Edmonson Voice Report:
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) released assessment results for the 2023 Kentucky Summative Assessment on October 31, 2023. This year’s results are based on the state’s revised accountability system.

“This year’s data release has significant changes from last year’s accountability model," said Carol Stice, District Assessment Coordinator for Edmonson County Schools. "We continue to see a color-coded rating system that ranges from red (very low) to blue (very high), but now we have added in a “change” score that looks at each indicator score and whether it increased or decreased from the year before. That change number is either added to or subtracted from the current year’s score to give the overall indicator score.”

Elementary and middle schools were scored in the areas of Reading and Math (grades 3-8), Science (grades 4, 7), Social Studies and Writing (grades 5, 8), and Quality of School Climate and Safety (grades 3-8). High schools were scored in the areas of Reading and Math (grade 10), Science, Social Studies, and Writing (grade 11), Quality of School Climate and Safety (grades 10 and 11), Post-Secondary Readiness (grade 12), and Graduation Rate. Schools and districts were also scored on English Language Proficiency, however, the ECSD does not have a high enough student population for public reporting.

The tables below show each school’s results for each indicator and their overall scores and rank. Scores are listed for all students that were accountable to the school.

Brian Alexander, Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools, said, “Overall we are pleased with the test scores we received from the state. Every school was at least at the yellow indicator and no school was classified as low-performing. We are happy to report that we saw growth across our district and know that the sky is the limit for our schools. I know our teachers and students worked very hard to see all of this come to pass and we are very happy with the increases we’ve seen.”

Among the successes noted in this year’s data release are those seen at Kyrock and South Edmonson. Alexander stated, “There were 128 elementary schools out of 719 in Kentucky that scored Blue/Very High. We have two of those schools in our district. When we looked at that further, Kyrock ranked 11th out of 719 overall and 1st among the 126 elementary schools in the GRREC (Green River Regional Educational Cooperative) region. Additionally, we saw gains at South Edmonson Elementary and are thrilled that they have reached the blue performance rating. They are 91st among 719 elementary schools in Kentucky and 9th in the GRREC region. Also, two of our schools in the “Medium” category were less than two points from a “High” designation.”

Mr. Alexander also explained that while there were many positives to be found in the data, plans are already being developed to improve accountability across the district. “We have had these scores for a couple of weeks, but this is the first day that we have been allowed to share them. Now that we have a better understanding of this revised accountability system, I am confident we will improve on this new rating scale. We already have a plan in place for improvement that we feel will make our scores even better when we see them next year. Our Board, our administration and our teachers are all committed to continuing to make Edmonson County Schools a great place to learn. While we have work ahead of us, Edmonson County has a lot to be proud of. We want to thank all of the community stakeholders that make an effort day in and day out to support our schools and make each of our schools a great place to learn. When kids and staff know they are valued on a daily basis it shows up in test results. ”

For more detailed information on the release of state assessment results, you may access the Kentucky School Report Card.

Edmonson Voice Report:
State Auditor Mike Harmon today released the audit of the sheriff’s settlement – 2021 taxes for former Edmonson County Sheriff Shane Doyle. State law requires the auditor to annually audit the accounts of each county sheriff. In compliance with this law, the auditor issues two sheriff’s reports each year: one reporting on the audit of the sheriff’s tax account, and the other reporting on the audit of the fee account used to operate the office.

Auditing standards require the auditor’s letter to communicate whether the former sheriff’s settlement presents fairly the taxes charged, credited, and paid in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The former sheriff’s settlement is prepared on the regulatory basis, which is described in the auditor’s opinion letter. Regulatory basis reporting for the sheriff’s settlement is an acceptable reporting methodology, and this reporting methodology is followed for all 120 sheriff settlements in Kentucky.

The former sheriff’s financial statement fairly presents the taxes charged, credited and paid for the period April 16, 2021 through August 31, 2022 in conformity with the regulatory basis of accounting.

The auditor noted no instances of noncompliance. The auditor also noted no matters involving internal control over financial reporting and its operation that were considered to be material weaknesses.

The sheriff’s responsibilities include collecting property taxes, providing law enforcement and performing services for the county fiscal court and courts of justice. The sheriff’s office is funded through statutory commissions and fees collected in conjunction with these duties.

The full report can be found by clicking here.

Edmonson Voice Report:
THC edible makers are packaging products using logos, colors, and styling to resemble well-known snacks and candies popular with adolescents and children  according to a report from the Kentucky Narcotic Officer's Association. These product names are often changed, but at a simple glance or to a child that cannot read, the packaging difference is not easily apparent. This mock packaging is most prevalent with candies that contain THC, Delta-8 or Delta-9, and they often resemble the shape and size of the candy their packaging is mimicking, making it harder to distinguish the difference, the report said.

Despite being warned by both the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Drug Administration to cease sales, these manufacturers continue to produce these products that pose dangers to kids.  In addition, a large number of these products are being produced outside of the United States where copyright laws and regulations are not followed.  

A June 16, 2023 report by the FDA, outlined how edibles containing THC can easily be mistaken by children as popular snack foods and candies due to the similarities in packaging. The report went on to outline the dangers of consumption of THC edibles by children:

The FDA is aware of multiple media reports describing children and adults who accidentally consumed copycat edible products containing THC and experienced adverse events. Additionally, from January 1, 2021, through May 31, 2022, the FDA received over 125 adverse event reports related to children and adults who consumed edible products containing THC. Some individuals who ate these edible products reportedly experienced adverse events such as hallucinations, increased heart rate and vomiting, and many required medical intervention or hospital admission. Ten of the reports specifically mention the edible product to be a copycat of popular foods, such as Cocoa Pebbles, Gushers, Nerds Rope, Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, and Starburst.

In addition, national poison control centers received 10,448 single substance exposure cases involving only edible products containing THC between January 1, 2021, and May 31, 2022. Of these cases, 77% involved patients 19 years of age or younger. Of the total cases, 65% involved unintentional exposure to edible products containing THC and 91% of these unintentional exposures affected pediatric patients. Furthermore, 79% of the total cases required health care facility evaluation, of which 7% resulted in admission to a critical care unit; 83% of patients requiring health care facility evaluation were pediatric patients. One pediatric case was coded with a medical outcome of death following the ingestion of a suspected delta-8 THC edible.

"In Kentucky, we have encountered numerous children hospitalized for ingesting THC laced gummy bears and overdosing due to the extremely high levels of THC in each individual candy," the report stated.  "The acute toxicity of edible cannabis products when ingested in large numbers has led to a dramatic increase in poisonings in children.  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has confirmed that children ingesting edibles that contain 1.7mg or more of THC can lead to severe or prolonged toxicity. Some of these products contain two to three times that amount in each dose. Between 2017 and 2021, poison control centers saw calls for children under six consuming edibles rise by 1,375%. The numbers jumped from 207 to 3054 and almost all of those exposed found the edibles in their homes."

With THC edible manufacturers often duplicating the packaging of popular candy makers, the KNOA said it is important that while enjoying Halloween festivities parents and caregivers inspect all candy collected by their children. If products that someone suspects to contain THC are located, please contact local law enforcement as soon as possible.

"If your child, or someone you know ingests cannabis infused products unknowingly, call 911 and or poison control immediately, the report said. "THC edibles can take various amounts of time to take effect and toxicity can vary due to the potency of the product and the size and age of the person exposed".

Edmonson Voice Report:
An Edmonson County Grand Jury recently met and returned the following indictments:

Andrew Dion Meredith: Trafficking in a controlled substance first degree-first offense (>= 2 grams meth), Receiving stolen property valued at $1,000 or more but less than $10,000, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana, Public Intoxication.

Randy Lee Meredith: Wanton Endangerment first degree (2 counts), Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants (second offense within 10 years).

Christopher Brian Gable: Burglary second degree, Theft by unlawful taking of property valued at $1,000 or more but less than $10,000, Resisting arrest.

Josie C. Powell: Assault third degree, Wanton Endangerment first degree, Public intoxication.

Andrew Dion Meredith: Intimidating a participant in the legal process, Bribing a witness.

Scott Ray Hines: Possession of a controlled substance first degree, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brent Thomas Cooper: Possession of a controlled substance first degree, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Operating on a suspended or revoked operator's license, Failure to register/transfer motor vehicle, Failure of owner to maintain required insurance second offense, No or expired registration plate.

Brian Keith Barclay, Jr: Tampering with physical evidence, Possession of a controlled substance first degree, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana, Operating on a suspended or revoked operator's license, One headlight.

David A. Wilson: Wanton Endangerment first degree.

Shauna Faye Mcstoots: Tampering with physical evidence, Possession of a controlled substance first degree, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana.

Jonathan Allen Davis: Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Wanton Endangerment first degree.

John Robert Meredith: Criminal mischief first degree, Possession of a controlled substance first degree, Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants first offense within 10 years, Reckless driving, Persistent felony offender first degree.

Brandon Ray Mayhew: Burglary second degree, Theft by unlawful taking property valued at $1,000 or more but less than $10,000, Possession of a controlled substance, Possession of a drug paraphernalia.

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:
Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander has stated that all schools will be in session on Thursday, October 26, 2023.

A broken 12-inch water main was the reason that school was cancelled today, with Kyrock Elementary not having any water available.

"After consulting with the Edmonson County Water District, and our staff at Edmonson County Schools, all schools will be running on time tomorrow and all schools will be open," said Alexander. "We apologize for any inconvenience today's closure caused for our families. Due to the timing of the water outage, school closure was unavoidable."

Alexander also said he realized that Kyrock would still be under a boil water advisory for tomorrow but the school system is taking measures.

"We have been advised that Kyrock is under a boil water advisory and we will be taking necessary steps in our lunchroom to boil water before cooking. We have also delivered cases of water to Kyrock for student and staff to drink until the advisory is lifted."

He also added that pallets of drinking water are currently on-hand for any other advisory that might arise at other local schools.

Darren Doyle, story:
A main water line break that caused Edmonson County Schools to be closed today is also the cause of a major boil water advisory for much of the northern part of the county.

The area under the boil water advisory includes:

• Brownsville (north of Green River)
• Lindseyville
• Sweeden
• Bee Spring
• Moutardier
• Dickey's Mill Road (in Grayson County)
• Windyville
• Segal
• Grassland
• Roundhill
• Sunfish

The total area includes customers north of the Green River beginning in Brownsville and ending at the intersection of VanMeter School Road and KY HWY 259N.

Schools were closed today countywide because Kyrock Elementary was without consumable water.

"A 12-inch line going to the north side of the river broke last night, causing the boil water advisory on the north side of the county," said Edmonson Water District General Manager Tony Sanders. "On top of that, we had pump problems last night. To the best of my knowledge, pumps are going and there should be pressure raising the system back to normal."

He said samples will be pulled and as soon as they are cleared, the advisory will be lifted.

A boil water advisory means that you must boil any water you are going to consume (drinking, cooking, etc.) for a full three minutes. Water usage for bathing, agriculture, or any use where water is not directly consumed does not require a water boil.

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Schools will be closed on Wednesday, October 25th due to a large water main that has broken on the north side of the river, according to Brian Alexander.

At this time, at least Kyrock Elementary is without water, Alexander said. It will not be an school NTI day.

We'll have updates as they become available.

Edmonson Voice Report:
A Clarkson woman has died as a result of a collision with a truck and trailer hauling a portable shed, according to Kentucky State Police.

KSP reported that they responded to a request from the Grayson Count Sheriff's Office to assist with a fatal collision on Monday, October 23rd around 6:45PM. The two-vehicle accident occurred near the 8000 block of Peoina Road (HWY 88) near the intersection of Old Peonia Loop.

According to KSP, their investigation revealed a 2019 Ford F450 commercial vehicle towing a trailer and operated by Kaleb Stutzman, age 19, of Clarkson, was traveling westbound on Peoina Road. The trailer was transporting an over-dimensional portable shed, KSP said. A 2006 Ford Crown Victoria, being operated by Lisa Meredith, age 56 of Clarkson, was traveling east when it struck the shed on the driver’s side, which resulted in the passenger car exiting off the roadway and down an embankment, according to police.

Police stated that Meredith was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Grayson Co. Coroner's Office. Stutzman reported no injuries. 

The affected portion of Peoina Road was reduced to one lane for several hours in order to allow troopers to reconstruct the collision. KSP Post 4 was assisted at the scene by the Grayson Co. Sheriff’s Office, Grayson Co. EMS, and the Grayson Co. Coroner’s Office. The collision remains under investigation by reconstructionist Tpr. Tyler Lynch

Edmonson Voice Report:
Edmonson County Clerk Kevin M. Alexander announced that the Edmonson County Clerk's Office will begin in-person voting starting tomorrow, October 25th.

"As with every other county in our state, we begin the six-day, excused voting period tomorrow" said Clerk Alexander. "To vote on these days, you must have a valid excuse, per the state." 

Hours for excused early voting remain constant with regular office hours. Therefore, excused, early voting days will be October 25th-27th, and October 30th-November 1st. There is no excused early voting on Saturday, October 28th. The list of excused reasons are as follows: 

The three days of no-excuse, early voting are set for Thursday-Saturday, November 2nd-4th. 

"The three-day, no-excuse voting days will have special hours for our office, and those are usually well- attended" said the clerk. "We extend our hours to 4:00 PM on both Thursday and Saturday for voting only." 

Clerk Alexander said he is optimistic of a good turnout this election.

"We've had several mail-in absentee requests, and today (October 24th) is actually the last day to request a ballot by mail" Clerk Alexander noted, but "it seems like more people are wanting to vote in-person again. I think that's wonderful. At the end of the day, we just encourage everyone to vote."

As a reminder, a form of identification is now required to vote. Should anyone have questions related to the election, call the office at 270-597-2624, or they may be sent via email to Kevin.Alexander@ky.gov.

Darren Doyle, story:
You've likely heard the phrase "no news is good news," unless you're actually in the news business. That's when things can be a little slow, however, today's Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting was rather uneventful, with basically no discussions taking place between magistrates and the judge/executive.

Standard reports were given from county offices, including the Road Department, Emergency Management, Sheriff, Jailer, County Attorney, County Clerk, Parks and Rec, and Tourism, all of which were concluded in a few minutes.

Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey welcomed the Edmonson County Middle School student council, who attended the meeting as a field trip with Principal Brandon Prunty and teacher Andrea Webb, and invited student Tucker Brantley to lead the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance.

From there, the court quickly moved down the agenda list with standard motions and voting with little or no discussion.

Judge Lindsey did note the passing of longtime Edmonson County Homemaker member Susie Vincent, who passed away suddenly over the weekend. She was also a staff member at Kyrock Elementary for a lengthy period, and she volunteered in a number of ways throughout the community for many years. She was a member of the Edmonson County Extension Board at the time of her passing, which prompted the court to appoint a member in her absence. 

Scott Childress, local treasurer of the Edmonson County Cattlemen's Association was appointed to the board by the court.

The court also voted to:

• Approve to reappoint Corey Culbreth to Extension Board for a 3-year Term, effective 1/28/24. Term expires 1/27/27.
• Acknowledge County Clerk’s September Document Storage Fee Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s September MVAV Tax Collection Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s September Deed Transfer Tax Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk's September Excess Fee Report, pending final audit.
• Approve County Clerk's September Delinquent Tax Collection Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Sheriff’s September Monthly Excess Fee Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Resolution EC23-25, Lease Approval on Road Truck.
• Approve Ordinance EC23-20, Administrative Code. 1st Reading.
• Acknowledge Sheriff’s Policy and Standard Operating Procedures Manual.
• Approve to apply for a second credit card for a backup.

The next Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting is scheduled for November, 13, 2023.

Darren Doyle, story:
An Edmonson County woman faces multiple felonies after a scuffle with local law enforcement resulted in being tasered on Sunday, according to a deputy from the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

An Edmonson County Sheriff's deputy said that law enforcement received a complaint call at 11:47AM on Sunday, October 15th from someone stating a family member had taken a vehicle without permission and that the driver could be high on methamphetamine.

The deputy stated the suspect could not be located in the vicinity but later received another call that the suspect had returned home on Chaumont Road where a confrontation took place. The caller said the suspect had become violent and threatening, according to the deputy.

The deputy stated that he arrived and located the suspect, identified as April Kenney, (38) of Park City, who became violent and threatened law enforcement, where a fight ensued. She was not immediately detained due to "increased strength and mental state" from drug use, and the deputy deployed his taser with what he described as "zero effect after multiple warnings."

She was eventually detained with the help of family members and stayed combative with EMS personnel, law enforcement, Medical Center staff, and jailer staff, the deputy stated. Law enforcement also said Kenney admitted to purchasing and using meth before the calls came in, and meth was reportedly found on her person.

The deputy said she also assaulted her sibling in the process. She was also accused of spitting on and scratching the deputy in the fight.

She was charged with:

• Unauthorized use of motor vehicle, first offense
• Menacing
• Resisting arrest
• Possession of controlled substance, first degree (meth)
• Drug paraphernalia, buy/possess
• Terroristic threatening 3rd degree
• Assault 4th degree, domestic violence, minor injury
• Assault 3rd degree, peace officer, communicable bodily fluid
• Public intoxication of controlled substance, excludes alcohol
• Disorderly conduct, first degree

She was transported to the Medical Center for medical clearance then onto Hart County Jail where she remains on a $5,000 bond.

Darren Doyle, story:
Brian Alexander, Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools, has released a statement regarding a school threat in Tennessee. Rumors surrounding the threat resulted in calls to his office, which prompted the following statement:

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
While few would be overwhelmed by today's annular solar eclipse, it was still visible at times through the cloud cover that blanketed the area today.

The best view for today's eclipse was in the western half of the U.S., in a track that stretched from the lower left corner of Oregon southwest toward the right lower corner of Texas.

Info available on greatamericaneclipse.com says that "During an annular solar eclipse, the apparent size of the Moon’s disk is slightly smaller than the apparent size of the Sun’s disk. Therefore, only the outer edge of the Sun remains visible and the Sun appears as a brilliant ring if you are inside the path of annular solar eclipse. This is an otherworldly sight often called a “ring of fire”.

Unfortunately for those in the Edmonson County area that want a ring of fire today, they'll need to play some Johnny Cash, as the path of the moon did not completely pass in front of the sun here, and outdoor burning near brush or woodlands is prohibited from 6AM until 6PM as fall fire season has begun.

Thanks to filters we saved from the August 21, 2017 eclipse, we were able to take some photos of the event today. Four out of the five photos published here were taken with the filter, while the final photo was without, taken through heavy cloud cover.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
It was a bittersweet night on Thursday at the Heritage Centre in Brownsville as the Lions Club hosted a dinner of gratitude on behalf of those that supported the 2023 Edmonson County Lions Club Fair, held this past September.

The fair was the most successful event the Lions Club has organized in several years, boasting a new and improved carnival that drew hundreds to the fairgrounds each night. The dinner was a token of thanks to those that bought in to what the newly appointed Fair Board Chairman, Donnie Turley, and others tried to sell. The selling worked, and those that supported the idea were honored with a dinner and personalized plaques.

"COVID really changed what the Lions Club was trying to do, and we just wanted to bring back the excitement of the fair like we used to have when I was a kid," said Turley, a 25-year member of the Lions Club. Turley, along with Corey Culbreth, the Kentucky Farm Bureau representative of the Fair Board, went seeking a new carnival company. While they knew they could find one, finding the funding to get them here would be another story.

Longtime president of the Lions Club Jimmie Duvall gave the closing remarks.

"Donnie called me and said they found a good carnival company," he said. "He said we'd have to give them $15,000 up front and half the gate. I told them, boys, 'we can't keep up what we've got with just half the gate,' but he said they could raise the money from the community.

Duvall continued, saying that most people couldn't raise $300 for something around here, much less $15K, but saw what an effort and the energy that was put forth in order to make it happen. He applauded the efforts of Turley, Culbreth, and others for their focus and determination. He also became emotional several times during his remarks about how he loved his community, county, and of course, serving on the Lions Club for 45 years, acting as president in different intervals during the period.

He spoke of how the things of old still have value but as time changes, changes have to be made. He praised the vision of the younger Lions Club members and said it was time for him to retire as president, a move that shocked everyone in the room.

Duvall received a standing ovation with handshakes and hugs upon the conclusion of the program. He also gave a heartfelt benediction.

While most everyone in attendance discussed their surprise of the announcement, they also understood Duvall's reasoning behind the move.

The Lions Club sold different levels of sponsorship for this year's fair, which resulted in 84 different sponsors at four different levels, including eight platinum level sponsors. Over $20,000 was raised in sponsorship this year.

"We're putting that money back into the county," said Turley. "We're going to support our local charities and organizations with some of this and you'll be hearing about it really soon."

Also in attendance was Bro. Jerry Patton, who gave the invocation. He has been a member of the Lions Club for 53 years. Scottie Woodcock (age 90) was also in attendance. He is the last living charter member of the Edmonson County Lions Club.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Emergency workers responded to the 19000 block of Louisville Road in Edmonson County today to the report of a two-vehicle crash around around 8:30AM.

According to Edmonson County Sheriff James Vincent, James Forrester, (41) of Bowling Green was headed south on Louisville Road in a 2009 Nissan SUV when he side-swiped a 2016 Buick, driven by Teresa Frank, (65) of Smiths Grove.

Sheriff Vincent stated that Mr. Forrester said he fell asleep while driving. Forrester's vehicle then exited the left side of the roadway and struck a tree, the sheriff said.

He was air-lifted to Skyline Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries while Mrs. Frank refused medical treatment at the scene, according to the sheriff.

Responding to the scene was the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, along with Edmonson EMS, and the Brownsville and Rocky Hill Fire Departments.

MAMMOTH CAVE, KY.– A brand new species of petalodont (“petal-toothed) shark was discovered within the Ste. Genevieve Formation rock layer at Mammoth Cave National Park. The new shark species, Strigilodus tollesonae, was discovered when several small spoon-like teeth were found in a cave wall and ceiling during an ongoing paleontological resources inventory (PRI) coordinated by Mammoth Cave and the National Park Service (NPS) Paleontology Program. The public announcement comes on National Fossil Day (NFD), a day to celebrate and promote the scientific and educational values of fossils. 
 
“We are excited to finally announce the discovery of our first new shark species at Mammoth Cave on NFD,” said Superintendent Barclay Trimble. “Teams of geologists, paleontologist, park staff, and volunteers have been hard at work deep inside the cave identifying and collecting fossils since the paleontological resources inventory began in 2019. Their important research allows us to better understand the scope, significance, distribution, and management issues associated with the fossil record found within Mammoth Cave.” 
 
Strigilodus tollesonae was a type of extinct shark that is more closely related to modern ratfish than to other modern sharks and rays. The teeth uncovered at Mammoth Cave represent all known tooth positions in the mouth of both adult and juveniles of the new species. The teeth were arranged in a fan-like structure with a large tooth in the middle and three other teeth, decreasing size, next to it. Each tooth had a single rounded curved cusp for clipping and grasping hard shell prey, while the inner/tongue side of the tooth was long with ridges for crushing. Strigilodus tollesonae may have lived like a modern skate, feeding on snails, bivalves, soft bodied worms, and smaller fish. 
 
The name Strigilodus tollesonae translates to “Tolleson’s Scraper Tooth.” It is named in honor of Mammoth Cave National Park Guide Kelli Tolleson who provided outstanding field support for the PRI. Tolleson discovered many important fossil localities through her work and led expeditions to the fossil sites which are limited in accessibility due to the remote and sometimes challenging sections of cave where the specimens are found. Many of the sites are in areas of low ceilings requiring crawling for long distances on hands and knees, and at times, belly crawling. The fossils are commonly located in the cave ceilings or walls which researchers and volunteers carefully collect using small handheld tools. 
 
The PRI began in November 2019 when shark fossil specialist John-Paul (JP) Hodnett of the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission began to work with the NPS Paleontology Program to identify the park’s shark fossils. At least 70 species of ancient fish have been identified at Mammoth Cave from the over 25 caves and cave passages that have been surveyed.  
 
National Fossil Day is officially celebrated on October 11, 2023, but Mammoth Cave National Park will celebrate the Strigilodus tollesonae discovery and other types of fossils found within the cave system on Monday, October 23. Paleontologists, educators, and park guides will present fossil-related activities to highlight the scientific and educational value of paleontology and the importance of preserving fossils for future generations. More information about the Mammoth Cave event will be released closer to the event date. 
 
Learn more about the amazing fossils at Mammoth Cave and the 2023 National Fossil Day artwork at A 350-Million-Year-Old Time Capsule in the World’s Longest Cave System webpage. 

Darren Doyle, story:
Magistrates voted to approve the purchase of a new dump truck with a price tag around $200K, after a county road worker was seriously injured in a dump truck crash a few weeks ago.

Jimmy Cook, who was driving a county dump truck for the road department and lost control of the truck while working on KY HWY 185 on September 18th, was ejected from the truck in a rollover crash, as was discussed at today's Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting.

Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey said that Cook is still recovering after the crash. County Treasurer Tammi Willhite said the dump truck was insured for $75K but it is still unknown what the total insurance payout will be to the county.

Magistrates approved the purchase of a 2024 Kenworth T480 single axle truck for the price of $193,212.

Edmonson County Homemakers:

Also at today's meeting, Judge Lindsey read a proclamation in honor of the Edmonson County Homemakers for their collective works done for Edmonson County.

The Homemakers are preparing to host the Mammoth Cave Area Annual Day on October 19th at Tayvin Gardens. The group will host approximately 130 people from the region during the annual event that is held in one of the 10 surrounding counties each year. This year, it is the Homemakers' turn.

County Parks and Rec Will Combine Parks and Program Director Position:
Magistrates also voted to combine two open positions into one job at today's meeting.

The position of Parks Director has been mostly a maintenance-driven job for the past several years, with the focus on mowing all parks, while the Program Director position focused solely on the programs run by the parks system. All youth league sports and annual events were overseen by the Program Director, the position recently vacated by John Kiernan. The Parks Director was recently left open by A.B. Webb, who stepped down a few weeks ago.

According to District 2 Magistrate T.J. Massey, who served on the committee to research the posting of both positions, the deciding factor was being able to combine salaries for a higher pay scale to attract more talent and to minimize the confusion between the two roles.

"Having one person allows us to set clear and concise expectations of that one single person instead of having it separated," said Massey. "The director will be just that. A director of all things parks and rec and will ultimately be responsible for how that organization is ran. It will streamline decisions within the parks and recreation and a single face to bring forth to fiscal court for support, help and ideas. We will certainly learn as we go with a new person but I also think that will be easier learning with one person vs. two new people at the same time."

He also said contracting the mowing instead of requiring the director to do it also helps the combination of the two.

Other County Updates:
Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey said that thanks to recent House Bill 9, Edmonson County has been moved into one of 41 counties that qualify for assistance when it comes to funds-matching grants. The county has often qualified for federal grants for various projects, but could not accept them due to the requirement to match the funds of the grant. If the county received a $200K grant for a certain project, they couldn't accept it because they couldn't afford the other $200K required to complete the project.

"This HB9 program helps cover that," said Lindsey. "So what they'll do, if we get a federal grant, we can apply to them for the secondary and they will actually pay the matching portion for us."

Lindsey also said that these projects are meant to be large, transformational projects at the county and city levels, not simple landscaping jobs.

He also updated the court on Sunfish-Roundhill Road, a portion of which is still closed due to the road being demolished at the creek. He said that FEMA has moved the road up on their priority list and are trying to move forward much more quickly. The county has stated multiple times that the local funding is not there to rebuild the road. He also said the planning stage of the rebuilding of Willie Webb Road has passed and is now moving on to the legal stage. Once that clears, the reconstruction will begin on a portion of the road that recently washed out. Part of it is gravel-only at this time.

The fiscal court meeting was held today instead of yesterday due to the Columbus Day holiday.

The court also voted to:

• Approve 2022 County Clerk Fee Account Close Out Letter per final Audit.
• Acknowledge Dog Control’s September CAD Report.
• Acknowledge BGWC September Shelter Directors Report.
•  Approve October Cash Transfers.
• Approve Treasurer’s September Monthly Settlement Report.
• Approve Judge’s Quarterly Financial Statement Report.
• Approve Jailer’s Quarterly Report.

The next Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 23rd.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Landon Meredith, a local resident, recently graduated from the Kentucky State Police Telecommunications Academy.

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) announced 30 telecommunicators, representing 13 posts across the commonwealth, recently graduated from the KSP Telecommunications Academy. This is the agency’s largest graduating class in its history.   KSP telecommunicators handle dispatch duties for Kentucky state troopers, commercial vehicle enforcement officers, conservation officers and other emergency service agencies as needed. In 2022, telecommunicators answered over 622,000 calls resulting in more than 396,000 requests for assistance.   

The graduates of Class 22 received 160 hours of instruction over four weeks. Major training areas include legal liability, limits of telecommunicator authority, telecommunicator’s role in public safety, interpersonal communications, customer service, combating stress and PTSD, ethics and confidentiality, responder safety, basic fire dispatch, state emergency operation plans, criminal justice information systems, first aid training, emergency medical dispatch and special needs callers.  

During the academy, graduates were required to successfully process scripted calls for service and demonstrate proficiency in obtaining pertinent information, dispatching first responders, providing emergency medical dispatch if needed, and correctly documenting information from the call for assistance. The training concluded with a computer simulation system that simulates their work environment in the radio room.  

"KSP telecommunicators provide a lifeline to citizens in need and responders in the field.  They are pivotal in the success of our agency's mission. We welcome these three telecommunicators to Post 3." Said Captain Tim Adams, Commander of Post 3 Bowling Green.

The Post 3 graduates of the 22nd KSP Telecommunications Academy included:
 
Landon Meredith of Edmonson County, who is a graduate of Edmonson County High School. He is the son of Lonnie and Pixie Meredith.

Jonetta Merritt of Barren County. Merritt is a graduate of Barren County High School. Her spouse is William Merritt.

Rebecca Parsons, of Allen County. Parsons is a home-schooled graduate.

The agency is continuing to recruit for individuals to join Team Kentucky to provide critical assistance and assurance to their neighbors and loved ones. KSP telecommunicators the ability to receive an annual $3,100 training stipend. KSP telecommunicators now receive a starting salary of more than $41,000 annually. To apply for a telecommunicator position with KSP, click here, or contact the KSP post nearest to you for more information.

Edmonson Voice Report:
An Edmonson County Grand Jury recently returned the following indictments:

Randy Meredith, Sr.: Incest-victim under 12 years of age (2 counts), Rape first degree-victim under 12 years of age, Sodomy first degree-victim under 12 years of age, Incest, Rape first degree, Unlawful transaction with a minor -first degree-victim under 16 years of age, Criminal attempt to commit rape first degree-victim under 12 years of age, Unlawful transaction with a minor-first degree-victim under 16 years of age.

Jeffrey Bentley: Flagrant nonsupport.

Arthur Garcia: Flagrant nonsupport.

Martease Lavonta Warner: Flagrant nonsupport, Persistent felony offender first degree.

Dominick F. Douglas: Theft by unlawful taking property valued at $1,000 or more but less than $10,000, Criminal trespassing third degree.

Trevor Dolan Vincent: Wanton Endangerment first degree, Assault fourth degree.

Sasha Lynn Wilkerson: Flagrant nonsupport, Persistent felony offender first degree.

Joseph P. Simon: Theft by unlawful taking of property valued at $1,000 or more but less than $10,000, Criminal trespassing third degree.

Steven Loyd Todd,Jr.: Flagrant nonsupport, Persistent felony offender first degree.

Please note that 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.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Mammoth Cave National Park announced a new river forecast point to begin operation on October 31st. Forecast services for the Green River will be issued by the National Weather Service in Louisville in coordination with the Ohio River Forecast Center. Services will also include the issuance of Flood Warnings when the gauged depth of the Green River reaches the Minor Flood Stage level of 32 feet.

"This new forecast point will benefit visitors and park staff alike," said Barclay Trimble, superintendent, Mammoth Cave National Park. "Being able to monitor river conditions in this manner will allow visitors to make informed planning decisions about their paddling trips down the Green River and will provide staff with the latest updates on river conditions."

This daily forecast service will provide additional safety-related information that river users can consider prior to launching watercraft in the park. More information on this service is available at the National Weather Service website. For park information, please visit nps.gov/MACA.

Darren Doyle, story:
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2024 class of the Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni.
 
With the bar set high from last year’s inaugural class, the EC HODA is now looking for nominations for the next group of those that will be inducted into the coveted hall.
 
According to the EC HODA, its purpose is to honor alumni whose exceptional achievements and careers reflect the highest values embraced and promoted by the school and committee. The award recipients have distinguished themselves by contributions made in their fields of work, professional or public service, or in the betterment of humanity.
Edmonson County High School Principal and HODA Committee member Jonathan Williams said he is looking forward to the next chapter of EC HODA.
 
“With the success of last year’s ceremony and amazing inaugural class, we can’t wait to see what the next class will look like,” he said. “We are preserving history with the outstanding alumni we have. With even more members on our committee, we are so excited to start the process for the 2024 class.”
 
 
The HODA Committee will consider the following criteria for all nominees:

• Nominees must have attended Edmonson County High School (or any of the high schools in Edmonson County that predate ECHS) for a minimum of two years, but it is not necessary that they graduated from the school.
• 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.
• Individual may be living or deceased
  

 
Committee Chair Amanda Lich said that while last year’s first-ever ceremony was full of unknowns, it gained overwhelming support from the community.

“We didn’t know how the community would react to our vision when we first began planning for the Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni, but we were amazed at the outpouring of support we received with the first class,” she said. “We anticipate even more nominations for the next class and we are already planning for an even larger event.”

The EC HODA committee reserves the right to request additional follow-up information for any nomination. All decisions made by the committee are final and confidential. Score sheets will not be available for review.

ECHS Honorary Alumnus Award
In addition, one person will be recognized annually as an Edmonson County High School Honorary Alumnus.
“This individual is not eligible for consideration for HODA due to his/her attendance at a different high school,” the HODA Committee said in a statement. “However, the ideal candidate is an excellent representative of Edmonson County through his or her commitment to the EC community through volunteerism and/or philanthropy, display of EC pride in word and/or deed, and/or engagement in EC as though he or she were a lifelong resident. The committee will accept nominations via email (EdmonsonCountyHODA@gmail.com) with a brief description of why the nominee should be considered.

2023 EC HODA INDUCTEES
DR. KEVIN CLEMMONS
MASTER SGT. LARRY HAWKS
JEANNE ALEXANDER PATTON
JERRY B. PATTON
JOHNNY VINCENT
DAVID WEBB (d.)
JOHNNY D. WEBB

2023 ECHS HONORARY ALUMNUS
ROBBIE BRANTLEY

Nomination forms are available at ECHS in the front office or you can simply fill out their online form by clicking the 2024 EC HODA Nomination Form.

Nominations for the Class of 2024 will be accepted electronically through October 15th.  The new selections will be announced in December of this year. The annual banquet will be held in honor of those selected sometime in early 2024, which will be announced once confirmed.

The EC HODA Committee consists of: Regina Byrd, Melinda Campbell, Darrell Cassady, Cooper Clark, Morgan Esters, Amanda Lich (Chair), Scott Lindsey, Carol Stice, Laura-Grace Vincent, Johnny D. Webb.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Prisoner of war hero PFC Thomas Franklin "Frank" Brooks was laid to rest today in his final earthly home at Hill Grove Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery beside his parents, Charles Smith and Francis Isabell Priddy Brooks, after 81 years of waiting.

PFC Brooks and his brother Easol enlisted in the Army together in January of 1941. Easol was sent to Texas while Frank was assigned to D Company, 192nd Battalion at Fort Knox, KY.

Frank arrived in the Philippines on November 20, 1941, just 18 days before an attack from the Japanese, beginning the Battle of Bataan. Frank and his fellow soldiers fought for four months with no outside help and few provisions. Frank was wounded in battle and was moved to a field hospital during this time period. Gerald Carroll, U.S. Army (ret) and great nephew of Frank Brooks, who spoke at today's service, said he even hated to use the word "hospital."

"It wasn't a bunch of people running around in white coats, I can tell you that," he said as he addressed the crowd today. Carroll was instrumental in the bringing of PFC Brooks back home to his community.

"He was on a cot somewhere under a tent like this. They called that a hospital. He missed the (Bataan) death march because of that. I guess that was a little bit of good fortune, but not much."

The Bataan Death March was the forcible transfer by the Imperial Japanese Army of 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war from the municipalities of Bagac and Mariveles on the Bataan Peninsula to Camp O'Donnell via San Fernando in April of 1942.

"Later on, he was moved to that prison camp and survived for eight months, a brutal eight months," Carroll said.

PFC Brooks succumbed to famine and disease while in the camp and died on December 10, 1942. He was buried in a communal grave with eight other soldiers. As the war ended in 1945, the U.S. Army knew where he was buried but did not know which of the remains were his. Some of the nine were identified, but Brooks was not and his family wasn't informed of his death until seven months later. His remains were moved to the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines and buried as an unknown.

Throughout the years as technology improved, his last surviving sibling, a sister named Eula who died the next year, was able to provide a DNA sample that would aid in the identification of Frank some years later. On June 21, 2023, he was positively identified as Thomas Franklin Brooks and the final chapter of his heroic story began as preparations were made to bring him home.

Today, Carroll was emotional as he told stories about how the family never gave up hope of bringing him home, reading letters sent to the U.S. Army from family members.

"After we submitted DNA from aunt Eula, it started the process," Carroll said. "In 2018 they removed him from his grave and started trying to identify him. Five years later in June of this year, we got the call that Uncle Frank had been identified. We started contacting the family and it was universal. Bring him home. Bury him beside Mom and Dad."

Frank's nephews received his medals at the funeral today, which included the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, POW Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic/Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and the Philippine Defense Medal. They were presented by Brigadier General Brian Wertzler, Deputy AG of the Kentucky Air National Guard.

There was also a presentation of the USS Batann Flag to Frank's niece, Zelda Foster from U.S. Navy Commander Pete Scott Logsdon (a great nephew).

General Wertzler presented the folded flag from the casket to Frank's oldest living nieces,  Georgia Bell Childress and Mary Langdon. The service ended with a 21-gun salute, the playing of "Taps," and the singing of "Beulah Land" by the Hill Grove Church Choir.

Decorations of flags and yellow ribbons were placed all over the county during the past week, including 600 American flags on poles that lined Brier Creek Road and Dickey's Mill Road, all the way up to the church. Hundreds were packed into the small church cemetery.

Patton Funeral Home, Brownsville Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Darren Doyle, story: Joseph Barkoff, photos:
As the community shared mixed emotions last night at the return of PFC Thomas Franklin "Frank" Brooks, Edmonson County Schools followed suit today as each school in the district participated in ceremonies for the POW hero.

Kyrock Elementary hosted the processional from Patton Funeral Home first thing this morning in an outdoor ceremony. From there, PFC Brooks was transported to Edmonson County High School where ECMS and EC 5/6 Students combined along with friends, family, and military service and community members. From there, a similar ceremony was held at South Edmonson Elementary.

One unidentified visitor in the crowd said "you know, all these kids were just being kids, talking and laughing until that hearse pulled up. Then you could've heard a pin drop. They knew this was serious business."

Serious business, indeed. Veteran affairs, issues, and programs have never been taken lightly in Edmonson County, and today was the epitome of that notion amongst the schools.

"We have great students here in Edmonson County, and I've never been more proud of them than I was today," said Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander.

"The amount of respect that they showed was simply amazing. We had over 1200 kids in our gym and they truly honored one of America's greats today. If they won every state championship out there, I couldn't be more proud."

Alexander credited each school, the administration, and faculty for the programs that were held today.

"We've always been patriotic, but this has renewed that here in our community," he said. "I personally want to thank our local VFW and Patton Funeral Home for allowing our schools to have part in such an occasion. Private Brooks gave the ultimate sacrifice at a time when the world was in peril. What an honor for us it was to have the opportunity to pay a small tribute to him. We also want to thank the Brooks family for their cooperation. Today was simply a phenomenal day."

Darren Doyle, story and photos: Alyssa Doyle, photos: Joseph Barkoff photos:
It was an emotional homecoming for family, friends, and the community of PFC Frank Brooks, whose remains were returned to Edmonson County this evening.

The transfer from the U.S. Army was made today at 5:35PM eastern time at the Louisville International Airport to the care of Patton Funeral Home, who transported the flag-draped casket all the way back to Brownsville with a processional lined with family and descendants.

Louisville area fire departments stood at attention on top of overpasses with flags waving and salutes as the processional traveled below. It was indeed enough to make the hair on one's arm stand up as well as wetting the eye.