Moriah Peterson, story: 
Edmonson County residents will see an additional tax on their next property tax bills as a result of the county Conservation District having the authority to set their own tax without the fiscal court.

The Edmonson County Conservation District attended Fiscal Court on Monday February 29th to request additional funding for their programs and over the course of a few weeks, the Judge Executive's Office assisted the Conservation Office by researching different options for the requested funding on an already strapped county budget.

During today's Fiscal Court meeting it was confirmed that Edmonson County Conservation is already set up as a “special district” which means they have the ability to set a millage tax rate to use for their funding without the approval of Fiscal Court. Special taxing districts are those that have the ability to set their own tax rates, such as the health department, the Extension Office, and similar offices.

The Conservation Office stated they want to work with the court and County Attorney Greg Vincent in setting their budget and tax rate for funding. While the office isn't required to obtain any approval from fiscal court to set the rate for this new tax, they openly requested feedback from the court in addition to the help of County Attorney Vincent.

The rate will be set at a later date this year.

Moriah Peterson, story and photos:
Edmonson County Fiscal Court was held on Monday, February 25, 2019 in the upstairs courtroom of the county courthouse.

Road Report- Greg Carroll reported to the court that seasonal employees will be called back into work a little earlier than normal this year to help finish paving work. He also said the mow trimmer had to have some maintenance work and that a road crew employee hit a guardrail with one of the pickups, which will need repair.

Sheriff Report- Sheriff Shane Doyle reported several drug arrests to the court. He reviewed one case where dispatch received multiple calls about a truck driving recklessly. The truck was located and through an investigation a significant arrest was made.  He said the sheriff’s office also held their spring range qualification last Thursday.

Jailer Report- Jailer Hank Vincent reported 17 county inmates are lodged in the Hart County jail and two inmates are on home incarceration. It was also reported that all jailers qualified during the spring range qualification.

County Clerk Report- Election paper machines are set according to County Clerk Kevin Alexander. The state promised two election machines per polling place that automatically read driver’s licenses but the county hasn’t received these machines for all polling places in the county, according to Alexander.

Parks & Rec Report- Parks Director A.B Webb reported that all park bathrooms are open for the season. He also reported that due to faucets being left on in bathrooms, Parks and Rec will be using some their budget to replace all faucets for automatic ones to eliminate faucets being left on.

Tourism Report- The Chamber breakfast will be on April 12th at Edmonson County Health Care Center. The Cave Area Celebration will take place on April 17th beginning at 11am.

Updates:
The Edmonson County Humane Society will be offering their microchip clinic on April 6th. Edmonson County residents can receive up to two free chips for their pets per household.

There will be a Vietnam Veterans Ceremony on Friday March 29, 2019 at the Brownsville Community Center at 10am.  

Several items of new business were discussed, where the court voted to:

• Approve re-appointment of Janet Dennison to Industrial Authority Board for a 3 year term, effective August 1, 2019 to expire August 1, 2022.
• Approve re-appointment of Roger Stevenson to Industrial Authority Board for a 3 year term, effective August 1, 2019 to expire August 1, 2022.
• Approve 2019-2020 Jailer Budget
• Acknowledge Big Reedy Watershed Conservancy District fiscal year 2019-2020.
• Approve to hire three temporary road employees for mowing season at $10.00 per hour.
• Approve Todd Wilson, full time road employee at $10.50 per hour, date of hire March 11, 2019.  
• Approve Steven Hazelwood, full time road employee at $10.50 per hour, date of hire March 14, 2019.  

​More articles on today's meeting are scheduled to be published later today.

The next Fiscal Court meeting will be on April 8th at 9am. ​

Two Chalybeate area residents have been arrested and are facing multiple felony charges after a Monday afternoon incident.

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, a deputy was dispatched to the area of Otter Gap and Sulphur Roads on Monday around 4pm for multiple reports of a blue Chevrolet pickup truck driving recklessly and in opposing lanes towards on-coming traffic. As the deputy approached the area, it was reported that the vehicle had turned onto Joseph Court, just off Sulphur Road.

The Sheriff's Office said when the deputy arrived in the area, a vehicle matching the description was observed in a driveway at 82 Joseph Court, which was blue 2008 Chevrolet pickup truck occupied by Brittany Webb (29) and an unrestrained 5 year old juvenile.

The deputy reported as he approached the vehicle, it was still running with Webb passed out behind the wheel and the juvenile was asleep on the passenger’s side. Officials said Webb woke up as the deputy approached and was observed with what appeared to be a meth pipe. Deputies said Webb attempted to crush the pipe as she exited the vehicle. According to officials, Webb admitted to having smoked meth at approximately 8 am that morning and then driving home from Bowling Green with her five year-old child. Through the deputy’s interaction with Webb, probable cause for a search warrant of 82 Joseph Court was obtained.
​
Webb was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs, 1st Offense; Possession of Controlled Substance, 1st Degree-Methamphetamine; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Tampering with Physical Evidence; and Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree. She was arrested on scene and taken to Hart County Jail where she was later released on bond.

​Later that evening, a search warrant was executed at the residence where numerous firearms and ammunition were seized, along with bagged up suspected methamphetamine and suspected methadone pills.  Also seized were cash, scales, bags, and other drug paraphernalia.
​
Today, both Brittany Webb (28) and Derik Bledsoe (38), of Brownsville were arrested and charged with Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st deg- 1st off methamphetamine over 2 grams (class C felony), Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st deg- 1st off. Drug unspecified over 10 D.U (Class C felony). Drug Paraphernalia (A misdemeanor) (All drug offenses are firearm enhanced).

Bledsoe was also charged with Convicted felon in possession of firearm (Class D felony), and Convicted felon in possession of handgun (class C felony).

"This shows how important it is to call when you see something suspicious," said Sheriff Shane Doyle. "We may not have made this bust had it not been for concerned citizens. I'm proud of our deputies for the excellent investigators they are. The combination of the calls and our investigation led to a significant arrest in the drug problem facing our county."
​
Both were lodged in Hart County Jail.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The ECMS academic team won the KAAC state quick recall championship on Monday, March 18, 2019, by defeating Meyzeek Middle School of Louisville.   The championship culminates a season of practice and competition that began on August 14, 2018.  

The win makes the third consecutive year that the team has competed in the finals, something unprecedented for a school the size of Edmonson County.​

The best teams in the commonwealth came to Louisville with dreams of being state quick recall champions, but the ECMS team dominated the competition at the KAAC Governor’s Cup State Finals.  ECMS began the tournament on the morning of March 17th with a 37 to 13 victory over Phillip Sharp Middle School from Pendleton County.  Next ECMS defeated Boone County’s Conner Middle School by a score of 40 to 11.  The last game of the day, ECMS outscored Pikeville Middle School by a score of 44 to 12 to advance to the “Smart Sixteen” playoffs on Monday.

Coach Grey continued:​

"Our other starters, Evy Bolton and Emma Sackett, really stepped up their game for the quarterfinals and semifinals matches.  We truly operated like a fine tuned engine at the state finals," Coach Grey continued.  "When we substituted, every player came in with intensity and looked to score early and often.  All of the coaches are extremely proud of the team’s achievements and of the individual achievements in testing.  I want to thank our coaches Alan Florence, Nick Skaggs, and Robin Grey for all they did to make this championship a reality.  We began the year with a dream of a state championship, and that dream was achieved through the hours of practice, competition, and study of our players.  Thank you Brody, Jonas, Evy, Emma, Glenna, Alex, Brycen, Lyla, Ace, Ashton, and Ian. You will always have a special place in my heart and memories.”

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
A single vehicle accident has resulted in a DUI arrest, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

Emergency workers responded to the 1200 block of Cedar Grove Church Road in Bee Spring on Monday, March 18, 2019 around 2pm to the report of a single vehicle accident with unknown injuries.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Samuel Jason Durbin (42) of Bee Spring was headed east when his 2008 Pontiac SUV exited the right side of the roadway and collided with a tree.

Officials said Durbin refused medical treatment at the scene and that he showed signs of impairment. He was arrested and charged with Driving under the influence--aggravated circumstance.

He was transported to Caverna Hospital where he was then cleared for incarceration. He was transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail.

In addition to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Edmonson EMS, Kyrock VFD, and Bear Creek VFD responded to the scene. 

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
A Leitchfield woman has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence of drugs after a traffic stop, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

In a released statement, the Sheriff's Office said they made a traffic stop on a gold Chevrolet sedan around 3:50pm on Sunday, March 17, 2019 that was found driving recklessly on HWY 259N.

During the traffic stop at Z Mart in Sweeden, the driver of the vehicle was discovered to be Theresa L. Taymon (56) of Leitchfield. Also in the vehicle was a 4 year old juvenile passenger; a grandchild to the driver, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Officials said that after making contact with Taymon, a field sobriety test was performed and the driver was found to be driving under the influence of drugs.

The Edmonson County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit was on scene and after the K-9 indicated on Taymon’s vehicle, probable cause for a search of the vehicle and person was initiated. A substance that tested positive for methamphetamine was found on Taymon, driver of the vehicle. She was arrested on scene and charged with:

• Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree,
• Possession of Controlled Substance, 1st Degree/Methamphetamine,
• Operating Motor Vehicle under the Influence of Drugs, 1st Offense, and
• No Rearview Mirror

​She was transported and lodged in Hart County Jail.

​Edmonson County Circuit Court Clerk Tanya Hodges has released a special statement regarding the process of jury duty summons' in Edmonson County.

"Dear Edmonson County residents,

As you may know, when court cases require a jury here in the Edmonson County Courthouse, our office has to request a jury panel from Frankfort. I, nor anyone in our office has any control as to whom is mailed a jury summons. We simply request a certain amount of names, and then the names are randomly selected from a database stored in Frankfort.

It has come to our attention that several families have received a summons in the name of a deceased loved one. We know this is frustrating, and sometimes painful. We deeply apologize for these incidents and we are working hard to keep this from happening in the future. 

A new jury panel is currently being selected and the summons' have been mailed out. Again, we do not select these names locally, but we ask that if you or a family member receive a summons for someone who has passed, to please contact our office immediately so that we can notify Frankfort in order to remove that name from the database. 

We are here to serve you with respect and dignity, and we deeply care about our responsibilities, our credibility, but most importantly, you, the people of Edmonson County. Please contact our office with any needs for our services, it is our pleasure to serve you. Thank you so much."

Respectfully submitted,
Tanya Hodges
Edmonson County Circuit Court Clerk
270-597-2584

Darren Doyle, story:
Emergency workers responded to a car fire on Veterans Memorial HWY (259/101) near Brownsville earlier today around 1:30pm. 

According to law enforcement, Christopher Leonard of Bowling Green was headed south in a red Ford Mustang when a mechanical problem forced him to pull over. The vehicle caught fire after he and a passenger exited the vehicle, according to law enforcement on scene.

Responding to the fire were the Brownsville, Chalybeate, and Wingfield Fire Departments, as well as the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office and Brownsville Police.

There were no injuries reported in the incident.

​Michael R. Fox, Terroristic threatening. Failed to appear. $500 cash bench warrant issued.

Cindy Kaye Meredith, Terroristic threatening, third degree. Criminal trespass, second degree. Continue 3/26/19. 

Darrell T. Decker, Operating motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs- aggravated circumstance-third offense. Guilty. Driving with DUI suspended license- second offense (merge into count 1). Possess open alcohol beverage container in a motor vehicle. Failure to/or improper signal (merge into count 1).

James K. Webb, Criminal trespass, first degree. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 3/26/19.

James K. Webb, Possession of controlled substance, first degree, first offense- methamphetamine. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Possession of marijuana. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security first. No/expired registration plates. No tail lamps. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial hearing 3/26/19.

Brittany Michelle Jackson, Operating motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs. Operating on suspended/revoked operators license. Possession of marijuana. Careless driving. No/expired registration plates. Failed to appear. $250 cash bench warrant issued.

Heather D. Dixon, Theft by deception- include cold checks. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 4/23/19.

Carolene C. Griffin, Assault fourth degree, minor injury. Assault fourth degree, minor injury. Criminal trespass- first degree. Alcohol intoxication in a public place- first and second offense. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference 3/26/19.

Christopher A. Silcox, Fugitive from another state- warrant required.

​Sherri Delaine Davis, Assault fourth degree, domestic violence, minor injury. Wanton endangerment. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference 3/26/19. 

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
In a large bipartisan vote, the Senate has sent legislation requiring the display of the nation motto in public elementary and secondary schools to the Governor’s desk.
 
House Bill 46, sponsored by Rep. Brandon Reed of Hodgenville, requires schools to display “In God We Trust” in a prominent location, such as a school entryway, cafeteria, or common area. The display may take the form of a mounted plaque or student artwork, but is not limited to those items.
 
“Our national motto has long served as a vital component to our nation’s history and culture, and can serve as an example for our students,” Reed said. “This will be a source of inspiration for all of our children, in the very place where they spend their upbringing learning and growing. I’m glad to see bipartisan support for this bill, and look forward to seeing the Governor sign it into law.”
 
“In God We Trust” has served as America’s national motto since 1956, and is featured on money, license plates, and a variety of other platforms.
 
If signed into law, local school boards would be required to implement the measure at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year. HB 46 can be viewed here.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Edmonson County Clerk Kevin Alexander has announced that his office will be closed Saturday, March 16th due to office-wide illness.

"Unfortunately, flu and other sickness has affected our office," said Clerk Alexander. "We simply do not have the available staff to keep our office open this Saturday."

Alexander said he was hesitant about making the decision due to March being a busy time of year for the office.

"We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause because Saturday hours are popular with our residents," he added. "There are still two more Saturdays available this month and we plan to be better staffed by Monday, March 18th. Again, we apologize, but we really have no choice."

KSP has reported that on Tuesday evening, at approximately 6:19 PM, Troopers Jason Adkison and Jonathan Johnson conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 65 near the 40 mile marker in Warren County.  According to a press release, Post 3 dispatch had received a complaint on the vehicle, a U-haul box van, which according to the caller, contained unrestrained children in the cargo area. 
 
Through investigation, it was determined that the operator, Adam C. Smith (28) of Newark, OH, along with a passenger, Thora Thornton (female-19) also of Newark, OH had rented the cargo van earlier in the day, according to KSP. The cargo van was reportedly not equipped with passenger seating for additional occupants in the cab portion of the vehicle.  Two juvenile passengers, which were found to be relatives of Thornton’s, were located in the rear cargo area of the van, and were unrestrained.  Both juveniles were uninjured when troopers established contact with them, according to KSP.
 
Troopers’ Adkison and Johnson arrested Smith and Thornton on scene, where they were ultimately lodged in the Warren County Regional Jail.  They were charged with the following:
 
Adam C. Smith
Criminal Abuse 1st degree
Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol 1st offense
Possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle prohibited
Speeding
Booster seat violations
Failure to wear seatbelts
License to be in possession
 
Thora S. Thornton
Criminal Abuse 1st degree
   
The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by Trooper Jason Adkison.  He was assisted on the scene by Trooper Jonathan Johnson.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Edmonson County Judge Executive Wil Cannon signed a proclamation that declared Edmonson County will be recognizing April 5, 2019 as Arbor Day.

Judge Cannon signed the proclamation during today's regular fiscal court meeting. The proclamation was submitted by Forest Ranger Tech Chris Scott and Regional Ranger Mark Wiedewitsch from the Campbellsville branch of the KY Division of Forestry.

The rangers also presented a check in the amount of $1069.17 to the fiscal court. The money is restitution collected from the Division of Forestry from landowners that pay fines for violations of burn bans during burn seasons.

UPDATE: 7:29PM (MARCH 11, 2019) ​Body In MCNP Identified CLICK HERE

​EARLIER UPDATE:

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky., March 11, 2019, 4:45 p.m. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Louisville Field Office, is working with the National Park Service to continue their investigation into a suspicious death at Zion Hill Cemetery near Park City Road in Mammoth Cave National Park. 
 
At approximately 9:40 a.m., a person contacted the Barren County Glasgow Dispatch to report finding an unresponsive person laying in the cemetery.  The Park City Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene and contacted the national park rangers at 10 a.m. regarding the deceased, a white female in her 20's.  
 
Investigators cannot confirm the cause of death at this time and are awaiting the medical examiner's report and various test results before additional information will be released. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of family members. 
 
The cemetery and surrounding area were closed for a number of hours on Monday while investigators gathered evidence into the incident.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:​
The National Park Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating a body that was found in Mammoth Cave National Park in Barren County, KY on Monday, March 11, 2019.    
 
The victim, a white female in her 20's, was discovered by a citizen who reported the incident to the Barren County Glasgow Dispatch. The Park City Volunteer Fire Department notified park rangers around 10 a.m. of the finding.

A press release from the park said updates will be made as information becomes available.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
The discussion for needed funding from the Edmonson County Conservation District continued today with no decision being made on whether or not a new tax will be coming to county taxpayers.

Judge Cannon said that $60K in funding is being requested by the office, which is an amount not feasible for the county's general fund to support, according to Cannon. The Judge Executive discussed three different options that the county could aid the office in their need for funding, which were  (1.) creating a new tax district where county taxpayers would see a Conservation District tax added to their annual property tax bill (2.) relocating the district office to county property to eliminate $6K worth of rent and utilities (3.) more funding from the county's general fund. Cannon also said a combination of the three could also be an option.

​Cannon discussed a potential problem with adding a new taxing district, which was that the fiscal court would no longer have the option of setting the rate of the tax. It would be in the hands of the conservation board from that point forward. "While that wouldn't be a problem now because of the good board members we have, what will it be in 20 years or 10 years, or even 5? They'll have the authority to increase that tax to whatever they say. The fiscal court will never again have any control over any of those increases."

After a brief discussion, it was recommended that Conservation District Secretary Barbara Johnson meet with the County Treasurer Tammi Willhite to see if there are other ways the office can work with the county in the budget and the matter would be tabled until the next meeting.

County offices also gave individual reports and updates concerning their specific areas.

Road Report: Interim County Road Foreman Greg Carroll said some county bridges had been closed, reopened, then closed again, while multiple road tiles had washed out due to recent flooding. He also said that various repairs had been completed on department vehicles. Pot hole repair work was currently in place and he asked that if anyone knew of pot holes in need of repair to please contact the road department. He also reported that paving would begin as soon as weather warmed a bit, hopefully around the first of April.

Emergency Management Report: EM Director Terry Massey discussed various classes he'd attended, along with listing certain response calls to a number of structure and house fires, a car in the water, and other county emergencies, for a total of 26 calls since last meeting. He also discussed FEMA grant possibilities for washed out road shoulders as well as other road and tile needs. “I think this opens the door to repair several roads in the county.” Grant money is based on population and needs. He also reported the Chalybeate warning storm siren is not working properly and will check on the repair.

Sheriff Report: Sheriff Shane Doyle spoke on recent training for new special deputies and constables that was conducted by the Sheriff's Office. He reported on a recent trip to Frankfort to hand over a couple dozen seized firearms that cannot be used by his office. Sheriff Doyle said when a firearm is seized, it must either get destroyed order or deemed for department use once the case is closed. The Sheriff said the KY State Police either destroy or sell the weapons, the money of which becomes available in the form of grant money. Doyle said his office has benefited from the grant in the past. Grants are used for body armor, tasers, and other similar equipment. 

Jailer Report: Jailer Hank Vincent reported that the county currently has 17 inmates housed in the Hart County Jail along with two more on home incarceration.

County Attorney Report: County Attorney Greg Vincent said he had been researching options for the fiscal court regarding passing local taxing districts and he summarized his research by saying that the court could basically pass whatever taxing district they deemed necessary. This report was given prior to today's Conservation District discussion.

​

Magistrates also voted to:

• Approve Resolution EC19-04, Lease agreement with Gary Logsdon in the amount of $1 for property used for the upcoming county wide cleanup which has yet to be announced.
• Approve March 2019 Cash Transfers.
• Approve Charles Bradley, Full-time Road Employee at $11.50 per hour, date of hire 3/4/2019
• Approve Mark Weisenberger, full-time Road employee at $11.50 per hour, date of hire 3/4/2019
• Approve Committee Meeting for hiring of Road Supervisor to meet March 25th at 8:00a.m.
• Approve discretionary funding request road list.
• Approve Amy Heath to be added as an authorized signor on accounts at Bank Of Edmonson and Limestone Bank.
• Approve Dog Control February 2019 Communications/ Duty Status Report
• Approve to waive rental fee of $60.00 for Active Day Chalybeate Car Show on May 18.
• Acknowledge 2019-2022 Edmonson County Fiscal Court Committees.
• Acknowledge Executive Order EC 19-05, Declaration of A Local State of Emergency.
• Acknowledge Proclamation Arbor Day, April 5th 2019
• Approve to waive rental fee of $60 for Humane Society Event Hoedown for Hounds at the Community Center, June 15 2019.
• Approve Sheriff’s February 2019 Monthly Fee Account Report, Pending Final Audit.
• Approve Sheriff’s February 2019 Property Taxes Report, Pending Final Audit.
• Approve Sheriff’s February 2019 Franchise Tax Report, Pending Final Audit.
• Approve Treasurer’s February 2019, Monthly Settlement Report.
• Approve County Clerk’s February 2019 MVAV Collection Report, Pending Final Audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s February 2019 Transfer Tax Report, Pending Final Audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s February 2019 Delinquent Tax Collection Report, Pending Final Audit.
• Approve County Clerk’s February 2019 Excess Fees Report, Pending Final Audit

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 25, 2019 at 9am.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
A teen and a juvenile passenger were transported to the hospital this afternoon as a result from injuries they each received in a single vehicle crash on Blackgold Road.

Emergency workers were dispatched to the 5000 block of Blackgold Road around 4pm today where a Ford pickup had crashed into a row of trees. 

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, an unnamed male teenage driver was headed east on Blackgold Road when his Ford pickup exited the left side of the roadway, flipped onto the driver's side, and crashed into a row of trees.

The driver and and unnamed passenger were both transported to the hospital by Edmonson EMS for unknown injuries. 

Also responding to the scene was the Kyrock Fire Department and Edmonson County Emergency Management.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
 By a vote of 16-1-1, the House Judiciary Committee has voted along bipartisan lines to approve a measure that would make Kentucky the 34th state in the nation to legalize medical marijuana.
 
HB 136, sponsored by Rep. Diane St. Onge of Fort Wright and Rep. Jason Nemes of Louisville, is aimed at helping Kentuckians find relief from the pain often associated with chronic illnesses.
 
“This consensus legislation was crafted based on the input of numerous stakeholders, and will improve the quality of life of our fellow citizens suffering from chronic pain and life-altering illnesses, for which no traditional medicine has been effective,” St. Onge said.
 
The measure is the product of numerous compromises and discussions with a broad range of stakeholders. Notably, the bill no longer allows consumption of medicinal marijuana by smoking. It also prohibits the “home grow” element formerly in the legislation, which allowed up to six plants to be cultivated by patients themselves, and establishes a list of qualified medical conditions to provide guidelines for a recommendation.
 
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, four out of five people who try heroin started with prescription opioids. Other studies have shown that states with legalized medicinal marijuana see prescription painkiller overdose rates at 25 percent lower than states who do not have not legalized medical marijuana.
 
Neither Nemes nor St. Onge support the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes.
 
“A strong majority of Kentuckians support medical marijuana, in addition to a strong majority of House members,” Rep. Nemes said. “Now is the time for us to provide our people with a remedy for ailments that numerous studies prove to be effective. It’s time for us to let the doctor decide.”
 
Under the terms of the legislation, the use of medical marijuana would be regulated by the Public Protection Cabinet.
 
The bill now advances to the full House of Representatives for consideration. It has 43 cosponsors, including members from both parties.

Darren Doyle, story:
A grant for an opioid and opiate overdose antidote, Narcan, and the training to properly use it has been acquired on behalf of the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Brownsville Police, as well as Edmonson EMS. 

The nearly $9K grant was obtained through the Kentucky Abuse for Substance Abuse Policy, or KY-ASAP in Edmonson County, coordinated by local Community Education Director Lisa Whobrey. 

​The grant is for multiple doses of Narcan, the brand of the generic drug naloxone, in a drug field-testing kit that will allow local law enforcement officers the ability to test multiple drugs on the spot. Narcan is used to revive someone that has overdosed on opioids. The dosages that law enforcement now has can be used on victims of overdoses or officers that come in contact with certain illegal drugs.

"There is a daily increased risk for these types of drugs in law enforcement duties," said Sheriff Shane Doyle. "By coming into skin contact with a drug like fentanyl or accidentally ingesting it can cause serious health issues. We're excited for this grant, not only to protect ourselves, but also to come to the immediate aid of someone that's overdosed on an opioid. It very well can save someone's life."

Also included in items used from the grant are portable breathalyzer tests and specialty gloves. 

On Monday, March 4th at 7:43 PM, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a two vehicle injury collision involving a passenger vehicle and a passenger truck. The collision had occurred near 7606 Glasgow Road, according to a press release.

The preliminary investigation indicated that Joshua T. Thomas (36) of Glasgow, KY was travelling westbound on Glasgow Road when his 1999 Buick vehicle crossed the center line, striking a 2011 Chevy truck being driven by Christopher D. Gentry (42) of Smith’s Grove, KY while it was traveling eastbound on Glasgow Road. Upon impact, Gentry’s vehicle left the roadway, coming to a final rest onto its side.

​Joshua Thomas’s vehicle came to a final rest and remained in the roadway following the initial impact. Both Mr. Christopher D. Gentry and Joshua T. Thomas were pronounced deceased at the scene. Christopher D. Gentry’s passenger, Amy M. Love of Park City was taken by air evacuation to Vanderbilt. Her condition is unknown at this time.

The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by Warren County Sheriff’s Sergeant, Jonathan Shackelford. He was assisted on the scene by fellow WCSO deputies, Smiths Grove Volunteer Fire Department, Medical Center EMS, Bowling Green City Fire, Air Evac ,and Warren County Coroner. Barren County deputies and Glasgow Police assisted in notification to immediate family members. 

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
A driver, her passenger, and the car's engine was ejected from a vehicle that left the roadway in a single vehicle accident on Sunday, March 3rd around 4pm, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

Emergency workers were dispatched to the 9000 block of Wingfield Church Road (HWY 1749) where a 2007 Ford sedan, driven by Clara Natasha Lindsey (30) of Brownsville had crashed. Authorities reported that according to scene evidence, the car had been traveling north on 1749 when it exited the right side of the roadway.

Evidence also indicated that the driver over corrected, which caused the vehicle to travel across both lanes of traffic and then exit the left side of the roadway, where it struck two different trees, according to the sheriff's office. 

The driver and her passenger, who was identified as Jerry Matthew Napier, (30), of Brownsville, were both ejected through the windshield. Deputies said they were found approximately 20 feet from the vehicle. 

The car's engine was also ejected from the vehicle, which according to officials was located about 20 feet from the car.

Both were transported to the Medical Center by Edmonson EMS. Lindsey was later transferred to University of Louisville Hospital.

The Sheriff's Office said alcohol was believed to be factor in the crash and the investigation is ongoing.

Also responding were the Wingfield and Brownsville Fire Departments, as well as Edmonson County JAWS.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
A rollover accident has sent a Glasgow woman to the hospital, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Shane Doyle was dispatched to the 8800 block of HWY 259 N in Bee Spring around 7:30am on Friday, March 1st to a report of a single vehicle rollover crash.

Sheriff Doyle said that Bettie Johnson, (60), of Glasgow was headed north on 259 N, when for an unknown reason, her 2013 Kia Sportage exited the right side of the roadway.  

According to the Sheriff, the vehicle struck a culvert on the property of Jimmy Dean Sanders, flipped multiple times, and eventually came to rest upright. 

Johnson was transported to the Medical Center for unknown injuries. Sheriff Doyle said there was also a small dog in the vehicle who suffered minor injuries. The dog was reportedly cared for by neighbors until Edmonson County Dog Control arrived. The dog was transported to the Bowling Green/Warren County Humane Society, where a full recovery is expected. 

Darren Doyle, story:
A Wingfield woman is facing multiple charges after she was arrested at a home invasion shortly after midnight on Wednesday, February 27th, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

Officials said that the sheriff's office responded to a call of an active home invasion in the 4800 block of Wingfield Church Road around 12:30am early Wednesday, at the home of Roy (Noots) and Redea Simmons. A deputy reported that when he arrived on scene, he witnessed a woman later identified as Carolene Griffin, (45) also of Wingfield, attempting to enter the Simmons home. 

The deputy said Griffin had broken the glass of a door to the home with her hands and that she was being held by Mrs. Simmons on the other side of the door.

Mrs. Simmons described what happened during the event.

"We heard someone kicking the door so we got up to see who it was," she said. "That's when we saw this woman trying to kick the door in. She was turned around backwards and kicking it like a mule. We told her just to leave us alone but we could tell she was high on something, I don't know what was wrong with her but she was using all sorts of bad language and wouldn't leave. She'd leave the door and go around to the porch side and then I really got scared because I thought there might be someone else there, maybe a man."

Mrs. Simmons said the woman continued to try to open the door so she put her weight up against it and held it until the woman actually broke through the glass with her hand.

"She broke the bottom part of the glass on the door and when her arm came through, I held on to it from inside my house. She used her other arm and broke through another piece of glass and she reached in and grabbed the curtains, so I grabbed her other arm. I had a hold of both of her arms and I wasn't going to let her go."

She said that she fought to hold on to Griffin's arms for another 10 to 15 minutes until a deputy arrived. She also said that the woman kept asking for "Jessie," obviously someone that didn't live there.

The sheriff's deputy was able to quickly subdue the woman and place her under arrest, according to authorities. She reportedly was unable to identify herself and she told the deputy she had no idea how she got there.

Griffin was charged with:

• Assault 4th Degree-minor injury
• Criminal Trespassing
• Alcohol Intoxication at Public Place

The sheriff's office said that Mrs. Simmons received minor injuries to her arms but she refused medical treatment at the scene. Mrs. Simmons said the woman had cuts on her arms.

"She got cut through the pane glass, which I didn't really care," said Mrs. Simmons.

Griffin was transported to the Hart County Jail.

The Simmons' said they had never seen the woman nor knew anything about her. 

"Anymore, this can happen to anybody, day or night," said Simmons. "You just can't never tell anymore."

​Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. The Hon. Judge Joseph B. Hines presiding.

​Tina Marie Simpson, Alcohol intoxication in a public place- first and second offense. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Continue 3/12/19.

Jill Allen Rowe, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs- first offense. Possession of controlled substance, second degree- drug unspecified. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference 4/9/19.

Joshua Dean Prevento, Possession of controlled substance, first degree, first offense-methamphetamine. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Possession of marijuana. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial hearing 3/12/19.

Melissa Renee Hornberger, Possession of controlled substance, first degree, first offense- methamphetamine. Possession of marijuana. Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Tampering with physical evidence. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial hearing 3/12/19.

Brian K. Cox, Drug paraphernalia- buy/possess. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 3/12/19.

Heather D. Dixon, Theft by deception- include cold checks under $500 (two counts).  Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 4/23/19.

Timothy J. Poteet, Theft by deception- include cold checks under $500. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 4/23/19.

Todd Alan Corzine, Possession of controlled substance, first degree, first offense-methamphetamine. Failure to register transfer of motor vehicle. Failure of non-owner operator to maintain required insurance, first. No tail lamps. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial hearing 3/12/19.

​Preston Gage Johnson, Disorderly conduct, second degree. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 3/12/19. 

Derek Lee Sanders, Assault fourth degree, domestic violence, minor injury. Wanton endangerment- second degree. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference 3/12/19.

George William Payne Jr., Driving on DUI suspended license- first offense. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference 3/12/19

Betty W. Johnson, Speeding 19mph over limit. Will attend county attorney traffic school.

Ariel Morgan Johnson, Speeding 15mph over limit. Will attend county attorney traffic school.

Jimmy Ray Johnson, Failure to produce insurance card. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/ security first. Failed to appear.

Rickey Wayne Willis Jr., Failure to produce insurance card. No/ expired registration plates. Order signed.

Trevor W. Sparkman, Operating on suspended/revoked operators license. Failed to appear.

Timothy Blake Taylor, Inadequate silencer (muffler), fined $50. No tail lamps, fined $50. Vehicle transport explosives not marked, dismissed. All other traffic offenses not listed. $243.00 total costs and fines.

Eric L. Murphy, No operators/ moped license. Operating on suspended/ revoked operators license. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference 5/20/19.

​Davonte M. Bonds, Possession of marijuana. Failure to appear. Bench warrant issued.