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Edmonson County's Number One Source for Local News
 Peytin Manor, photos: Hundreds showed up to the annual Halloween on the Square in Brownsville on October 31, 2025. The event is put on each year by Edmonson County Parks and Rec. 
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Local Elementary Fall Festivals See Heavy Student Volunteer Work as Schools Raise Thousands10/29/2025  Peytin Manor, story: Edmonson County’s beloved elementary schools–Kyrock and South Edmonson–recently held their annual respective Fall Festivals. These events serve as some of the schools’ biggest fundraisers with money directly benefiting the students in a variety of ways. “The Fall Festival is such a special event for our school family," said Kyrock Principal Brandy Meredith. "It’s a night full of fun, food, and community spirit–all while supporting our students and their success.” The Fall Festival had a huge turn-out for Kyrock Elementary, where they raised a record-breaking total of $50,015. The proceeds will benefit Kyrock PTO which purchases school supplies for all Kyrock students, funds computer programs, and even school-wide field trips. The new playground will see $34, 363.03 of the proceeds from the festival. Nine students from Edmonson County High School volunteered at Kyrock Elementary to help staff make the most of the annual Fall Festival. The following students volunteered to work in the haunted house: Hunter Kinser, Jake Coats, Abby Hogg, Tyler Wilson, Aden Meredith, and Blaine Deweese. The following students assisted teachers and staff with various festival games and activities: Lilly Jones, Leighton Kinser, and Carianne Williams. Lilly Jones, junior at ECHS, states, “We worked with teachers to provide an exciting experience for the kids!” At South Edmonson Elementary, their Fall Festival raised approximately $30,000. Each year SEE puts their festival proceeds towards teachers to use in their classrooms, computer programs, field trips, and other student activities. Fourteen students from Edmonson County High School volunteered at SEE to assist teachers and staff with the Fall Festival. The following students volunteered: Logan Pinet, Brantley Woodcock, Ella Madison, Eli Prunty, Ally Browning, Ellie Claire Spainhoward, Ethan Pinet, Owen Ruth, Chloe Whittle, Riley Pinet, Tayla Wilhite, Brooklyn Carrol, Shelby Sowders, and Lillie Webb.  Kyrock Royalty students: Korbin Grant (King), Saylor Ashley (Queen), Benny Garner (Prince), and Emily Smith (Princess).  SEES Royalty students: Hayden Priddy (King), Harper Deweese (Queen), Brixton Barnes (Prince), and Beckley Davis (Princess). Both schools take part in the Royalty Contest, where students compete for the titles King, Queen, Prince, and Princess. The contest unfolds over two weeks. During the first week, each classroom elects a boy and a girl winner. Those classroom winners move on to compete for the overall titles: Prince and Princess–preschool through first grade–as well as King and Queen–second through fourth grade. Each classroom winner will receive a trophy and a picture in the yearbook. The top winners will receive an additional trophy, sash, and crown. The following Blackhawk students were awarded their royalty titles and decorations: Korbin Grant (King), Saylor Ashley (Queen), Benny Garner (Prince), and Emily Smith (Princess). The following Bulldog students were awarded their royalty titles and decorations: Hayden Priddy (King), Harper Deweese (Queen), Brixton Barnes (Prince), and Beckley Davis (Princess). SEE Principal Josh Long states, “Everyone remembers their Fall Festivals in elementary school and we hope to provide those same memories for all of our Bulldogs.” With the help of teachers, school staff, community members, and high school volunteers, Kyrock and South Edmonson Elementary Schools celebrated another successful Fall Festival, community involvement, and school pride.  Darren Doyle, story: Bids for two upcoming county projects were awarded yesterday during the regular Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting in Brownsville on October 27, 2025. Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey said that the court voted in favor of the county' project manager's choice and awarded the the construction bid for Sunfish Roundhill Road to Scotty's Contracting, in the amount of $498,793. The only other bid received was in the amount of $915K. Lindsey said a timetable was not yet available on the rebuilding of the portion of the road that has collapsed, since the bid was just awarded. "Sunfish Roundhill Road bid packets that we received were sent to Arnold Consulting Engineering Services, who has been contracted by the Fiscal Court as the Project Mangers, for review and to dissect each bid to make sure the requirements were all met with each bid," Lindsey told the Edmonson Voice. "ACES then made the recommendation to award the project to Scotty's, who also had the lowest bid received." Lindsey also added that the project is a priority with the repairs coming as quickly as possible. In other upcoming construction, the bid for four pickleball courts were awarded to Premier Asphalt Services in the amount of $62,000, as voted up by magistrates. The next lowest bid was $84,477. Judge Lindsey told the Voice that the four courts will be constructed at Chalybeate Sports Complex but no timetable has been set there, either, since the bid was just awarded. He also said that plans for more courts at Bee Spring Park could also be in the works during the next year's budget.   Edmonson Voice Report: Edmonson County Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey announced a community wide food drive, beginning today, Weds, October 22nd that has been organized by multiple local entities. In a statement, Lindsey released the following: "With the possibility of SNAP (Food Stamp) benefits being temporarily unavailable for Edmonson County residents beginning November 1st, we are organizing a community food drive to help support those who may be affected. We are asking community members to donate canned goods or other non-perishable food items (Soups, Chef Boyardee, etc.) to help provide assistance until the program is restored. This effort is a partnership between the Department of Community Based Services, Edmonson County Schools, local food banks, pantries, and local organizations with the shared goal of ensuring that no one in our community goes to bed hungry during this time. Donation drop-off locations will be available at the following locations during normal business hours beginning tomorrow, Wednesday October 22nd, and ongoing until benefits are restored. There may be other locations added as we progress: • Youth Services Centers at Edmonson County Middle and High Schools • Family Resource Centers at Kyrock Elementary, South Edmonson Elementary, and the 5/6 Center • Edmonson County Department of Community Based Services • Edmonson County Extension Agency All donated items will be taken to a central storage area and distributed to those who qualify." Lindsey confirmed that the above listed agencies were also in partnership with local government. For more information, contact the office of the Edmonson County Judge/Executive at 270-597-2819  Commanders, Travelers, Forest Park, Crossmen, Melody Makers All Honored  Edmonson Voice Report: Four gospel quartets with local residents were inducted into the 2025 Kentucky State Singing Convention Hall of Fame this weekend at the 79th Annual KSGSC at the Cave Area Convention Center. The Commanders, The Travelers, and the Crossmen Quartets were all honored in a ceremony during the concert that featured several state and regional groups.  The Commanders (late 1960s): top L-R: Michael Lindsey, Junior Webb. Bottom: Phil Cooper, Jerry Patton, Clayton Lindsey.  Commanders members (L-R) Junior Webb, Jack Vincent, Gordon Meador, Jerry Patton.  The Commanders, circa early 1970s. The Commanders were formed in 1967 from a singing school at Midway United Missionary Baptist Church in Lindseyville, Kentucky. The four original members, Clayton Lindsey, baritone; Michael Lindsey, bass; Brother Jerry Patton, lead; and Hoyt Webb, Jr., first tenor, all grew up within two miles of each other. Playing piano for the quartet was Marilyn Patton, wife of Brother Jerry, and a cousin to the other members. A short time later, Phillip Cooper became the group’s pianist. Phil, a music major and recent college graduate, was a friend of the Lindseyville Quartet, a quartet from the 1940s & 1950s, that included not only Mike & Clayton’s dad, but Junior’s as well. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, The Commanders performed in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana. Around 1970, Brother Patton purchased the local funeral home, and Phillip Cooper moved on with his career in teaching music. Determined to keep singing, the Commanders brought on a young pianist, Gordon Meador, and E. B. Cooper as lead singer. This lineup made their only vinyl recording, the album “Introducing The Commanders.” In 2002, 35 years after the Commanders first picked up a microphone, Bro. Jerry Patton decided it was time to get the quartet back together to record a CD. Their second album, and first with the original quartet lineup, featured a new member, veteran pianist, Jack Vincent. Jack grew up with Junior, Jerry, Mike, and Clayton, and his dad was a member of the Lindseyville Quartet, too, so he was the perfect addition. The Commanders sang and performed together and in other groups over the years. The gospel music world lost EB Cooper in 2008, Clayton Lindsey in 2019, Michael Lindsey in 2020, and Phillip Cooper in 2024.   The Crossmen, Louisville, KY 1996.  The Crossmen at the Grand Ol' Opry in 1995.  Former Crossmen members L-R: Dale Lisenby, Russ Funk, Darren Doyle, Jason Brooks, Scott Flener, Darren Lawrence. The Crossmen Quartet was formed in Morgantown, Kentucky in April of 1993. The original group consisted of lead singer Boyce Flener, baritone Darryl Dockery who also played bass, bass vocalist Jason Brooks, tenor Scott Flener, and pianist Kevin Embry. Soon after, the group made their debut appearance on the world famous Grand Ol’ Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, and went on to perform nearly two dozen more times in the coming years. With the addition of baritone Darren Doyle and bass player Frank Lawrence in the fall of 1994, the group signed their first recording contract under Sonlight Records. The group would undergo many more changes over the next decade with the addition of multiple members at various positions including baritone singers James Wright, Dennis Roberts, Dennis Cook, and Darren Lawrence; bass vocalists Mark Mudd and Dale Lisenby, and Russ Funk on piano. The quartet traveled all across the U.S., Mexico, and the Bahamas, had a dozen top 80 chart singles, and appeared on the main stage at the National Quartet Convention After the death of Boyce Flener, the one and only lead singer for the duration of the group, the Crossmen retired after their final concert at the Capitol Arts Theater in Bowling Green, KY to a sold out crowd on August 27, 2016. After the Crossmen's retirement, original members tenor Scott Flener and bass Jason Brooks reunited along with baritone Darren Lawrence and lead vocalist Darren Doyle to form what is now United Quartet.   The Travelers, L-R top Anthony Madison, Roger Flener, Dale Flener, seated: Kevin Embry, Steve Flener. The Travelers Quartet began singing in 1967 and also originated in Morgantown. Original members were Dale Flener-bass & Emcee, Steve Flener-2nd tenor, Roger Flener-lead, Theresa Kessinger-alto, Dorothy Farmer-pianist, and Jim Casey-bass guitarist. This combination traveled together until the mid 1970s when Dorothy, Theresa, and Jim stopped performing. The Travelers then added Kevin Embry as pianist and Kenneth Embry as bass guitarist. At this time, Edmonson County resident and longtime local business owner Anthony Madison took over the baritone part and Steve Flener switched to 1st tenor. In 1980 Anthony left the group and Dale's oldest son, Boyce, joined the group as the tenor, while Steve took over baritone. This group sang for a short time until Boyce went to college. In 1987, Dale's youngest son, Scott, joined the group as tenor and Chris Burden of Morgantown played bass guitar. Boyce moved to the lead vocalist while Steve and Roger shared the baritone part. After Chris left the group, Darren Lawrence joined as the Travelers' bass guitarist. This group continued to sing until the end of 1992. Over the years, the Travelers recorded four studio albums and traveled all over Kentucky and surrounding states.  L-R: Doyle Bryson, Ed Dye, Wavie Skaggs, A.C. Plumlee, Winfred Hensley (seated). The Forest Park Quartet was founded in the late 1950s by Edwin Dye and Doyle Bryson, both members of Forest Park Baptist Church, in Bowling Green, KY. The group consisted of Dye, who sang baritone, and Bryson, the tenor singer, along with lead singer Wavie Skaggs (Chalybeate native) and bass singer A.C. Plumlee. The piano player was Winfred Hensley. While the group only stayed together for around 8 years, they sang at virtually every homecoming within a four-county area, thanks to their hearty appetites, and became one of the more well-known quartets in the Bowling Green region. They were also featured every Sunday morning on local radio station WKCT in Bowling Green. They all went on to raise musically-influenced families, many of which still sing gospel music today.  Melody Makers (Bobby Bullock Sr. on far right).  Melody Makers (Bobby Bullock on far left). (photos: Carrie Fisher) The Melody Makers were also inducted into the Hall, featuring an Edmonson County native, Bobby Ray Bullock, Sr. Bullock also served as the President of the KSGSC in 1971. Bullock was well known in the regional gospel circuit for over 20 years.   cmsroofing.com  Jeremiah Powell, (20) of Brownsville Darren Doyle, story: A Brownsville man was arrested Tuesday night after a high speed chase on a motorcycle, according to local authorities. In a statement released by the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, deputies said they observed a motorcycle traveling at 80mph in a posted 55 mph zone on Veterans Memorial Highway around 11PM on October 14th. Deputies initiated a traffic stop; however, upon activation of emergency lights, the motorcycle accelerated and fled the scene, reaching speeds of approximately 122 mph, the Sheriff's Office stated. According to law enforcement, the fleeing motorcycle was observed turning onto Chalybeate Road, where it passed another deputy—who also had emergency lights activated—at speeds nearing 100 mph. The motorcycle then continued onto Sulphur Road before exiting the roadway and coming to a stop in a roadside ditch, deputies stated. According to the Sheriff's Office, the operator, identified as Jeremiah Powell, (20) of Brownsville, surrendered without further incident. Powell was found to be in possession of a THC vape pen and it was determined that the motorcycle was not insured, the Sheriff's Office stated. Powell was arrested and transported to the Hart County Jail. He was charged with:
According to the Hart County Jail, Powell remains in jail on a $25,000 cash bond.  Bids Read for Sunfish-Roundhill Road and Pickleball Courts  Members of the Edmonson County Homemakers and Edmonson County 4-H were recognized with proclamations by the EC Fiscal Court. Darren Doyle, story and photo: Edmonson County Fiscal Court honored local homemakers and 4-H members at today's meeting with a proclamation for each group. Statewide, the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association celebrates Homemakers Week October 12th-18th in 2025. The Fiscal Court signed a proclamation today that acknowledged it here in Edmonson County. While National 4-H Week was during fall break last week, the court also presented local 4-H members with the same honor. In other business, Judge Executive Scott Lindsey read aloud sealed bids for pickleball courts for the county park system. Five different bids were read that ranged from the lowest price of $62,200 all the way up to $182,000. The court voted to receive all bids, study each one, and vote to award the bid to one contractor at the next meeting. In the same manner, bids for the rebuilding of Sunfish-Roundhill Road were also read aloud. Two different sealed bids were read, which included one from Cleary in the amount of $915,000 and the other from Scotty's in the amount of $498,793. While FEMA has committed to funding the rebuild, it will be a reimbursement for the costs that the county must first cover. In March of 2024, the court voted to apply for a line of credit through KACo Leasing and Trust to ensure the county had the up-front money for the project. Lindsey previously said that delays in the bidding process and scope of work pushed the process back. The original plan was to have the road rebuilt by the end of this year. The court voted to receive the bids and make a decision at the next meeting. The court also voted to purchase a new vehicle for the Jailer's Office. Deputy Jailer Ray Willhite shared with magistrates that the Jailer had nearly a $100K surplus in their budget, resulting from fewer prisoners which leads to fewer health costs for them. All of which is on the county's dime. Willhite said out of the $600K budget, $400K goes towards housing prisoners. He asked for three vehicles, including a used one, but magistrates voted for the one new purchase. The court also voted to:
 George Payne, (49) of Brownsville Darren Doyle, story: A Brownsville man was arrested on multiple felony assault charges after a reported domestic violence call. On Sunday, October 5, 2025, deputies from the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence on Brownsville Road in reference to an active domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the complainant, who reported being physically assaulted by an individual identified as George Payne, (49) of Brownsville, according to the Sheriff's Office. Deputies reportedly located Payne inside the residence and detained him pending further investigation. The Sheriff's Office stated that while being secured in the patrol vehicle, Payne began kicking the vehicle’s window. Deputies reportedly then advised Payne that he was under arrest. The Sheriff's Office stated that Payne then exited the vehicle where he became combative, then spat on, threatened, and physically assaulted deputies. He was subsequently restrained, placed back into the vehicle, and transported to the Hart County Jail without further incident, according to the Sheriff's Office. He was charged with:
According to Hart County Jail, he remains on a $10,000 cash bond. The case remains under investigation by the Sheriff's Office.  Bank of Edmonson County celebrated their 100th Anniversary with a community gathering today. Darren Doyle, story and photos: One hundred years of anything is impressive but in a small community like Edmonson County, seeing a business celebrate its 100th anniversary stronger than it's ever been is downright amazing. Bank of Edmonson County celebrated such a milestone today with hundreds in attendance at their Brownsville branch. The Bank, which has been one of the most prominent and influential business in Edmonson County, was front and center on Main Street today with a large tent set up in the parking lot along with a giant video screen. Attendees enjoyed a video presentation that focused on the Bank's history and legacy as food, drinks, and other goodies were given away.  The crowd gathers before the celebration begins. The Bank first opened on October 5, 1925 and was founded by Jesse T. Alexander, his brothers Luther F. Alexander and David W. Alexander, along with George W. Woodcock and N.E. (Ed) Vincent. What started out as a $15,000 bank has now ballooned into a $200M enterprise. Speaking at today's event were loan officer Michael Meredith, President Alex Ulm, U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie, Bank CEO Michelle Coleman, and Executive Vice President Mike Thompson. Each talked about the bank's history, legacy, and all focused on community involvement.  Bank President Alex Ulm addresses the crowd.  Bank loan officer Michael Meredith addresses the crowd.  Bank CEO Michelle Coleman shares her thoughts on the celebration with the audience.  Alex Ulm told the Edmonson Voice that today's celebration made him reflect on generation after generation of local people who have been served by the Bank. "I'm thankful that we have the opportunity to have that for 100 years," he said. "I'm grateful that our friends, our family, our neighbors, they've chosen us, and I'm thankful for all of our customers. On a beautiful day like this, we must be living right," he joked. "I'm grateful to see the community come out for this show of support." Michael Meredith, who also serves as the county's State Representative, mentioned 2025's combination of celebrating 100 years for the Bank and 200 years for the county. "It's a great run of history but it wouldn't be possible without the people and employees that have been such an important part of this place, and certainly not without the community support." With that community support, he said the Bank has always tried to return the favor. "We as the bank have always tried our best to support the community, to be involved in it the best ways we can, but because of the community's involvement with us, that has been the secret to our success," said Meredith. Michelle Coleman told the Edmonson Voice that "legacy" is what kept coming to her mind. "Sometimes you can have lots of meanings for legacy, but just continuing the legacy of customer service," she said. "Continuing the legacy of giving a people a local choice to bank and to do so right here at home." She also spoke of branching out into Smiths Grove and Bowling Green. "When we started growing, we were appreciative of any new customers that we got, but we were thinking about our hometown folks. So many people from our county commute to work, and we wanted to be on their commute and make it easy to bank with us." She also talked about the culture of the Bank, which revolved around Christian principles, family, and support. "We have been so fortunate to employ Edmonson County's best and brightest, and even at our branch locations the majority of the time, they are Edmonson County folks, and we take pride in that. As I said, we've always had a legacy of education. We use the Kentucky Banker's Association Programs. We want people to further their education even while they're working here. The tuition reimbursement program my mom started (Jeanne Patton), you know, we value education here because we know that we can't be great bankers if we can't continue to have those opportunities given to our staff." We asked her what it meant to know how much impact the Bank has had on the community, specifically in her lifetime. She referenced the first electronic scoreboard constructed at the high school baseball field in the early 80s that proudly displayed "Bank of Edmonson County" on top of the board. "I think one of my favorite pictures in the video we showed today was my grandfather, and Ed Houchins, Owen, and Scotty standing under that scoreboard. I mean, I don't know exactly when that was, but you know, they set that precedent, and we are just following that pattern, like when the school system has a need. Because as I said, the kids of Edmonson County are the future. I mean, they are future business leaders. They are our future ambassadors of the county to move it forward, and I'm so excited. I feel like Edmonson County, in the last 10 years especially, has really grown, thrived, and developed. It has some great leadership to hopefully make it even better. I've always been so proud to live here and when anybody ever asks me where I'm from, I tell them, "Edmonson County," and I'm very proud of to say it."  U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie presents the Congressional Record of his commemoration of the event. Congressman Brett Guthrie read to the crowd the official Congressional Record that he presented in honor of the Bank's 100th anniversary. He presented a printed copy to Mrs. Jeanne Patton Chairman of the Board. Mrs. Patton served decades at the bank in various roles. She described today as "just amazing." "We are so grateful for everybody that came to share it with us," she said. "That's a long time and a lot happens in 100 years, and I remember when I was a little girl, my grandfather was still alive. So I remember him, and then the generations to come, my father, my uncle, and now Scotty (Woodcock) and Ed (Houchins) and me and Sarah (Gray), and now we've got a new generation with Michael and Michelle and Alex." The Bank also recently completed a comprehensive remodel to the Brownsville branch, with new roofing, HVAC, upgraded drive-through services, and a facelift inside. The federal holiday of Columbus Day caused the Bank to be closed for official business today but a huge community turnout made for a great birthday party. They will open tomorrow morning as they continue their legacy, working on their next 100 year milestone.  Firefighters work at the scene of a structure fire on Mouth of Bear Creek Road. Darren Doyle, story and photos: A home in the Segal community is still standing but was overtaken with severe damage after a fire in the early morning hours of October 11, 2025. At around 3:50AM on Saturday, fire departments were called out to a residence on Mouth of Bear Creek Road to the report of a mobile home that was fully engulfed.  Firefighters work at the scene of a structure fire on Mouth of Bear Creek Road.  Firefighters work at the scene of a structure fire on Mouth of Bear Creek Road.  Firefighters work at the scene of a structure fire on Mouth of Bear Creek Road.  Firefighters work at the scene of a structure fire on Mouth of Bear Creek Road. According to Bear Creek Fire Chief J.T. Carroll, the homeowner thought the fire originated from the clothes dryer. The residents were able to escape the fire without injuries, the fire department said. In addition to Bear Creek, the Brownsville, Kyrock, and Lincoln Fire Departments also responded, as well as the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.  Simulated Edmonson Voice photo Edmonson Voice Report: KSP is seeking information on a road rage incident that involved gun shots. At just after 8:00PM on Sunday, Kentucky State Police Post 3 received a call about a road rage shooting incident on Interstate-65 between the Bowling Green and Franklin exit, according to a press release. The suspected vehicle was described as a black lifted Ford pickup truck traveling south. Anyone with any information related to this incident is asked to contact Kentucky State Police Post 3 at 270-782-2010.  |
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