Edmonson Voice Staff:
All the numbers have been tallied for EdmonsonVoice.com for 2024 and those numbers speak for themselves.

The top 10 most viewed articles for 2024 on EdmonsonVoice.com are as follows, beginning at number 10:

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Incoming Brownsville Mayor Ricky Simon took the oath of office tonight, December 23, 2024, in the Edmonson County Courthouse along with city and county officials, friends, and family.

Simon will take office in January after the retirement of Mayor Jerry Meredith, who has served in the role for the last 16 years.

The ceremony also included the swearing-in of the Brownsville City Council: Melinda VanMeter, Jill Vincent (new member), Lloyd Blanton, Justin Meredith, and David Campbell. Councilman Anthony Duvall was sworn in during a prior event due to being out of town.

The event was called to order by Brownsville City Clerk Lori Burnett, who welcomed all in attendance. Ricky Simon then began by asking everyone to bow their head as he led with a heartfelt word of prayer.

Mayor Jerry Meredith was then asked to come forward as he was presented a plaque from the City that expressed their gratitude for his years of service to Brownsville. Meredith has also served as fire chief for Brownsville for many years among other roles in the community.

Simon then took the oath of office alongside his wife, Janis, as he raised his right hand with his left hand on a family bible. The bible once belonged to the late Rev. Kelly Pierce, who was the grandfather of Janis. The bible appeared to be dated to the early 20th century.

Simon was first appointed to the Brownsville City Council in 2019 by Mayor Meredith to fill the vacant seat left by councilman Jeremy Spainhoward who had moved out of the city limits. Simon then ran for that same seat in 2020 during the regular election and won. He was re-elected in 2022.

He told the Edmonson Voice in an earlier interview that after several residents asked him about running for the vacant seat that would be left by Meredith, he decided to run. He ran unopposed in the 2024 election.

After the swearing-in, he then invited all in attendance to stay and enjoy cake and refreshments as he fellowshipped with the crowd and took his place in several photos.

Darren Doyle, story:
A Park City woman sustained multiple injuries after a single car crash in the Wingfield community where she was trapped inside her vehicle upside down in a pond.

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, emergency responders were called to the 7400 block of Wingfield Church Road around 8:30PM Sunday night, December 22nd for the report of a single vehicle accident with injuries and entrapment.

The Sheriff's Office reported that the driver, Haley Gertiser (27) of Park City, was traveling south on KY HWY 1749 in a 2000 Toyota Rav-4 when her vehicle exited the left side of the roadway for an unknown reason. Law enforcement said it appears she over-corrected and then exited the other side of the roadway, driving across two properties and a fence.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the car went "through a tree," meaning, the vehicle traveled over a small tree that impaled the bottom of the vehicle and exited the top, which left the vehicle described as a "traveling kabob." The vehicle then went airborne and came to rest upside down in the pond with the tree and driver still inside.

"One of the main reasons the driver survived the initial crash is because the tree was completely through the top and bottom of the vehicle, which kept the back end up out of the water enough to allow her to crawl into the rear hatch area and remain partly out of the water until help arrived," said Sgt. Austin Meredith of the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office. "Without that little bit of space, it's likely the entire vehicle would have been underwater with her trapped inside."

She was extricated from the vehicle and frigid water.

In addition to the Sheriff's Office, Edmonson EMS, Wingfield Fire Department, and Edmonson County Jaws were at the scene.

No passengers were reported in the vehicle.

The Sheriff's Office stated the driver remained in the water anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. She was air lifted to the hospital with a visible head injury and possible hypothermia. Other injuries were unknown and her condition is unknown at this time, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The accident is under investigation by the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Sixteen separate cardiology practices and associated physicians, located across 12 states, have agreed to pay amounts totaling $17,761,564 to resolve allegations that they each violated the False Claims Act by over-billing Medicare for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including $6.75M by Western Kentucky Heart & Lung Associates in Bowling Green.

In 13 states and the District of Columbia, Medicare Part B reimburses healthcare providers for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals based on the provider’s acquisition cost. In those jurisdictions, Medicare’s contractors have published guidance explaining the reimbursement methodology and providers’ obligation to accurately report their invoice costs for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals. The government alleged that the settling cardiology practices regularly reported inflated acquisition costs to Medicare for these drugs. In each of the settlements, the conduct occurred for at least a year, and in some instances, the conduct extended over a period of more than 10 years.

The settlement agreement with Western Kentucky Heart & Lung Associates in Bowling Green states "During the period between August 1, 2015 and August 31, 2022, Defendants submitted or caused to be submitted claims to Medicare that sought reimbursement for radiopharmaceuticals above Defendants' actual acquisition cost, thus resulting in excess payments by Medicare."

Out of the $6.75M from WKHL, $3.375M will be paid in restitution. The settlement also states that $4.5M is to be paid within three days of the agreement with the remaining $2.25M over five years plus 8.5% annual interest.

The settling medical practices and associated physicians have agreed to pay the following amounts:

• Western Kentucky Heart & Lung Associates PSC and Mohammed Kazimuddin ($6,750,000)
• Heart Clinic of Paris P.A. and Arjumand Hashmi ($2,600,000)
• Scranton Cardiovascular Physician Services LLC ($2,369,111)
• Shannon Clinic ($996,856)
• Edward W. Leahey M.D. Professional Association and Edward Leahey ($894,679)
• Metropolitan Cardiovascular Consultants LLC and Ayim Djamson ($846,888)
• Cardiology Center of New Jersey LLC, Mario Criscito, Frank Iacovone, and Sameer Kaul ($740,000)
• Clovis Cardiology Associates LLC and Mahamadu Fuseini ($600,000)
• Family Medical Specialty Clinic PLLC, Melecio Abordo, and June Abadilla ($409,594)
• James R. Higgins M.D. Inc. and James Higgins ($395,537)
• TrustCare Health LLC ($279,407)
• Taj Medical Inc. ($240,000)
• White River Diagnostic Clinic PLC, Margaret Kuykendall, and Seth Barnes ($234,490)
• Veinguard Heart & Vascular Center P.C. and Fareeha Khan ($195,000)
• Boulder Medical Center PC ($160,000)
• Wellspring Cardiac Care P.A. ($50,000).

Full Western Kentucky Heart & Lung Associates Settlement agreement below:

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County Fiscal Court met on Friday, December 21, 2024 and approved the 2025 annual budgets for both the Sheriff's Office and County Clerk's Office, each of which increased from last year.

The Sheriff's budget in the amount of $1,139,000 was approved first by magistrates present, (Mags. James C Vincent and T.J. Massey were absent at the time of the vote, with Massey joining later). The Fiscal Court will contribute $275,500 to that amount. The total budget amount comes at a 14.9% increase from last year's amount of $991,300, with $267,300 coming from Fiscal Court in 2024.

County Treasurer Tammi Willhite says one major difference in the 2025 budget includes $150K in new grant monies along with additional funding allocated for school resource officers and a contract to patrol the Nolin Lake area. She also added there has been increased tax revenue with more homes being built in the county.

The County Clerk's annual budget was also approved in the amount of $4,200,625, which was up from $3,848,605 in 2024, for a 9.15% increase.

The County Clerk's budget is funded through county tax funds but doesn't require additional funding from the county's general fund; in contrast, the clerk's office turns over excess funds not used in their office back to the general fund each year. The clerk's budget still requires approval from the fiscal court.

Each budget amount has seen steady increases over the past three years. The 2025 Sheriff's budget has increased 48.3% since former Sheriff Shane Doyle's last submitted budget for 2022, and County Clerk Kevin Alexander's budget has increased 31.27% since that same time.

The court also went into closed session for a personnel matter. After public court convened, the court voted to hire Ray Whillhite as a full time county employee at a pay rate of $17.20 per hour with hours being divided between a transport officer and maintenance.

Today was the final Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting of 2024.

The court also voted to:

• Approve Sheriff’s 2025 Annual Order Setting maximum amount for Deputies and Assistants
  
• Approve County Clerk’s 2025 Annual Order Setting maximum amount for Deputies and Assistants
  
• Approve 2025 Fiscal Court Meeting Dates Schedule
• Approve Ordinance EC24-34, Solar Energy System Installations
• Approve December Cash Transfers
• Approve Government Utilities Service Software Support/Maintenance Agreement for 2025
• Approve Reappointment of Josh Brooks to the Edmonson County Water Board, effective 8/1/2024 for a 4-year term correcting previous reappointment approval of a 2-year term

The next fiscal court meeting is set for January 13, 2025 at 4PM.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 18, 2024) – Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today that Kentucky is leading a multi-state coalition in support of Louisiana’s law related to Ten Commandments displays in public school classrooms.

General Coleman was joined by 17 other states in a filing before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Earlier this year, Louisiana's legislature passed a bill requiring all public K-12 schools and state-funded universities to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. The bill was signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry in June. In November, a federal district court judge blocked the law from taking effect.

Throughout the history of the United States, the Ten Commandments have held historical significance as one of the foundations of our legal system. The early legal code is even depicted in the U.S. Supreme Court and other prominent buildings in the Nation’s capital. Louisiana’s law acknowledges this history and allows a display that compares the Ten Commandments to other documents formative to contemporary American law, like Blackstone’s Commentaries and the Supreme Court’s Marbury v. Madison.

Louisiana’s law also requires a three-paragraph “context statement” to be part of every display, which provides examples of the Ten Commandments being “a prominent part of American public education for almost three centuries.”

“From our founding documents to the establishment of the rule of law in the United States, the Ten Commandments’ influence on American history is undeniable,” said Attorney General Coleman. “I am proud to support Attorney General Liz Murrill and Louisiana in the effort to preserve our shared history and educate future generations.”

“The [Supreme] Court [previously] pointed out the obvious: Acknowledgements on public property of the role played by the Ten Commandments in our Nation’s heritage are common throughout America. In fact, the Court noted that the Ten Commandments are displayed several places in its own building… The Supreme Court’s building is no exception when compared to other government buildings in our Nation’s capital. The Supreme Court later affirmed that [in previous cases] no Member of the Court thought that these depictions of the Ten Commandments are unconstitutional,” read the brief.

General Coleman was joined by the attorneys general of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni Committee has announced three inductees for the 2025 Class. Regina Parsley Byrd, Dion W. Houchins, and Michael Lee Meredith will be inducted in a public ceremony that will be held in March, 2025.

Regina Parsley Byrd, a 1970 graduate of Edmonson County High School, has made a significant impact in her community and beyond, according to a released statement from the EC HODA.

A lifelong Edmonson County resident, Regina is a financial advisor with over 30 years of experience, managing offices in Bowling Green and Hodgenville. She has led the boards of several non-profit organizations, including the Commonwealth Health Corporation Foundation, Networking Women of Bowling Green, and the Edmonson County Woman’s Club. She has also been an active member of the Edmonson County Tourism Commission, Bowling Green Women’s Fund, Chalybeate Homemakers, and the Elm Street Society.

Her efforts have earned her several accolades, including the prestigious Athena Award in 2003. Regina and her husband, Ken, live in the Chalybeate community, where they cherish time with their children and grandchildren. Through her work and dedication, Regina has made a lasting impact on her community, especially in empowering others to succeed at their highest potential.

Dion W. Houchins, a 1983 graduate of Edmonson County High School, was a standout student and athlete at ECHS, earning 10 varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball where he helped lead all three teams to championships and received multiple individual accolades along the way.

A talented math student, Dion earned the Ray Family Math Scholarship, which set him on a path to pursue an accounting degree at WKU. Dion’s career spans roles within and outside Edmonson County. He worked as a public accountant and a bank executive, including a 10-year tenure at Bank of Edmonson County as Executive Vice President and Board Member. I009, Dion joined Houchens Industries and later became CEO and Chairman of the Board in 2020. Under his leadership, Houchens Industries, the largest 100% employee-owned business in the U.S., has expanded its holdings significantly while enhancing profitability and diversification for its employee owners.

Beyond his professional success, Dion has been an active community leader. He served as President of the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce and has served as a board member in numerous organizations, including the Warren County Water District, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, and the WKU Hilltopper Athletic Foundation.

Dion and his wife, Lois Ann, live in Bowling Green and cherish time with their daughters and grandchildren, living out the values of integrity, teamwork, and loyalty.

Michael Lee Meredith is a 2003 graduate of Edmonson County High School. He served two years on the Brownsville City Council prior to serving in the Kentucky House of Representatives where he is proudly known as the Gentleman from Edmonson. Michael was the youngest member of the legislature when he was elected and now, after 14 years, he is one of the most senior members and has represented Edmonson County in the House longer than anyone in our county’s history.

He chairs the House Banking and Insurance Committee and is the former chair of the House Local Government Committee.

Michael has passed numerous pieces of important legislation, including helping secure $50 million for a veterans nursing home in South Central Kentucky. A strong advocate for our local schools and students, he was instrumental in getting $10 million for the new vocational center at ECHS.

  He has served on the boards of the Edmonson County Tourism Commission and Lifeskills. He is currently a member of the Edmonson County Lion’s Club and is a Leadership Edmonson County Alumnus.

In his professional role, Michael is a loan officer at Bank of Edmonson County. He and his wife, Jamie, are the proud parents of Emorie and Darby and they reside in the Oakland community.

Selection Criteria
According to the HODA Committee, the three inductees selected for the 2025 Class were chosen from a pool of 24 nominations submitted by members of the community. '

"The committee took great care to evaluate each nomination to ensure that those selected reflected the criteria set forth," the committee said in their statement.
These include:

• Individual must clearly demonstrate outstanding personal, civic, or professional achievements.
• Individual brings honor and recognition to the alma mater through his/her profession or service.
• Individual of strong personal character, moral conviction, and outstanding service/contributions.
• Individual having attended or graduated no less than fifteen years from date of consideration.
• Individual whose achievements in career, public service, and volunteer activities are worthy of recognition and have brought honor to the Edmonson County School District.

"The 2025 ECHS Honorary Alumnus will also be announced at the event, but as has become tradition, recipients of that award are not revealed until the evening of the Induction Ceremony."

Special Considerations for Selection
"The committee works diligently to thoroughly evaluate all nominees to select an exceptional class for the prestigious honor of induction into the Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni and this year is no different. While the committee discussed many worthy names of individuals who deserve consideration, we are limited to only evaluate those with complete nomination forms. Consequently, if the community feels strongly that someone should be included, then the onus is on them to submit a complete and detailed nomination for that candidate that thoroughly describes their contributions to the community as well as their professional success. Once a nomination is submitted, it will remain in the pool for consideration for three years. Unlike previous years of Edmonson County HODA, 2025 will be the first year that some names will rotate out of the nomination pool as they will have exceeded their automatic three-year consideration. It does not preclude them from nomination again. Consequently, it is more important than ever for the community to engage with the nomination process by submitting nominations on behalf of worthy individuals."

The 2025 Edmonson County HODA Committee
According to the their statement, there are ten members of the 2025 Edmonson County HODA Committee. They are responsible for selecting each year’s class, identifying sponsors, planning and executing the annual Induction Ceremony and Dinner, and ensuring that the program is held in high regard through a consistent and fair selection process.

"They meet throughout the year and bring unique perspectives through their different professional experiences, community engagement roles, and broad generational representation."

The 2025 Edmonson County HODA Committee members are:

• Regina Parsley Byrd
• Jamie Carnes
• Cooper Clark
• April Hennion
• Amanda Lich, Chair
• Hon. Ronald Scott Lindsey
• Carol Stice
• Laura-Grace Vincent
• Johnny Webb
• Jonathan Williams

The committee also stated that in the event that a committee member is nominated for consideration, it is customary that the member excuses themself from the HODA Committee to preserve the integrity of the process.

2025 Induction Ceremony & Sponsorship Opportunities
The 2025 Induction Ceremony and Dinner will be held on Friday, March 14 at 6 p.m. at Tayvin Gardens.

"We would like to thank the sponsors who have already pledged their support for the event and look forward to acknowledging them publicly in the coming months. We encourage those who have an interest in sponsoring the event to reach out to secure their spot. The committee is actively seeking sponsors for the event now that the class has been selected. All contributions are tax-deductible."

Platinum Sponsor
One Platinum Sponsorship will be offered for $3,000. Platinum Sponsorship is the single highest sponsorship level with the donor’s logo and/or name receiving top billing in all marketing leading up to and during the event. This sponsor will receive a table of 8 in a premium location and one reserved parking space near the venue door on the evening of the event.
 
Gold Sponsors
Four Gold Sponsorships will be offered at $1,000 each. Gold Sponsorship is the second highest sponsorship level with the donor’s logo and/or name receiving multiple recognition opportunities leading up to and during the event. Sponsors will receive a table of 8 in a proximate location.
 
Silver Sponsors
Six Silver Sponsorships will be offered at $500 each. Silver Sponsorship is the third highest sponsorship level with the donor’s logo and/or name receiving recognition during the event. These sponsors will receive a table of 8 in a main floor location.
 
Table sales and individual ticket sales will be offered to the general public in the coming weeks, pending availability," the committee stated. No tickets will be sold on the evening of the event.

"Depending on demand by our inductees (they receive first right of refusal as our VIPs for the evening), event sponsorship at one of the levels listed above may offer the only assurance that your group will have a reserved table. Please see any committee member for sponsorship information or email [email protected] to learn more. The sponsorship levels will be filled on a first come, first served basis."
 
"The committee would like to thank the community for their support of this special program and encourage everyone to begin thinking about who they may wish to nominate for the 2026 class."

ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams said the goal of this project is to create an opportunity for kids to graduate high school and immediately join the work force with a sustainable wage for their families.

"That's our whole goal with this," Williams said. "And now, that goal is very attainable."

Williams also thanked everyone who came out in support, and thanked those who had a hand in helping the project become a reality. He then welcomed State Representative Michael Lee Meredith to the stand.

Meredith said that as a person who graduated from ECHS, he can say there has always been great teachers and vocational programs in Edmonson County.

"A long time ago there were great teachers in the school. Now not only do these students have great teachers, but they have great resources that we didn't have back then. You take those two things and put them together, it will create successful young people," said the Representative.

Superintendent Brian Alexander then spoke. He thanked a long list of people who had specific roles in getting this project done. He gave a huge thanks to Edmonson County Schools Director of Safety Callie Beliles and Representative Meredith, who he both said "went to bat for us."

Mr. Alexander then dedicated the new wing to Lannie Deweese, Director of Transportation for Edmonson County Schools.

"I would not be standing here today without this man," said Mr. Alexander. "He cares about this county and our schools, and he has for a long time. That's been shown even more prominently to me in the last 5 years. We want to dedicate this wing to him, and this will be named The Deweese Vocational Wing."

The Program was concluded by Chamber President Darren Doyle who thanked the high school for giving students not only educational opportunities, but for career opportunities straight out of high school. The chamber then celebrated with a ribbon cutting.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Emergency personnel had a busy day on Friday, December 6th and at the time of this article were not finished as two structure fires caused significant damage in the county.

Firefighters were first paged to the scene at 2160 Nolin Dam Road at the site of the former office building of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

While there, they also received a call of a structure fire on KY HWY 259N across Sandy Flat Road, which turned out to be a garage.

Firefighters were spread thin and all county departments were asked to lend a hand. Additionally, the Anneta and Cub Run Fire Departments were also requested.

Smoke from the garage fire could be seen all the way from the south side of Brownsville.

No injuries were reported and no cause of the fire was given.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
A fire claimed a former US Army Corps of Engineer office building at Nolin Dam Friday, December 6, 2024.

According to an employee on scene, the building was no longer used and was set to be demolished, however, this wasn't in the plan. A new building was recently built that sits on top of the hill near the fire scene.

The building is located at the edge of Nolin Lake at the dam, where it joins the tower there by a walking bridge.

Firefighters speculated that the blaze began at the base of a utility pole that was right at the side of the building. Power entered the building at that spot and it seemed to have more damage there than anywhere else when firefighters first arrived.

No injuries were reported.

Multiple fire departments worked at the scene along with Warren RECC.

Firefighters were called out from there to help with a garage fire on KY HWY 259 N across from Sandy Flat Road. Both north and south side units responded to each blaze, along with units from Anneta and Cub Run.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 5, 2024) – Team Kentucky has opened a new Driver Licensing Regional Office in Leitchfield, enhancing accessibility to licensing and identification services for Kentuckians in the Western region of the commonwealth. 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) opened its 34th regional license office at 1903 W. Elizabethtown Road and will operate there until a permanent site is established. It provides ample parking with access to overflow space, a large lobby and seating area, and three staffed service stations to streamline processing. 

“Obtaining identification and driver’s licenses provides vital access to jobs, housing, bank accounts, voting and more,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “To make the credentialing process for Kentuckians easier and more efficient, we continue to expand the regional office network.”  

The new Leitchfield office’s business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time. Appointments are encouraged and can be made for any regional office online at drive.ky.gov. Walk-in customers are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Presently, there is no driver testing available at this location. Testing is conducted by Kentucky State Police (KSP). Applicants requiring written or skills testing must schedule an appointment online at assigned locations by visiting kentuckystatepolice.org/driver-testing/. 

“Over the last two years, we have established six new offices and there’s more on the way,” said Matt Cole, Department of Vehicle Regulations commissioner. “We intend to continue that growth to improve access and services for folks across the commonwealth.” 

With the Driver Licensing Regional Office network, Kentuckians now have convenient options, such as online scheduling for office appointments and online or mail-in license renewal, that were not available under Kentucky’s previous system based at local circuit court clerk offices. Kentuckians can choose between a standard-issue or REAL ID-compliant credential and a card valid for four or eight years. 

First-time REAL ID applicants must visit a KYTC regional office in person, with proof of identity, residence and Social Security. For a personalized list of required documents to bring when applying, visit realidky.com. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has set May 7, 2025, as the date by which a REAL ID or other form of verified identification will be required for boarding a commercial airliner, entering a U.S. military base or entering a federal building where ID is currently required. 

Vision Screening, announced in September, will begin Jan. 1, 2025, for all driver license renewals. For more information on the new vision screening requirement and how to prepare for your driver’s license renewal, visit drive.ky.gov/visionscreening. Kentucky CDL carriers with a valid, unexpired license are exempt from conducting a vision screening when renewing their license as their annual required medical certification process includes vision screening. 

Madison Doyle, story and photos:
Last night, the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce held their annual banquet. The event started by Chamber President Darren Doyle welcoming the crowd, followed by an impressive catered meal.

After dinner, Doyle recognized all members of the Chamber and the Chamber Board who were present. He then gave a brief review of things the Chamber had done this year, including publishing a local promotional magazine entitled "Edmonson County: To The Back Roads to Main Street." The magazine features Chamber members and many local interests and is available at local businesses and elected officials offices in the county.

He then went on to briefly talk about this year's Chamber Servant of the Year award winner, The Edmonson County Lions Club. Doyle said the Chamber Board decided in order to be considered for this award, they had to have made a positive impact on Edmonson County in multiple ways, including "improving the lives of locals, donating time and other resources for the benefit of the community, and bringing honor and respect to Edmonson County." Doyle said The Lions Club checked all of those boxes, and that this was a "comeback story for the ages."

This year's Chamber Citizen of the Year Award was given to the family of the late Dennis Priddy. Doyle said that he himself had Mr. Priddy as his third grade teacher, and he shared an emotional story about how Mr. Priddy prayed over his students everyday. "He mentored hundreds, if not thousands of students...those impacts were significant, but none were greater than his personal life where he served as a husband, father, grandfather, and last but not least, his Christian life and service to his church as well as other churches." Doyle said it was an "honor and a privilege" to present this award to the family of Dennis Priddy, who passed away in October of this year.

This year's Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award was given to Warnell Family Pharmacy and Soda Shoppe. Doyle called Warnell's a "family owned and operated business through biblical principles, compassion, accessibility, and affordability." He stated the Chamber was very proud to have them as members, and their "start-from-scratch business has already made such a positive footprint in our county."

Their award was accepted last night by Warnell staff members as owners Samuel and Valerie Warnell were attending a revival at their church.

Story and photos by Joseph Barkoff.
The Annual Edmonson County Industrial Authority dinner was a slimmer version of its usual self at Tayvin Gardens Tuesday, December 3rd in Chalybeate.
 
The slimming was thanks in part to the teamwork of Edmonson County Clerk Kevin Alexander and Edmonson County Judge Executive Scott Lindsey procuring a podium in time before the event began, explained Alexander in his introduction of the night.
 
Alexander opened with introducing some of the guests seated at tables around the softly lit and Christmas decorated room, giving the room a cozier feel despite the large capacity of it.
 
District 19 Representative Michael Meredith attended again this year.
 
Ann Bullock was noted by Alexander for her time and commitment to both the Industrial Authority and Edmonson County for decades. He thanked her for “a lifetime of service to our community,” he said.
 
Then slimming down further, Alexander introduced Edmonson County Industrial Authority Economic Development Recruiter Jon Sanders as his replacement to be master of ceremonies because Alexander had another pressing matter to attend.
 
The final slimming effect was announced the guest speaker became ill and would not be able to attend as well. 
​

​Before making his exit for the evening he mentioned perennial business contributor to Edmonson County Toshihiko “Tommy” Yamamoto and Yahagi America Motors Inc. (YAMI).
 
There was no skimping or slimming when it came to the dinner or this year’s winner Park Mammoth Golf Club in Park City.
 
After everyone had gotten a plate from the buffet of sliced roasted turkey, bacon wrapped pork, mashed potatoes, green beans with ham, turkey bread stuffing to compliment a mixed green salad already waiting, Sanders took the stage. Rather, the area at the podium.
 
While trying to explain how he couldn’t fill the time as well as his brother Alexander, Sanders did just fine in telling how the course is the number one rated public golf course in the whole state, he said. 
 
Kentucky has around 250 golf courses.
 
“So, it’s a pretty amazing achievement to have the number one rated public golf course, according to several publications, in the state of Kentucky, here in Edmonson County,” Sanders said.
 
Upon a quick search, it was noted as number three on the NBC GolfPass website, with a note from a customer about “excellent course,” “friendly staff,” and how it will only get better as the clubhouse is finished.
 
Sanders said the clubhouse and restaurant are both open to the public now and folks don’t need to play the course to eat there.

​According to Sanders, golf earned over 13 billion dollars compared to almost 7 billion before wagering for horse racing in Kentucky.
 
There are 95,000 jobs related to golf and only 24,000 related to bourbon in the state of Kentucky, Sanders added.
 
There are only 30 employees currently employed there, he said.
 
There is still room to grow as demand for attention from the public expands.
 
“There are 17,500 rounds of golf played there annually,” Sanders said. “Think about that. That is a lot of golf.”
 
Another great thing about the course is they support the Edmonson County golf team by allowing them to practice for free and host their home matches, he said. 
 
“I am proud of that golf course even though I didn’t have anything to do with it,” Sanders said.
 
With the new owners, who took over the course in 2019 the days of cement filled, spike surrounded, colored Solo Cup tee markers are gone and everyone from Sanders to Edmonson County and the Industrial Authority and even the state have something to look forward to for years to come.

Darren Doyle, story:

Superintendent of EC Schools Brian Alexander had released the following statement regarding the closure of schools on Tuesday, December 3rd.

“Due to Black Ice on the roadways, Edmonson County Schools will be closed on December 3, 2024. School personnel have checked all the roads we travel for buses. While certain parts of the county are less affected than others, there is quite a bit of black ice in parts of Edmonson County. This makes buses and young drivers on the road a very dangerous risk this morning.”

Today is NTI Day #2 for Edmonson County Schools.

Photos by Joseph Barkoff: