Thanks for a great 2015, and we're looking for an even better and brighter 2016! We wish you all the best in the next year to come and we hope you have a safe and fun New Year's Eve. From all of us here at the Edmonson Voice, Happy New Year!

Edmonson Voice Staff
photos courtesy of Kyrock Fire Department
Local firefighters responded to a structure fire at a home on Indian Creek Road around 3am Wednesday morning. Brandon Vincent from the Kyrock Fire Department said that the home was being rented by James and Cassandra Minton and their two young daughters. 

"They had two little girls and one of them woke up and smelled smoke," Vincent said. "She then woke up her parents."

Firefighters reported that the home was fully engulfed when they arrived, and that it appeared the source was in the chimney. Vincent said Mrs. Minton credited their young daughter for saving the lives of the entire family.

The family lost everything in the fire and according to social media posts made by the Mintons, they have no insurance. There are currently several friends and family members that are trying to help organize relief efforts. If you or someone you know would be interested in helping with a donation or other aid, please contact Ronnie Vincent via Facebook.

No injuries were reported. In addition to Kyrock VFD, the Brownsville and Bear Creek Fire Departments also responded to the blaze.

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, December 29, 2015. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty presiding. 

Christal Gail Russell, Theft by deception-including cold checks under $500, (2 counts). Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 1/12/16.

Tina L Arnold, Speeding 15mph over limit. No/expired KY registration receipt. No/expired registration plates. Continued on 1/15/16.

Michelle L Kurtz, Driving DUI suspended license, 1st offense, aggravator. Amended to operating on suspended license. Pleaded guilty, fined $50. Total fines and costs, $193.

Julie Marie Hayes, Failure to notify address change to dept of transportation, proof shown, dismissed. Failure to produce insurance card, dismissed. No/expired registration plates. Defer 2/23/16. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st. Pleaded guilty, fined $500, $450 of which suspended, to be reviewed on 2/23/16. Total fines and costs $193.

Anthony Thomas Houchin, Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Amended to no license in possession. Pleaded guilty, fined $50. Failure to produce insurance card. Proof shown, dismissed. Total fines and costs $193.

Christina Rose Hurst, No operator's/moped license. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference on 1/19/16. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st. Proof shown of current insurance.

Clifton Simmons, Speeding 15mph over limit. Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Continued on 1/12/16.

John Derrick Brooks, Operating vehicle with expired operator's license. Amended to license not in possession. Pleaded guilty, fined $50. Total fines and costs $193.

Damian Scott Hillard, Theft by unlawful taking or disposition, all others under $500. Pleaded not guilty, pretrial conference on 1/12/16.

Vernon Jeffery Patton, Tampering with physical evidence. Pleaded not guilty. Waived to grand jury.

Edmonson County Sheriff Shane Doyle has released the activity report for the month of November.
He reported the following: 

Edmonson Voice Staff
On Wednesday, December 2, 2015, the Edmonson Voice was contacted by a local resident who claimed that a Scott Waste garbage truck had driven over his septic tank and became stuck when the top of the tank collapsed from the truck's weight.

Corey Vanmeter, owner of Vanmeter's Heating and Cooling, said he received a phone call from his office on Mohawk Road that a Scott's Waste garbage truck was stuck on his property. After Vanmeter arrived on the scene, he saw the truck, which was off the driveway and partially in Vanmeter's yard. The truck's tire had crushed the top of his septic tank and the contents of the tank were exposed.

Vanmeter said the same man told him that his dumpster was in the wrong place and that the driver had no choice but to leave the driveway. Vanmeter said that was ridiculous, as the dumpster was in the same place that it had always been.

Vanmeter said that after multiple calls and a face-to-face meeting with the Scott representative, Scott Waste told Vanmeter to get an estimate for the damages and it would be reviewed. Vanmeter contacted a local contractor and the estimated cost to repair the tank was $2800.

Vanmeter said he submitted the estimate to Scott Waste and after a week or so, Scott Waste agreed to pay, but only half of it, leaving Vanmeter on the hook for $1400.

It's not a question of whether or not a Scott Waste truck crashed through Vanmeter's septic tank, that's easy. The question becomes "Did the truck have to leave the driveway?" No one is accusing the driver of purposely causing damage at Vanmeter's property, but it doesn't take a geologist nor an engineer to figure out that a 32 ton garbage truck (64,000 lbs) driving in someone's yard is not a good idea, period.

It's also pretty obvious to see that the driver had several options before he chose to take the truck off Vanmeter's driveway. 1. get out and line up the dumpster if necessary. 2. get out, knock on the door and see if there was someone at home to line it up or help do so, 3. stop, call a supervisor and discuss the situation, or try to contact Vanmeter and ask him, 4. simply don't take the chance of messing up someone's yard and leave the dumpster for now. Vanmeter undoubtedly would have chosen an over-filled dumpster rather than $2800 worth of damage and a very smelly mess in his yard.

According to the "Values" tab on Scott Waste's website, you'll find "Integrity" listed as one of their values. In fact, it specifically says this: "Integrity: We define integrity as “saying what you will do and then doing it.” We keep our promises to our customers, our employees and our stockholders. Do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason."  It's safe to say Mr. Corey Vanmeter would strongly disagree.

This brings up an old argument that many Edmonson County residents had when Scott Waste became the only option for trash pick up within the county. When you don't have a choice, you're pretty much stuck with what you've got (see internet and cell phone service).

​So, what can you do to keep this from happening at your place? Not much, really. Vanmeter said that an attorney told him he would have to sue Scott Waste for the damages, and even if he won, the legal fees and costs would exceed the damages he'd be seeking, so it simply wouldn't be worth it. Some might suggest calling the police, but that won't work, either, because the driver didn't damage the tank on purpose. It's not against the law to accidentally damage someone's property. 

Vanmeter said he has been forced to file an insurance claim with his own policy,  which certainly seems unfair. The insurance claim will cover the entire cost of the repair of the tank, which will allow Scott Waste to be Scott-Free.  He also said he was supposed to have another meeting with Scott Waste on Monday, Dec 28, to see if anything else could be worked out, but his calls on that day confirming the appointment were never returned.

It seems Vanmeter has certainly seen a garbage truck load of senseless trouble that includes hassle, inconvenience, an old fashioned run-around, temporarily disabled plumbing, an insurance claim, and what seems to be a big company with little or no regard to the little man...all because a garbage truck driver decided it was best to drive somewhere other than the gravel driveway, which crushed his septic tank... and that stinks.

Darren Doyle, story
Judge Executive Wil Cannon read a letter to the fiscal court that denied the county grant money that would have been used to help fund a new sub station in the Lincoln community. The station would have provided better access to firefighting services in the large area. It would also help by bringing insurance rates down. 

Cannon said the grant was denied for a number of reasons and that it was a difficult grant for in which to qualify. He added that the county was encouraged to file again when available, as oft times candidates are reconsidered for these types of grants in the future.

In other fiscal court news, Parks and Rec Coordinator Greg Hudson reported that new laminate flooring had been installed in the upstairs facility at Chalybeate Park. He said it looks like a completely new place. He also noted that Bee Spring Park had been littered with lots of debris, trash and the like, but it had undergone a complete clean up and was looking good.

The court also approved a small pay increase for the courthouse cleaning supervisor, Debbie Russell. Judge Cannon said that she had been asked back in March or April to add the cleaning of the County Clerk's office to her job duties, but with no increase in pay. Clerk Alexander said Mrs. Russell did a fantastic job in not only his office, but the entire courthouse. The court agreed to increase her pay by an additional sixty-four cents per hour. 

Judge Cannon also informed the court that the Warren County Coroner's office had requested that Edmonson County Fiscal Court take responsibility for the burial expenses of a man that recently died at the Medical Center in Bowling Green but had an Edmonson County address. Apparently, the deceased David Maioli, who was originally from Colorado, had moved in with a friend here in the county.

Cannon said the coroner explained that the man qualified for what is known as a "pauper's funeral," which is a funeral held for an individual that has no known kin or assets. Cannon said state law requires county government to cover costs of pauper's funerals, which includes mortuary service and burial. Cannon said the way the law is written could be subject to different interpretations, but he felt like since the man had an Edmonson County address, it wasn't Warren County's responsibility.

Cannon said both local funeral homes had priced the most basic of funeral services, the road department would possibly dig the grave if the location met standards, but that the place for burial would have to be researched. He said there was an actual pauper's cemetery in the county, but was owned privately, and the owner would have to grant permission for burial. At most, Cannon said the county could be looking at a $1500 cost if a burial crew would have to be hired and if a cemetery plot had to be purchased.

Rhonda Clemmons reported that the Room and Rec Tax board had received a $5000 payment from Park Mammoth for back taxes, and that the ordinance and pending agreement with the resort was still being worked out. She also reported that Blue Holler Off Road Park was currently behind on their taxes. She said the park had been sent several late notices.

County Clerk Kevin Alexander reported that the issue of re-opening the Wingfield Firehouse for voting purposes would hopefully be voted on in January. He also said there was an issue where many Rocky Hill residents don't feel comfortable with voting at the Community Church at Cedar Springs, but logistically, the district was limited with other options. He said the entire purpose of the Election Board was to do everything possible to make voting easier for Edmonson County residents, and that was what it intended to do.

Police also reported that while in custody, Woosley was very belligerent and was shouting and shaking profusely. Officers said Woosley admitted to "shooting-up" Heroin before getting in the vehicle.

Woosley was later taken to the Medical Center at Bowling Green by Edmonson EMS, in the custody of Butler County Sheriff's Office. Woosely will face charges in Butler county including but not limited to, DUI, Fleeing or Evading 1st degree, Wanton Endangerment 1st degree, and multiple theft and burglary charges.

In Edmonson County, Woosley will face charges of Fleeing or Evading 1st (motor vehicle and on foot), eight counts of Receiving Stolen Property (firearm), one count of Receiving Stolen Property (motor vehicle), Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm, and Criminal Mischief 1st degree, for the damage to the crop field.

Warren RECC are warning Edmonson County customers of an attempted phone scam. 
 
Businesses in Butler and Warren Counties were targeted yesterday by a woman speaking in broken English and identifying herself as Lisa. She told them they will be disconnected in 30 minutes if they didn't pay over the phone with a credit card. Caller IDs list the same number, 866-790-5559.

WRECC Director of Communications Rick Carroll says it's a new attempt at an old game.  "Warren RECC employees never call to obtain a payment over the phone," he said.

If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from WRECC requesting money or personal information, hang up and call them back directly at 270-842-6541 to report. As always, if something seems off or too good to be true, it probably is.

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, December 21, 2015. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty, presiding.

Steven L Todd, Speeding 20mph over limit. Possess open alcohol beverage container in a motor vehicle. Instructional permit violations. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference 2-16-16.

Donald P York, Leaving scene of accident/failure to render aid or assistance. Failure to issue insurance card. Pleaded not guilty to both charges. Pretrial conference 1-5-16.

Robert W. Gregory, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, 1st offense. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 3-29-16.

Raymond D Perdue, Illegal take/pursue deer/wild turkey (2 counts). Order signed. Pretrial diverted for two years.

Michael A Denzik, Speeding 16pmh over limit. Pleaded guilty. Fined $32. Failure to produce insurance card, proof shown, dismissed. Failure to notify address change to dept of transportation. Proof shown, dismissed. Total costs and fines $175.

Jesse N Tomes, Speeding 15mph over limit. Failure to produce insurance card. Continued for 1-5-16.

Randy C Garrett, No/expired registration plates. Proof shown, dismissed. No/expired KY registration receipt. Proof shown, dismissed. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st. Pleaded guilty, fined $500, $450 suspended-- proof of current insurance shown. Failure to notify address change to dept of transportation, proof shown, dismissed. Total fines and costs $193.

Dacoyte W Richards, Speeding 16mph over limit, order signed. Failure to notify address change to dept of transportation. Proof shown, dismissed. Failure to register transfer of motor vehicle, proof shown, dismissed. 

Tyler S Coy, Speeding 21mph over limit. Agreed order.

Edmonson Voice Staff
photos courtesy of Josh Jones
Police responded to a strange series of events yesterday at an accident in Bee Spring that resulted in three damaged vehicles and a demolished sign, apparently due a driver not feeling well from a dental appointment.

Police said Tanya Winburn, 33, Brownsville, was traveling south on 259 when she veered off the road in a 1999 Dodge Intrepid and struck the front of a 2012 Toyota Camry, driven by Michael Saling, 35, Bee Spring, who was preparing to turn on 259 from Cedar Grove Church Road.

Police said that according to Saling, Winburn exchanged insurance and personal information with Saling and left the scene because she wasn't feeling well. 

Reports also showed that only a half mile down the road, Winburn's vehicle once again left the highway, this time, crashing into the display sign for Beach House Work Out and Tanning Center. Police said Winburn continued on, entering the parking lot of Jones and Gravil Tax Service, where her car finally came to rest after crashing into a parked car, owned by Anna Martin, 22. 

Police reported that Winburn said she was returning from a dental appointment where she had six teeth removed. Multiple field sobriety tests were given, but police reported that no clues of intoxication were given at the scene. 

No charges were filed and no injuries were reported.  KSP also responded to the scene.

Edmonson Voice Staff
A Bee Spring man who was out on bond for previous drug charges was arrested today when he tried smuggling someone else's urine in an attempt to pass a drug test. 

According to standard practice, the Commonwealth Attorney can request random drug testing for offenders out on bond that have to reappear in court. During Monday's court motion day at the Edmonson County Courthouse, a drug test was required for Vernon Jeffery Patton, 53, of Bee Spring. 

Edmonson Voice Staff
The Edmonson County Ambulance Service recently hosted two training sessions. The PEPP (Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals) training was conducted on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and was presented by Air Methods.  Staff from Edmonson County Ambulance Service as well as Hart County EMS and Mammoth Cave National Park participated in the 16 hour training.

On Dec. 7 and 8 PHTLS (Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support) training was presented by Air-Evac Lifeteam.  Staff from Edmonson County Ambulance Service, Barren-Metcalfe EMS, Mammoth Cave National Park, Air-Evac, and University of Louisville Hospital took part in the two day training program.

“Edmonson County Ambulance Service is fortunate to be able to present both of these training programs," said EMS Director Keith Sanders. "It's through our good working relationship with both air medical services that we were able to bring this training to Edmonson County.  We want to provide our residents with the best possible care and these types of training programs help to insure that.”