Darren Doyle, story and photo:
The Edmonson Voice reported in April of this year ​the allocation of $1.45 million from the Kentucky General Assembly for the purpose of improvements to the Highway 70 Sports Complex. 

At that time, work on the park was expected to begin sooner rather than later, but according to District 2 Magistrate and Edmonson County Baseball/Softball Board member T.J. Massey, all the funds are still on the way but receiving it will take a bit longer than expected. 

Massey has written an open letter explaining the timeline as a result of receiving many questions regarding this project.


Letter to the Edmonson Voice:
While the $1.45 million for the Highway 70 Sports Complex is fully approved and secured in the state budget, it operates on a reimbursement model through the Department of Local Government. Because the county cannot request or access these funds until the state’s 2027–2028 fiscal year beginning July 1, 2027, the project requires careful financial planning.

I want to extend a sincere thank you to Representative Michael Meredith and the entire Kentucky General Assembly for securing this incredible, generational investment in our community and our kids.

While the Parks and Recreation Department, Fiscal Court, and the EC Baseball/Softball board would love to complete this project before next season, the financial reality prevents it. To complete the project upfront right now, the county would need to take out a loan. However, because we cannot request the state reimbursement until the 2027–2028 fiscal year, carrying that debt would accumulate an irresponsible amount of interest payments that our budget simply cannot absorb.

Therefore, the EC baseball and softball board is actively collaborating with the Fiscal Court and Parks and Recreation to evaluate what can be done right now heading into the 2027 season. We are looking at ways to utilize the current parks and rec budget to close gaps and address pressing safety and playability concerns on the current fields.

Our ultimate goal is to launch this major renovation immediately after the 2027 season concludes when we are much closer to next fiscal year and the reimbursement mechanism opens. Thank you for your continued patience and support as we balance our desire for immediate upgrades with responsible fiscal stewardship for Edmonson County.

Respectfully,
TJ Massey
Edmonson County 2nd District Magistrate & EC Baseball/Softball Board Member

Edmonson Voice Report:
Local veteran and DAV advocate Mike Stoyonovich was surprised as he was presented a Citation of Valor at a recent​meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (VMAPP) with state representatives (D79) Chad Aull and (D19) Michael Meredith.

"Michael has spent a lifetime serving our country, our veterans, and his community," said Rep. Aull in a released newsletter.

"He served in the United States Army during Vietnam, Operation Noble Eagle, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He's worked through Disabled American Veterans to help Kentucky veterans and their families receive the benefits they've earned, securing more than $2 million in permanent annual. He also helped develop legislation that became House Bill 30 in 2024, expanding access to free counseling for Kentucky veterans and their families, and has done extensive work in his local community of Edmonson County."

"People like Michael are the reason I am so proud to be a Kentuckian," Rep. Aull stated.

Stoyonovich said he was not aware of the award before he received it.

​"This award was a total surprise as I got a phone call to appear before the Veterans, Military Affairs, Personal Protection Joint Legislative Committee," Stoyonovich said. "Being able to see all my brothers and sisters who are the best veterans advocates the Commonwealth has to offer made that day great. Thank you Representative Meredith and Representative Aull and the VMAPP Committee for this award."

Stoyonovich and his wife live in Brownsville and he is a state service officer for the DAV.

There is lots of talk in the community right now about the cost of this year's fair, what is happening where, questions about what the Lions Club is doing and more about the 70th Annual Edmonson County Lions Club Fair.

We sat down with Lions Club Fair Board Chairman Donnie Turley about this questions and more and he gave us a behind-the-scenes look at all of it. 

Did you know it costs $15,000 just to get the carnival company to show up? That's without one single person paying for a ticket to attend. 

He discusses the nightly events and what to expect. One thing he said he failed to mention was a brand new event for the kids, a petting zoo! It's a super fun activity that will be available each night and on Fair Day! Check out all the details below:

Darren Doyle, story:
Magistrates approved the first reading of the 2026 county tax rates at Monday's fiscal court meeting.

Rates will remain the same as last year, which went down from 2024 to 2025, at 12.2 cents per $100 of value.

A tax hearing is scheduled for  September 10, 2026 at 4:00PM for public discussion and the second reading is expected to be approved at fiscal court meeting that is scheduled to immediately follow the hearing.

​Courthouse/Community Center Project:
Plans for the Courthouse/Community Center Project continue with one bid being submitted for the project.*

While the project is listed as one, the construction is in two parts, one for each building. The bid was received by the Fiscal Court, which was from Bluegrass Building Consultants from Alvaton. The Courthouse porch and improvement bid was in the amount of $207,305.00.

The same company was also the lone bidder for the Community Center improvement, which was bid at $111,410.00. The bid cost for the entire project equals $318,715.00. 

In July of 2023, county magistrates approved $430K of ARPA funding for a facelift project that began as a vision from the Preserving Edmonson Pride (PEP) group in the summer of 2019. The project on the Courthouse Square included a new porch and a connection to the Community Center, however, those plans were put on hold soon after, due to unforeseen requirements and additional hidden costs of moving utilities that would have greatly exceeded the budget.

The project was somewhat simplified in an attempt to avoid further complications. District 2 Magistrate T.J. Massey, who was proactive in the project moving forward, said the project is about taking pride in the community.

"We should take pride in our town and in our community," Massey told the Edmonson Voice. "These funds were allocated over three years ago and we can finally see that this happens. Most people try to fix up their own homes as best they can. We make improvements, we take care of our yards. We also need to be doing that for what I call the centerpiece of our community, which is our town square. I hope this will revitalize the square and encourage others to want to visit here. Our Courthouse is obviously an historic building but it's long overdue for improvements."

E911 Surchage
Edmonson County Water customers will soon see a new surcharge on their water bills to help fund the county's 911 Dispatch Center. 

Four of the six magistrates voted to implement a $3 per bill surcharge dedicated to the 911 charge. A $2.74 surcharge previously appeared on all landline phone accounts but due to the drastic decrease in landline usage the county has seen a shortfall in the dispatch center funding. Magistrates Mark Meeks and T.J. Massey did not vote.

Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey said the charge could begin appearing on customer's water bills as soon as the first of October. All the surcharge money is allocated for the county's 911 Dispatch Center, minus a small administrative fee of 9 cents per month per customer from the Water District, Lindsey said.

*The Edmonson Voice was not requested to run the advertisement for bids. 

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​​Representative Michael Meredith emphasized the importance of remembering those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. 

“It truly is a service for some very special people from our community intertwined with the history of our country. If it weren’t for those men who volunteered and served and made the ultimate sacrifice, we would not have the country we have today. I am proud Edmonson County will continue to honor these men and for continuing to keep their memory alive.”

Judge Executive Scott Lindsey also spoke about the significance of permanently honoring the two veterans in the community they once called home.

“Today, we dedicate two roads in honor of two men who answered their nation’s call in two different wars. Both fled their homes and families to serve the United States of America and both made the ultimate sacrifice in that service. Today, we make sure their names and their sacrifices remain a permanent part of the community they call home.”

The ceremony also included remarks from Greg Hudson, President of the Edmonson County Historical Society and retired U.S Marine Corps. 

Ernest E. Lane Jr.’s niece, Becky Goad, shared personal stories and memories of her uncle, while retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel John E. Vincent spoke in remembrance of both Doyle and Lane. 

​The ceremony concluded with a series of solemn tributes honoring the two veterans. Renee Rich and Donald McCombs sang “Precious Memories,” followed by the Seven Solemn Tolls delivered by Gerald Carroll. Dathen Janes, an active-duty service member, rang the bell during the tolls. The playing of “Taps” was by Benny Durbin, a member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV.

Through the dedication of Kyrock Road and Old Kyrock Road, the names and legacies of Wand B. Doyle and LTC Ernest E. Lane Jr. will remain a permanent part of the Edmonson County community.

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County High School Band and Color Guard will be making their motion picture debut in "Out of the Ashes," a post-apocalyptic film that was partly shot in Glasgow.

The band was asked to take part in the film, which is about a father/daughter survival story after a virus breaks out and affects the world.

The film is being shot through the Southern Kentucky Film Commission where the Edmonson County Tourism Commission is a member. 

​Director of EC Tourism Vanessa Ulm said Edmonson County was thrilled that the local band and color guard were chosen for this film.

Ulm said the scene that the groups will be featured in is during the opening of the film. 

"They are performing in a small town Fourth of July parade, which is the last festive or happy moment right before the apocalypse takes over the world," she said. "The band did an amazing job during filming," she added.

ECHS Band Director Tyler White said they were thrilled to be part of the film.

"I am just so happy that these students got to have such a unique experience," he said. "I could tell that they were so shocked by the high level of production happening around them. I was also extremely proud of the students' behavior on set. Even though they were asked to do many repetitions of the same scene, these students remained professional, focused, and performed and marched extremely well. They truly represented Edmonson County with pride. It was an experience that I hope they remember for a long time."

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Two organizations have come together to solve what could have been a devastating problem.

According to DAV Chapter 32 member Jack Hasty, the Wiley Willis Memorial Veterans Wall had begun to show evidence of water penetrating its foundation, which had caused issues with the individual bricks. The labor and materials necessary to repair the problem and keep it from happening again was around $3100, Hasty said, which the local DAV covered. The local DAV and DAV Auxiliary volunteer to maintain the wall and surrounding area.

Local representatives from Woodmen Life wanted to assist, and through the help of the different county entities, a way was found a way to cover the costs. 

"Woodmen Life has a foundation that makes grants or benefits available to 501 C3 organizations around the country and it was brought to our attention at one of our meetings here a couple months ago that the wall was needing to be repaired, and some funds were needed to be made available for that," said David Brown, representative of Woodmen Life at a check presentation today at the site of the memorial.

The organization could only make the donation to a 501C3 nonprofit, which was a different type of nonprofit than the local DAV. After a few phone calls, The Edmonson County Arts Council was able to accept the donation on the DAV's behalf. 

"The Edmonson County Arts Council has agreed to allow us to use them as a conduit to get the money to the DAV, where we could help finance repairing this wall," Brown said. I know the work's been done, and it looks really good to me, and I'm happy for you guys to get it fixed and happy for the memory of those that have served, that names are on the wall.

Ricky Skaggs, President of the Arts Council, said it was a great opportunity for them not only to help by serving as a pass-through to the DAV, but also by a future commitment to help this same cause.

"We're happy to be able to get these funds directly to the DAV for the repairs that were necessary to the memorial wall, but we've also committed to donating the rest of the money after our next dinner theater," he said.

The Arts Council donates their profits to local causes as well as continue to provide scholarships to ECHS students.

Brown said the Woodmen Life Outreach Foundation is a private foundation focused on promoting family, community, and country by providing financial support to charities addressing the following areas, hunger, food insecurity, disaster relief, and assistance, patriotism, support of country, including the presentation of U.S. flags, community, and family engagement, relationships, and well being.

Hasty said all the necessary repairs have been recently properly completed and should keep problems from arising in the future. Skaggs said the Arts Council was getting the funds to the DAV as soon as today.

Several local Woodmen Life representatives attended today's check presentation along with DAV and DAV Auxiliary members, and Arts Council personnel .

Darren Doyle, story:
The shooting victim in the incident that took place on Rocky Hill Road on Saturday, August 15th is now in stable condition, although still critical, according to Kentucky State Police Post 3 Public Affairs Officer Katan Parker.

Parker told the Edmonson Voice today that the victim of the shooting, James Kevin Marr, 58, of Rocky Hill, was still "critical but stable with more surgeries to be completed." Marr suffered what KSP said were "apparent gunshot wounds to the abdomen and legs."

Today, Trooper Parker told the Voice that the incident on Saturday stemmed from a property dispute. He said that there was an altercation over a property line between Marr and William Davis (51). KSP said that Marr pinned Davis against a vehicle with his lawn mower and Davis shot Marr. 

Trooper Parker said that Davis is facing a potential charge of Assault first degree and Marr could face Assault second degree. 

The investigation remains ongoing.

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County Lions Club is preparing for the county's 70th annual county fair, scheduled for September 8th - 12th. This year's theme is "Happy 250th Birthday America."

With heavy community support, popular events like the Demolition Derby, truck pull, and tractor pull are returning to the fair, and new events like the Off Road Challenge, the Lions Club hopes to provide something for everyone.

Edmonson County Lions Club Fair Board Chairman Donnie Turley said the club has worked diligently to not only improve the popular events from year's past, but also to provide new attractions to keep interest fresh.

​"This year we will have a petting zoo each night of the fair set up and we’re also doing a new Off Road Challenge Event, which should be new and exciting," Turley said. "We’ve never tried before. This is my fourth year as Fair Board chairman and each year we’ve tried to bring something bigger and better to the fair and to the community."

Turley said the fair has worked alongside sponsors to ensure more kids can attend for a better family value. All kids 36" tall and under are admitted free and the Lions Club is currently working on other opportunities for Fair Day, which will be announced later.

"My favorite thing about the fair each year is fair day and all the excitement on the kids faces and the parents," he said. "It’s always such a fun time and it’s so rewarding to be a part of something that brings so much joy to so many people. I love our community and I can’t wait to continue to try and make it bigger and better each year."

Other nightly events include a rodeo and baby show, and the annual Fair Day Parade will be livestreamed exclusively by the Edmonson Voice, who is also one of the many sponsors of this year's fair. The new and improved carnival is expected to draw all ages from the region to the fair each night.

Stay connected to the Voice as well as the Lions Club Facebook Page for more updates.

Darren Doyle, story:
​A Rocky Hill man is in critical condition after a shooting earlier this evening, according to police.

Kentucky State Police Post 3 said in a released statement that just after 6:00PM police received a call about a shooting that had occurred in the 1300 block of Rocky Hill Road. Troopers went on scene and located James Kevin Marr, 58, of Rocky Hill, with apparent gunshot wounds to the abdomen and legs, according to the release. Mr. Marr was flown to TriStar Skyline Medical Center, where he is currently in surgery and in critical condition, police said.

The investigation is ongoing and is being led by Detective Aaron Hampton.

"The suspect is undergoing questioning and is not a threat to the community," KSP stated. 

No further information was available on the shooter.

Edmonson Voice Report:
​A former KSP trooper and youth camp director of Trooper Island was indicted in Clinton County on suspicion of stealing funds from the camp.

Jonathan Biven, 46, of Barren County, was indicted Monday by a Clinton County grand jury on a count of Theft by unlawful taking (greater than $10,000 but less than $1 million), according to a report from the Bowling Green Daily News.

Biven was served Tuesday with an indictment warrant and released on a $25,000 surety bond, according to court records.

​According to multiple reports, Biven allegedly took or exercised control over revenue and other funds belonging to Trooper Island between Jan. 1, 2019, and Sept. 30, 2024, (around the time of his retirement) with the intent to deprive the camp of the funds.

Biven had previously served as a trooper with KSP Post 3 in Bowling Green, working for a period of time there as a public information officer, the Daily News stated.

BGDN also reported that while Biven was with the agency, he spent several years serving as director of Trooper Island, which is a free summer youth camp operated by KSP.

Trooper Island operates as a nonprofit funded entirely by donations, grants, fundraisers, and community support.

Biven reportedly worked as a public safety officer with the Louisville Regional Airport Authority’s Department of Public Safety at the time of the indictment.

An investigation was conducted by the KSP Special Investigations Branch, where they reviewed financial transaction records and referred findings to the Clinton County Commonwealth Attorney's Office. 

Biven is due to be arraigned September 10th in Clinton Circuit Court, the Daily News said.

Darren Doyle, story:
We interviewed Edmonson County School Superintendent Brian Alexander about the beginning of the 2026-27 school year, which is today for teachers and staff, and tomorrow, August 13th for students. 

With the end of the Edmonson County 5/6 Center, the first year of the expansion of South Edmonson, and the final year of the current Kyrock Elementary before the new school opens in 2027-28, Mr. Alexander gave us his thoughts on school and some helpful tips for parents, guardians, and students.

Q: What are the biggest changes or any adjustments that the public should be made aware for the start of school on Thursday? 

A: I think first and foremost, we have reassigned students for the 5th and 6th grades.  6th graders now go to the Middle School for this year, while 5th grade will stay at Kyrock and South Edmonson, respectively.  

Q: South Edmonson Elementary's expansion has been pretty extensive and construction of the new Kyrock is still underway. Can you give us an update of those projects?

A: South Edmonson's renovation is complete.  We are so pleased with the way this turned out.  Unless you have a really trained eye, you can't really tell where the original part of the school ends, and where the new addition begins.  This was the goal from the beginning and this is both inside and out.  I think the school community at South Edmonson will be very pleased with the look and space of the newly renovated school there.  With a newly renovated media center as well, our Bulldogs have a lot to look forward to this school year.

Kyrock Elementary replacement construction is going remarkably well.  The project is ahead of schedule and will be ready for school a year from now in August of 2027.  We are very pleased with how this project will turn out and we fully expect our new Kyrock to be a source of pride for Blackhawks for generations to come!

In addition, we've worked on the Football/Soccer field as well, installing an new turf playing field.  And that's not all. We have even more additions and improvements planned for this area!

Q: People can sometimes underestimate the impact on school traffic, especially in the mornings when everyone is headed to work. What will be the main timeframes of school traffic?

A: School traffic starts to amp up around 7:15 am in the mornings, with 7:25 to 7:50 turning into the peak times for traffic at all our schools.  Please plan ahead and have your children to school on time.  We have breakfast at all locations each morning!

Q: You have been very proactive in with improvements to the facilities at all Edmonson County Schools during your tenure, as proven by the construction projects. Is there more you can discuss and provide your personal expectations for the upcoming school year?

A: We're excited to get the new year going.  It's always the goal, first and foremost, to provide a safe environment for our staff and students.  The addition of a third school resource officer this year shows the Board's dedication to safety.  Our schools are above and beyond the state requirements for school safety.

We have a great staff at each of our schools and our teachers have been working for several days to plan lessons that  will capture and stimulate the minds of our kids in the classroom.  Edmonson County Schools is very proud to say that all of our schools that start this school year are HIGH ACHIEVING SCHOOLS in terms of state standards.  We value each student!

Edmonson County is a great place to live, and our students all have schools that are great places to learn.  Its a great time to be a part of Edmonson County Schools!
​

Edmonson Voice Report:
Representative Michael Meredith of Oakland led the annual meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Banking, Financial Services and Insurance Committee during the organization’s July meeting in Chicago, according to a press release from the Kentucky House Majority Caucus. The NCSL is a bipartisan organization that supports state lawmakers and advocates for state priorities on a wide range of public policy issues nationwide.
 
“It is an honor to represent our commonwealth on the national level,” Meredith said. “This leadership role gives Kentucky a seat at the table as states work together to address the financial issues facing our communities and economy. It also gives us an opportunity to share what we are doing right here in Kentucky and learn from the innovative ideas being implemented in other states.”
 
Meredith joined fellow state legislators from across the country at the 2026 NCSL Summit in, where he led the committee through its business meeting and discussions on issues affecting the financial well-being of states, families, and businesses, according to the KHMC's statement.
 
The KHMC said that the NCSL Summit brings together thousands of state legislators, legislative staff, policy experts and other leaders to discuss emerging issues and share ideas that can help states better serve their residents. Meredith’s involvement gives Kentucky an opportunity to contribute to those national conversations while bringing valuable information and perspectives back to the commonwealth.
 
"The Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance Committee is responsible for representing states’ interests in federal decisions involving banking and financial services, including asset development and financial literacy, cannabis banking, financial crimes, insurance other than health insurance, financial technology and digital currencies, mortgages and loans, securities and other financial services issues," the statement read.
 
The committee also provides state legislators and legislative staff with an opportunity to share experiences and learn from policies being considered or implemented in other states. As financial technology continues to evolve and consumers and businesses navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape, Meredith said it is important for state lawmakers to stay informed and ensure state policies keep pace with those changes.
 
“State lawmakers are often on the front lines of these issues,” Meredith said. “Whether we are talking about protecting consumers, encouraging financial literacy, supporting businesses or making sure our financial institutions can continue to serve their communities, the decisions we make can have a real impact on people’s everyday lives. Working with legislators from other states helps us identify what works and what we can do better.”
 
Meredith represents Kentucky’s 19th House District, which includes all of Edmonson County and a portion of Warren, and has been active in legislative issues involving financial services, economic development and the state’s business climate, according to the released statement. They said his participation in NCSL provides another avenue for Kentucky to share its experiences and work with other states on policies that strengthen communities and expand economic opportunity.

Darren Doyle, story:
A Wingfield man was arrested and faces felony charges after an eventful interaction with law enforcement that included an attempted suicide, officials said.

According to arrest reports, Edmonson County Sheriff deputies were called to 171 Bridge Road in Wingfield on Saturday, August 8th, around 2PM to the report of a neighbor dispute. The Sheriff's Office stated the dispute was over some personal property.​

Deputies arrived at the scene and saw a white male, identified as Jeremy Hopkins, (36), hanging from a tree by his neck, according to the report. Deputies then reportedly rushed to assist Hopkins, with one deputy lifting him up to remove pressure from the rope, while another cut the rope and assisted Hopkins to the ground, according to the report.

Law enforcement said that while Deputies were with Hopkins, two females in the yard began to argue over the original issue to which the deputies responded. As one deputy attempted to detain Hopkins and wait for medical attention, the other deputy went to investigate the verbal argument of the women in the front yard of the residence, according to law enforcement.

The arrest report stated that Hopkins then jumped to his feet and began to flee from the deputies, where he made his way through the underpinning of the home, underneath the floor. Law enforcement told the Edmonson Voice that Hopkins had built somewhat of an "escape hatch" in the floor of the home that exited underneath the floor. Hopkins was able to enter the home from this hatch and then exited the front door with a handgun.

Deputies then drew their weapons and commanded Hopkins to drop the gun, which resulted in a brief standoff in the front yard, the report stated. Hopkins reportedly kept the firearm at his waist and never pointed it at law enforcement. Multiple neighbors told the Edmonson Voice they witnessed this standoff as they drove by the residence.

Hopkins then reportedly attempted to flee from law enforcement once more, resulting in him being tased by a deputy. After a brief struggle, Hopkins was detained and arrested, law enforcement stated. He was transported to the Medical Center in Bowling Green, then cleared and transported to the Hart County Jail. 

Arrest documents stated that Hopkins admitted to deputies he was intoxicated on methamphetamine.

Hopkins was charged with:

• Wanton endangerment, first degree (Class D felony)
• Resisting arrest
• Disorderly conduct, first degree
• Menacing
• Criminal mischief, first degree (Class D felony)
• Public intoxication-controlled substance, excludes alcohol

Hopkins was arrested on May 5th for being intoxicated on drugs and wandered onto a neighbor's property and would not leave. He was also accused of fleeing from law enforcement in the incident.

​The Sheriff's Office was assisted by U.S. Park Rangers and Edmonson EMS.

​Hopkins remains jailed on a $10,000 cash bond.

Edmonson Voice Report:
A Morgantown man has been arrested on child rape charges after an investigation by Kentucky State Police.

According to police, on Wednesday, August 5th, Wesley Wright, age 32 of Morgantown, KY was charged with two counts of Rape, 1st Degree- Victim Under 12 Years of Age.

Wright was charged while in custody at the Daviess County Detention Center on previous unrelated charges, police said.

Kentucky State Police Post 16 was contacted with an anonymous tip regarding potential criminal activity in a camper trailer at 4164 KY-815 in McLean County August 4th. He was taken into custody on multiple outstanding warrants, police said. 

The investigation remains ongoing. Wright remains in jail on a $500,000 cash bond. ​

Edmonson Voice Report:
​A Logan County educator was arrested Tuesday on charges related to child sexual exploitation materials, according to Kentucky State Police. 

Austin Cole Epley, 25, of Russellville, was charged with distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under 12.

Epley was arrested as the result of an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children investigation on Tuesday, August 4th. The KSP Electronic Crime Branch began the investigation after discovering the suspect sharing images of child sexual exploitation online.

Epley was the band director for Adairville Elementary School, a K-8 facility. According to Logan County Superintendent Dan Costellow, Epley "has been removed from work, and is in custody. I have taken appropriate action to remove this individual from the District," Dr. Costellow said in a released statement.

Dr. Costellow also stated that based on the current information available, the matter involving the former employee was not connected to any current or former Logan County Schools students.

"The district has also begun an internal investigation and will continue to cooperate fully with local and state law enforcement as their investigation proceeds."​

According to KSP, the investigation resulted in a search warrant at a residence in Russellville on August 4, 2026. Equipment used to facilitate the crime was seized and taken to KSP’s forensic laboratory for examination, police said.

"The safety of our students is always our highest priority, and we will ensure that the employee is not permitted on our school grounds until this matter has been resolved," Dr. Costellow's statement said. "Due to individual privacy rights, we are unable to comment further at this time."

Mr. Epley is currently charged with eight counts of distribution of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance under 12 years old.  These charges are Class-C felonies, punishable by five to ten years in prison.  Epley was lodged in the Logan County Detention Center where he remains on a $125,000 cash bond.

Edmonson Voice Report:
​More than 75 educators and staff members from Kyrock Elementary School and Edmonson County Middle School recently completed "Stop the Bleed" training, which equipped them with the knowledge and confidence to respond to life-threatening bleeding emergencies until first responders arrive.

A total of 43 staff members from Kyrock Elementary School and 34 staff members from Edmonson County Middle School participated in the training. The classes were held as part of an ongoing initiative to improve emergency preparedness throughout the Edmonson County School District.

The training was led by Ashley Ritter, Trauma Program Coordinator for T.J. Regional Health and paramedic with Edmonson County EMS, alongside Officer Wally Ritter with the Leitchfield Police Department. Both Ashley and Wally said they are proud parents of a student at Kyrock Elementary School and were honored to help provide this lifesaving education to local school staff.

Participants learned how to recognize life-threatening bleeding, apply direct pressure, properly pack wounds, and correctly use tourniquets. Following completion of the course, "Stop the Bleed" kits were placed in strategic locations throughout each school, ensuring staff have immediate access to lifesaving equipment should an emergency occur.

The training and equipment are part of a project initiated by Daniel Ashley, Battalion Chief with the Bowling Green Fire Department and husband of a Kyrock Elementary teacher. His vision was to provide schools with the equipment and education necessary to save lives during the critical minutes before emergency responders arrive. The bleeding control kits were made possible through the generosity of community donors and supporters who recognized the importance of improving school safety.

Edmonson County High School staff completed the same training earlier this year before the end of the spring semester, with bleeding control kits being installed throughout the high school following the course. With the completion of this week's classes, two more schools are now equipped with both trained personnel and readily accessible bleeding control equipment.

"Stop the Bleed is designed to empower everyday people to act in an emergency," said Ashley Ritter. "Severe bleeding can become fatal within minutes, and by providing staff with both the training and the proper equipment, we're giving them the ability to make a difference until EMS arrives. We hope these kits are never needed, but if they are, we want staff to feel prepared and confident to respond."
​
Mrs. Ritter also said the initiative reflects a collaborative effort between local emergency responders, healthcare professionals, school leaders, and community supporters who share the common goal of creating a safer environment for students and staff throughout Edmonson County.

She also noted that future training sessions are in the works for other schools as well.