Grinch Arrested At Bourbon Barrel Christmas Tree In Attempt To Steal Affordable Christmas

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.