Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Two people on a motorcycle were sent to the hospital yesterday afternoon after they were involved in a rear-end collision near Mis Amigos Mexican Grill around 2:30pm, according to the Brownsville Police Department.

Officials said Jeffery Beals, 60, of Bowling Green was headed north on KY 259 on a 2005 Honda motorcycle when he was rear-ended by a 2001 Ford Taurus, driven by Susan Drury, 67, of Brownsville as Beals had slowed down to turn into the restaurant.

According to police, Mrs. Drury didn't see the bike and did not stop, striking the motorcycle and knocking Beals and his passenger, Rhonda Beals, 57, also of Bowling Green, off the bike.

Both the operator and passenger of the motorcycle were transported to the Medical Center at Bowling Green for non-life threatening injuries. Drury was reportedly uninjured in the accident.

"We appreciate all the emergency personnel who helped on scene," said Brownsville Police Chief Jeff Jewell. "This happened just as school had dismissed and traffic was backed up all the way across the bridge to the Minit Mart. We apologize for the inconvenience the delay caused, but we reacted as quickly and as safely as possible. Thanks to all the emergency help, we were able to clear the scene quicker than anticipated."

Responding to the scene in addition to the Brownsville PD were the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Edmonson EMS, and the Brownsville and Kyrock Fire Departments.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
A little less than 100 Edmonson County School District employees and retirees attended a forum hosted by State Senator Steve Meredith and Representative Michael Lee Meredith yesterday afternoon at ECHS regarding the current status of Kentucky's pension system, one that will directly affect teachers and other school district employees.

Lawmakers have discussed the broken system, which is now reported to become $30 billion underfunded over the next 30 years without an overhaul. School employees have been concerned with Gov. Matt Bevin's comments made regarding the system where he felt like teachers' sick days were being hoarded in an attempt the increase their monthly retirement pay.

Under the current system, teachers can be paid 30% of salaries of unused sick days upon retirement. That can equal to big bucks in a lump payout as a 30-year teacher retires. That amount is also added to their last year's salary total, which will also increase the pay they'll receive for the remainder of their lives.

Both Senator Meredith and Representative Meredith addressed the crowd with opening remarks. Rep. Meredith's wife is a state employee with 10 years current experience, while Sen. Meredith's wife is a retired educator with 31 years of service, making the issue even closer to home for both legislators.

"We hope you all understand that Senator Meredith and I are not looking at this from just a dollars and sense standpoint or that you're just numbers on a page," said the representative. "I know you all are real people and I know you personally."

Senator Meredith apologized for what he called "angst and anxiety" that current teachers are experiencing with the different discussions floating around. "I have nothing but respect for the job you all do and I know it's a thankless job. I can tell you, there's not a person in Frankfort that doesn't want to resolve this."

Over the course of the hour and a half meeting, several current teachers, some new, some nearing retirement, and others already retired, asked questions about reduction of Medicare benefits, the sick day issue, and the continuing reduction of state funding for Edmonson County Schools.

Overall, the answers from both the Senator and Representative addressed those questions as the talk was simply rumor at this point and that no concrete proposal had yet been made. 

"I know a lot of people, because of the anxiety that comes with this, are making decisions about their career too soon," said Sen. Meredith. "If you've been in the system for a while or are already retired, I promise you, it's going to be ok. Short of another downturn in the economy like we had in 2007-08, and if that happens, we're all going to be sunk, or something like North Korea hitting us with a nuclear missile, don't worry about it. We're going to be ok, and it's a commitment that I think we're very secure in making."

He also addressed others not near the retirement age who he described as "in limbo" and said that if major changes were made in an upcoming special session, likely to be held at the end of October or early November, those changes wouldn't take effect until July of 2018 or possibly even longer than that. 

Other teachers discussed how they'd heard that the current system could be completely overhauled and would be replaced by a more common 401K and Social Security-type fund, which most seemed to oppose. 

"This would be very expensive for the state and it's only been talked about, nothing more," said Rep. Meredith. "These are valid concerns, but again, you're hearing worse case scenarios, and at this point, they're only rumors. Any changes made would be manageable."

As the meeting closed, both legislators both discussed their support of today's educators, especially those in Edmonson County.

"Teachers are very much respected in both the House and Senate," said Sen. Meredith.

Rep. Meredith echoed the same. "I know that the majority of the House feel strongly about our teachers, but we all see that there have to be some changes made. It would be irresponsible to say we can just leave it alone, but we're going to be very respectful of your needs."

Teachers seemed to be relieved as the meeting closed and Superintendent Patrick Waddell felt like the meeting went very well.

"I thought the staff had some excellent questions and I feel they received the proper answers from both Representative Meredith and Senator Meredith," Waddell said. "When the news and talk came out a few weeks ago that there could be some big changes coming to the retirement system, it got everyone excited, and we're still concerned about a new or hybrid system for new staff being put in place, but I think everyone understands we're in a situation where something has to be changed. At this point, it does seem that both Michael and Steve are doing the best job they can to take of us."

Rep. Michael Lee Meredith told the Edmonson Voice that he fully understands that people are concerned.

"And I don't blame them one bit," he added. "There are tough questions we can't fully answer yet but hopefully we'll have them soon. I think the thing to take away from tonight is that anytime we can get information out to the people, that's a good thing. We have the backs of not only our teachers, but all our state workers. This is not an easy process. Neither Senator Meredith nor I were here (in government) when this problem was created, but we're dealing with it on the backside. We're trying to keep everyone's retirement intact while knowing that some changes have to be made."

Senator Steve Meredith said that while the subject matter is serious and some of the questions were tough, they were also quite appropriate. 

"We need to hear from folks, we need to hear these questions, and I was well pleased with how this went tonight. Education is the foundation of everything we do in this state and we can't afford to discount it and the contributions our teachers are making to the lives of our young people. They're inspirations and role models and we have to do everything we can to support them."

**correction: an earlier version of this story listed Rep. Meredith's wife as a teacher, which was incorrect. She is a state employee in the same retirement system as a teacher. The story was corrected at 9/29/27 at 4:53pm.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) announced a 1.5 percent retail rate increase, effective October 1, 2017. Warren RECC members will see a slight increase in their electric bills. For example, a member using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity will notice an increase of approximately $1.70.
 
Warren RECC will not add its own local rate increase. The last time Warren RECC had a local rate increase was in 2011. “We are doing everything in our power to keep costs as affordable as possible for our members. Through cost-saving efforts, combined with growth, we have been able to maintain service and reliability without having to add a local rate increase for six years. We realize that low rates and high reliability are the lifeblood of our local economy,” said Scott Ramsey, President and CEO of Warren RECC.
 
Warren RECC offers a variety of options to help lower electric bills.  Whether its economic development credits from TVA, rebates on higher efficiency equipment, or tips to use energy more wisely, the cooperative offers these tools for the members to use.  For more information, contact Warren RECC today at 270-842-6541, or visit our website at www.wrecc.com for more information. 

Darren Doyle, photo:
​Houchin Ferry river access is open for put-in and take-out of canoes and kayaks.

The park installed 80 tons of rock at the site today, to provide more solid footing than the existing soft river mud.

"This is a temporary fix," said Superintendent Barclay Trimble.  "We will begin a study of the area later this year to determine the best way to access the river at Houchin Ferry."

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
The Edmonson County Fiscal Court approved Resolution EC 17-21, which is an agreement between the county and the Lincoln Fire Department that allows funds from a state grant allocated to the county to be used for the building of a new fire substation located in the Lincoln Fire District. The station will be located on Union Light Road, according to Magistrate Johnny Brooks, about a mile past Union Light Church on the right.

Lincoln is the largest district in the county and firefighters regularly have to travel farther inside their own district to respond to emergency calls than any of the other districts. The new substation will decrease response time to some areas, especially around the lake. The new station is also supposed to decrease insurance rates in the area, according to Judge Wil Cannon.

The $297,000 grant was first applied for in 2015 but was denied. The county later re-applied for the grant and it was approved in April of 2106.

"We'd already hoped that construction would've been underway by now, but there are many steps that have to be followed, many of which aren't up to us," said Judge Cannon. "This is just another step in the right direction to see that the project moves forward."

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Newly named Superintendent of Mammoth Cave National Park, Barclay Tremble, addressed the Edmonson County Fiscal Court today in the last meeting of the month. Tremble, who has 26 years experience with the park, discussed several improvement projects that are either ongoing or planned for the near future.

He said upgrades are coming to the Houchin Ferry ramp area, some of which that were completed today, that will make it easier for canoers and kayakers to enter and exit the water. Although the ferry has been permanently closed for sometime, the area still has campgrounds and river access. The property is owned by MCNP which means county or city government have no authority as to how the property is used.

Other projects in the park include improvements to the Echo Springs trail, a new pedestrian bridge, the replacement of all 1100 light fixtures in the park, and the addition of two electric car charging stations. 

Supt. Tremble also said the removal of dead and downed trees on the Nolin River is another project that is also happening. The popular spot for canoers, kayakers, and fishermen, has been impassable since the removal of Lock and Dam #6.

​Judge Wil Cannon also reported that plans for the Corps of Engineers to turn over the property at the former Lock site is still in place. He said although the county doesn't have the funding to make improvements to the property, such as campsites, river access for paddle sports, and a picnic shelter, the Corps told him there could be possible grants available for such improvements.

In county office reports, Sheriff Shane Doyle reported that his office had been busy at the recent county fair which ended Saturday night, and luckily there were no major incidents. He also said that his office was in the process of adding retired U.S. Park Ranger Brad McDougal to the court security staff.

Finally, he addressed the issue brought up by Mag. Joe Durbin at the last meeting regarding requested assistance from the Sheriff's Office to Child Protection Services. Doyle was absent at the last meeting, attending the annual sheriff's conference.

During the last meeting, Mag. Durbin said someone from Child Support Services had complained to him that it was difficult for the office to receive assistance from the Sheriff's Office and Durbin brought it up in public. At the time, Chief Deputy Jeff Brooks answered Mag. Durbin and said that it was just like everything else with the Sheriff's Office, which depends on available manpower. Brooks said that regular policy was for law enforcement to assist child protection in cases where drug activity or violence is suspected and when the Sheriff's office was tied up on another call or shorthanded that KSP was to be dispatched. Brooks also said he couldn't answer as to what calls are answered and by whom, but he would pass along to the Sheriff.

In today's meeting, Sheriff Doyle addressed the issue.

"I spoke with Mary Lindsey, who is the supervisor of our local Child Protection Office," he said. "She told me there was no issue with getting help from our office on any kind of call, other than when we're responding to another emergency, which she understands, and she didn't know why someone from that office would say otherwise, so I'm not sure why that was said, but there are no problems with our offices getting together." No other comments were made and there was no further discussion.

County Clerk Kevin Alexander said 37 delinquent county tax bills were recently sold for an approximate total of $33K.

Deputy Jailer Todd Vincent reported there were currently 23 county inmates housed at Hart County Jail and one additional inmate on home incarceration. 

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. The meeting has been moved to Tuesday that week due to Columbus Day being on that Monday.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office has recovered what they say appears to be a stolen ATV from a farm in the Pine Grove community.

Officials said the unnamed property owner discovered the late model Polaris 570 Sportsman ATV on his farm between Pine Grove Church Road and HWY 743 and reported that it had been tampered with. 

At the scene, Sheriff Doyle and deputies noticed that the ignition had been hot-wired. 

Sheriff Doyle said while there have been no recent reports of a stolen ATV with this description in Edmonson or Warren Counties, there was already a suspect in the case.

If you have any information about this ATV or other details regarding this case, the Sheriff's office is requesting you call their office at 270-597-2157.

Darren Doyle, photos:
Bull riders, trick riders, ropers, wrestlers, and dancers put on a heck of a show at the 2017 Edmonson County Fair's final night in the Bullwhip Rodeo that drew over 1,000 to the fairgrounds. Enjoy some of our favorite photos on the night.

​Bull Riders:

Barrel Racers: 

It was slick, slimy, and downright nasty, but it sure was lots of fun. Enjoy some video clips from the 2017 Edmonson County Lions Club Fair Mud Bog on Friday, September 22, 2017.

Darren Doyle, story and photos: 
Exhibits galore filled the buildings at the fairgrounds today with plenty of ribbons awarded throughout. The overall Grand Champion winner was a beautiful cotton blend quilt, submitted by Marlene Marr.

One of our personal favorites was a diorama by 5th Grader, Luke Simon, son of Jonathon and Jerika Simon of Chalybeate. He built a detailed ECHS football touchdown scene that featured two Wildcat players, to opposing players, a referee, and last but not least, an Edmonson Voice photographer capturing the action on camera. Luke won a blue ribbon for his entry.

Darren Doyle, photos:
There was plenty of fun in the sun as temperatures reached 90 today at the fairgrounds for the annual Edmonson County Lions Club Fair Day. Here are some of our favorite photos from all the action.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
One of the best parts about the Edmonson County Fair Day Parade is seeing the happy looks on the faces of those watching. Check out our photo slideshow that covers nearly everyone that watched today's parade.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
The Edmonson County Fair Day Parade was full of floats, classic cars, tractors, horses, and so much more as the annual event shut down the streets of Brownsville today for a brief period. 

Grand Marshal of this year's parade was long time Edmonson County educator Dale Huffman. This year's category winners were as follows: 

Antique car: Wendell Poteet, 61 Studebaker pickup
Emergency Vehicle; Kyrock VFD, Mini pumper
School: South Edmonson
Civic: Girl Scout troop 313
Commercial: Jacobs Home Furnishings
Antique Tractor: Perry Alexander
Horse and Rider: Bristol Mayse
Horse and Carriage: Audrey Neely & Angie Poteet
Best of Show: Kyrock Elementary

Check out the slideshow below to check out everyone in this year's parade.

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, September 19, 2017. The Honorable Joseph B. Hines, presiding.

Zachary D. Hogan, Robbery-first degree. Pleaded not guilty. No contact with victim, no entry upon premises of Minit Mart. Preliminary hearing, 9/26/17.

Haley Gertiser, Robbery-first degree. Pleaded not guilty. No contact with victim, no entry upon premises of Minit Mart. Preliminary hearing, 9/26/17.

​Jermey Michael Burns, Assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 10/17/17.

Jamie D. Henderson, Public intoxication controlled substance, excludes alcohol. First degree possession of controlled substance-first offense. Wanton endangerment-first degree-police officer. Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Preliminary hearing 9/26/17.

Jeffery Scott Graham, Trafficking first degree, first offense-meth. Cultivate in marijuana-less than 5 plants-first offense. Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess. Possession of marijuana. Terroristic threatening-third degree. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Preliminary hearing 9/26/17.

Barry Scott Rutherford, First degree possession of controlled substance/heroin-first offense. Wanton endangerment-first degree-police officer. Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Preliminary hearing 9/26/17.

​William Wilson, Local county ordinance. Pleaded not guilty. Transferred to division II. Pretrial conference 10/24/17.

Robert L. Gregory, Improper start from parked position. Pleaded guilty. No/expired KY registration receipt. Dismissed. Total fines and costs $243.

 Steven Chase Hogan, Failure to comply with sex offender registry-first offense. Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. No/expired registration plates. No/expired KY registration receipt. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Preliminary hearing 10/3/17.

Kristi Lee Minor, Assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 10/17/17.

Joseph Leonard Simon, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs-aggravator-first offense. Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess. Possess open alcohol beverage container in a motor vehicle. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Pretrial conference 11/14/17.

​*Comments without a first and last name and an email address are not published. All comments are subject for review and must adhere to the Edmonson Voice commenting policy which is posted on this site.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Two fugitives are now in custody after turning themselves in at the Hart County Jail on Monday, September 18, according to officials.

Haley Gertiser, 20, of Bowling Green, and Zachary Hogan, 20, also of Bowling Green, both surrendered at the jail and appeared in Edmonson District court on Tuesday. 

Each was charged with Robbery-first degree, to which each pleaded not guilty. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for September 26, 2017 at 8:30am for each subject. 

​The Brownsville Police Department has responded to a 911 call on Friday, September 8, 2017 at the Minit Mart in Brownsville around 1pm to a report of an assault taking place inside the store.

Police said that Ms. Emily Lashley was allegedly confronted by three individuals, Haley Gertizer, Zach Hogan, and Brett Higgs, and a fight ensued between the two young women. Police said video security footage of the incident shows the fight taking place.

According to police, Ms. Lashley's wallet was dropped during the altercation and the three individuals grabbed it and ran from the store into the woods behind Green River Apartments on foot.

Higgs turned himself in shortly after a foot pursuit began but Gertiser and Hogan were able to elude law enforcement. 

Both Hogan and Gertiser remain in jail, each on a $10,000 bond.

Brownsville Police Chief Jeff Jewell said that more charges are pending.

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky., September 20, 2017 – Mammoth Cave National Park Superintendent Barclay Trimble announced today that the Park is seeking public comment on a proposed increase in user fees, which would take effect in 2018.  Public comment will be accepted from September 20 through October 13, 2017.
 
“We would like to hear what our visitors and neighbors think about the proposal to increase the user fees in the park,” said Trimble.  “Some of these rates have not changed in several years, while the cost of doing business has gone up every year.”
 
Written comments may be submitted through the National Park Service planning website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/MACA. 
 
The authority to charge recreational fees at national parks stems from the 2004 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.  
 
“We anticipate this increase in park fees will provide additional revenue for use in projects that benefit our visitors,” added Trimble.   “We plan to use the new funds to help reduce our $94 million deferred maintenance backlog, improve visitor services, and ensure quality interpretive experiences.”
 
The general cave tours would increase by roughly $1 to $3, and specialty cave tour would increase by approximately $3 to $6.  Houchin Ferry camping would increase from $12 to $15.  A new fee of $10 would be established for backcountry and river camping.   
 
“The new backcountry fee will allow people to reserve their campsite online from across the country, and allow visitors to preplan a trip to the park,” said Trimble.  “Previously, backcountry sites were only available by permit at the visitor center when a visitor walked in.”

​Another new fee ($2) would be established for recharging electric vehicles.  Later this year the park will begin installing two level-2 charging stations in the visitor center parking lot. 
 
Park staff are required to compare the cost of Mammoth Cave fees with the cost of similar services in the local area, which was completed utilizing a comparability model. 
 
At Mammoth Cave, 80 percent of the money collected is used in the park to provide facilities and services that have direct benefit to park visitors.  The remaining 20 percent helps support projects in the 270 national park units that do not charge entrance fees, like nearby Abraham Lincoln Birthplace NHP in Hodgenville, Ky. 
 
“The recreation fee program is a great asset to Mammoth Cave,” added Trimble.  “In the past, we have used fee money to repair and upgrade cave restrooms, design new cave trails, and reconstruct backcountry trails.  More recently, replacement of the pedestrian bridge between the visitor center and lodge was funded with fee revenue, and HVAC upgrades at the lodge.”
 
A chart at the conclusion of this release lists each proposed increase by name of visitor service, the present fee, the proposed fee, and the last time a fee increase occurred.
 
Proposed fee increases at Mammoth Cave National Park:

Moriah Peterson, photos: Darren Doyle, video:
There was plenty of smoke and fire on top of crash after crash at the 2017 Demolition Derby at the Edmonson County Lions Club Fair on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017. The 8hr show drew an estimated 2,000 people to the fairgrounds. 

Check out the photos and video for some of the highlights. Winners are listed below:

Moriah Peterson, photos: Darren Doyle, video:
Dozens of 4x4's tried their luck at grabbing the fastest trip down the sticky mud track at the 2017 Edmonson County Lions Club Fair Mud Run on Friday, September 15.

The list of winners in six categories included: Class B: Tracy Hulman-first. Class C: Timmy Hardin-first, Dewayne Spillman-second. Class D: Kevin Wilson-first, Cody McGrew-second. Class E: Kevin Wilson-first, Terry Flora-second. Class F: Dewayne Wilson-first, Timmy Atterburg-second. Open Class: Tracy Hulman-first, Dewayne Wilson-second.

*correction: an earlier version of this report listed Cody Johnson as Class D 2nd place winner; however, the Lions Club has confirmed that they made a typo on the official list of winners that was provided to the Edmonson Voice. The actual 2nd place winner in class D was Cody McGrew. 

​Check out the slideshow below:

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office said that a Wingfield man now faces multiple felony charges as a result of an ATV pursuit on Thursday, September 14, 2017.

The Sheriff's office said they responded to the 8500 block of Wingfield Church Road where a caller said there were people riding ATVs on the highway recklessly and suspected impaired operation.

Authorities said in an attempt to pull over the ATVs, the vehicles continued in a pursuit. Deputies reported that one of the ATVs which was driven by a 10yr old juvenile stopped, but the other continued.

​According to reports, a KSP trooper continued on approximately another mile and was able to stop the continuing ATV at the intersection of Lock 5 Road and Wingfield Church Road in Warren County, driven by John Steven Napier, 53, of Bowling Green. Authorities said that Napier was intoxicated.

Napier was arrested and charged with:

• Operating a motor vehicle u/influence of ALC/drug 1st offense, 
• Operating ATV on roadway 
• Failure to illuminate head lamps
• Fleeing or Evading 1st degree 
• Abandonment of Minor

​Napier was lodged in the Hart County Jail where he was later released on bail. The Sheriff's Office said that the juvenile in the case has not been charged.

​*Comments without a first and last name and an email address are not published. All comments are subject for review and must adhere to the Edmonson Voice commenting policy which is posted on this site.

Moriah Peterson, story and photos: [email protected]
​For over 45 years, the Edmonson County Homemakers have put on the Baby Show during the Edmonson County Fair. This year there was 106 contestants, 72 of which were local. Terri Webb Co-chair said “It’s a great opportunity for everyone to show off all the pretty babies while helping the homemakers raise money to give back to community.”

Categories included girls and boys 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months, 2 years old and 3 years old.

“We do it so we can give a 500 dollar scholarship to local high school students. This is one of the many ways we contribute to scholarships” said Janice Simon, the Edmonson County Homemakers chair.

Simon also joked that this is the first year she has been able to tell the judges her full name because up until this year, her grandbabies were participants.

Each category had a girl and boy winner along with 1st and 2nd runner up.  The winner of each category competed in the final rounds for overall boy and overall girl winner.

Check out the slideshow for all the winners. A full list of winners is featured below. You can tap or click on one of the photos to stop the slideshow then use the arrows to navigate.

Winners:
Overall Winners:
Girl- Madaline Jo Whittinghill daughter of Mathew Taylor and Mallory Whittinghill of Alvaton.
Boy -Brooks Johnson son of Ryan and Taylor Johnson of Chalybeate.

​0-6 months girls: Winner- Lily Doan daughter of Ashley Doan of Sunfish, 1st runner up- Sadie Minor daughter of Cherokee Brooks and David Minor of Sunfish, 2nd runner up-Marlee Joy Hampton daughter of Dekayla Carrol and Timmy Hampton of Brownsville, 3rd runner up Maci Kate Lindsey daughter of Kyle and Kisha Lindsey of Brownsville.
 
0-6 months boys: Winner- Tanner Conard Willis son of Tristan Willis and Haley Wright of Caneyville, 1st runner up- Hayden Priddy son of Jason and Amber Priddy of Smiths Grove, 2nd runner up- Drake Dean Kinser son of Marcus and Brandie Kinser of Segal.
 
6-12 months girls: Winner- Madaline Jo Whittinghill daughter of Mallory Whittinghill and Matthew Taylor of Alvaton, 1st runner up- Jennea Davenport daughter of Natalie Beckham and Tommy Davenport of Bowling Green, 2nd runner up- Zoey Schultzer daughter of Tricia and Ryan Schultzer of Franklin.

​18-24 months boys: Winner- Jackson Thomas Strader son of Logan Duvall and Emily Strader of Leitchfield, 1st runner up- Mason Pruett son of Carmen Harlow of Smiths Grove, 2nd runner up- Easton Webb son of Chris and Amber Webb of Chalybeate.

2 year old girls: Winner-Maggie Sue Saltsman daughter of Todd and Kriscendia Saltsman of Leitchfield, 1st runner up- Skyler Brown daughter of Arial Brown of Chalybeate, 2nd runner up-Kyndal Ayn Whittinghill daughter of Kyle and Brittany Whittinghill of Butler Co.

2 year old boys: Winner-Silas Wayne Vincent son of Josh and Katie Vincent of Segal, 1st runner up- Levi Benter son of Matt and Megan Benter of Smiths Grove, 2nd runner up- Rylan Saltsman son of Matthew and Ashley Saltsman of Grayson Co.

3 year old girls: Winner- Kinleigh Grace Hampton daughter of Craig Hampton and Selina Linder of Roundhill, 1st runner up-Marley Jo Haynes daughter of Ricky and Ashley Haynes of Roundhill, 2nd runner up-Kenzley Grace Carroll daughter of Lauren Carroll of Brownsville.
 
3 year old boys: Winner-Dallas Williams son of Andy and Sabrina Williams of  Lindseyville, 1st runner up-August Howard son of Timothy and Mickenzi Howard of Bee Spring.

Edmonson District Court was held Tuesday, September 12, 2017. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty presiding. 

Samantha Kaye Lightfoot, No/expired registration plates. No/expired KY registration receipt. Failure to produce insurance card. Proof shown on all counts, all charges dismissed.

Howard M. Cox, Failure to wear seat belt. Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess, Unlawful transaction with a minor-second degree. Possession of marijuana. Possession of controlled substance-third degree-drug unspecified. Controlled substance prescription not in original container. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Pretrial hearing 9/26/17.

Kristi Lee Minor, Assault 4th degree-domestic violence-minor injury. Deferred one year.

David Wayne Minor, Assault 4th degree-domestic violence-minor injury. Deferred one year.

Lawrence Logan Climer, Failure of non-owner operator to maintain required insurance. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 9/26/17.

​Kaitlynn D. Law, Trafficking in controlled substance-first degree-first offense (meth). Carrying a concealed deadly weapon. Criminal possession of forged instrument-second degree. Drug paraphernalia buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Pretrial hearing 9/19/17.

Jason G. Long, Trafficking in controlled substance-first degree-first offense (meth). Carrying a concealed deadly weapon. Criminal possession of forged instrument-second degree. Drug paraphernalia buy/possess. Operating on suspended/revoked license. Convicted felon in possession of handgun. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Pretrial hearing 9/19/17.

Etta Louise Coffelt, Trafficking controlled substance-first degree-first offense-meth. Convicted felon in possession of handgun. Criminal possession forged instrument-second degree. Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty to all charges. Pretrial hearing 9/19/17. 

Bret A. Higgs, Robbery-second degree. Pleaded not guilty, waived to Grand Jury. 

Jill P. Wallingford, Speeding 20mph over limit. Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, first offense. Speeding charged merged into DUI charge. Pleaded guilty. Fined $718 and sentenced to seven days in jail, six of which suspended, credit for one day served. Total fines and costs $861.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
A disturbance call in Rocky Hill has led to two being arrested on felony drug charges.

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a disturbance call on Fairview Church Road in Rocky Hill on Tuesday evening, September 12, where a homeowner was said to have attempted to make two individuals leave his property.

Deputies said that upon arrival, it appeared one of the individuals, Jamie Henderson, (33) of Bowling Green, appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Officials said that upon a probable cause search of the vehicle, a bag full of needles, some which were uncapped, was discovered in her vehicle. The bag also contained a white, powdered substance that Henderson's passenger, Barry Rutherford, (39), of Alvaton told deputies was heroin.

Henderson was arrested and charged with Public intoxication of a controlled substance-excluding alcohol, Possession of controlled substance-first degree-first offense (heroin), Wanton endangerment-first degree (police officer), and drug paraphernalia-buy/possess.

​Rutherford was arrested and charged with Possession of controlled substance-first degree-first offense (heroin), Wanton endangerment-first degree (police officer), and drug paraphernalia-buy/possess.

Both suspects were transported and lodged at the Hart County Jail. Deputies said the substance that Rutherford said was heroin was later field tested at the Sheriff's Office and tested positive for cocaine, not heroin. The Sheriff's office said that the charges would likely be amended at the next Grand Jury; however, the penalty would be the same if found guilty, regardless of the substance being heroin or cocaine.

The Sheriff's Office reported that seven different individuals have been arrested in three different trafficking or weapons related cases in the past four days.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report: 
After acting on tips from local residents, local law enforcement has reported another drug trafficking arrest, the third in four days in Edmonson County.

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, they, along with the Brownsville Police stopped for a "knock and talk" at 864 Nolin Dam Road on Tuesday around 1pm. A "knock and talk" is the process of simply knocking on someone's door and asking questions. 

Authorities said they spoke with the resident, Jeffery Graham (50), and he consented to a search of the residence. During the search, law enforcement officials said they found 12 grams of methamphetamine packaged in individual packs for sale along with more meth on the suspect's person. 

In addition to the meth, officers said they also located various marijuana plants in an outbuilding along with other drug paraphernalia.

​Authorities seized the drugs, plants, paraphernalia, and other property that was suspected to be associated with drug trafficking. 

Graham was arrested and charged with:

• Trafficking in controlled substance, first degree, first offense (meth)
• Cultivate in marijuana, less than 5 plants, first offense
• Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess
• Possession of marijuana
• Terroristic threatening, third degree

Graham was transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail where he currently has a $10,000 cash bond.

We're proud to be a media sponsor for this year's Edmonson County Lions Club Fair and we've received a few updates from the Lions Club. Check out all the info in the flyer below. If you have any further questions, please contact Lions Club president Jimmie Duvall at 270.597.3734, or email him at [email protected] for pageant info or you can also email [email protected] for general fair and exhibit questions.

Click here for even more info on the featured events in our 2017 Fair feature article, first published on August 11, 2017! 

ADMISSION INFO:

• PAGEANTS AND BABY SHOW: $5 EA, ALL AGES (PAGEANTS AT ECHS, BABY SHOW AT FAIRGROUNDS ON SEPT 14 (NO CARNIVAL)
• SEPT 15 MUD RUN: $10 EA, AGES 6 & U FREE (NO CARNIVAL) 
  
• SEPT 16 DEMOLITION DERBY: $10 EA, AGES 6 & U FREE (NO CARNIVAL)
• SEPT  20, CARNIVAL ARRIVES, FAMILY NIGHT AT FAIR: $10 ARMBANDS, UNLIMITED RIDES
  
• SEPT 21 ATV DRAG RACING: $10 EA, ALL AGES, INCLUDES CARNIVAL RIDES
  
• SEPT 22 MUD BOG: $10 EA, ALL AGES, INCLUDES CARNIVAL RIDES
  
• SEPT 23 BULL WHIP  RODEO: $10 EA, ALL AGES, INCLUDES CARNIVAL RIDES