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 Another year has come and gone for Edmonson County and the Edmonson Voice is proud to continue to be our county's number one source of local news and information. While we have enjoyed a much-needed vacation over the Christmas and New Year Holiday season, we have also tallied up the numbers for our most viewed articles this year. As normal, accidents and tragedies unfortunately lead the headlines, but our readers also enjoyed some sports stories, good news, and inspirational articles as well. Here is the list of the most viewed articles this year--just click on a photo to view the article:      7. Doniel Woodcock Shares Story of Her Husband, Bud On Long Way to Recovery: Relief Efforts Underway           
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 Santa Claus speaks to a group a children at a recent community event. Darren Doyle, story and photo: We've seen Santa Claus at a few different places recently and we asked him if he would take a few moments for an interview. When he said "yes," the visions of sugarplums began to dance in our heads and we sat down with the world's most famous sleigh pilot. EV: We're only a few days away from Christmas and we've seen you in Edmonson County several times over the last few weeks. How is that possible during what would seem to be your busiest time of the year? SC: Well, the credit goes to Mrs. Claus and the elves. There's no way I can handle everything by myself. She is currently overseeing everything at the North Pole and the elves are seeing to the reindeer and finishing up the toy making and preparation for Christmas Eve. I have other homes all over the world that I stay in during the summers and I even have one here in Edmonson County. EV: Do you and everyone at the North Pole work all year round? SC: For the most part, yes; however, everyone takes a vacation immediately following Christmas. The elves usually go to the Bahamas and spend some time recharging the batteries while Mrs. Claus and I also head south. We might be gone from anywhere from a couple weeks to a month, it just depends. EV: We've seen you several places, but you never have any elves with you. Do they stay at the North Pole? SC: Ho, Ho, Ho! No...elves are everywhere. Not all of them are small with pointy ears, either. I have hundreds of thousands of undercover elves that work with me 24/7, all year long. They could be anyone: teachers, policeman, someone at the grocery, or even your own brother or sister. How do you think I keep such a close eye on everyone? We also incorporated the "Elf on a Shelf" a few years ago. You may only see them at Christmas, but they send reports to the North Pole everyday. EV: Do you really put coal in stockings of those on the naughty list? SC: Well, I did until a few years ago when the price of coal went sky-high! These days I use rocks instead, and they come right from the driveways or yards of those that get them. I know it doesn't help Kentucky's coal industry, but hey... EV: We heard someone call you "Skip" the other day. Do you sometimes go by another name? SC: Skip is a nickname I was given long ago. It stands for "Santa Klaus In Person." EV: When are the naughty and nice lists finalized? SC: They're not. It's never too late to be transferred from one to the other. But hey, there's only been one person on this Earth that was perfect, and that was Jesus, the reason for the season, so I know that everybody else makes mistakes, including me. As long as you're making an honest effort to be good, you'll be on the nice list. EV: No doubt you get this question a lot, but what do you say when someone asks you if you're the real Santa?
SC: Christmas is a wonderful time of celebration and love. There's so much more to Christmas than just me and what goes on at the North Pole. I can best answer that in a poem that I wrote long ago.. I can answer your question that should explain, I’m sure this will make it all quite plain. Does God live in your heart? I think that’s where we should start. God is a spirit that lives within you, The spirit of Santa is like that too. Santa’s spirit, like God’s, wants you to be good, Not just sometimes, but all the time you should. Anyone can be Santa , even you can play the part, All you need is love in your heart. Be kind and generous to others, Make all you meet your sisters and brothers. Still, the question remains, “Am I Santa?“ You must search your heart for the answer, No fair asking Prancer or Dancer…… EV: Wow, that's amazing. You obviously have plenty to do and places to go. Is there anything else you'd like to tell our readers? SC: Sure, I'm headed back to the North Pole where we'll be loading up and getting ready for the big night. Make sure everyone goes to bed early on Christmas Eve... MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT! HO, HO, HO!! **a version of this article was first published in the Edmonson Voice on December 21, 2016.  Edmonson Voice Report: An Edmonson County Grand Jury Recently met and returned the following indictments: David Cordero Mize: Possession controlled substance first degree - first offense, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Failure to wear seat belt. Natasha Jane Crowder: Possession controlled substance first degree- first offense, Possession of drug paraphernalia. Justin Lee Basham: Possession of controlled substance first degree - first offense, Possession of drug paraphernalia. Raymond Robert Fox: Possession of a controlled substance first degree (2 counts), Improper turning. Lisa Darlene Lindsey: Possession of a controlled substance first degree. Nicholas Lee Williams: Theft of services valued at $1,000 or more but less than $10,000. Darla Jo Richards: Theft of a legend drug - first offense, Criminal trespassing. Dillon Scott Hart: Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, No brake lights, Improper equipment, No or expired registration receipt, Failure to produce insurance card, Failure to notify address change to dept. of transportation, Failure to wear seat belt. Robert Gene Saltsman: Possession of a controlled substance, Resisting arrest, Disorderly conduct, Menacing, Criminal trespassing, Public intoxication, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana. Samantha Jane Tanner: Theft by unlawful taking of property valued at $1,000 or more but less than $10,000, Criminal mischief first degree, Persistent felony offender first degree. Ezra Marlin Brian Deering: Cultivation of marijuana 5 or more plants first degree, Persistent felony offender first degree. Nicholas Lee Williams: Theft by unlawful taking of property valued at $1,000 or more but less than $10,000. Michael Dwayne Burns: Strangulation first degree, Assault fourth degree (domestic). Robert J. Wright, Jr.: Theft by unlawful taking of property valued at $1,000 or more but less than $10,000. Jerry Wayne Bruce: Arson second degree, Persistent felony offender first degree. Darla Jo Richards: Theft of a legend drug first offense, Possession of a controlled substance not in original container, Criminal trespass first degree. Jordan Kendrick Keown: Trafficking in a controlled substance first degree first offense, Trafficking in a controlled substance first degree first offense (fentanyl, >= 10 D.U), Possession of drug paraphernalia. Raymond Robert Fox: Possession of a controlled substance first degree, Assault fourth degree (domestic). John Thomas Waters II: Theft of mail matter. Wendy Leanna Browning: Possession controlled substance first degree, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Alcohol intoxication in a public place. Jason Michael Luttrell: Possession controlled substance first degree, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Public intoxication, Failure to produce insurance card, No or expired registration plates. Harley J. Thompson: Theft by unlawful taking of property valued at $1,000 or more but less than $10,000 (two counts), Criminal mischief first degree (two counts). An indictment is only a formal charge and is not an admission of guilt. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.   Scene of a single vehicle crash that resulted in meth charges for the driver. Darren Doyle, story: A Wingfield man was charged with driving under the influence of a substance after a crash on Saturday night, according to traffic citations from the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office. According to the documents, the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene of a single vehicle crash on Wingfield Church Road around 10:22PM on Saturday, December 16th. The citation stated that Scotty Webb, (68) of Wingfield, was operating a 2000 Chevy S-10 pickup when the truck exited the left side of the roadway and crashed into a ditch. The citation also stated that while law enforcement was gathering his personal information, Webb showed strange behavior, and that law enforcement discovered more than 5gms of methamphetamine on his person. The citation listed "drug involvement" as a factor in the crash. Webb was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries. He was charged with Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a substance and Trafficking in controlled substance, first degree, first offense, 2gms of meth or more. The Chalybeate and Wingfield Fire Departments also responded, along with Edmonson EMS. Grinch Arrested At Bourbon Barrel Christmas Tree In Attempt To Steal Affordable Christmas12/18/2023
Thanks To Santa, Grinch Has Change of Heart, Returns Gifts  Santa and Trooper Daniel Priddy work to keep the Grinch from stealing Affordable Christmas donations in Chalybeate. **This story was first published in the Edmonson Voice on December 18, 2021** Darren Doyle, story: The Grinch was at it again this year, this time at the Bourbon Barrel Christmas Tree in Chalybeate; however, thanks to Kentucky State Police and Santa Claus, the Grinch had a change of heart and a local charity for Edmonson County children will benefit. Kentucky State Police Post 3 Public Affairs Officer Daniel Priddy responded to a 911 call at the popular Christmas location where it was reported that the Grinch was trying to steal Affordable Christmas donations so that kids throughout the county would be empty-handed this year. "I happened to be close to the area so I called for backup, which was Santa himself," Trooper Priddy said. "Since he responded with me, we were able to catch the Grinch in the act and he was taken into custody and placed in the back of my cruiser."  Trooper Priddy and Santa discuss the situation with The Grinch. While Trooper Priddy continued his investigation, it was Santa who took charge of the situation. "It was Santa who had the idea to explain the meaning of Christmas," Priddy said. "He also explained how much it meant to all the boys and girls in our area. The Grinch’s heart grew right before our very eyes, three sizes larger, in fact. His eyes watered and he knew that he'd done wrong. He was a changed Grinch right there in the back of my cruiser. For the rest of the night the Grinch became The Holiday Cheermeister," Priddy said. Santa, who had stopped in Edmonson County just long enough to check in on all the boys and girls as he begins checking his list twice with only one week until Christmas, said he did not want to see the Grinch thrown in jail. "We all have bad days sometimes," Santa told the Edmonson Voice. "Sometimes we just need a friend to remind us that a better day is ahead and that someone out there cares about us. That's all I did as I explained to him the meaning of Christmas and why the Affordable Christmas Program is so important." Trooper Priddy said the Grinch apologized to Cody Vincent and Jon Vincent, the creators of the Bourbon Barrel Christmas Tree and promised he'd never do it again. "I believe he was very sorry after Santa Claus talked to him," Cody said. "He really meant it from his heart when he apologized to us and brought us back the donations." There is no fee to visit the Bourbon Barrel Brothers' Christmas Tree; however, freewill donations are collected on site for the Edmonson County Affordable Christmas program. No charges were filed against the Grinch and he was put on the nice list, according to Santa.  Darren Doyle, story: Edmonson County Schools will be closed on Thursday, December 14, and Friday, December 15, due to student and staff illness, according to Superintendent of Schools Brian Alexander. These will be NTI Days 1 and 2 for the 23-24 school year. "We have been monitoring student and staff attendance rates for two weeks," Alexander stated. "Student numbers have been low, but we have been able to sustain an attendance rate that would keep us in school. Today is the first day that we have had staff numbers that make it less than feasible to continue without a break from school so that we can combat the spread of illness." Alexander said there has been a stomach bug, as well as Flu A & B, Strep and a small number of COVID cases that have led to this decision. "We will come back on Monday, December 18, and Tuesday, December 19. Many of our schools have programs at the school-wide and classroom level that our students look forward to." "This is a special time of year and we regret the need to close school but the health and safety of our students is our first concern."  Sheriff and Clerk's Budgets Approved  Darren Doyle, story: A new director for Edmonson County Parks and Rec was hired at last night's Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting. Magistrates voted unanimously on the hiring of Cody Stewart, a county resident, to be the new director. Parks and Rec formerly had two employees, a parks director, which was A.B. Webb, and a parks program director, which was John Kiernan. A committee made up of former Program Director Kiernan, Dist. 2 Mag. T.J. Massey, Dist. 4 Mag. Mickey Johnson, and Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey, interviewed applicants and recommended Stewart to the court for hiring. The position will pay an annual salary of $55,000 and combines the two former positions. The director position focused mainly on the mowing and maintenance of all parks while the program position focused on youth sports and events facilitated by the Parks and Rec Department. Magistrates have discussed contracting all the mowing, which will allow the newly hired Stewart to combine responsibilities, Massey said in a previous meeting. County Clerk Kevin Alexander reminded the court about the upcoming limitations his office will face at the end of December through early January with state system updates. Alexander reported that beginning Friday, December 29, 2023, through roughly midweek of January 8-12, there will be no vehicle transfers in the entire state of Kentucky. This is due to the state providing a new and updated system for vehicle transfers; however, Alexander said that Edmonson County is scheduled to be included in the first group of system updates. He also added that the Clerk's Office will be closed on December 25th-26th, the 29th-30th, and January 1st and 2nd. He also informed the court that a petition to include a wet/dry option on the next election ballot in 2024 was requested by a local resident and is currently available for signature at the Clerk's Office. He informed the court that new polling places would be added to next year's elections, with more details coming later. They include one at the Community Center for all Brownsville residents (District 4) and another at Bee Spring Park for those in Magistrate Gary Bagshaw's District. The court also heard from Roadway Management Technologies CEO Candler McCollum, who gave a presentation on his company that offers sensors on county vehicles that obtain road condition data. He gave a demonstration how the sensors work, and through vibration recording, said the system gives real-time data of the conditions of the roads. None of the magistrates had any questions or comments after the presentation.  The court also voted to approve the 2024 Edmonson County Sheriff's budget in the amount of $991,300, with $267,300 coming from Fiscal Court. That is up from last year's amount of $872,300 with a $232,800 Fiscal Court contribution, and a total of an 8.79% increase. The County Clerk's annual budget was also approved in the amount of $3,848,605, which was up from $3,720,000, a 9.6% increase. The court also voted to:
The next fiscal court meeting date was scheduled for Wednesday, December 27th at 9AM.  A male subject wanted for robbing the Dollar General Store in Chalybeate is caught on camera December 8, 2023. Darren Doyle, story: Local law enforcement is seeking information on a robbery that occurred at the Dollar General Store in Chalybeate, located on HWY 101 on Friday, December 8th. According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, officers were requested to respond to the Dollar Store at approximately 8:46PM to the report of a robbery. The sheriff's office stated that an unknown white male, who appeared to be unarmed walked into the store and handed the cashier a note, demanding an unknown amount of cash. The male subject then left the store in an unknown direction, the sheriff's office said.  A male subject wanted for robbing the Dollar General Store in Chalybeate is caught on camera December 8, 2023. Officers said they are currently working with the corporate office to acquire better video footage of the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Chief Deputy Tim Jackson at 270-929-3678 or Deputy Colton Starcher, 270-597-2157. The sheriff's office said callers can remain anonymous. Kayaks & More, Edmonson County Public Library, and Anthony Madison Honored at 2023 Chamber Dinner12/8/2023  Madison Doyle, story and photos: Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual banquet and awards at the Hidden Homestead last night, December 7, 2023. The dinner was the first sellout in several years. Kayaks and More was awarded Business of the Year, Anthony Madison was awarded Citizen of the Year, and the Edmonson County Public Library was awarded Chamber Servant of the year. The night began with Chamber President Darren Doyle addressing the crowd, with a dinner catered by Pig Diner. Doyle also gave a recap of various accomplishments and accomplished goals since January of 2021, including almost tripling the annual revenue, which he said means they can now triple their budget beginning in January of 2024. He also noted that the Chamber has helped facilitate or co-sponsor multiple events, including the annual Mammoth Cave Area Day, a College and Career Fair at ECHS, and the Big Brownsville Bash. Doyle also mentioned a few things the Chamber has in the works, including a feature magazine of Chamber members which will be available throughout the region.  Anthony Madison is presented Chamber Citizen of the Year by Chamber Coordinator Kayla Childress. Anthony Madison, owner of Madison's Flowers in Brownsville, was awarded Citizen of the Year. Madison started his floral business in his garage, working only with silk flowers, because he could not afford a large flower cooler. The business grew over time, and has now been in Brownsville for over 30 years. "Even with recent health issues faced by him and his wife, along with several setbacks, he continues to be that same, selfless person, continuing his giving, even when he was in need himself," said Chamber President Darren Doyle.  Members of the Edmonson County Public Library accept Chamber Servant of the Year from Coordinator Kayla Childress. Chamber Servant of the Year was awarded to EC Public Library. Doyle said even though the library has been around for a long time, its new leadership and eager team members are serving the county and community like has "never been seen". They are promoting activities for all ages every single week, and are always looking for ways to help our area, specifically our children, he said.  Chamber Coordinator presents Kim and Tony Polson Chamber Business of the Year. Chamber Vice President Josh Casey introduced the Business of the Year recipient, Kayaks and More. Casey said that while their business is somewhat a competitor with his own business, C&C Firearms and Outdoors, he has never felt like a competitor or an enemy. "Many of you know, I'm not originally from here," Casey said. "But I've always felt welcomed, and these people [Kim and Tony Polson] have always treated me as a friend, and we are truly honored to present them with this award tonight." The Chamber said they look forward to see what success and accomplishments will come next year. Visit edmonsonchamber.com to become a member. Edmonson Voice Report: An Edmonson County Grand Jury recently returned the following indictments: Michael E. Coburn: Assault third degree, Resisting arrest, Alcohol intoxication in a public place. Travis Earl Basham: Torture of a dog or cat with serious injury or death (three counts), Cruelty to animals second degree (thirty one counts). Ronald Wayne Bedwell: Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon (two counts), Trafficking in a controlled substance first degree first offense (>= 10 D.U., firearm enhanced), Trafficking in marijuana less than eight ounces (firearm enhanced), Tampering with physical evidence, Terroristic threatening third degree, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Menacing. Seth Ryan Wayne Bedwell: Trafficking in a controlled substance first degree first offense (firearm enhanced), Trafficking in marijuana less than eight ounces (firearm enhanced), Possession of drug paraphernalia. Jimmy Allen Rich: Unlawful transaction with a minor first degree victim under 16 years of age (four counts), Unlawful transaction with a minor victim under 18 years of age, Criminal attempt to commit unlawful transaction with a minor first degree victim under 16 years of age, Unlawful use of electronic means originating or received the commonwealth to induce a minor to engage in sexual or other prohibited activities by solicitation. Randall Scott Decker: Trafficking in a controlled substance first degree first offense (>= 2 grams meth), Trafficking in a controlled substance first degree first offense, Tampering with physical evidence, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Public Intoxication. An indictment is only a formal charge and is not an admission of guilt. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.   Darren Doyle, story: The boil water advisory issued on December 5th, 2023 by the Edmonson County Water District has been lifted, which includes all customers on the south side of Brownsville. Communities impacted by this advisory are Chalybeate, Rhoda, Pig, Wingfield, Cedar Springs, and Rocky Hill. For additional info, or to sign up for call alerts, contact the Edmonson County Water District office at 270-597-2165.   Edmonson County Clerk Kevin Alexander (left) presents "Business of the Year" to Brandon Meredith of Meredith Welding Technologies Tuesday December 5 at Tayvin Gardens in Smiths Grove. Story and photos by Joseph Barkoff: It almost seemed as if there were no surprises at the annual Edmonson County Industrial Authority Christmas Dinner and awards ceremony Tuesday, December 5th at Tayvin Gardens in the Chalybeate community. Almost. Perennial powerhouse Yahagi American Molding Inc., Yami, as it is called, won “Industry of the Year.” No surprise. An Edmonson County High School teacher thought he was there just as another visitor who was invited alongside a few other faculty in support of the vocational program at the high school. Surprise. Brandon Meredith of Meredith Welding Technologies was awarded “Business of the Year.” The bait strung out to get him to the dinner was IA President Kevin Alexander, who also serves as Edmonson County Clerk, speaking about the 10 million dollar grant awarded to the school to remodel the vocational facilities where Meredith teaches welding. Yami was unable to send a representative to accept their award for “I don’t know how many years in a row now,” Alexander said. “I wish they could have been here tonight,” he said about Yami.  Senator of the 9th District David Givens speaks at the annual Edmonson County Industrial Authority Christmas dinner and award ceremony at Tayvin Gardens Tuesday December 5 in Smiths Grove.  Edmonson County executive recruiter Jon Sanders speaks at the annual Edmonson County Industrial Authority Christmas dinner and award ceremony at Tayvin Gardens Tuesday December 5 in Smiths Grove. Alexander felt like his team had done a pretty good job keeping Meredith’s award “under wraps,” he said. In 2011, he was a one-man operation, Alexander said about Meredith, while today, he is a 15-man operation. Meredith was originally a student in the welding program at ECHS and the pathway to success for him was already laid out, he just had to “pick the ball up and run with it,” he said. He humbly referred to his original instructor Mr. “Woody” Woodcock, not wanting to take credit for following in Woody’s footsteps, he said. “It’s easy to follow a road that’s already plowed,” he said. He had no idea the award was coming and was flattered to be honored, but it was a double-edged sword because he said it was as well unnerving how he was one of only a couple people in the room to not know he had won. He credits his success to the program’s success and the ability to do high level instruction. “For the level that we are at, for the business we target, the customers and how we service them, we have to have a very selective hiring process,” he said. In attendance at the dinner was 9th District senator David Givens. He enjoys spending time in Edmonson County because it reminds him of his hometown area back in Green County, he said. Givens noted there are ways to grow a community with industry successfully, and while there are ways to go about in positive and negative ways, he feels Edmonson County is growing itself in positive and responsible ways, he said. Edmonson County executive recruiter Jon Sanders also spoke briefly. He gave positive news about the 17.6 acre industry park site where he feels the County is now able to compete equally with surrounding areas. Over the past year, they have competed a Phase 1 Environmental Study to present data to potential buyers the land, ground water and soil are free from hazards and contaminants, ready to build. A geophysical study to essentially map out the area underneath where building occurs. As well as a geo-technical study that consists of boring into the ground to test for things like soil compaction, he said. The point of the testing allows businesses to utilize the data for planning, engineering and construction. Having it done before a business shows interest in the area allows the Authority to compete with rival counties for business. A year ago, they did not have the information available, while every other property in the region did, he said. “So now, that means that if an industry wants to build on that property, that 17.6 acres, it is ready to be built on, next week,” Sanders said. “If someone wanted to.” With 50 acres on a second site, but no road access to 31W, the goal over the next 12 months is to develop a plan on the concept of creating six to seven tracks for six or seven businesses and creating access to the highway, he said. “All we got to do is raise the right bait and hopefully we can land the fish,” he said.  ***UPDATE: DECEMBER 7, 2024, 2:07PM*** THE BOIL WATER ADVISORY HAS BEEN LIFTED. Edmonson Voice Report: On December 5th, 2023 the Edmonson County Water District issued a boil water advisory for all customers on the south side of Brownsville but not including the City of Brownsville. Communities impacted by this advisory are Chalybeate, Rhoda, Pig, Wingfield, Cedar Springs, and Rocky Hill. The advisory will remain in effect until water samples have been taken and the threat of contamination has been eliminated to the satisfaction of the Environmental Protection Agency. You must boil your water to a full boil for at least three minutes. If there are any questions you may call The Edmonson County Water District office at 270-597-2165.   Michael D. Johnson, (22) of Glasgow  Kristen Matthews, (23) of Edmonton Darren Doyle, story: Two individuals were arrested and face a host of charges after what law enforcement said was a burglary attempt on Saturday, November 30th. According to an arrest citation, Deputies Eric Smith and Tim Jackson from the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office responded to a complaint call of a possible burglary at an unoccupied residence on Blue Bird Road in Smiths Grove on November 30th around 8:30PM. Deputies found that the back door of the residence had been forced open and then locked from the inside, according to the citation. Deputies stated that they heard movement and noises from inside and made entry, where a male subject was found hiding in an ottoman in the living room, the citation stated. The male subject, identified as Michael D. Johnson, (22) of Glasgow, told authorities there was another subject inside a bedroom, according to the citation, where officers found a female subject identified as Kristen Matthews, (23) of Edmonton hiding under a blanket. Law enforcement said there was also suspected meth and drug paraphernalia in plain view and that a further search resulted in the discovery of other paraphernalia and marijuana, according to the citation. Police documents also stated that burglary tools were discovered along with a broken lock, and that both subjects had active outstanding warrants. Michael Johnson was arrested and charged with:
Kristen Matthews was arrested and charged with:
They were both transported to the Hart County Jail. Johnson is being held on a $10,000 bond while Matthews is held on $10,000 and $5,000 bonds, according to the jail.  |
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