants have been held off-site at ECHS for many years, the decision was made to handle the baby pageant in the same manner. The baby pageants have already taken place and the beauty pageants are scheduled for Saturday, August 26th at ECHS.

"We feel like the fair has always been great for this county," Turley added. "We just want to add to the foundation that's been laid over the years and see it go on for many more."

Admission to the fair will be $15 per person, per night, which includes all the carnival rides and the nightly events, with free admission for anyone under 32 inches tall. Fair Day, which is Friday, September 8th, will allow kids and students to purchase $10 arm bands for unlimited rides from 10AM until 3PM.