The 2018 General Election results for Edmonson County are now complete. Judge Executive Wil Cannon, Sheriff Shane Doyle, and State Rep. Michael Lee Meredith were each re-elected to their positions while half of the county magistrates are being replaced.

Republican Corey Vanmeter narrowly defeated Joe Durbin in District 2 by only five votes, republican James C. Vincent won over Chad Patton in the District 6 seat left open by Mark Woosley, and democrat Mark Meeks edged out incumbent Buck Simmons in District 1. 

Travis Madison won over Calvin Durham in the District 2 Constable race and republican Ben Minton won over Kenneth Smith for Constable in District 6. District 1 Constable came down to two write-in candidates, with republican Anthony Cobb defeating Brady Meeks with 67% if the vote.

Keith LaMastus narrowly defeated Jacqueline Snelling in the 5th Educational District board of education seat and all 6 seats available on the Brownsville City Council were filled by the only 6 that ran for the positions.

U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie (R) won easily over democratic candidate Hank Linderman 161K votes to 76K statewide, while winning 77% to 21% locally.

​The remaining seats were those that ran unopposed.

Representative Michael Lee Meredith has been re-elected to the District 19 seat as he defeated democratic candidate William Fishback 9313 votes to 5832.

In Edmonson County, Meredith gathered 3,078 votes, compared to Fishback's 1,359. 

Meredith was first elected to the seat in 2011.

Districts 1 and 2 will now have new magistrates, with democrat Mark Meeks defeating incumbent Bennie "Buck" Simmons, 515 votes to 440 votes.

Corey Vanmeter squeaked by democrat incumbent Joe Durbin by only 5 votes. Vanmeter won with total of 373 to Durbin's 368.

​Republican James C. Vincent defeated Chad Patton 581 votes to 196, in the district 6 magistrate race.

We'll have the full precinct totals as they become available. 

Judge Executive Wil Cannon has been re-elected as Edmonson County Judge Executive, according to the unofficial results from the Clerk's Office.

Cannon's totals equal 2589 votes to Mark Woosley's 1917.

Full precinct totals will be published as they become available.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The totals are coming in and are currently being tallied. Unofficial totals in the sheriff's race have been counted and Shane Doyle has unofficially been named the winner, defeating Democratic challenger Charles Pendleton 2699 votes to 1760.

The totals by precinct are as follows:
Lincoln
Doyle 301, Pendleton 252

Cedar Springs 
Doyle 186, Pendleton 89

Rocky Hill
Doyle 249, Pendleton 102

Kyrock
Doyle 403, Pendleton 295

Edmonson County Middle School
Doyle 375, Pendleton 233

Bear Creek 
Pendleton 389, Doyle 337

South Edmonson
Doyle 435, Pendleton 125

Wingfield
Doyle 179, Pendleton 147

Absentees
Doyle 180, Pendleton 102

Brownsville Electronic:
​Doyle 54, Pendleton 26

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
NWS Officials confirmed that a "brief tornado" touched down in Edmonson County on Monday night, around 10pm, at the intersection of Cedar Sink Road and Brownsville Road (HWY 259) on the inside border of Mammoth Cave National Park.

In addition, an NWS Damage Survey concluded that an axis of straight line winds started approximately 5 miles SE of Brownsville, KY near Highway 2325.

"In this area, many 1 to 2 foot diameter hardwood trees were uprooted, narrowly missing a residence," said the NWS in a release. "In addition, tarp roofing was ripped off a hay storage structure, destroying the metal framing that held it in place. Max winds were estimated at 78 miles per hour in this area. Some damage occurred to a tree in a field on the east side of 2325 as the path continued east."

The NWS said the survey crew was unable to reach the area between 2325 and the Mammoth Cave National Park border. However, sporadic damage likely occurred between the ridges and valleys. The end of the straight line wind path culminated in a tornado inside the park.

Local meteorologist Landon Hampton said the forecast played out as expected.

"I’m very happy that the worst of these storms occurred in the park instead of Brownsville," Hampton said. "It’s also nice that we had a few fine Edmonson County folks send us damage info, reports, and photos, so we could report to NWS."

​The National Weather Service would like to thank Edmonson County Emergency Management and Mammoth Cave National Park officials for their assistance.

Absentee votes are now being counted as the totals come in.
​ 
County Clerk Kevin Alexander has reported the following numbers:

Judge Executive:
Wil Cannon 172
Mark Woosley 116

Sheriff:
Shane Doyle 180
Charles Pendleton 102

State Representative: 
Michael Lee Meredith: 202
William Fishback: 85

District 2 Magistrate:
Corey Vanmeter: 34
Joe Durbin: 22

District 1 Magistrate:
Mark Meeks: 32
Bennie "Buck" Simmons: 28

Stay connected to the Edmonson Voice for more updates:
​

For more information, contact the clerk's office at 270-597-2624.

Darren Doyle, story:
Disgraceful acts of vandalism have continued at the historic Joppa Church, located in Mammoth Cave National Park.

As first reported from the Edmonson Voice, spray painted graffiti was discovered on the floor of the church on Sunday, October 28th. According to park officials, on Thursday, November 1, multiple windows were found broken or cracked.
 
"Unfortunately incidents of vandalism at Joppa Church and the other two historic churches is not rare," said Chief Ranger Lora Peppers. "It is very disappointing that this has occurred in a building that holds such a rich history for the local communities and the park. We are actively investigating the incidents, but do not yet know if the two acts are related."
 
In 2015 the Joppa Church was designated as a “day use area only” because of repeated vandalism observed at the structure. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as being representative of religion and funerary practices from 1900-1949. The current structure was built in 1900, and is still the site of annual gatherings, religious services and weddings.
 
It is unlawful to disturb or deface natural or historic resources within the park. Perpetrators may be sentenced up to 6 months in jail and or fined up to $5,000. Anyone with information as to the possible identity of the vandals is encouraged to call the ranger station at 270-758-2115 or park dispatch 270-597-2729.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Edmonson County Clerk Kevin M. Alexander has announced that on General Election Day, Tuesday, November 6, 2018, the office will only conduct business related to the election. 

"Licensing and document recording will not be conducted that day, and deputies will be unavailable to assist customers as they will be helping with election activities," said Clerk Alexander in a statement.

The office will return to normal business on Wednesday, November 7, 2018.

Darren Doyle, story:
A deadly crash that claimed the life of a four-month old infant on Friday night has now claimed one more life, according to Kentucky State Police.

The Edmonson Voice has learned that Ruth Clemmons, (43), of Etoile has died as a result of her injuries sustained in the crash. She was transported to University of Louisville Hospital on Friday night and was listed in critical condition. According to KSP, she was pronounced dead at 6:30am this morning. She was the mother of the infant boy who was killed.

KSP also said that multiple felony charges are likely pending for the driver of the vehicle, James Settles, (54) of Glasgow. As earlier reported, an active meth lab was found at the scene, which was disposed of by the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.  

None of the occupants in the vehicle, including the infant, were restrained at the time of the crash, according to KSP.

​Daylight Savings Time officially ends Sunday morning November 4, 2018 at 2 A.M., but most people will set their clocks back one hour tonight before they go to bed.  Don't forget, it's "Spring Forward" and "Fall Back," so please adjust your clocks back one hour tonight

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
​On Friday, November 2nd at 11:44 PM, the Kentucky State Police Post 3, Bowling Green received a call for service from the Barren County Sheriff’s Department, requesting assistance with a fatality collision that had occurred just inside Edmonson County. KSP reported that a Barren County Deputy Sheriff had located the vehicle in the middle of the roadway on Apple Grove Road after it had fled from law enforcement earlier, finding one occupant deceased and two more seriously injured.

According to KSP, a Barren County Deputy Sheriff, James Roberts, observed a Blue 1998 Toyota Camry driving recklessly near the intersection of Park City-Bon Ayr Road. When Deputy Roberts activated his emergency equipment, the vehicle accelerated onto Apple Grove Road, causing Deputy Roberts to lose his observation of it. A short time later, Deputy Roberts crossed into Edmonson County, finding the vehicle stationary in the roadway. The operator, James E. Settles (54) of Glasgow, had been ejected after the vehicle had struck a tree. Two passengers, Ruth Clemmons (43) of Etoile, and her juvenile infant son were located inside the vehicle. None of the vehicle’s occupants were restrained at the time of the collision.

James E. Settles was transported from the scene via medical helicopter and flown to Vanderbilt University Hospital where he is listed in critical condition. Ruth Clemmons was transported from the scene via ambulance to the University of Louisville Hospital where she is listed in critical condition. The juvenile passenger, Lucas Settles (age 4 months), was pronounced deceased by the Edmonson County Coroner’s Office. KSP reported an active meth lab was located on scene and disposed of by the Edmonson County Sheriff’s Department.

The investigation continues and is currently being led by KSP Sergeant Joshua Cummings. Sergeant Cummings was assisted on scene by Barren and Edmonson County Sheriff’s Departments, Barren/Metcalfe EMS, Rocky Hill VFD, Brownsville VFD, Edmonson County JAWS, Edmonson EMS, Edmonson County Coroner’s Office, Park City Fire Department, and other KSP personnel.

Edmonson County Circuit Court was recently held where a Grand Jury returned the following indictments in October, 2018. 

Joesph W. Sanders, Distribution obscene matter to minors, first offense (two counts). Use of a minor under sixteen in a sexual performance (five counts). Unlawful transaction with a minor, first degree- victim under sixteen (five counts). Incest- victim under twelve (two counts). Sexual abuse in the first degree- victim under twelve years of age (five counts). Sodomy in the first degree- victim under twelve years of age (two counts).
 
Daniel L. Barnard, Possession of handgun by convicted felon. Terroristic threatening in the third degree.
 
Amanda Sanders, Distribution obscene matter to minors, first offense (two counts). Use of a minor under sixteen in a sexual performance (five counts). Unlawful transaction with a minor, first degree- victim under sixteen (five counts). Incest- victim under twelve (two counts). Sexual abuse in the first degree- victim under twelve years of age (five counts). Sodomy in the first degree- victim under twelve years of age (two counts).
 
Wesley Ryne Booker, Possession of controlled substance in the third degree- drug unspecified. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Prescription controlled substance not in original container, second or greater offense. Possession controlled substance in the first degree-methamphetamine.
 
Joshua Alan Brown, Possession of controlled substance in the third degree- drug unspecified. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Prescription controlled substance not in original container, second or greater offense. Possession of controlled substance in the first degree-methamphetamine. 

Daniel L. Casey, Driving on DUI suspended license. Operating motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs- second offense. Fleeing or evading the police in the first degree (motor vehicle). Failure to or improper signal.
 
Stacey Collins, Possession of controlled substance in the degree (methamphetamine). Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Public intoxication controlled substance.
 
Brett Higgs, Burglary in the third degree. Criminal mischief in the third degree. Theft by unlawful taking under $500.00. Arson in the degree. Theft by unlawful taking over $10,000. Criminal mischief in the first degree. Criminal mischief in the third degree.
Albert Lacefield, Burglary in the third degree. Criminal mischief in the first degree. Theft by unlawful taking $500.00 or more.
 
Jennifer M. Mathly, Forgery in the second degree (three counts). Criminal possession forged instrument in the second degree (three counts). Theft by deception less than $500.00 (three counts).

Troy May, Bail jumping in the first degree. Persistent felony offender in the second degree.

Roger L. Moore, Sexual abuse in the first degree, victim under twelve years of age (three counts). Use of a minor under sixteen years of age in a sex performance. 

Ricky Neal Mullikin, Bail jumping in the first degree. Persistent felony offender in the first degree.

Alex L. Perry, Forgery in the second degree. Criminal possession of forged instrument in the second degree. Knowingly exploit adult under $300.00. Theft by unlawful taking or disposition all others under $500.00. Persistent felony offender in the second degree.

Alex L. Perry, Theft of motor vehicle registration plate/decal. Operating vehicle with expired operator’s license. Persistent felony offender in the second degree.

​Jeremy Raines, Burglary in the third degree. Theft by unlawful taking over $500. Possession of handgun by convicted felon. Possession of controlled substance in the first degree-firearm enhanced. Drug paraphernalia-firearm enhanced. Persistent felony offender in the first degree.
 
Holly A. Redman, Bail jumping in the first degree.
 
Jared Sherrard, Possession of controlled substance in the first degree (methamphetamine). Tampering with physical evidence. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Persistent felony offender in the second degree.
Daniel Scott Smith, Burglary in the third degree. Criminal mischief in the first degree. Theft by unlawful taking $500.00 or more. Persistent felony offender in the first degree. 

Daniel Taylor, Burglary in the third degree. Theft by unlawful taking over $500.00. Possession of handgun by convicted felon. Possession of controlled substance in the first degree- firearm enhanced. Drug paraphernalia- firearm enhanced. Failure to comply with sex offender registration, first offense. Persistent felony offender in the first degree.

Noah Samuel Kessinger, Bail jumping in the first degree. Escape in the second degree.

John Meredith, Theft by unlawful taking or disposition auto- $10,000 or more. Criminal mischief in the first degree.

​Jared Mattingly, Sexual misconduct. Rape in the first degree. 

​Note: An indictment is only a formal charge and is not an admission of guilt. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bethany Michelle Hill, Assault fourth degree, domestic violence, no visible injury. Continue to 11/18/18.
 
Shaun Besau, Menacing (two counts). Terroristic threatening, third degree (two counts). Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference 11/13/18.
 
Jesse Alan Moulder, Assault fourth degree, domestic violence, minor injury. Unlawful imprisonment-second degree. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference 11/13/18.
 
David Milton Hoskins, Speeding 10 mph over limit. Failed to appear.
 
Silas Dakota Kinser, Theft by unlawful taking all others $500 or more but under $10,000. Pleaded not guilty. Preliminary hearing 10/30/18.
 
Michael Lynn Mckinney, Criminal possession forged instrument-1st degree. Failure to produce insurance card. No/expired Kentucky registration receipt. Operating vehicle with expired operator’s license. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Possession of marijuana. Pleaded not guilty to all. Preliminary hearing 10/30/18.
 
Robert Eugene Thacker, Theft of services. Guilty. Total fines and fees $259.00.
 
Daniel Kristopher Zick, Use/possess drug paraphernalia.  Possession of marijuana. Guilty.

​Daniel Kristopher Zick, Assault fourth degree, domestic violence, minor injury. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 11/13/18.
 
Duston Ross Kirby, Criminal mischief- third degree.
 
Anthony Thomas Houchins, Harassing communications. Pretrial diversion.