Darren Doyle, story:
Scott Waste is working to catch up on their delayed pick up schedules this week that were caused by severe weather, icy road conditions, and the Christmas holiday.

Ty Bowman, a representative from Scott Waste, updated the Edmonson Voice today on their schedule.

"We're working on about a one, to a one-and-a-half day delay this week in Edmonson County," he said. "We simply have a hard time staying on schedule with weather like we've had. When you add Christmas to that, it makes it more difficult, but we're working hard to catch up and we'll be working tomorrow (Saturday), too."

Bowman said trucks will be doing extra pick ups at the first of next week and that workers will collect any extra trash customers may have.

"We really appreciate everyone's patience," he added. "The folks we've been able to speak with about this have been very understanding about it and we appreciate it. We just want to make sure our customers know that we care and we are doing everything we can to catch up."

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County is NOT under a county-wide boil water advisory, as some are assuming after a report from WBKO Channel 13 in Bowling Green was published on Wednesday, that stated "residents of Edmonson County and surrounding communities were put under a boil water advisory due to burst pipes and leaks county-wide."

Yes, some residents were, but according to Edmonson Water District General Manager Tony Sanders, only a small percentage of county residents fall into this category, as the advisory only affects those receiving water from the Wax water treatment plant.

"No, we are not under a county-wide boil water advisory, and that's what some people are thinking," Sanders told the Edmonson Voice. "We put out a boil water advisory on Monday afternoon that covers the area around Nolin Lake, Lincoln, on Nolin Dam Road up to Ashley Road and our customers in Cub Run, some in Hart County, and some in Grayson."

Sanders said the subzero temperatures on Thursday night into Friday and Saturday caused many pipes to freeze and burst in vacation homes around the lake. Many went unreported because no one was at the residences at the time. With others drawing water and storing it as a precaution, he said the pump station could not keep up with the demands.

"We've been finding leaks and fixing them and it's helping," he said. "We're getting water back on in these areas, and hopefully the boil water advisory will be lifted soon. We've  been getting calls all week about it, but the whole county is not under a boil advisory. We know it's frustrating for our customers from the Wax area, but we're working as hard as we can to find and repair all the leaks to get everything back up and running."

Sanders added that on Tuesday, the recorded message calls went out to all customers asking anyone that had been running water and storing it to please stop as now that temperatures are mild, there is no freeze threat. The extra demand has strained the pumping power of the district, which keep the tanks filled.

According to WBKO's report, "county residents are frustrated with a lack of communication from the water company," however, Sanders said the District Office is always glad to answer any questions customers may have. The TV station quoted only one county resident in their story.

The best way to receive boil water advisories is to be sure your phone number is listed with the Water District so that you can be added to the automated messaging system.

The clicks are in for 2022 for the Edmonson Voice, which totaled nearly 2 million of them for another straight year, and we've compiled a list of the top ten most viewed articles for the year.

Four of the top articles are related to criminal charges, two are from election results, and one each for death investigation, fatal crash, graduation, and one local government issue.

Click each headline to read the article.

Each listing also shows the number of clicks for each article.

Judge Hines then swore in District 1 Magistrate Mark Meeks, District 2 Magistrate T.J. Massey, District 3 Magistrate Anthony Hennion, District 4 Magistrate Mickey Johnson, District 5 Magistrate Gary Bagshaw, and District 6 Magistrate James C. Vincent.

Also sworn in was Sheriff James E. Vincent and deputies, which was required for 2023, although he was sworn in as appointed sheriff after the former sheriff's retirement in November. Jailer Todd Vincent and Constables Ricky Page and James Matthew Moulder were also sworn in.

Judge J.B. Hines was also sworn in himself, as the new 8th Circuit Judge, 5th Division, by Judge John Grise.

Also, in a separate ceremony,  38th District Division 1 Judge Greg Vincent was sworn in by Judge Tim Coleman in the main courtroom at the courthouse.

All officials either assumed or resumed their duties immediately.

Madison Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Fiscal Court met today, December 27, 2022 for the final time this year. Various county department heads gave their usual updated reports. Following this, the court moved into their very light agenda. There was nothing on the agenda that required any major discussions.

Today was the final fiscal court meeting for Judge Executive Wil Cannon, along with magistrates Edd Rich, Johnnie Brooks, and Charlie Tarter. Each of them had positive things to say about the fiscal court and other elected officials as they said their goodbyes, and also gave advice to the newly elected magistrates and officials who will be sworn in tomorrow.

"It has been a pleasure serving my district and Edmonson County over the last 18 and half years," said District Four Magistrate Edd Rich. "My advice to the new people coming in would be to make decisions with your heart; if you follow your heart you will do a good job."

"Over the last two and a half years, I have learned a lot," said District Three Magistrate Charlie Tarter. "The Judge's office has been easy to work with, and it's been a pleasure to work with all of you and for the people of this good county."

Judge Will Cannon said he has served in various roles in the county for the last several years, and 2023 will be the first year where he is not fulfilling one of those roles. "It's been a privilege and an honor to serve this county in all of those roles over the many years,and I appreciate all of you," Cannon said. "I know we don't always see eye to eye on everything, but we aren't meant to. This is supposed to be a checks and balances thing, and I think we have done a pretty good job at that."

He also added some advice to everyone new coming into office for the new year. "There are some people who sit on Facebook and wait to see something that we have done that they don't like. I call them social media trolls. Do NOT make decisions based on what a social media troll has to say, because it doesn't matter what you do, they won't like it anyways. The people who keep their head down, go to work Monday through Friday, come home and take care of their families, and then go to church on Sunday...if they have something to say...that is who you should listen to." Cannon thanked all of the magistrates for their hard work, and wished good luck to those coming in.

The court agreed to:

• Approve Sheriff Bond #3983443, effective 1/1/2023.
• Approve County Clerk Bond #2120723, effective 1/2/2023.
• Approve County Attorney Bond #4636444, effective 1/2/2023.
• Approve Judge Executive Bond #4636443, effective 1/2/2023.
• Approve Jailer Bond #4636442, effective 1/2/2023.
• Approve Fiscal Court Bond #3983444, effective 1/2/2023.
• Approve Sheriff’s November Fee Account Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Sheriff’s November Property Tax Closeout, pending final audit.
• Approve Sheriff’s November Franchise Tax Closeout, pending final audit.
• Acknowledge Opioid Settlement Fund Estimated Payments
• Approve Treasurer’s October Monthly Settlement Report.
• Approve Treasurer’s November Monthly Settlement Report.
• Approve December Cash Transfers.
• Approve to hire Paxton Sowders as a Seasonal Employee at $15.00 per hour, effective 12/27/22.
• Table the Bald Knob Road Contracts until next meeting.

The swearing in ceremony for the new magistrates, Judge Executive, and County Attorney will take place tomorrow at 9 am. The next fiscal court meeting will be a special meeting held to approve to rehire all employees, approve appointments, and bank signatures on January 3, 2023 at 9 am. The regular monthly Edmonson County Fiscal Court business meeting will be held January 9, 2023 at 9 am.

​December 23, 2022 (Bowling Green, Ky) Emergency conditions on the TVA power system have reduced the amount of power available to local power companies. Warren RECC is immediately requesting members reduce all non-essential electric usage to prevent periodic interruptions of your power. 
 
With dangerously cold temperatures, public safety is our first concern. We do not recommend turning your thermostat down significantly, but a degree or two can make a big difference. Other ways to reduce electric usage include delaying using heat-producing appliances like stovetops, ovens, and dryers. Additionally, opening window coverings on the sunny side of the house to let in sunlight during the warmest parts of the day can help save electricity.
 
During temperature extremes, don’t forget to check on relatives, friends and neighbors to ensure their safety. Pets and livestock will also need a helping hand to remain safe.
​
To report power outages In Warren County, call 270-843-9710; outside Warren County, call 1-888-604-4321. Outages may also be reported through the SmartHub app or by texting #out to 85700 if you are signed up for WRECC texting.
 
To see current outages, visit www.wrecc.com and click the “View Current Outages” icon. 

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
Edmonson County residents woke up to anywhere from 2-3" of snow on Friday morning and temps around -5 degrees.

In addition, the 10-20mph winds across the county are also causing wind chills of -20 to -25 degrees. A wind chill warning remains in effect through noon today, then a wind chill advisory until Saturday at noon.

We have been made aware of several closings due to the weather as well as the upcoming Christmas weekend, which include:

• Bank of Edmonson County (closed Friday, Saturday, and Monday-26th)
• Cee Bee Food Store (will reopen Saturday-24th)
• County Offices including: Courthouse, Judge-Executive, PVA, County Clerk, Circuit Clerk, County Attorney, Sheriff's Office (closed Fri, Sat, Mon)
• Independence General Baptist has canceled service for Sunday, Dec 25th
• Graves Gilbert Clinic closed Friday, 23rd
• Stockholm United Baptist Church has canceled services for Sunday, Dec 25th

Got other closings or cancellations? Please leave a comment, text us at 270-597-6550, or email to editor@edmonsonvoice.com.

*Editor's note: I went outside in shorts and a t-shirt when I got up, not long after daylight. I'm pretty sure I died of hypothermia. Someone please tell my wife when she starts missing me on trash day next week.

Darren Doyle, story:
A Bee Spring man faces multiple felony charges after a parole violation turned into an escape attempt in the courthouse, then a foot chase in a field, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

In a press release, the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office stated that Erik Harley Anderson (29) of Bee Spring was arrested on a parole violation on Thursday, December 15th at the Edmonson County courthouse. The Sheriff's Office stated that Anderson pulled away from probation and parole officers, pushed an officer, and ran down the hallway of the courthouse. Anderson was apprehended before he reached the doorway and placed in a holding cell, awaiting transport to the Hart County Jail, the Sheriff's Office said.

Anderson was charged with Assault 3rd degree-police officer, Escape third degree, and Menacing for that incident.

The Sheriff's Office also stated that later in the day while Anderson was being transported to Hart County Jail, Anderson kicked open the cage window in the van while traveling on KY HWY 31W, jumped into the front seat, and then fled out of the passenger side door. After running through several fields, he was eventually apprehended by the Sheriff's Office, Brownsville City Police, Kentucky State Police, and the National Park Service, according to the press release.

Anderson was also charged with:

• Escape, second degree
• Fleeing and evading, first degree
• Resisting arrest

Anderson is currently lodged in the Hart County Jail and being held on a $15,000 cash bond.

Darren Doyle, story:
Several local offices and various businesses have scheduled to close for both the upcoming Christmas weekend as well as for potential hazardous weather, which is in the forecast for Thursday night and Friday.

All county offices, including the Judge-Executive, courthouse, PVA, Circuit Court Clerk, and Sheriff's Office will be closed for business on Friday, Saturday, and Monday, December 23rd - 26th for the Christmas holiday.

Some local businesses are closing on Friday in anticipation of wintry weather, which include the Bank of Edmonson County.

“In anticipation of the winter storm declared as a state of emergency for Kentucky, we are closing on Friday for the safety of our employees and customers," said Bank CEO Michelle Coleman. "We will be open from 8 AM through 4 PM at all locations Thursday December 22nd and then will be closed until Tuesday, December 27th in observance of Christmas. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and urge our customers to get all transactions completed Thursday or through our mobile app/ATM network. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

Sheriff James Vincent advised people to stay inside on Friday.

"Stay inside unless it's an emergency because of the wind chills and cold temps," he said.

Friday's Caveland Classic games have been canceled by Edmonson County High School as a precaution, with several teams traveling long distances on Thursday and Friday.

Flint Ridge, Dennison Ferry, Joppa Ride, and Houchins Ferry Roads in Mammoth Cave National Park will be closed at 3:30 pm CST on Thursday, December 22nd in anticipation of winter weather. The secondary roads will remain closed until park crews determine they are safe to reopen for public use.  

Meteorologist Landon Hampton of wxornotbg, said the county can expect anywhere from a dusting up to two inches of snow or more.

"Snow will be more of a nuisance; bitter cold will be the biggest concern," he said. "Temps will be right at or below zero by sunrise Friday with 30-50mph northwest winds that will produce -10 to -25 degree wind chill."

Stay connected as we will do a video ride-along interview with KSP Trooper Daniel Priddy on Thursday morning to discuss upcoming weather and driving safety tips.

Joseph Barkoff, story and photos:
The candles on the tables and illuminated Christmas tree in the corner were perhaps less brilliant than decorations in past decades without the presence of pillar N.E. Reed at the annual Edmonson Industrial Authority Awards Banquet at Tayvin Gardens Thursday December 15 in Smiths Grove.
 
Wabuck Development Company President Gary Watkins received the Edmonson County Industrial Authority “Business of the Year” award and repeat offender in the “Industry of the Year,” Yahagi American Molding Inc. COO Toshihiko Yamamoto was there to receive that award again.
 

Beverly Reed, the widow of N.E., showed she too is a pillar, with her family by her side, and received an award of “honor and remembrance” from Edmonson County Clerk Kevin Alexander, who also serves as Chairman of the Industrial Authority.
 
Alexander was again the master of ceremony for the annual evening and he apologized for not acquiring a guest speaker this year, but was able to fill the evening with amusing, light-hearted anecdotes of his own to fill some of the space while those in attendance enjoyed the salad, ham, chicken mashed potatoes and green beans.
 
As County Clerk, he explained their phone rings constantly with questions.
 
“This was the winner,” Alexander said. “Where do I go for my driver’s license?”
 
Over the past six to eight months, he explained, a new question has started to come in.
 
“Whats goin’ on over at Chalybeate on that stretch? Am I eligible?”
 

Despite the missing N.E., lumens, and guest speaker, Beverly performed the duty of de facto guest speaker when she shared a story from when N.E. first began his work for the County over three decades ago.
 
“I never dreamed he would get involved like he did,” Beverly said.
 
Beverly told how N.E. first worked as a teacher for year, and was on the school board and decided he would try to run for the judge executive seat.
 
“I don’t think either one of us had any idea of what a job it would be and what a commitment it would be,” she said. “But he enjoyed every minute of it. He really did.”

For the future of the young folks coming on and the people of Edmonson, he lived everyday to work for Edmonson County, she said.
 
He couldn’t have done it by himself, she said, and the team work Beverly witnessed over the decades reinforced what she already knew.
 
She said that he loved Edmonson County, she said.
 
“He would tell you it’s the people,” she said. “It’s the people.”

Darren Doyle, story:
Tickets are now available for the inaugural Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni (EC HODA) induction ceremony, which is scheduled for January 26, 2022 at Tayvin Gardens in Chalybeate.

The induction ceremony includes a dinner, remarks from the inductees, and video presentations for each inductee. A meet and greet will begin at 6pm with dinner being served at 6:30PM. All tickets are reserved seating.

Table sponsorships are available. For more info, email Amanda Lich at amandalichwku@gmail.com.

The list of the inaugural class includes (in alphabetical order):

• Dr. Kevin Clemmons, a 1978 graduate of ECHS. He has served the area as a dentist for more than 30 years. He has also contributed to ECHS athletics as a paid and volunteer softball coach, and his family’s philanthropy has tremendously helped Edmonson County’s sports programs. He was also a gifted athlete while at ECHS and was a member of the 1976 KHSAA boys’ basketball state championship team.
• Sgt. First Class Larry Hawks (Ret.), a 1988 graduate of ECHS. He is a 30-plus year veteran of the U.S. Army and a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross Award, the second highest military honor that is awarded by the U.S. Army. Hawks has also been awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Special Forces tab, Ranger tab, Combat Infantry Badge, HALO Jumpmaster Badge, Static Line Jumpmaster and the Excellence in Combat Marksmanship Badge Bronze.
• Mrs. Jeanne Patton, a 1966 graduate of ECHS. Mrs. Patton began her long and successful banking career during her college years. She became a director of Bank of Edmonson County in 1981 and during her career, served as Vice President, Compliance Officer, Cashier, President, President and CEO, and then Chairperson of the Board of Directors in 2013. Under her leadership, Bank of Edmonson County grew from a $35M institution to what is now a $200M community bank in three locations.
• Bro. Jerry Patton, a 1961 graduate of ECHS. Bro. Patton has served the Edmonson County community for over six decades as an EMT, the founder of Patton Funeral Home, an advocate of Edmonson County, and a well-respected religious leader. Bro. Patton has served on nearly every committee and organization that has ever contributed to the growth and promotion of Edmonson County through his years of service and has helped countless individuals in their spiritual lives. After purchasing Don Sharer’s Funeral Home in 1952, Patton Funeral Home has grown into three locations and serves thousands in the area each year.
• Johnny Pete Vincent, a 1959 graduate of Kyrock High School. Mr. Vincent was a gifted athlete as a student in the late 50s at Kyrock and went on to be a local educator and administrator in Edmonson County Schools. He was a longtime principal at ECHS and Kyrock Elementary, constructively impacting the lives of thousands of students during his tenure. He served as principal of ECHS in 1976 when the Edmonson Wildcats won the boys’ basketball KHSAA state tournament. His positive and professional representation of Edmonson County put the county in a much different light than the preconceived notions of a small, rural community. A gifted Sunday School teacher and church leader, he has been a positive influence in hundreds of other individuals outside of school, and still is today.
• The Late David Webb, a 1959 graduate of Brownsville High School. He began his professional career as a local educator and served as a longtime superintendent of Edmonson County Schools. During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of a new high school in 1982 as well as millions of dollars in improvements to both Edmonson County Middle and Kyrock Elementary Schools. The relationships he built with legislators greatly benefited the schools of Edmonson County . He also held seats on both the KY Board of Education and the KHSAA Board of control.
• Johnny Webb, a 1961 graduate of ECHS. Mr. Webb established Southern School Supply in 1977, and built a large and successful company over the course of 20 years. He was elected mayor of Bowling Green in 1992 and established Operation Pride, an organization dedicated to the appearance, landscapes, and entrances to the city of Bowling Green. He is a member of Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame and a former recipient of Small Business Person of the Year. He was also a founding board member of the KY Tri-Modal Transpark Authority, now the home to dozens of manufacturing facilities and thousands of jobs. His family’s philanthropy has reached into Edmonson County for many years, helping local causes with no wanted recognition.

Madison Doyle, story and photo:
Edmonson County Fiscal Court met today, December 12, 2022 in the upstairs room of the courthouse. Multiple county department heads gave their usual reports, including County Attorney Greg Vincent, who stated that today would be his last fiscal court meeting as the County Attorney. Vincent said the County Attorney's office will be closing on Wednesday in order to have a smooth transition as he leaves office with County Attorney-elect Adam Turner moving in on January 1st, 2023. "It has been an honor and a pleasure fulfilling this temporary role, but my time is up now. I'm moving on and wishing good luck to Mr. Turner," Vincent said. Judge Cannon commended Vincent for the job he has done as the County Attorney, and wished him good luck in future endeavors.

Attending today's meeting was Executive Director of Barren River Area Development District (BRADD) Eric Sexton, who invited the court to attend BRADD's first Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Summit, or CEDS. He strongly encouraged all magistrates and elected officials to attend the five hour training session to learn more about workforce development, community media relations, community grant resources, etc. Sexton also said that as Judge Executive Wil Cannon's time in office concludes, so does Cannon's time with BRADD. Cannon has served on BRADD's board for the last 8 years, being the Vice Chairman for the last four. Sexton gave a special recognition to Cannon and presented him with a gift on behalf of BRADD. "We feel like Judge Cannon's motto is the same as ours, which is do everything you can to make the area you live in a better place, and I think he has done just that," Sexton said.

Sheriff James Vincent's annual budget in the amount of $872,300 was approved by magistrates. This is up from last year's budget of $768,000. Magistrates also appropriated $40,000 to the sheriff's office for the purchase of a new vehicle.

The County Clerk's annual budget for 2023 was also approved in the amount of $3,720,000. This is up from $3.2 million from last year.

There were no other major discussions at today's meeting. The court also voted to:

• Open and approve/reject Bald Knob Road Project Bids.
  
• Approve Sheriff’s November Property Tax Report- Fire Protection Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Sheriff’s November Franchise Tax Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Sheriff’s Qualifying Bond #4636445 effective 11/30/2022 - 1/2/2024.
• Approve Sheriff’s Revenue Bond #4636446 effective 11/30/2022 – 1/2/2024.
• Acknowledge Dog Control November CAD Report.
• Approve Commonwealth of Kentucky Contract Modification for Lincoln Volunteer Fire Substation 19-038.
• Approve to appoint Robin Rigdon to E911 Director with pay increase.
  
• Acknowledge County Clerk’s November Clerk Storage Fee Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s November MVAV Collection Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s November Deed Transfer Tax Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s November Excess Fee Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s November Delinquent Tax Collection Report, pending final audit.
• Approve to hire Joseph Meredith, part-time dispatch at $12.00 per hour. Date of hire 12/5/2022.
• Approve to open bank account for Opioid Settlement Fund.
• Approve Notary Bond #4636463 for Lonna Cassady.
• Approve to allocate to $40,000 of ARPA Funds for Sheriff vehicle purchase.
  
• Approve County Clerk 2023 annual order setting maximum amount for deputies and assistants.
• Approve Sheriff 2023 Annual Order setting maximum amount for deputies and assistants.

A special hearing has been scheduled for Monday, December 27, 2022 at 8:45 am for the closing of Jim Prather Road. Judge Cannon said that anyone with concerns about the closing of this road should attend this meeting. The next fiscal court meeting is set for 9AM, following the special hearing.

Darren Doyle, story:
We've received multiple emails, calls, and messages regarding a new sales tax that will placed on some utilities, going into effect in January of 2023. Several rumors and discussions have been shared; however, there are exemptions for home owners and some of them are already in place without any further action.

Many who are first hearing about the tax believe certain forms must be filled out by everyone or the tax will automatically be charged come January, but that is not exactly the case.

The sales tax is part of a tax reform bill passed by the Kentucky legislature earlier this year (House Bill 8) that is designed to eventually eliminate the state income tax for good, according to Representative Michael Meredith, who sponsored the bill. We spoke with Meredith this week regarding the changes.

"State income tax will drop by a half percent on January 1, of 2023 and another half percent January 1, 2024, going from 5% to 4%," Meredith told the Edmonson Voice. "There are also annual reviews of the states revenues, expenses, and budget reserves.  If we continue hitting targets with growth, income tax keeps going down a half percent each year until it’s eliminated altogether.  The tradeoff to the income tax reduction was extending the sales tax to a list of non-essentials (listed in various places in the bill). One of those extensions of sales tax was to utilities that are not your primary residence.  So landlords who put utilities for rental properties in the landlords names, commercial properties, and second homes are taxable."

Here's what that means for WRECC, Edmonson Water, and Leitchfield Utilities customers:

Edmonson Water: According to Erica Wolfe, Edmonson Water Office Manager, customers who currently have only one water account with the district will not be affected.

"They will not need to do anything; they will be grandfathered in, so to speak," she said. "If they have any type of change to their account after the first of the year, they will then have to complete the form or pay the tax. This is the part that has not be emphasized, current customers who only have one account in their name do not need to take any action."

Wolfe said that customers who currently have more than one account are being sent letters and the domicile form to complete, via mail, which can also be completed in-person or printed from the water district website.

"They will only receive the exemption on one account, the domicile account," she said. "After the new year, they will have the new tax applied to the additional accounts. The declaration of domicile form can be found on our website under the forms tab. We are also asking any customers that are farm exempt to send in the new farm exemption certificate. A pdf of the farm exemption form has been put on our website as well."

All applicable exemptions and forms need to be emailed, faxed, dropped off, or mailed in by January 1st, 2023. Forms received after January 1st may be billed the new tax until the necessary forms are received.

WRECC: We spoke with a customer service rep this morning who instructed us that all customers would have to contact WRECC and declare your primary residence to remain exempt. While you can fill out a form, it was much easier to simply call 270-842-6541 and do it quickly over the phone.

Other ways to declare include downloading the KY Department of Revenue Form 51A380 (Declaration of Domicile for Purchase of Residential Utilities) here.  Completed and signed forms may be submitted by mail to PO Box 1118, Bowling Green KY 42102, email to Declarations@wrecc.com, or in person at any WRECC office. You may also make a declaration through SmartHub at Contact us/Report an issue/Other issues/Declaration: Residential Tax Exemption.

Leitchfield Utilities: We spoke with a customer representative that informed us that no action needed to be taken and that the exemption for homeowners with one meter would automatically take place in January.

The bill was sponsored by 15 republicans. It was vetoed by the Governor on April 8th. The veto was overridden by the Senate on April 13 with a 72-25 majority and by the House with a 28-8-1 majority on the same day.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
The folks in Edmonson County's Family Resource and Youth Services Centers in Edmonson County Schools have prepared all year for the next few days. All the team work, fundraising, and most of all, the labor of love is going to help some needy Edmonson County families have a little brighter Christmas, thanks to this year's Affordable Christmas Program.

The initial program was created decades ago under the name "Angel Tree." While it was a success, it was revamped in 2019. Family Resource Center Coordinator for Kyrock Elementary and South Edmonson Alicia Edwards said the program changes were intended to empower low income families with the opportunity to purchase gifts at a cost of only $5 per child, which helps parents and guardians fill their children's specific needs with dignity.

Program participants also have the opportunity to wrap all the gifts while at the program.

With the help of many donors, volunteers, and Brownsville Missionary Baptist Church for the use of their facility, this year's program is ready to go with approximately $40,000 worth of toys and gifts for kids who could use it the most. Qualifying families are selected by school officials and are invited to the program.

Mrs. Edwards, lead coordinator for the program, became emotional when discussing the program with us.

"When you see it all come together and see what our community can do, it's really special," she said. "The people that take part in the program are truly grateful and we believe we're making a difference in the lives of our families."

In addition to the purchase of toys, program participants also receive a laundry basket full of household goods and hygiene items and bags of clothing.

Today's open house goes until 6pm at Brownsville Missionary Baptist Church.