Edmonson County Circuit Court Clerk Tanya Hodges has released a special statement regarding the process of jury duty summons' in Edmonson County:

​"Dear Edmonson County residents,

As you may know, when court cases require a jury here in the Edmonson County Courthouse, our office has to request a jury panel from Frankfort. I, nor anyone in our office has any control as to whom is mailed a jury summons. We simply request a certain amount of names, and then the names are randomly selected from a database stored in Frankfort.

It has come to our attention that several families are still receiving summons' in the name of a deceased loved one. We know this is frustrating, and sometimes painful. We deeply apologize for these incidents and we are working hard to keep this from happening in the future. 

A new jury panel is currently being selected and the summons' have been mailed out. Again, we do not select these names locally, but we ask that if you or a family member receive a summons for someone who has passed, to please contact our office immediately so that we can notify Frankfort in order to remove that name from the database. 

We are here to serve you with respect and dignity, and we deeply care about our responsibilities, our credibility, but most importantly, you, the people of Edmonson County. Please contact our office with any needs for our services, it is our pleasure to serve you. Thank you so much."

Respectfully submitted,
Tanya Hodges
Edmonson County Circuit Court Clerk
270-597-2584

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
The Edmonson County Fiscal Court approved County Clerk Kevin Alexander and Sheriff Shane Doyle's budgets for 2017. Sheriff Doyle said he's been working on next year's budget for several months in an attempt to make some much needed improvements which include new police cruisers. We will have full details in an upcoming article where Sheriff Doyle will break down the budget in detail. He said he'd like to explain how it will help his department better serve the needs of Edmonson County.

Although the motion to approve both budgets passed unanimously, Magistrate Joe Durbin said he wanted to go on record as saying he felt like the sheriff was asking for too much in his budget, although he would not vote against it. ​

Road Report: Foreman Ray Page reported on various jobs his department was handling throughout the county and said the new speed limit signs would be installed and finished soon.

Jailer Report: Jailer Hank Vincent reported that the county was currently responsible for eighteen inmates, two of which that had recent hospital visits. The county is responsible for payment of all medical expenses of county inmates while in custody. He discussed how medical expenses for inmates that don’t need medical attention are still a problem for the county. 

Parks & Rec Report: Administrator Greg Hudson said that the little league basketball program is in full swing; this Saturday will be final game for 2016 as the league will take Christmas break. He also announced that the department had received a letter from water deptartment stating that the park may have water leak at Chalybeate. Parks Director A.B. Webb was scheduled to check on that today.

Construction Bill Postponed Again: No representative from Starnes Construction was present at today's meeting to discuss an outstanding excavation bill that has now become an ongoing issue. Magistrates agreed to postpone payment again, giving the company another opportunity to appear in court and discuss.

Chamber and Tourism Director Rhonda Clemmons reported that Tom Houchin will be stepping down from the Chamber of Commerce due to health reasons. She also reminded the court of the current Chamber promotion "Shop EC," a gift certificate purchase program for all chamber businesses.

The court also:

• Appointed Ronnie Brooks to Planning Commission Board
• Approved County Holidays for 2017
• Approved ACE Hardware credit card for Parks & Rec: although Parks & Rec buys locally at Sun Valley Feed Mill, ACE is a service provider for some of the county's power equipment
• Approved Sheriff Office tax reports, franchise tax reports, and fee reports for November 2016 (pending final audit)
• Approved County Treasurer report
• Approved KCJEA/KMA Association Conferences, 2017

​
The court concluded the public meeting by going into closed session to discuss litigation regarding the ongoing animal shelter lawsuit.

The next fiscal court meeting has been changed to Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 9am due to the regularly scheduled meeting conflicting with the upcoming Christmas holiday.

Darren Doyle, story
Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Patrick Waddell says a Facebook post from the account of someone named Mark Allen Johnson claiming an Edmonson County school bus driver was consuming alcohol on the job is completely false.

The post has been shared almost 1000 times at the time of this article. 

Supt. Waddell said the Edmonson County Board of Education received a phone call from Johnson around 10AM yesterday that accused the bus driver of parking a county school bus at Chuck Evans Liquor on Louisville Road. According to Waddell, the caller said he saw the driver go into the liquor store and come out with a package. Waddell said the caller then claimed he saw the driver consume alcohol while sitting in the bus. The superintendent said the caller also told the board that he had photos and video of the incident.

"I was on a conference call when the board secretary came in my office and told me what was going on," said Waddell. "I ended my phone call and within one minute or less I had made contact with our bus garage, had contacted the driver, and we had a plan in place."

That plan, according to Mr. Waddell, was to immediately suspend the driver and ordered the driver to cease her duties on the spot. A replacement driver, school officials, and Edmonson County Sheriff School Resource Officer Jeff Brooks responded immediately and soon arrived at the site of the bus, which was parked at the Subway next door, not Chuck Evans, according to Waddell.

"The driver was eating a Subway sandwich and drinking a Sprite," said Waddell. "The driver also denied consuming any alcohol but was immediately transported to our driver training facility to undergo an immediate alcohol test, as per school policy. The test will show whether or not any type of alcohol or drugs have been consumed over the past 24 hours and the test came back negative. Had there been any indication of a positive result, the driver would have been put in law enforcement custody for a breathalizer and other tests, but that did not happen."

Edmonson Voice Staff:
Third grade students at South Edmonson Elementary have been reading and discussing a children's book entitled "Aero and Officer Mike," by Joan Plummer Russell, which is the story of an officer's bond with his K-9 Unit and how they work together to help the community. While the teachers say the kids have enjoyed the book, there's nothing like experiencing the real thing in person.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office let the kids see a real life officer and K-9 in action as Deputy Jordan Jones, Tango, and Detective Wally Ritter amazed the students with Tango's abilities.

"The kids were ecstactic," said teacher Mrs. Jessica Doyle. "It was probably the most exciting program we've had all year."

Mrs. Jessica said that Deputy Jones placed a scented training material inside one of several boxes and left the area while the students hid the box from Tango. When Jones and Tango returned, Tango quickly found the hidden box and he was rewarded with his ball, Tango's favorite toy.

While the kids cheered on Tango for finding the box, Mrs. Jessica said their favorite part was when Tango was instructed to "get the bad guy," played by Det. Ritter.

"Detective Ritter put on a protective sleeve while Deputy Jones told Tango that he was a bad guy," said Mrs. Jessica. "Deputy Jones gave the detective some instructions but he didn't follow them. When Tango received the command, he quickly ran down Det. Ritter and bit him on the arm, protected by the sleeve, of course. The kids loved it!"

All third grade classes attended the program. The classes are taught by Mrs. Lesley Spainhoward, Mrs. Ashlee Webb, and Mrs. Jessica Doyle.

​We were very pleased to see some of our younger residents get involved this year. Big thanks to the members of the Girls Middle School basketball team who showed up to shop and also a very big thanks to coaches and members of the Edmonson County Boys Baseball who were waiting for us in Brownsville to unload all the bags and then helped to place all other items like shoes and additional toys in each bag. They all made our night much easier.

Another big thanks goes to Shane Elmore who donated the Old School Activity Center, as its the only place big enough to store all our bags before delivery.

On Monday, Dec. 5th bags were handed out to Lifeskills, Community Action, and Community Center Day Care. Later that afternoon, 49 families came to the Activity Center to pick up their items.

​Everyone at Santa Secret Hands is very appreciative of all the volunteer and help we received this year. Hopefully with all the support we have received this will keep going for many years to come.

Sincerely, 
Everyone at Santa's Secret Hands

Edmonson Voice Staff Report
This week, Kentucky’s House Republican Majority Caucus announced its slate of members poised to chair House committees for the 2017-2018 sessions of the Kentucky General Assembly.

District 19 Representative Michael Lee Meredith (R) was named chair of the House Local Government Committee, which deals with all of the issues and intricacies involving county and city governments in the state. 

"I'm excited about the opportunity," said Rep. Meredith. "My roots are in local government. I've served on this committee for 6 years, served 2 years as a city coucilmember in Brownsville prior to being elected to the House and have been around local government here since I was a kid.  The relationships that I have with County and City officials in our area and across the state along with the experience I've had will be invaluable in this new role.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report
A group of Bowling Green teens apparently looking for the address of a girl they met on the popular social media app Snapchat knocked on the door of the wrong house and are now facing marijuana charges after a car chase with the neighbor.

Local businessman Jeff Jacobs of Jacob's Home Furnishings said he got a call from the babysitter at his neighboring family member's house around 10pm last night. According to Jacobs, the babysitter said someone was ringing the doorbell, knocking on the doors, and looking in the windows and the sitter became frightened.

Jacobs said as he drove to the house he saw a car doing a donut in the yard before it took off and Jacobs followed as he called 911 to report the incident.

Jacobs said that he caught up with the vehicle and someone got out and one of the boys started walking toward him. 

"I was on the phone with dispatch at the time," he said. "I wanted to keep them informed of what I was doing and make sure I had the right to defend myself and here comes this guy toward me. I told him, 'if you keep coming toward me and I can't see what you're doing, I'll shoot.' The guy got back in the car and they took off again. I didn't know who these guys were or what they were doing."

​Soon after, KSP and an Edmonson County Sheriff's Deputy caught up with the car and made a traffic stop where they found two juveniles and two eighteen year olds. After investigating, they reportedly found several grams of marijuana, scales, and $1000 in cash. ​

Kentucky State Police arrested one of the unnamed men on an outstanding warrant from Warren County.

James Cameron Fitts, (18) of Bowling Green was charged with Trafficking in marijuana <8oz-first offense, Possession of marijuana, and Possession of drug paraphernalia. One of the juveniles was charged for the same offenses.

Sheriff Shane Doyle said the boys told officials that they didn't even know the girl they were trying to locate, who they said was 17 years old.

"This is why we continue to encourage parents to stay involved with your children's lives and their friends," he said. "We can't confirm what these teens were planning on doing, but when you have four boys with that much marijuana and cash looking for a teenage girl they don't even know, it's not good."

He also pointed out that one of the boys also put himself in danger of being shot, all because he knocked on the wrong door.

"Citizens have a right to protect themselves," Doyle said. "Of course there are specific circumstances, but Mr. Jacobs did the right thing by warning the boy of his intention and luckily, a tragedy was avoided."

Edmonson Voice Staff Report
The Edmonson Voice was honored as the recipient of the Edmonson County Industrial Authority's 2016 "Business of the Year" on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at the organization's annual dinner at Mammoth Cave Hotel.

The online news network started in September of 2014 and it's popularity quickly skyrocketed, becoming the leading local news and information provider in Edmonson County with over 20,000 weekly readers.

Industrial Authority Board Member and retired Judge Executive N.E. Reed presented the award to owner, publisher, and editor Darren Doyle.

Doyle attended the dinner to cover the event but had no knowledge of the award until it was announced.

"I've never really been big on trophies or plaques, but it's nice to know that people have taken notice in what we're trying to do, especially a respected organization like the Industrial Authority," Doyle said. "We didn't know how the idea of an online news network would be accepted in Edmonson County, but it took off much faster than we ever expected. We're truly grateful for this award and we're proud to have the opportunity to do what we do."

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Yahagi American Molding, INC. or YAMI, was presented "Industry of the Year" at the annual Edmonson County Industrial Authority dinner last night at Mammoth Cave Hotel.

Located in the Edmonson County Industrial Park, the company specializes in the manufacturing of plastic injection molded automotive parts and components. The facility employees around 35 people and has seen near 1000% growth since moving into the current location in Edmonson County in 2003.

Receiving the "New Industry of the Year" was Nemesis Arms, Inc, also located in the Edmonson County Industrial Park. 

Owned by California natives David and Kathleen Ives, the company manufactures their own line of tactical rifles and shooting accessories. They are also patent holders of a revolutionary bolt action design that gives both right-handed and left-handed shooters the ability to use the same rifle.

Darren Doyle, story and photo
Dale "Doc" and Sarah Gray were presented the Edmonson County Industrial Authority's Lifetime Achievement Award" last night during the organization's annual dinner held at Mammoth Cave Hotel.

Doc Gray was also the keynote speaker who discussed his love for God, his wife Sarah, and the people of Edmonson County.

Dr. Gray accepted the award on behalf of Mrs. Gray who was unable to attend due to illness.

The award was presented as a 'thank you' for the Gray's lifetime of leadership and commitment to Edmonson County. The Grays moved into the Hill home at the site of Chalybeate Springs in 1958. Dr. Gray practiced chiropractics there until going back to school to become a teacher, where he was hired at ECHS in 1969 as an art instructor.

He then served many years as the school's guidance counselor, years that he said "were the best years of my life." He gave several examples of helping young people through their problems, whether they were fights at school or using his own car to transport students to visit colleges or tech schools. 

Mrs. Sarah Gray, a community staple with the Bank of Edmonson County, worked for 50 years helping people with loans to purchase their first homes, cars, businesses, and farms. 

N.E. Reed, Industrial Authority member who introduced the award said, "There's probably not anyone here that either you, your parents, or grandparents haven't been affected in a positive way by Doc and Sarah."

Dr. Gray, who helped start both the football and golf program at ECHS in 1970 said he was also thankful for all the small country churches that covered Edmonson County.

"I go up and down the road and see them," he said. "I think to myself, hey, there's good people in there, and that's what makes Edmonson County great, it's the people."

As Doc concluded his remarks, he was grateful for the award, but took no credit for himself.

"I thank the Industrial Authority for this, but it's not people like me that make Edmonson County what it is today, it's people like you," he said as he pointed to the crowd.

"You and your families have meant so much to me over the years," he said holding back tears. "It's not what I've done for you, you all don't realize what you've done for me. God Bless all of you."

Edmonson Voice Staff Report
The Warren County Sheriff's Department has reported that an injury collision at 10438 Kentucky Hwy 185 claimed the life of a Brownsville man on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 around 4:30pm.

Officials said a 2002 Hyundai Accent operated by Joey Vincent (57 of Brownsville) entered into the oncoming lane of a 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche operated by John Staugaitis (45 of Brownsville). According to the report, Vincent succumbed to his injuries sustained in the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Warren County Coroners Office.

Authorities said that Staugaitis was transported by ambulance to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries. It was also reported that an accident reconstructionist was called to assist in the investigation.

Assisting the Warren County Sheriff's Office at the scene was the Richardsville Fire Department, along with the Bowling Green Fire Department, and Medical Center EMS.

Speed is not believed to be a factor at this time and the investigation is on-going.

Darren Doyle, story:
Since leaving the Barren River Drug Task Force in September of 2014, the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office has been under the magnifying glass by some and has been asked the question, "Can you really fight drugs here without being in the Drug Task Force?"

The county exited the DTF under the direction of then Sheriff Wil Cannon, now Judge Executive, who went on record saying he felt like the large majority of drug arrests in the county were being made by his office. He wanted to leave the DTF, take the money the county was spending on a DTF officer's salary and other resources (he said between $45K and $60K per year), and invest it solely in a local officer that wouldn't have to be shared with two other counties.

The fiscal court voted to leave the DTF and the Sheriff's Office did exactly what Cannon had suggested under the leadership Sheriff Shane Doyle, who took office in January of 2015.

"The officers that worked through the task force did a good job while they were here, but since we departed from the organization, we feel that we have better officers who have a better understanding of our county and the culture that comes with it," said Doyle.

He also said that having educated and trained local deputies allow his department to better focus on the issues in Edmonson County.

"We don't have to share our officers with other counties and deal with issues that aren't related to our problems here. Our office is working harder than ever to fight drugs in Edmonson County and we're getting results. We now have the obvious benefit of keeping all the drug asset forfeitures here. We invest it back into our program for better equipment and resources for our own people to fight the drugs that affect our own people."

So, what's the difference? Doyle said being able to keep drug asset forfeitures in the county has allowed his office to purchase new surveillance equipment, new computers, vehicle equipment, tasers, radios, and training classes. 

He said the total amount of seized money that came back to the sheriff's office from 2005-2014 was only $6,000; however, this year alone has brought in over $18,000; 85% of which stays with his office, the rest goes to the state.

Doyle said his office has recently been able to use the funds to invest in new backup weapons for his entire team, something that simply would not have been possible before.

The addition of a new K-9 unit, "Tango," has already yielded several drug arrests. Although Tango was purchased through community and business donations, the sheriff said it's just another example of how local resources work better when they stay in-county.

"I'm not sure if people thought we wouldn't or couldn't make drug arrests if we left the DTF, but the truth is, this office has always been effective with fighting drugs," he said. "We don't have any problem with the DTF, as it's a necessary organization. We just felt that we could do better concentrating our resources here instead of pooling them, and that's proven out. We're still not satisfied because we still have drugs here, so there's nowhere to stop, but we'll keep on fighting them."

by Darren Doyle, Editor:
The horrible fires that ripped through Gatlinburg, TN over the past week are now gone and the aftermath and clean up has begun. Most people don't give tons of thought to firefighters until they're needed, and the need for brave men and women to battle the Tennessee fires were obviously emmense.

Recently, local firefighters have been in the public eye for other reasons and it's been unfortunate for our county, our fire departments, and the many selfless volunteer firefighters and emergency workers that Edmonson County so desperately needs. 

As I've said before, I've followed our local firefighters around many times and at all hours of the night, and from what I've seen, they all need to be applauded and appreciated. 

As the awful Gatlinburg fires began to consume homes, property, beautiful landscapes, and lives, Pigeon Forge fire officials reached out to the Kentucy Fire Commission for help. No one knew what would be the outcome of these horrible fires and Tennessee needed a back up plan.

In turn, the KY Fire Commission began reaching out to local fire departments across Kentucky and they quickly got an answer from right here in Edmonson County.

Firefighters from four different departments, Kyrock, Chalybeate, Wingfield, and Brownsville volunteered their manpower, equipment, and most importantly, their time and effort to make the trip to Gatlinburg, TN and join the fight in the blaze that would eventually claim eleven lives.

They were placed on standby and were ready and waiting should they receive the call. Luckily, for all involved, rainfall came to the area, greatly aiding the fire fight and the Edmonson County volunteers were notified that they wouldn't be needed.

Not only should these departments (and the rest of Edmonson County fire departments) be appreciated by the folks here in our county for their willingness to leave their families, homes, and jobs to help others in another state, but also for being ready to help us right here, everyday, and every night.

We here at the Edmonson Voice tip our caps to all our firefighters, police officers, emergency workers, and other volunteers for all you do. We wouldn't do very well without you. We also encourage all our readers to thank these men and women the next time you see them.

Emergency situations are never good, but things get a little better when these folks arrive on the scene. For that, we say "thank you."

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, November 29, 2016. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty Presiding. 

Charles W. Lindsey, Failure to produce insurance card. Pleaded guilty, fined $50. Failure to surrender revoked operator's license. Pleaded guilty, sentenced to 30 days in jail. Operating on suspended/revoked license. Pleaded guilty, sentenced to 90 days in jail, served concurrently with 30 day sentence. Total fines and costs, $218.

Brittany H. Nunn, Operating on suspended/revoked license. Failed to appear, $250 bench warrant issued.

Ryan Colbert Alvey, Possession of controlled substance-first degree-meth-first offense. Drug paraphernalia. Pleaded not guilty to both charges. Pretrial hearing 12/6/16.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report
A Bee Spring woman was arrested and charged with DUI earlier today after her vehicle was located as a result of a reckless driving complaint in Brownsville.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office said they located the vehicle in question, driven by Rhonda Kugler, (59) at the Edmonson County 5/6 Center after she apparently dropped off her grandchild for school.

​Officials said that the odor of alcohol was very obvious in addition to other signs of impairment when standard field sobriety tests were administered. Authorities also reported that Kugler blew over twice the legal limit on an intoxilizer.
​
Kugler was charged with Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alc/drugs (2nd offense) (Aggravated Circumstances) and two counts of Wanton Endangerment 1st degree, due to Kugler transporting childen in the vehicle.

Kugler was lodged in Hart County jail.

by Darren Doyle:
It's a little known fact, but according to recent film directors from networks like the Hallmark Channel and Lifetime Network, Kentucky is tied with Georgia as the least expensive place to film a movie production in the United States.

At the recent introductory meeting regarding the inception of a new local film commission attended by Edmonson County Tourism Director Rhonda Clemmons, the Hart County Fiscal Court discussed the positive impact from recent productions, as movies from the popular cable networks have recently been filmed there.

​​According to Clemmons, Hart County Judge Executive Terry Martin is leading the charge to encourage more of the film industry to set up shop in Hart and surrounding counties. She said Judge Martin has been a key factor in creating the "South Central Kentucky Film Commission," which will be an organization to promote film production and to incorporate the production process into the local economy. 
​
"The operations of the newly organized SCKYFC include a part-time associate that will recruit film projects and be a clearing house of business resources that are needed to any production company looking to create a film such as: movie extras, electricians, carpenters, beauticians, makeup artists, horse rental, buggy rental, catering, film sites, and a host of other products and services that are also necessary," said Clemmons.