The Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce welcomes everyone to Associates in Counseling Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, December 3, 2015. The Open House will take place from 12 Noon until 2 pm.

The ceremonial ribbon cutting photo will be taken at 12:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. The location is Main Street Center, 210 South Main St., Suite 101 in Brownsville, Kentucky.

Associates in Counseling provides counseling services to adults, children, adolescents, couples and families who are in need. Associates in Counseling believes everyone needs a helping hand from time to time and that counseling should be a safe place for you to reach your goals. Their services are in a confidential, comfortable setting. Their office staff is dedicated to helping each client reach their goals. 

Associates in Counseling accepts Medicaid, Passport, WellCare, Coventry, KY Health Choices & Humana Care Source as well as all private insurance and they also offer a sliding scale for self pay clients.

For more information about Associates in Counseling please call  270-597-1000 or visit them on Facebook by clicking HERE. 

Edmonson Voice Staff
What started as a simple drug complaint turned into the discovery of a meth lab and the arrest of a Bee Spring man who now faces multiple felony charges.

Kentucky State Police and the Edmonson County Sheriff's office responded to the residence of Christopher Todd Richards, 49,  on Ross Farris Road where police found probable cause for a search warrant. Once the warrant was obtained, police reported that they found the remnants of a meth lab and a hydrochloric gas generator, which is an ingredient used in making meth. 

Richards was arrested without incident and charged with:

• manufacturing meth 1st offense
• possession of controlled substance 1st degree meth
• possession of firearm convicted felon
• controlled substance endangerment to child, 4th degree
• possession of marijuana 
• drug paraphernalia deliver/manufacture 

Police said the complaint was from suspicion that Richards was purchasing large amounts of ingredients that are used to make meth. "We always encourage folks to report anything suspicious," said Deputy Wally Ritter. "If you work in a retail store where you see some of these items sold to the same people in excess, please report that activity to dispatch." ​

If convicted, Richards faces a maximum of 40 years in prison. Also assisting at the scene was the Brownsville Police Department and the District Two Constable.

Edmonson Voice Staff
In addition to the discussion and concern of a county ordinance regarding the posting of street addresses, several other items made the agenda at Monday's Fiscal Court meeting.

Emergency Management Director Pat Prunty presented a 911 memorandum from SCRTC to the court that was read by Judge Wil Cannon. Prunty said that the company will also offer new internet, phone, and cable TV options to residents in the Nolin Lake area. Prunty said the company currently serves Hart, Barren, and Metcalfe Counties, but is looking to expand into the lake area of Edmonson County. An exact date of the availability of services was not known, but Prunty said it may take a year or more. The memorandum had to be read and signed in order for the company to eventually be included into the county 911 system.

County Road Foreman Ray Page said that concrete contractor David Lindsey and general contractor Rickey Brooks would be pouring concrete walls at the new salt storage bin and the floor would be scheduled to be poured immediately after.

Judge Wil Cannon said there was still concern for drainage issues at the Highway 70 Park after a recent construction project was finished to make repairs. Cannon said the contractor was scheduled to come out to reassess the area.

Cannon also spoke about the Edmonson County Homemakers complaints in regards to the cleaning supplies available at the Community Center when they held their annual Christmas Bazaar last Saturday. Cannon said Community Center spokesperson Terri Vincent wasn't happy with the condition of the building after the Homemakers left. 

Cannon also said that the Homemakers do a great deal of volunteer work for the county and he wanted to make sure they continued to feel welcome to use the facility in the future, and that someone would assure the organization that cleaning supplies would be readily available when they use it again. The court agreed to reimburse the organization the fee to use the Community Center.

Judge Cannon also gave an update on improvements made at the courthouse. He said trees had been planted in the courtyard and discussions had begun regarding better handicapped parking availability around the building. He also said the new Veterans Memorial Wall Project had sold out of brick spaces, but plans for an addition were already in the works. 

Towards the end of the meeting, Magistrate Mark Woosley asked Judge Cannon to report on a friendly "bet" that he made the Judge at the Halloween In the Park Event a couple weeks ago. Reluctantly, Cannon said Mag. Woosley bet him that he couldn't hold a mouth-full of "Atomic Fireball" jawbreakers and "Warhead" sour candies in his mouth until they were gone. "I did it, but it took the hide out of my jaw," Cannon said. "That's the last time I'll ever take a bet from Mark Woosely," he said as the court laughed.

The next Fiscal Court meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday, November 23rd.

Edmonson Voice Staff
On Thursday, November 5, the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office was directed to 490 Hunts Church Road for the purpose of serving simple court documents. According to police reports, a deputy approached an open sliding glass door of the home where he said he saw drug paraphernalia in plain sight on a kitchen table. 

Reports also said that the resident, Elizabeth Carnahan, 22,  made an attempt to hide the paraphernalia, in sight of the deputy. 

The sheriff's office reported that a search warrant was then issued for the rest of the property and more paraphernalia was found including marijuana, marijuana grinders, and pipes that police said contained marijuana residue. Carnahan was placed under arrest, then,  according to the deputy, she resisted and fought back.

She was charged with Tampering with physical evidence, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, and Resisting arrest. 

Carnahan was transported to the Hart County Jail where she is currently out on bond. She pleaded not guilty to all charges in Edmonson District Court on Tuesday.

Edmonson County did what it always does on Veterans Day, which was paying tribute to veterans in the annual program held at ECHS today. Several veterans from many different generations and branches were in attendance today.

A hospitality room for veterans and their families was provided today by Bank of Edmonson County. The awards presented to the Voice of Democracy speech winners were provided by Gravil Funeral Home, Edmonson Drug, and Madison's Flowers. The ECHS FFA Officers also welcomed guests at the gym as they arrived today. 

Please enjoy a slideshow of today's event, and Happy Veterans Day.

Darren Doyle, story and photos
Judge Executive Wil Cannon was featured as the guest speaker at today's annual Veterans Day Program held at Edmonson County High School, along with the winners of the Voice Of Democracy speech writing assignment. 

Several students were involved in the program through opening prayers, welcoming guests, presenting colors, giving speeches, and the ECHS band, led by Jason Shores, played several patriotic hymns and songs.

Cannon, who is not only the current Judge Executive but also a retired KSP Trooper, former Edmonson County Sheriff, and Army Sergeant First Class, Ret. Cannon began his speech by saying he was unworthy to be the guest speaker because he never had to fight during his service, that he helped train soldiers, and that all honor needed to be bestowed upon the ones in attendance and others. 

Cannon shared some funny and entertaining stories about being a drill sergeant and even brought what he called "The Drill Sergeant's Alarm Clock," which consisted of a metal trash can lid and a large stick. 

Darren Doyle, story and photos
An afternoon of hauling furniture turned into a big mess and a three-vehicle accident that sent one man to the hospital Tuesday afternoon.

Emergency personnel responded to the wreck on New Grove Road (KY 743) just east of the Pig Road (HWY 422) junction that had the portion of the road closed out to Beaver Dam Church Road. 

According to reports, Justin Vincent, of Brownsville was driving a 2006 Chevy 2500 pickup belonging to Ken Byrd, pulling a trailer loaded with furniture. Vincent said he was transporting the furniture to Byrd's Realty and Auction, just a few miles away. He said the lid to a deep freezer loaded on the trailer popped open and he stopped quickly in the road to secure the lid. 

Police said the driver following Vincent, Alfred Kelly Embry, driving a 99 Dodge Ram pickup, was going to help Vincent unload the furniture at Byrd's Realty. Police said the quick stop caught Embry by surprise, but he was able to stop.

Police said the third driver, Dennis Hatler, who was driving a late model Ford F250, was unable to stop and according to police, he hit Embry's truck from the rear, forcing Embry's truck into the trailer being hauled by Vincent, which shoved the trailer underneath Vincent's truck. Hatler was also helping the others with the furniture.

Embry was transported to Greenview Hospital via Edmonson County EMS with complaints of chest and abdominal pain. The extent of his injuries were not yet known.

Responding to the scene in addition to EMS were both the Brownsville and Chalybeate Fire Departments, as well the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, November 10, 2015.  The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty presiding.  

Elizabeth A. Carnahan, Tampering with physical evidence. Possession of Marijuana. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Resisting arrest. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial hearing 11/24/15. Appointed attorney.

Chris Young Pressley, Possession of controlled substance, 3rd degree- drug unspecified. Controlled substance prescription not in original container 1st. Receiving stolen property under $500. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference 11/24/15.

Silas D. Kinser, Speeding 18mph over limit. Sentenced to County Attorney traffic school. Operating on suspended/revoked operators license, possessing license when privileges are revoked/suspended, both dismissed.

Glenda Lou Barger, No/expired registration plates. No/expired Kentucky registration receipt. All other traffic offenses not listed. Need proof of insurance through 11/30/16. Reset for 12/8/15. 

Jeffery S. Parker, No/expired registration plates. No/expired Kentucky registration receipt. Failure to produce insurance card. Proof shown on all counts. All counts dismissed.

Kiara M. Brooks, Speeding 15mph over limit. Sentenced to County Attorney traffic school.

Brandon C. Arnold, Speeding 18mph over limit. Pleaded guilty. Sentenced to traffic school. Failure to produce insurance card. Proof shown, dismissed.

Hugo Labra, Operating on suspended/revoked operators license. Pleaded guilty. Sentenced to 30 days in jail, probated for 2 years, no driving.

Joey Lee Clinard, Speeding 22mph over limit. Following another vehicle too closely. Possession of open alcohol beverage container in a motor vehicle. Operating a motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs 1st offense. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference 12/8/15.

Shawn Dell Mccoy, Alcohol intoxication in a public place- 1st and 2nd offense. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 12/8/15.

Anna Loren Gardner, Alcohol intoxication in a public place- 1st and 2nd offense. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 12/8/15.

Tex Browning, Alcohol intoxication in a public place- 1st and 2nd offense. Pleaded guilty. Fined $25. Total fines and costs $209.

Douglas Dewayne Saltsman, Tampering with physical evidence. Pleaded not guilty. Waived to Grand Jury. 

​

Darren Doyle, story and photo
Earlier in April of this year, the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office officially swore in Amanda Coniglio as a part-time deputy, but she now has become a full time officer with the department, beginning today. 

According to Sheriff Shane Doyle, Coniglio has assisted the county in a number of ways since being sworn in, such as court security, regular patrols, and especially in situations where female citizens interact with law enforcement.

"Deputy Coniglio has been a great asset to our office and Edmonson County," said Sheriff Shane Doyle. "When she was sworn in as a part time deputy we knew she'd do a great job and she's gone above and beyond our expectations."

Coniglio graduated from Pasco-Hernando Community College with a Law Enforcement/basic recruit certificate and retired from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in Florida with several commendations in 2014. She and her husband, Jimmy (another retired deputy who now works for the sheriff's office) both reside in Edmonson County.

"When someone asks me why I'm doing this, it's not a job, it's a calling," Deputy Coniglio said. "No matter how stressful it gets, it's your passion, even on the bad days." 

She is the first full time patrol deputy in the history of the Edmonson County Sheriff's office. When asked what it was like being a female deputy in Edmonson County, she jokingly said "Well, I'm used to it, so it's nothing to me. Just one of the guys."

Sheriff Doyle said she and her husband bring over 40 years of law enforcement experience to Edmonson County. "They both care about their job and the people of Edmonson County. Amanda has earned nothing but respect from myself and all our local officers, and it's an honor to have her as a member of this office."

Darren Doyle, story and photos
Director of Emergency Management Pat Prunty took a few minutes to explain the complete overhaul of the county's 911 system today as we stopped by the county dispatch center. The current system run by Windstream is not only outdated, but has become obsolete. Prunty also said there is no longer parts or support available for the current system.

The county currently pays Windstream approximately $7200 per month for the current 911 system which according to Prunty, has certainly had it's share of problems. "Sometimes it works right, sometimes it doesn't," he said. 

The new upgrade also puts the county on the path to be able to handle text messages and video sent to 911 by cellphones in the near future. "We won't be able to do that yet, but this system will be able to handle that, once those requirements become statewide."

Discontinuing the current 911 from Windstream will not only allow county equipment to be as up-to-date as possible, but will also save the county around $4000 per month as the cost will drop from around $7200 to $3200.

Cost of the upgrades are around $110,000, but Prunty was able to secure funding through grants for around $70,000. 

Workers from three different companies, AK & Associates, Integrated Partners, and Geo Connect will be busy for the next few days as the upgrades are scheduled to switch over to the new system on Thursday at 9AM. 

Prunty said all the new equipment, telephones, and mapping resources have to work together, but there would be no down time for the system while the work is being done. 

According to Prunty, no changes will be noticeable when the system actually changes over, but will simply be a better, more reliable system for the entire county. "Our local Windstream guys here are great, but when you have to deal with company people from out of state and elsewhere, it's been pretty difficult."

Edmonson Voice Staff
Sheriff Shane Doyle said he was recently made aware of a county ordinance passed several years ago regarding the proper displaying of street address numbers on homes in Edmonson County in today's Fiscal Court meeting. Doyle wanted to know specifics and what the law said in regards to his office handling enforcement of the ordinance.

County Attorney J.B. Hines said he was aware of the ordinance and that citations could be written for ordinance violations, however, he also said it would take some research and meeting with the Sheriff to determine a more common sense approach.

Both Hines and Doyle have said on numerous occasions that the county has never taken a priority on simply writing citations, but rather that citizens know and follow the law.

Doyle said he thought the ordinance said street numbers were supposed to be 4 inches in height, and displayed either on the home or mailbox. Several questions regarding placement, what material, and others were asked. 

County EMS Director Keith Sanders said trying to find some addresses in Edmonson County can be a nightmare. "People sometimes put the numbers on their mailboxes, but can be on the opposite side of the post than what an ambulance driver sees when we're on a call. In order for it to work for emergency purposes, it needs to be displayed on both sides of the mailbox."

Sanders also spoke to the fact that some subdivisions have a group of mailboxes at the entrance and that homes within those subdivisions have the same street address, just a different mailbox number. This is easy for the postal service to accommodate, but emergency services can't find these homes sometimes from just addresses on mailboxes alone.

Judge Cannon mentioned the blue reflective signs that fire departments sold a few years back and that they were highly visible from the road, however, the placement of those signs were not uniform and they were hidden at some homes because of a poor choice of display.

County officials said they would first research the current ordinance, look into it's enforcement, and then educate the population on the findings. "We're not interested in writing a bunch of tickets for somebody not having a certain size house number displayed" said Sheriff Doyle. "We just want to be able to find street addresses when we have to. No citizen wants us to have to stop and ask directions to their home when there's an emergency."

Welcome to our latest episode, our special Veterans Day Show, featuring Wiley Willis. A very humble guest, and a humbling experience,  but he also tells an hilarious old war story...enjoy! Sheriff Shane Doyle also joins.

Edmonson Voice Staff
A jury found Theodore "Ted" Kinser, of Brownsville guilty of DUI for which he was arrested on August 29, 2015. Police said Kinser failed to stop at a road safety check during the summer "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaign, and pulled into a random driveway instead, in what they said was an attempt to bypass the road check.

Police said Kinser showed obvious signs of drunk driving during field sobriety tests and was arrested for DUI. Kinser refused a chemical test at the time of his arrest and pleaded not guilty to DUI in district court.

Police said at the time of his arrest, Kinser told the arresting officer that he and his attorney would have a great case against the Commonwealth in court, but officials reported that Kinser represented himself without an attorney in court on Tuesday, November 4th during the jury trial and was found guilty. He was sentenced to two days in jail and a $500 fine.

Edmonson Voice Staff, photos submitted by SEES
Members of the VFW visited South Edmonson Elementary’s 4th graders on Thursday, November 5th. Students were educated on flag etiquette and citizen responsibilities.

Members also shared stories and reflections of their past service. The following veterans were in attendance: Edwin Vincent (USAF), Wil Cannon Sr. (USAF), Bennie Durbin (USMC), Paul Vincent (US Navy, Army), Morris Blanton (Army), Raymond Durbin (Army), and Richard Dyche (Navy).

"The students really enjoyed the presentation," said Mrs. Heather White, 4th Grade Teacher. "They look forward to having them back in the future."

Photos courtesy of EC Emergency Management
County road crews were out this morning clearing roadways of downed limbs as a result of strong winds that came through the county last night. 

Director of Edmonson County Emergency Management Pat Prunty said the damage seemed to be concentrated to a small area south/south east of Brownsville and no injuries were reported. 

The EdmonsonVoice.com forecast calls for an 85% chance of scattered showers throughout the day with lower temps for the weekend as highs are only expected to be in the upper 50's for the next couple of days. 

Edmonson Voice Staff
Concerns for what appeared to be some sort of threat at Edmonson County High School today had students, parents, and school officials on alert. According to Principal Tommy Hodges, something "inappropriate" was written on a bathroom wall that a few students mistook for a school-wide threat.

Hodges said rumors began to spread around the school and various social media accounts, causing disruption at school. "The rumors being spread weren't even close to what was actually written on the wall," Hodges said. "We're going to protect our school just like we do everyday. Our Resource Officer Jeff Brooks will be there, KSP Trooper Terry Alexander will be there, and I'll be patrolling the halls, but there's simply no validity to these rumors."

The Sheriff's Office released this statement just moments ago:
​
"On Thursday, November 5th, 2015, the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office was made aware of a possible threat written on the wall of a bathroom at the high school.  Our School Resource Officer, Chief Deputy Jeff Brooks, initiated an investigation to determine the source of the graffiti, as well as who was spreading the information around the school.  As is often the case, the information began getting changed and conflated, and eventually was blown into something much larger than it actually was.  The school officials, in conjunction with the school resource officer, were able to track down the source of the rumor-spreading, and law enforcement has a suspect for the vandalism."

Sheriff Shane Doyle, along with Brownsville Police Chief Jeff Jewell, is coordinating with the School Resource Officer to provide more security at the school. "Although we take all potential threats seriously, the information is not believed to be credible, and law enforcement is actively investigating the matter tonight," Doyle said. "Should any further information come to light that provides any information to the contrary, the Sheriff's Office will release a statement immediately to inform the public."

Principal Hodges said safety of the students is always the top priority, but through a joint effort, this incident doesn't seem to have merit. "I'd have the National Guard out here in the morning if that's what we needed to keep our kids safe, but we simply don't feel like that's the case," he said. "School's going to be a normal day tomorrow. We'll have the people we need there, but tomorrow's school day will proceed as normal."

UPDATE: The Sheriff's office informed us that one of the suspects of the apparent threat was being interviewed at press time.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office said they have received numerous complaints and questions regarding calls county residents have answered where a threatening recorded message claims to be the IRS.

The Edmonson Voice also received the same call several times. The message says they are the IRS and that the resident has taxes that are past due. The message even claims that the resident is in trouble with police or other authorities. They request that you call a listed number to pay the balance immediately, which is nothing more than an attempt to steal your personal information or worse.

"The IRS will never call you and ask for any information," said Sheriff Shane Doyle. "If you get a call like this, just simply hang up, it's a scam."

He also advised to never give personal information over the phone. Sometimes reputable companies or organizations that have dealt with the individual before will already have the needed info, but will ask you to verify the info with very limited information, such as the last four digits of an account or a social security number. 

"We know of a case where a national bank called one of our citizens and said they thought the customer's account had been compromised," Doyle said. "They asked the citizen to verify their account along with some other questions. The citizen refused to give any info and requested that he be called by someone in a local branch. The bank obliged, and he received a call from the local branch within a few minutes."

Doyle said the citizen did the right thing by asking the caller to properly identify himself first. 

"Legitimate callers will take the time to do what you need them to," he said. "If something seems off, it probably is. If you feel uncomfortable with the caller, just hang up. If it's important, they'll find another way to contact you where there will be no question."

Unfortunately, he said there's not a lot that his department can do with the calls.  "These types of calls are nearly untraceable, so they're virtually impossible to track. If you've answered a call like this and given any info, have a credit report done immediately and flag your accounts. We can initiate a stolen identity report asap."

What the heck is it? Well, we can't say just yet, but there'll be lots of voting involved. Stay connected for details to come later!

Edmonson Voice Staff
A Bee Spring man that was out on bond for manufacturing meth was arrested again and now faces new charges after police said they caught him trying to smuggle urine to use in a court ordered drug test.

Police said when Douglas Saltsman, 40, turned in a urine sample that showed unusual characteristics, a closer search revealed that Saltsman had taped a Visine squirt bottle inside his pants filled with someone else's urine in an attempt to fool police and the court system. 

Saltsman now faces an additional charge of Tampering With Physical Evidence. He was transported back to and lodged in the Hart County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

ECHS Athletic Director Kyle Pierce has announced that ECHS Basketball Season Ticket renewals will be on sale at the high school after lunch beginning on Wednesday, November 4th for last year's season ticket holders only. 

Season Tickets will be opened to the public on Monday, November 16th at ECHS. 

Cost of a reserved blue seat season ticket is $65. The tickets are good for all Varsity, JV, and freshmen games at ECHS and also includes the girls Caveland Classic in December.

Cost of a regular admission bench seat season ticket is $50. 

Edmonson Voice Staff story and photo
Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Matt Bevin has been named the winner in the Kentucky Governor's race with a 52% over Democratic Candidate Jack Conway's 44%, with almost 95% of the total counties reporting. 

Other winners statewide include:

• Secretary of State Democrat Alison Grimes with a narrow victory of 51% over Republican Steven Knipper with 49%
• Ag Commissioner Republican Ryan Quarles with a 20 point win over his democratic opponent
• State Auditor Republican Mike Harmon 52% over Democrat Adam Edelen's 48%
• State Treasurer Republican Allison Ball 61% over Rick Nelson's 39%

The Attorney General's race between Democrat Andy Beshear and Republican Whitney Westerfield was currently a dead heat at press time at 50% each, with a handful of votes in favor of Beshear with 98% of the total votes counted.

Local Edmonson County voters had a larger showing than expected with 22% total voter turnout. Local results were heavily favored for Republicans.

by Greg Hudson
The threat of rain nor the change of venue could dampen the spirits of trick-or-treaters as more than 500 attended the Parks and Recreation Halloween in Our Park event held at the Brownsville Community Center on Saturday, October 31st . There were over 1,000 people total who attended the event making it a huge success for attendees and businesses alike. Parks and Rec would like to thank all of the businesses and organizations who participated in the event because without your support the event would not have been as successful. Here is a list of the businesses and organizations that took part in Halloween in Our Park:

• Brownsville Missionary Baptist Church                 
• The Community Church at Cedar Springs Eastern Star
• Edmonson County Attorney  J.B. Hines
• Edmonson County Fiscal Court    
• Edmonson County Judge Executive’s Office
• Edmonson County Extension Office 
• Edmonson County Conservation District      
• Edmonson County Tourism/Chamber of Commerce 
• Katina (Avon Representative)                       
• PBI Bank 

A special thank you to Creekside Garden and Nursery for supplying the decorations for the event.          
 
Edmonson County Youth Basketball
There will be a coaches meeting on Friday, 6 November at the Middle School Library for coaches in all divisions of play. Each selected coach for the upcoming season is being notified by the Basketball board and must attend this coaches meeting to receive the league rules and fill out background check forms. Once the coaches are verified players will be drafted to teams and will receive a call from their coach to start practicing. The board estimates teams will be formed and start practice by the 16th of November.

That covers it for now, thanks for supporting your local Parks and Recreation Department. Together we can do some great things! Make sure you visit our website at www.ecparksandrec.com