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Edmonson County's Number One Source For Local News and Information
 A water rescue in Alexander Creek with Edmonson County emergency personnel. The Edmonson Voice works hard to provide our own photographs with the articles you read. Taken by News Director Darren Doyle, staff photographer and reporter Moriah Peterson, and sports photographers Madison and Alyssa Doyle, we hope you enjoy a slideshow of some of the most impactful photos our staff has taken throughout 2019.  Here is a sports photo slideshow from 2019: 
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 It was another great year for the Edmonson Voice as we continue to take pride in being the number one local news and info provider for Edmonson County with nearly 2 million visits to our site in 2019. Here are the top 10 most viewed articles according to Edmonsonvoice.com analytics for 2019. 10. Accidental Shooting Results In Teen Death 9. Bee Spring Man Facing Multiple Felonies After Traffic Stop, Scuffle 8. Two Vehicle Collision Results in Multiple Fatalities 7. SUV Flips Over Guardrail: Couple Sent To Hospital 6. Driver, Passenger, and Engine Ejected From Vehicle In Crash 5. Nolin Dam Road Fatality: One Deceased, Another In Critical Condition 4. Shooting At Moutardier Marina Area: Suspect On The Run, Victim in Critical Condition 3. Fire Claims Laura's Hilltop Restaurant 2. Two Car Collision Claims Life Of Local Teen 1. Child Dies As Result Of Water Accident: Mother Charged With Murder  Update: 12/31/19: Cedar Grove Church Road area was reopened at 9:20 AM. The other roads still remain closed at this time, which now include Oak Hill Rd at Alexander Creek.  The Edmonson County Judge Executive's Office has announced the following roads are closed in the areas of flooded bridges:
  We'll be taking some time off throughout the holidays to reflect on the season with our families. We are very thankful to be able to be the number one provider of local news and information in our hometown. Thank you for your continued support!
May your days be merry and bright, and we wish you a very safe and wonderful Christmas season. May God continue to bless all of Edmonson County. --from the entire Voice staff Richardson Indicted By Grand Jury: Murder, Assault, Plus Wanton Endangerment For First Responders12/20/2019
 Alexandra Richardson, (28), Wingfield. Alexandra Richardson was formally indicted by and Edmonson County Grand Jury yesterday on the following charges:
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. We'll have the complete indictment report from the latest grand jury at a later time. Total Loan Is For Half Million, Edmonson County Cosigned Portion is $20,000  Dr. Donald Butler, Interim Executive Director of Community Action of Southern KY speaks at Edmonson County fiscal court. Darren Doyle, story and photo: Edmonson County Fiscal Court voted to cosign a portion of a loan for Community Action of Southern Kentucky. Each county in the ten-county BRADD area is being asked to cosign a portion of a $500,000 loan in accordance to each county's population of services provided by CASOKY. Edmonson County's portion is $20K of the full amount. Warren County, for example, was being asked for a much higher cosigned amount of 43%, or $215,000. CASOKY provides public transportation in Warren County, known as "GO BG Transit." The non-profit organization is borrowing the funds as a result of what board members said was poor management in the past, which has caused the shortfall. Former Executive Director Melissa Weaver was hired as CASOKY's in December 2014 and remained in the role until she was replaced in 2018 by current director, Dr. Donald Butler, who now serves as interim director. Dr. Butler spoke to the fiscal court today and discussed the plan to pay back the money, which included the sale of properties and fund raising efforts. County Attorney Greg Vincent asked if Dr. Butler ever provided a written plan to the court as previously requested, or if he could do so today. Dr. Butler said he had no written plan to present but he thought the plan was understood by him going on record today and explaining a portion of that plan in person. He said his word was good enough to stand and that the CASOKY Executive Board would see that the plan is carried out in the event he is replaced by another director. Currently, CASOKY serves Edmonson County by providing heating bill assistance, commodities, delivered meals to seniors, and the head start program. Judge Cannon said he was in favor of taking a chance on the program and cosigning for the $20K worth. As the loan balance drops, the liability for the county drops as well. Magistrate Mark Meeks made the motion to approve the resolution and Mag. Edd Rich seconded. The motion passed unanimously.  Various county offices gave reports to the court: Road Report: County Road Supervisor Greg Carroll reported that all four bridges that are flood prone in the county had been under water earlier in the week and that currently Willie Webb road is the only one still under water. He said crews had been working on ditching and mowing some right-of-ways throughout the county and there were several drainage tiles to be installed. He also reported the county's new patching machine/training for its operation will be underway soon. Sheriff's Report: Sheriff Shane Doyle reported a grand jury meeting yesterday, and that county inmate numbers were going up soon. He said his office presented a shooting (attempted murder) and the recent death of baby due to a drowning. He also gave report on his recently injured shoulder, which resulted in a torn labrum after an altercation with a subject on the run. He's undergone physical therapy for 7 weeks but a shoulder specialist says surgery is likely in January. He would likely be in a sling for 4-6 weeks, and 2 months of very limited physical activity. He said this would be a major problem with the short staffing he's already facing. He also presented a proposed budget for 2020, which includes funding requests for a new deputy and raises for his existing personnel. He discussed some of the needs and other options, and mentioned several costs that his office cannot control, such as an 89% increase in retirement over the past 5 years and a 95% increase in health insurance. He also noted that 26% of the total county budget went to fund Wil Cannon's last year as sheriff, while the general fund is only covering 23% of Doyle's. He said it was unfair for his deputies to put in the work they do and not get paid what they deserve. “They work hard, they need to get paid," he said. His budget will be voted upon later. The Jailer Report showed 24 county inmates currently housed at Hart County Jail. Magistrates also voted to:
The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.   Photo of one of the barricades currently used when flooding over county bridges occur. Officials Discuss Possible Knee-Jerk Reaction Darren Doyle, story and photo: The discussion for the potential of installing locking gates for four county bridges continued today at the Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting. While no vote was held, a range of ideas and opinions were shared among magistrates and county officials. As of this morning, Willie Webb Road was still closed due to recent flooding. Earlier in the week, Alexander Creek, Blackgold Road, and Cedar Grove Church Road bridges were all underwater and portions of those roads were closed. During the last fiscal court meeting, Sheriff Shane Doyle brought up the idea and shared his thoughts on being in favor of researching the possibilities for locking gates at the flooded areas. The conversation continued today with Judge Wil Cannon stating that as far as his knowledge, there was no other county or state road in KY that had a locking gate on it. Magistrate Johnny Brooks asked about the possibility of installing gates that remained unlocked. County Road Supervisor Greg Carroll said his opinion was that the barricades currently used by the county have been used all of the 19 years he's been with the road department and the recent accident was the first fatality in all those years. He read from a statement that described how the county had already closed the road and had the barricade in place at the time of the recent accident, and that the woman involved not only ignored the barricade, but chose to drive around it and into the flooded waters. He added that county road crews did not have the available manpower to monitor the gates 24/7. Judge Cannon said he believed that the barricades were still the best option and that maybe instead of using the current barricades, which take up at least one driving lane, extending them to cover the entire roadway, which would cause someone to have to drive off-road to go around them. Magistrate Mark Meeks said he had received several calls in District 1 in favor of the locking gates. Sheriff Doyle continued his support for the locking gates by stating he realized there was no perfect solution, and that he understood locking gates could pose emergency situation problems. "If a gate delays my response time by 5 minutes or so, yes, that would matter," he said. "But I'd rather work around a 5 minute delay than a 4-hour water rescue, and I believe a locking gate could prevent that." The Sheriff also noted that he didn't feel the manpower necessary to monitor gates would be any more than what is already necessary to monitor the barricades. Edmonson EMS Director Keith Sanders said he didn't want the county to make a "knee-jerk reaction," which was also echoed by Supervisor Carroll and Emergency Management Director Terry Massey. "I'd like the county to research all available options," he said. "But I'd rather work an emergency call from someone running into a gate than driving through the water." Magistrate Edd Rich said locals are the ones that know the roads which are cut-through routes anyway. People not familiar with the flooded areas aren't likely to drive those routes anyway, as they're mainly used for cut-through roads. EM Director Massey said he realized the gates would be a hassle, but they might save a life. He also suggested installing PVC pipes at each of the bridges that would show the water depth in the event of flooding. "We could install the pipes with reflective markers on them showing the depth of the water," he said. "If someone drives to the water and can see that it's two-foot deep, they're not likely going to continue driving through it. People drive through the water because they think they can make it. If they know they can't, this might be an option." Judge Cannon said he'd like to continue the conversation after more cost research is conducted and officials have longer to discuss viable options. No vote was held on the matter.   2003 Chevy Trailblazer driven by Jacob Staten, (19), Ohio. Edmonson Voice Staff Report: An Ohio man was air lifted to the hospital after a single vehicle accident yesterday afternoon, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office. Deputies said they responded to 1357 Ollie Ridge Road around 4:30pm on December 19, 2019 in response to a single vehicle accident near the Great Onyx Job Corps. According to the Sheriff's Office, Jacob Staten, (19) a resident of Ohio, was traveling on Ollie Ridge Rd when his 2003 Chevy Trailblazer left the roadway due to an undetermined reason. Deputies said Staten over-corrected and collided with a tree. The driver had to be extricated from the vehicle by Kyrock JAWS. He was then air lifted to University of Louisville Hospital for unknown injuries, according to the Sheriff's Office. Lincoln Fire Department, Brownsville Fire Department, and Edmonson EMS also responded to the scene.   Select Special License Plates To Require Mandatory Donation Edmonson Voice Staff Report: Administrative and pricing changes are ahead for the special license plate program to comply with legislative changes made during the spring General Assembly. At the end of December, the Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing will begin implementing House Bill 341’s modifications to two statutes governing special license plates – the state’s optional license plates manufactured for 44 approved non-profit organizations. Effective Monday, Dec. 30, motorists purchasing or renewing select special license plates at county clerk offices will be required to pay a $10 charitable donation to the organization represented on the requested plate. Currently, $10 donations are optional. This change impacts 29 special license plates administered under KRS 186.164 to enforce the original intention of the bill. The majority of special license plates created under KRS 186.162, such as military plates, university/collegiate plates and nature plates, already have a donation requirement that will not change once the new legislation takes effect. The 29 organizational plates with a new donation requirement are : Alzheimer’s Awareness, Autism Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness, Kentucky Chiropractic Association, Choose Life, WHAS Crusade 4 Children, Curing Childhood Cancer, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Kentucky Firefighter Association, Friends of Coal, Juvenile Diabetes, Keeneland Association, KEEP Foundation, Kentucky Colonel, Kentucky Dental Association, Kentucky Library Association, League of Kentucky Sportsmen, Linemen, Louisville Zoo, Masonic Order of KY, Norton Children’s Hospital, Quail Unlimited, Rock Cares, Ryder Cup, Share The Road, Smallmouth Bass, Trust for Life, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. New fees for the 29 special license plates, including the required $10 donation, will be $44 at initial purchase and $44 at annual registration renewal. Currently, the cost is $44 at initial purchase including donation and $31 at annual registration renewal including donation. HB 341 adjusted state license fees for initial purchases and renewals causing new pricing to reflect these totals. The bill also brings administrative changes for organizations requesting plates. Approved organizations will be required to maintain a minimum of 500 registrations annually for the Cabinet to continue production of their plate design. A list of all special license plates offered is available here.   Kevin R. Allen, age 46, of Bowling Green Edmonson Voice Staff Report: Kentucky State Police Post 3 in Bowling Green reported that on December 18, 2019 at 11:38 AM, they received a call stating two inmates had escaped custody of the Allen County Sheriff’s Department during a transport in Warren County. Kevin R. Allen and Matthew W. Hicks escaped custody on Kentucky Street near East 6th Street in Bowling Green, according to KSP. One escapee Kevin R. Allen, age 46, of Bowling Green, is a white male, with brown hair that has been dyed blond, brown eyes, approximately 5’09” tall, and weighs approximately 150 pounds. KSP reported that after escaping custody, Allen stole a GMC truck that has since been located. Allen was last seen near Veterans Memorial Lane close to the area of Russell Sims Aquatic Center. The other escapee, Matthew W. Hicks, age 35, of Smiths Grove, was located shortly after escaping custody and arrested by the Bowling Green Police Department, according to KSP. Yesterday, KSP reported that an inmate had walked away from a work release program near Scottsville Road and Oliver Street in Warren County, identified as Michael B. Lane, age 36, of Bowling Green, KY. Lane is a white male, with brown hair, brown eyes, approximately 5’10” tall, and weighs approximately 175 pounds. Lane was last seen wearing black pants and a black shirt. If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Kevin Allen or Michael Lane, please contact Kentucky State Police Post 3 at 270-782-2010 or by Text a Tip via the Kentucky State Police App. Callers may remain anonymous.   Photo of the stolen 2003 Yamaha Bruin ATV Edmonson Voice Staff Report: The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office has reported that a 2003 Yamaha Bruin ATV was stolen from Kyrock Road in the Sweeden community sometime in the last few days. The Sheriff’s Office asks for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area, sees an ATV that matches the corresponding photo, or has any information about the theft, to please call local dispatch at 270-597-2729 (reports can be given anonymously).   Darren Doyle, story: The Edmonson County Judge Executive's Office has announced that all four county bridges prone to flooding are under water and the roads at those bridges are closed. They are: 1.) Alexander Creek 2.) Cedar Grove 3.) Grassland - Blackgold 4.) Willie Webb Emergency personnel remind you to "turn around-don't drown."  Commonwealth Attorney Blake Chambers and County Attorney Greg Vincent Say They Both Agree With The Statement  Darren Doyle, story: Today, the Edmonson Voice received a joint statement from the Commonwealth's Attorneys' Association and the County Attorneys' Association. The statement read as follows: "Matt Bevin's recent actions are an absolute insult to crime victims, their families, and the rule of law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He should be ashamed. His arbitrary, callous, and, in at least one case, seemingly corrupt decision to pardon many violent felons on his way out of office was an abuse of his power. He substituted his questionable judgment over the collective wisdom of juries who heard the evidence, law enforcement officers who investigated the cases and prosecutors who sought justice for victims. The victims in these cases were ignored and silenced - victimized again by Matt Bevin. He owes them an apology, and his abuse of power should be investigated." We reached out to both Commonwealth Attorney Blake Chambers and County Attorney Greg Vincent and asked each of them if they agreed with the released statement and both attorneys agreed. According to the Louisville Courier Journal, Bevin issued 428 pardons and commutations since his narrow loss in November to Democrat Andy Beshear, who was sworn into office last Tuesday. The beneficiaries include one offender convicted of raping a child, another who hired a hit man to kill his business partner, and a third who killed his parents, the Louisville Courier Journal said.   Rep. Michael Lee Meredith (R) files for re-election for the 19th District. Edmonson Voice Staff Report: Today, Republican State Representative Michael Lee Meredith filed for re-election to represent Kentucky’s 19th House District. The papers were filed in-person at the Secretary of State’s office ahead of the May 19, 2020, primary election. Meredith has held the seat since the beginning of 2011. A local businessman, Meredith has served the 19th District for nine years and is currently chairman of the House Local Government Committee. “With thoughtful consideration, I have again filed to represent the people of the 19th District,” said Meredith. “My friends in Edmonson and Warren counties have trusted me to be their voice in Frankfort. Since my first election, I have fought tooth and nail for our families and I’d like to continue that fight.” A press release from Meredith's office stated: "Meredith has made good on his promises to achieve real results for the district. Since 2017, Meredith has led the effort to secure state funding for the Bowling Green Veterans Nursing Home. In 2018, Meredith was the primary sponsor of legislation that now works to make prescription drug prices more affordable. In 2019, Meredith passed legislation to protect our cattle farmers by working with the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. This legislation requires transparency to consumers buying meat products, to ensure that products derived from animal cells and grown in a laboratory cannot be labeled as meat. Meredith has also been a tireless advocate for first responders, helping pass legislation to increase incentive pay and line of duty death benefits."  Rep. Michael Lee Meredith “We are headed into an important budget session,” said Meredith, “which means I will have the chance to direct much needed funds to our district. I have always supported legislation that gives our young people the opportunity to stay here at home to work and raise their families. I will never back down from the fight to make our communities better and safer places to live.”
The press release stated that Meredith takes a hard stance against policies and legislation that infringe upon our Second Amendment Rights. He is pro-life and works to protect our conservative, family values, the release said. In past races, Meredith has been recognized, recommended, and endorsed by the National Rifle Association, Kentucky Right to Life, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Kentucky Professional Firefighters Association, the National Federation of Independent Business-Kentucky, and the Associated General Contractors of Kentucky. Meredith has also been honored with the “Friends of Cities” Award by the Kentucky League of Cities on several different occasions. For more details on this campaign, visit MeredithForKentucky.com.  Michael B. Lane, 36, of Bowling Green On December 17, 2019 at approximately 7:15 AM, Kentucky State Police Post 3 in Bowling Green, received a call stating an inmate had walked away from a work release program near Scottsville Road and Oliver Street in Warren County. The escapee is Michael B. Lane, age 36, of Bowling Green, KY. Lane is a white male, with brown hair, brown eyes, approximately 5’10” tall, and weighs approximately 175 pounds. Lane was last seen wearing black pants and a black shirt. If anyone has information on the whereabouts of the subject, please contact Kentucky State Police Post 3 at 270-782-2010 or by Text a Tip via the Kentucky State Police App. Callers may remain Anonymous.  UPDATE: Body Has Been Identified  Edmonson Voice Staff Report: The Kentucky State Police has reported an ongoing investigation as a result of a deceased male found on Interstate 65 on Sunday, December 15, 2019. Kentucky State Police Troopers reported that they arrived on scene and located an unresponsive male below the Scottsville Road overpass at exit 22. According to a press release, a male identified as Salim L. Bekirov (51) of Bowling Green, was located in the right lane of travel of Interstate 65 northbound, where the he was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Warren County Coroner’s Office. KSP said the cause of death is unknown at this time and an autopsy is pending at the Medical Examiner’s Office. The Kentucky State Police reported they opened a death investigation and it is being led by Detective Jonathan Johnson. Detective Johnson was assisted on scene by the Bowling Green Police Department, Medical Center EMS, Alvaton Fire Department and the Warren County Coroner’s Office. KSP gave an update today saying no foul play is suspected.  Four Locals Honored With Citizenship Awards For School Backpack Program Efforts  L-R: Robbie Brantley, Marilyn Patton, Shaska Hines (presenter) Jerry Patton, Brentley Esters receive 2019 Edmonson Chamber Business of the Year. Darren Doyle, story and photos: The 2019 Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce banquet was held Thursday, December 12th at the Heritage Centre in Brownsville where Patton Funeral Home was named Chamber Business of the Year. Bro. Jerry Patton, owner, addressed the crowd as he thanked the Chamber. "I've been blessed to live in a county that I love and was born in," said Patton, who celebrated 50 years in business this year. "I'd like to thank my family and my staff. This couldn't have been done without them because there have been a lot of nights I haven't been home and a lot of nights where my staff hasn't been home." Bro. Jerry thanked those in attendance for the privilege of serving his hometown for all these years. "I just want to say it's been an honor for me to serve the county that I love with all my heart," he said as the crowd gave a standing ovation.  L-R: Michelle McCoy, Paul Blanton, Barbara Fitzhugh, and John Chidester receive 2019 Edmonson Chamber Citizenship Awards. Four residents were honored for their individual efforts they made to serve Edmonson County Schools Backpack Program, which provides food items for students in need each weekend, to ensure enough food is available to them until they get back to school. All recipients are volunteers, which included Michelle McCoy, local coordinator, who was honored for her year-round work with the program, her brother, Paul Blanton, who's benefit county photograph calendar project raised an additional $7K for the program, and Barbara Fitzhugh and John Chidester, who's churches teamed up (St. John's and Brownsville Missionary Baptist, respectively), to expand the program to continue over the summer months when school is out of session, in addition to other local efforts they made for benefit needs throughout the year.   Edmonson Co. native Johnny Webb speaks at the 2019 Edmonson Chamber Banquet. Guest speakers were Edmonson County native Johnny Webb, businessman and former Mayor of Bowling Green, and Judge J.B. Hines, who discussed plans of Preserving Edmonson County Pride (PEP) to beautify Edmonson County and Brownsville to give more appeal to potential visitors. Webb discussed his beginnings in Edmonson County, where he said when people asked him if he was from Brownsville, he answered them by saying, "No, I didn't grow up in the big city...I'm from Lindseyville." Webb, who created the "Operation Pride" initiative in the 90s, which helped beautify Bowling Green and it still going strong today, discussed how that kind of effort can and will work in Edmonson County for those willing to help with the effort. Also recognized were Janet Webb for her volunteer efforts in multiple county causes. She regularly donates baked goods for benefit auctions and events. Also recognized was Scott Lindsey of Rafferty's/Double Dogs, who contributed to several Chamber and county events throughout the year.   Employees of Dunaway Timber Company's Roundhill mill. Moriah Peterson, story and photos: Dunaway Timber Company was honored as Business of the Year at the 2019 Industrial Authority Dinner that was held at Mammoth Cave Lodge on Tuesday, December 10th. The company is headquartered in Fordsville, Kentucky and the local mill is located in Roundhill. In 2016 the mill suffered from fire damage, but was rebuilt with state of the art equipment. Dunaway Timber is the largest Kentucky producer of primary wood products, and sells to large companies like La-Z-Boy and Anheuser Busch. The company is a family operation and currently has 12 employees at the Roundhill mill.  Jimmie Childress, Industrial Authority Chairman pictured with Dunaway Timber Roundhill location Supervisor, Dwayne Probus (left) and Owner/ President Henry Christ (right). Yahagi American Molding Inc. was awarded industry of the year for 2019. The Corporation now employs 150 people and continues to grow each year.  Jimmie Childress, Industrial Authority Chairman presents Industry of the Year to Yahagi American Molding Inc.  Crowd from the 2019 industrial Authority dinner at Mammoth Cave Lodge.  John Whittle speaks at 2019 Industrial Authority Dinner, John Whittle, a mathematician and Edmonson Native, was the guest speaker of the evening. He spoke of the history and future of Edmonson County. "My wife and I have lived in 8 states, visited 26 countries, and there is something special about the people you meet in Edmonson County," stated John Whittle.   Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, December 10, 2019. The Hon. Judge Joseph B. Hines presiding. Elvis Lindsey, violation of E.P.O/ D.V.O. Guilty. Sentenced to 30 days in jail, probated for 2 years on condition of not being charged with same or similar offense. Fines and court costs $184. William Suttle, Possession of controlled substance, first degree, first offense-methamphetamine. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Possession of marijuana. Wanton endangerment- first degree. Pretrial hearing 12/12/19/. Alexandra Richardson, Murder. Wanton Endangerment- first degree (two counts). Operating motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs. Possession of marijuana. Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial hearing 12/12/19.   Alexandra Richardson appeared in Edmonson District Court this morning where she pleaded not guilty to all charges in front of Judge J.B. Hines. Standing with her public defender, she simply replied "Not guilty," when asked for her plea to the following charges:
She will return to Hart County Jail until her next court date, which is a pretrial hearing set for December 12, 2019. RELATED STORIES: Car Stalls In High Water Over Road: Baby Swept Away But Clinging To Life Child Dies As Result Of Water Accident: Mother Charged With Murder Murder Charge: Mother's Bond Set At $50K Cash  Plans To Retire At End of 2019-20 School Year  Patrick Waddell, Supt. of Edmonson County Schools, announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2019-20 school year. (EV file photo) Darren Doyle, story and photos: Edmonson County Superintendent of Schools, Patrick Waddell officially announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2019-20 school year at tonight's EC Board of Education meeting. The meeting was held at South Edmonson Elementary, where the SEES Bulldog Choir, led by music and art teacher Mrs. Jessica Doyle, first entertained in the gym with a Christmas concert. Waddell presented a letter to each of the board members and read it aloud at the meeting. In the letter, he asked the board to accept his notification to retire as Edmonson County School District Superintendent effective June, 30, 2020. "This decision follows much thought and prayer with considerations specifically given to my family," the letter stated. His 16-year run at EC Superintendent began when he was hired in 2004. His career in education started more than 27 years ago when he was first hired as a teacher at Caverna Elementary. From there, he spent time at Cub Run Elementary then was named Assistant Principal at Hart County High School. He was later named head principal for the first time at Bonnieville Elementary/Middle School then as principal at Caverna High School before being named superintendent at Edmonson County.  Patrick Waddell at his desk in his office. (EV file photo) Mr. Waddell said he began retirement thoughts about 6 months ago and began speaking with his family. "The thing about this job is that my family has had to be part of it too," he said. "Obviously, we all knew that was going to be the case when I started here and 16 years is a long time." When asked about summing up his years in Edmonson County, he said he considered it "a blessing." "I've thoroughly enjoyed it. I've loved going in our schools and I've always tried to interact with our kids. I've seen multiple classes all the way from kindergarten until I handed them their diplomas. Seeing them so young and then develop into young men and women participating in sports, academic competitions, band and music competitions, all our programs, it's really special. I've enjoyed seeing the development of our staffs. We have great principals and our board members over the years have always had their focus on students. We've not always agreed on every single thing over the years, but they always had the students' interests firsts. I'm not going to miss the traveling aspect of the job, but it's really hard to find something about this job to complain about." Waddell said making the announcement now will help the school board in the process for finding a replacement. He estimated that the school board would post the job opening sometime in January and a very comprehensive process would ensue for the hiring of the next superintendent. "I hope they get quality applicants early so they can make a decision prior to June," he said. "I'd really like to be able to meet with the next superintendent and go over the job, go through the budget, and discuss some plans for 2020-21 school year." When asked what his plans were for after retirement, he said nothing had been set in stone but he was looking forward to enjoying a break and spending time on his family beef cattle farm in Hart County. "Well, this will obviously allow more time with my family. It will be nice to re-shift the focus back to them. When you're a principal or a superintendent, it's much like you have another child. Sometimes it takes priority over your own family--that's just how it is. But I've built some great relationships, made great friends and acquaintances. Both of my kids graduated from Edmonson County High School and I'm proud to say that. It's truly been wonderful." His letter that was presented to the school board concluded with: "May God forever watch over this wonderful school district!" along with his signature.  Sheriff Says Action Needs To Be Taken  Darren Doyle, story: The installation of locked gates for flood-prone roads in the county was introduced by Sheriff Shane Doyle at today's Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting. In his regular sheriff's report, he discussed the recent incident where a woman attempted to cross the flooded Alexander Creek on Oak Hill Road in the Wingfield Community. The sheriff reported earlier that the woman drove around the "road closed" sign and attempted the cross the flooded area. By doing so, her car flooded and went under the water where she and her 7-year old son escaped but her 20-month old baby died as result of the accident. "I think this is necessary," said Sheriff Doyle in the meeting. "I'm not saying our county did anything wrong in this. We have signs in place that show the area could flood and there was a "road closed" sign in plain sight that the mother drove around, and I hate to even use the term 'mother' here. Ultimately, this woman made a choice to ignore the sign and put her children's lives in danger. A locked gate could prevent this in the future." Doyle said that Jailer Hank Vincent, also an EMT who responded at the scene that night, was also in favor of installing a locking gate. Magistrate Clark Wood asked if gates would be needed on both sides of bridges, and Doyle responded yes. Emergency Manager Terry Massey said he felt like the gates should be installed on any bridge or roadway in the county where the potential for flooding exists, not just the one on Oak Hill Road. County Road Supervisor Greg Carroll said the gates could be installed in places that wouldn't negatively affect the homeowners in the area. Sheriff Doyle said the only access it would affect other than the bridges would be farm land in those areas, but if the areas are flooded, the farm land wouldn't need to be accessed anyway. Judge Cannon said that in the event the gates were installed, the county would have to make a better effort to monitor all the bridges. He said the county has always done a great job by doing so, but in this case, the waters rose over the bridge during the night before. Carroll said the county closed the road as soon as they discovered that water was over the road. Judge Cannon asked County Attorney Greg Vincent about potential liability if gates were installed but they weren't locked as soon as water came over the road. Vincent said the liability would be no different than it already is. He said once a road is closed, it's closed, period, gate or not. Judge Cannon said discussion for these types of situations would be discussed at the next Local Emergency Planning Commission meeting. "We're going to have an after-action review of this incident at the next LEPC meeting," he said. "We're going to discuss this situation, what we could've done better, what we shouldn't have done, and things of that nature." Magistrate Mark Meeks commended the local emergency workers for how they handled the accident. "All our police, sheriff's office, our firefighters, and medical personnel did a great job on this," he said. "I want to tell them I appreciate all they did here." Judge Cannon said the county will look into available options and costs for putting up the gates and discuss later.  Other county offices gave their regular reports. Road Report: County Road Supervisor Greg Carroll reported that multiple bridges had been under water since the last meeting. he also said crews had been working on tiles and taking care of drainage ditches throughout the county. Deputy Jailer Todd Vincent reported 26 county inmates are currently being housed at Hart County Jail County Clerk Kevin Alexander reminded the court that his office would be closed on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 due to the governor's inauguration. He said because state offices will be closed, his local office will not have access to the state system, which is necessary for his office to operate. The court also voted to:
  Moriah Peterson, photos: Did you miss the 2019 Christmas parade? We live streamed it and you can watch it here. Check out the photo slideshow below. The parade winners are listed below: Best of Show: Bear Creek Fire Dept Commercial: Evie Rose, LLC Civic: EC 4H Club Horse: Melissa York & Daisy Mae Emergency Vehicle: Bear Creek Fire Dept Antique Car: 66 Buick owned by Eddie Vincent Antique Tractor: Alexander Farms 
Brought to you by: Edmonson County Tourism/Chamber of Commerce, Bertie's Ice Cream, US Bank-Bowling Green Locations, Scott Skaggs Photography/Hidden Homestead.
 Screenshot from C-SPAN Edmonson Voice Staff Report: Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), a senior member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, today applauded the House passage of the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act (S. 151), a bill that will end the practice of illegal robocalls. “So far this year, Kentuckians have received over 500 million robocalls. That’s over 100 calls per person this year,” said Guthrie in a speech on the House floor in support of the TRACED Act. “Scammers have found creative ways to trick people into thinking that their calls are legitimate. These calls have wreaked havoc for private citizens, hospitals, small businesses, and everyone in between.” Congressman Guthrie cosponsored the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act (H.R. 3375), which passed in the House in July. The Pallone-Thune TRACED Act is the result of negotiations between the House and the Senate to develop compromise legislation to stop robocalls. Guthrie said, “I was proud to cosponsor the original House bill, the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act, and I was proud to vote in support of the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act, which will put an end to these frustrating calls. I look forward to seeing this important bill signed into law.” Now that the House has passed the TRACED Act, the Senate must pass it again before it is signed into law by President Trump.  |
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