Video: KSP SGT Billy Gregory Discusses Driving In Winter Weather, Offers Other Helpful Tips2/10/2021 
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 Darren Doyle, story and photo: Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander has announced that due to potential impending weather conditions, Edmonson County Schools will close in-person learning for Thursday, February 11, 2021. "While Friday's session will be all-virtual, widespread power outages could cause us to have to adjust how we normally do things," he said. "A decision will be made at the earliest point possible once the impact of this winter event is determined so families can plan accordingly."   Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander has made an announcement regarding in-person learning and COVID vaccinations at EC Schools with the potential of winter weather in the forecast: Due to winter weather coming in tomorrow evening and throughout the remainder of the week, Edmonson County School District's 2nd scheduled COVID vaccination has been moved from Friday, February 12, to Wednesday, February 10, at the request of the Barren River Health Department. Due to the need to reschedule, Edmonson County Schools will not have in-person learning on Wednesday, February 10. This will be a virtual learning day for all students. A decision on February 11 and 12 will be made based on winter weather results throughout the week. While we do not want to cancel in-person classes, we feel the benefits of completing the 2nd round of vaccination will help us to move toward "normal" in the future. Employees that are getting their 2nd vaccine should receive a text reminder stating their time later today. Please watch closely for this text and follow the time given in this text. Vaccines will be administered at the Edmonson County 5/6 Center once again. Brian Alexander, Superintendent, Edmonson County Schools   Darren Doyle, story: Magistrates voted unanimously to approve the first reading of the Edmonson County Jail Budget for 2022, in the amount of $477,700 at today's fiscal court meeting. That amount was down from last year's approved budget of $486,600. Judge Executive Wil Cannon said the lower amount is due to fewer people being jailed during the pandemic, which reduced the county's overall costs for prisoners. Edmonson County prisoners are transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail at a cost of $45 per prisoner, per day. Road Report: County Road supervisor Greg Carroll discussed work to county roads during last week's winter weather. He said 30 tons of salt were applied to roads and that crews worked to clear covered roadways as quickly as possible. He also said that crews had worked on tile installation in various parts of the county. He added that crews had also been Installing rock at the new impound lot location on Veterans Memorial HWY (259). Emergency Manager Report: Edmonson County EM Director Terry Massey updated the fiscal court on the ongoing gasoline cleanup project in Bee Spring. He said new waterline was to be installed at the crash site along with a series of valves that should allow the water to be kept on while work is being conducted. This is supposed keep the entire area from being without water at one time while the project is completed. Jailer Report: Judge Cannon read from a submitted report from the Jailer that said there were currently 11 county inmates housed at Hart County Jail with one on home incarceration. Magistrates also voted to:
The next Edmonson County fiscal court meeting is scheduled for February 22, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. via audio/video teleconference.   Darren Doyle, story: Numbers were slightly down on Friday after a sharp increase in Edmonson County active COVID cases earlier in the week, according to the latest data from the Barren River District Health Department. Active COVID cases were down to 114 on Friday from 123 on Monday, February 2nd, which was the highest number of active cases recorded in Edmonson County since the beginning of the pandemic. Total number of cases rose to 813 with 684 recoveries and 14 deaths recorded from the coronavirus.   EDMONSON COUNTY FISCAL COURT
NOTICE OF REGULAR AUDIO/VIDEO TELECONFERENCE MEETING In accordance with KRS 61.823, KRS 61.826, Executive Order 2020-243, OAG 20-05, 2020 Senate Bill 150 and the March 31 Attorney General Advisory, the Edmonson County Fiscal Court will meet in session at 9:00 a.m. on February 8, 2021 to consider the following Agenda. The meeting will take place via audio teleconference due to the current public health situation with the fiscal court not meeting in person. The public may attend via audio by dialing: 1-312-626-6799, meeting ID 827 7844 1662, password 563635 or by going to the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82778441662?pwd=NYX4a2pFM3hhdzdaZWkyWkl3a0F6UT09 AGENDA 2/08/2021
Wil Cannon EDMONSON COUNTY JUDGE EXECUTIVE  Joshua C. Lindsey (28), Brownsville. Edmonson Voice Report: A Brownsville man is facing multiple felony charges after law enforcement received a complaint of a stolen motorcycle combined with a warrant service. According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, around 4pm on Wednesday, February 3rd, law enforcement received a complaint of an individual riding near the 900-block of E Hack Road (Brownsville) on a stolen motorcycle. While patrolling the area, officers said they spotted a male subject working on a motorcycle in the driveway of a residence on E Hack Road; both the subject and motorcycle matched the description received from the original compliant. According to a press release, when deputies pulled into the same driveway, the subject turned from law enforcement and began walking away; he was seen wearing a green backpack. Deputies then reportedly exited the vehicle, announced themselves, and commanded the subject to stop; however, the subject allegedly ignored the command to stop and ran into a trailer located on the property. Deputies conducted a felony warrant stop and brought the subject out of the trailer where he was identified as Joshua C. Lindsey (28), a resident of the E. Hack Road property. Deputies then detained Lindsey and surveyed the motorcycle in question, according to law enforcement. Deputies reportedly discovered the motorcycle and its VIN had been freshly spray painted. The backpack Lindsey had been wearing was discovered to have various items believed to be relevant in assisting with the theft of the motorcycle. Lindsey was charged with: • Obscuring the Identity of a Machine $500 < $10,000 • Possession of Burglary Tools • Fleeing or Evading Police, 2nd Degree (on foot) • Tampering with Physical Evidence • Receiving Stolen Property Under $10,000 Lindsey was also served a Criminal Summons out of Warren County for Violation of a Kentucky EPO and a Warren County Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear on trafficking and possession charges. He was lodged in the Hart County Jail.  Darren Doyle, story: Edmonson County Superintendent of Schools Brian Alexander has announced that ECHS will continue to meet virtually for another week, February 8 - 12, 2021, due to issues caused by COVID-19. All other county schools will continue on their staggered, in-person schedule at this time.   Darren Doyle, story: Active COVID case rose sharply in Edmonson County over the weekend and are holding today. According to the Barren River District Health Department, active cases in the county rose from 101 on Friday to 123 yesterday. That same number held today with 123 active cases in Edmonson County. This is the highest number of active cases recorded in Edmonson County since the pandemic's beginning. Total cases in Edmonson County are now at 787 with 650 recoveries and 14 deaths reported from the virus. Edmonson County High School switched to fully virtual this week due to cases at the school; however, the remaining county schools remained in-person on staggered schedules. ECHS boys basketball plans on returning to action this week after the team was in quarantine while the ECHS girls basketball team is still in quarantine at this time. Brownsville City Hall made an announcement today that because of many city employees unable to work due to COVID, city trash customers will have their trash picked up on Thursday, February 4th by Scott Waste, who has been contracted by the city this week.   There will be no school in Edmonson County on Monday, February 1, 2021 due to road conditions. It will be an NTI day for in-person students.  Other County Schools Will Continue Staggered Schedule  Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander has announced that ECHS will be in virtual sessions only next week, February 1st through 5th, 2021. His full statement is published below. Edmonson County High School will be moved to a distance learning format for the school week of Feb 1-5 due to a high number of COVID cases and quarantines associated with positive COVID cases. All ECHS students will be asked to complete learning tasks for home during this week. All other schools in the district will remain on a staggered schedule. It has been our goal to keep our schools open as long as we can adequately supervise and care for our students. A large number of students at the high school are dealing with COVID, or are quarantined due to contact tracing, and we monitor students and staff numbers throughout the day at ECHS and all schools. Unfortunately, right now in-person learning is not viable at ECHS. We have dealt with significant issues in staffing that just make it impossible to have in-person learning this coming week. We will look at where we are next Thursday and make a decision for the following week. I apologize for the timing of this decision, but some positive cases have come to light during the day on Saturday that are making this announcement necessary at this time. All available ECHS staff will be on-site at the high school working with students throughout the week in hopes of meeting their distance learning needs. If any student is in need of assistance and cannot directly reach their teacher, please contact Mr. Williams (270-597-2151) at the high school for assistance. As always, it is the school districts' goal to meet the needs of all of our students. As previously stated, our plan is for all other schools in the district (Kyrock Elementary, South Edmonson Elementary, Edmonson County 5/6 Center, and Edmonson County Middle School) to remain on the Monday-Wednesday and Tuesday-Thursday staggered schedule. -Brian Alexander Superintendent, Edmonson County Schools   Darren Doyle, story: Edmonson County's active COVID cases rose again this week, nearly matching the all-time high of 102 cases (101 active cases today), according to today's data released from the Barren River District Health Department. Total cases rose to 744, with 629 recoveries, and 14 deaths reported from the virus, which is one more than last week. Total deaths had remained at 13 since November. Governor Andy Beshear reported today that Kentucky's positivity rate decreased for the the 11th straight day, with a rate of 8.75% statewide.  Edmonson Voice Report: Two men were arrested on Thursday, January 28th and face felony drug charges after an incident at the Dollar Store in Brownsville, according to local law enforcement. The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office said that a deputy observed an individual in the parking lot of Dollar General Store who appeared to be under the influence. According to a press release from the Sheriff's Office, the deputy and a Department of Fish and Wildlife officer made contact with the subject as he got into the driver’s seat of a vehicle. The suspect was identified as Brian Boutillier (50) of Somerset, and passenger was identified as Johnathon Lewis (30) of Burnside, Kentucky. The Sheriff's Office stated that as Lewis exited the vehicle, law enforcement saw a white syringe cap containing suspected methamphetamine. Both Boutillier and Lewis were immediately detained, and a probable cause search was performed on the vehicle, according to authorities. Officers located additional suspected methamphetamine, suspected controlled substances, and various forms of drug paraphernalia. Both individuals were placed under arrest.  Johnathon Lewis (30) of Burnside, Kentucky. No photo available for Boutillier. Both Boutillier and Lewis were charged with:
"The Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the assistance provided by the Department of Fish and Wildlife," they said in a statement. Even With Some Side Effects, Folks Encourage Vaccination  Darren Doyle, story: While COVID-19 vaccinations are currently being focused on frontline workers, elderly, school workers, and high-risk individuals, several local residents who have received them have spoken to us about their experience. Most all the reaction so far has been positive, including the scheduling and organizational process. Rae Vincent Childress, a respiratory therapist, said she had received both vaccines (Moderna) through her work at Owensboro Twin Lakes facility. While she had no negative reaction to the first, she said the second had some slight side effects. "I received my second Vaccine on Thursday, did good with my first one but the second one I was sick for 2 days. Body aches, fever, nausea." Amber Stewart, a local resident that teaches preschool in Warren County said she received the vaccine 1-13 and described it as "it wasn't bad." "My arm felt like I was hit by a fastball for about 2 days," she said in a message. "Other than that I didn't have any other symptoms." She said she wanted to protect herself, family, and students and said she wanted to be face-to-face with her kids. Her vaccine was administered at the WKU facility near the Medical Center. Truman Waddell, local volunteer fire fighter, received his second Moderna vaccination on Monday at the Edmonson County Health Department at a first responder session. "I will have to see how that goes," he said. "The first dose just made my arm sore. Other than that no side effects." Waddell serves on both the Brownsville, Chalybeate, and Kyrock Fire Departments. Beth Bramer, a dental care worker, also received her second vaccination this Monday. "I realize there is a BIG stigma attached to the vaccine but for me it was never a question as to whether I would take it," she said. "The benefits outweigh the risk, if I can do my part to keep my family, friends, patients, and even a stranger safe then it will be worth it. I lost a very dear Uncle to Covid in November and I think now most of us know somebody that has lost a loved one from it. I pray the vaccine will help us reach some sort of normalcy sooner rather than later." Bramer received her vaccinations through MedCenter Health. Cody Weiss, a local resident who is part of the Buechel Fire and EMS in Jeffersonville, and the chief of the Annetta Fire Department, said he received his vaccinations in Louisville. "I look at getting the vaccine as a civic duty and I hope more people will volunteer to get the shot when their turn comes up," Weiss said. Many messages we received from our readers echoed much of the same. Most all recipients said the process was relatively easy and any side effects were mainly short-term fatigue or arm soreness. Two individuals, one of which asked to remain anonymous, received vaccinations and later tested positive for COVID. Doniel Woodcock said she received the vaccine on January 15th but tested positive one week later. "My ears hurt me so bad and I was dizzy due to fluid being behind them," she said. "I received a shot yesterday for my ear and I can tell the fluid is draining. I have lost sense of smell and can only taste spicy, salty, and sour right now. However, if I am able to get my second shot I plan on it. Or if I have to wait 90 days and start over I plan to do that." Woodcock received her vaccination through the Barren River District Health Department at the EC 5/6 Center. One resident who shared her experience asked to remain anonymous because she's expecting a child and had not yet publicly announced her pregnancy. She said she received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine with zero side effects and then found out she was expecting three days after receiving her first dose. "I received my second dose Jan 20th. Eight hours after the second dose, I felt like I’d been hit by a train. Severe fatigue, severe nausea, headache, muscle pain, back and neck pain. Severe swelling, redness, pain and itching at the injection site. These symptoms were expected to subside within 24-48 hours. All of these symptoms lasted 48 hours after they started.....or so I thought. After two days I began to feel better...briefly. Now here we are 5 days after the second injection and same symptoms persist and have returned in full severity. I went back to the doctor thinking I might actually have COVID. Rapid test was negative, awaiting results of the send off, my primary care providers suspects I am experiencing lingering effects of the shot exacerbated by the pregnancy. Assuming the send off test is also negative."  Another resident who said she had already experienced positive COVID cases on two different occasions, still encouraged the public to get vaccinated. "I have had Covid twice, the last time being on Dec. 31st," said Candi Alford, an X-Ray tech. "I received my Vaccine on Jan 13th. It felt like my Covid kicked back in full force for 36 hours. Fever up to 101.9, chills, sweats, body aches, and just generally feeling VERY rough. I am still glad I was able to get the vaccine and even though I am dreading my 2nd dose on Feb 10th, I will gladly roll up my sleeve and take the shot." April Webb, a local resident who teaches in Warren County, said she received the vaccine with no issues other than soreness, but wasn't happy with how her father's attempt to schedule a vaccination had gone so far. "My father who is older and falls in the 1b category, still hasn’t gotten an appointment time. It’s been over two weeks since he messaged them," she said. "It’s my opinion that they are very unorganized and have no true plan. When I messaged the phone number I got an answer right away. Another teacher who messaged right after me didn’t get an appointment until 3 days later." The last healthcare worker that we spoke with, a local occupational therapist who asked to remain anonymous, wanted to not only encourage others to take the vaccine, but also for the public to do the same once they receive it. He said he'd seen where folks sharing their vaccination experiences on social media had received some negative reaction. "Health care workers were encouraged to post their pics to let the public know it is safe, not for any glory," he said. "I work with people that have COVID. I have to wear a full body suit, N95 mask, face shield, and gloves when I work with COVID-positive patients or anyone that is in quarantine. I have had the first dose/ vaccine. No issues. You have to sit and wait for 15 minutes to see if you have a reaction. My second shot caused me to run 99.9 fever, headache, and fatigue. Several of our rehab staff had to call in the day after taking the shot after they became sick, dizzy, and light headed, and had to go home early. I’m not afraid of COVID, but I have 1 parent left and I will do what I have to, to keep people safe. I have been tested multiple times and have always tested negative, but there are some very negative people in this county and I know you are seeing this because they let It all out on Facebook. I know that the big media and the political environment has not helped, but COVID is real and people are dying. I see it where I work. I had a patient a few weeks ago. Him and his wife both had it and she died and he survived. I think that is what its going to take for some of these people around here to wear a mask and take the shot." In a press release today, the BRDHD said they have worked the past few weeks vaccinating individuals in categories 1A and 1B. "We will be in phases 1A and 1B for the next several weeks," the statement said. "In addition to first doses, we will begin administering second doses this week for individuals in 1A and 1B. We will announce on social media and through local news when we are approved to move into phase 1C." Immunization phases are listed below:
The local Edmonson County Health Department is open to appointment-only. Their local phone number redirects to a main BRDHD line where the caller must follow a series of prompts to reach the correct office or department. Click here to learn more about vaccine phases in Kentucky.  Edmonson County Schools have announced there will be no in-person school for Thursday, January 28, 2021 due to slick road conditions throughout the county. It will be an NTI day for in-person students.  COVID-19 numbers from the BRDHD released January 22, 2021. Darren Doyle, story: After numbers fluctuated a bit up and down this week, the result today is the same as last Friday in Edmonson County with 82 active COVID-19 cases reported by the Barren River District Health Department. That number is down from the highest active number Edmonson has seen during the pandemic with 102 active cases on January 8th. The BRDHD reported a total of 695 total cases in Edmonson County with 600 reported recoveries and 13 deaths from the virus. No new deaths from coronavirus have been reported by the BRDHD since November. Edmonson County once again has the lowest numbers of both total cases and active cases in the Barren River Health District, with Metcalfe County close behind.  A broken utility pole has posed a danger to the area around the Bee Spring Post Office. UPDATE: 1:51pm--The Sheriff's Office has reopened the road to traffic but drivers are urged to use extreme caution while utility workers repair the pole. The accident was a non-injury incident where communication lines were damaged, according to the Sheriff's Office. BREAKING: 1:13PM--BEE SPRING, KY: Local law enforcement has shut down a portion of HWY 259N near the Bee Spring Post Office due to a vehicle accident that has caused a broken utility pole. Officials are advising to stay clear of the area at this time. paid advertisement:  EDMONSON COUNTY FISCAL COURT
NOTICE OF REGULAR AUDIO/VIDEO TELECONFERENCE MEETING In accordance with KRS 61.823, KRS 61.826, Executive Order 2020-243, OAG 20-05, 2020 Senate Bill 150 and the March 31 Attorney General Advisory, the Edmonson County Fiscal Court will meet in session at 6:00 p.m. on January 25, 2021 to consider the following Agenda. The meeting will take place via audio teleconference due to the current public health situation with the fiscal court not meeting in person. The public may attend via audio by dialing: 1-312-626-6799, meeting ID 820 6123 1386, password 811078 or by going to the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82061231386?pwd=U3FtbDlxUW5QLzJvL3l5amdQZ1Uwdz09 AGENDA 1/25/2021
Wil Cannon EDMONSON COUNTY JUDGE EXECUTIVE Local Man Pulls Driver Out of Semi  Edmonson County Emergency Management Director Terry Massey works at the scene of an overturned gasoline tanker. Darren Doyle, story, photos, and video: An overturned gasoline truck kept emergency personnel busy all through the night as they worked to clean up thousands of gallons of gasoline that had already leaked into the ditch line in the 8000 block of KY HWY 259 North in Bee Spring. According to Edmonson County Sheriff Shane Doyle, a 2021 Freightliner semi, driven by Anthony Luster, (29) of Nashville, TN, was headed north when for an unknown reason, dropped off the right shoulder of the road. The truck traveled over 300 feet in the ditch line until it struck a culvert, which then caused the truck to overturn on the passenger side, the Sheriff said. The truck then skidded on its side and struck a black Dodge Journey, driven by William Wilkerson, (51) of Bee Spring, according to Sheriff Doyle. The Sheriff also said that John Brooks, also of Bee Spring, drove up on the accident and saw gasoline pouring from the truck. Sheriff Doyle said that Brooks broke out the windshield of the truck, awakened the driver who was unconscious and bleeding from a head wound, and pulled him to safety. According to the Sheriff, Mr. Luster refused medical treatment at the scene and Mr. Wilkerson reported no injuries. Edmonson Voice photo slideshow from the January 19-20th gasoline tanker spill on KY HWY 259 While an overturned semi-truck is not something you see everyday in Bee Spring, that's not really the big issue; it's the thousands of gallons of gasoline flowing down the ditch and entering the ecosystem, and that's what has emergency personnel concerned today. Edmonson County Emergency Management Director Terry Massey said when emergency crews arrived around 3PM yesterday, they immediately saw the gas leaking from the tanker. "We had gas gushing out of the tank," he said. "There were ripples of gasoline flowing down the ditch." Massey said road crews were immediately called in to dig a retaining pond for the fuel in order to stop the flow into the ditch; however, the gasoline had already entered and was disappearing, meaning the gasoline was traveling underground. In this area, the ditches flow into a creek, which flows into Nolin River, then into Green River, which is above the Edmonson County water treatment facility, Massey said. He said that the creek below was full of dead minnows; evidence that the gasoline had already done damage there. "Bowling Green Hazmat got there and started using absorbing measures," said Massey. "The EPA got involved and they sent their emergency response leader down here. The department of transportation has been really helpful with all their manpower and equipment. They brought their backhoe. The Kyrock, Brownsville, and Anetta Fire Departments have been here all night. Everybody's been working to help." Massey said the trucking company, which is Dupre Logistics, LLC. in Birmingham, Alabama, sent a pumper truck to remove the fuel from the tanker but when they finally arrived, there was a malfunction with the pumping equipment and they could not do the job. Another truck from Tennessee had to be sent, which finally arrived; however, there was only about a thousand gallons left in the tanker, meaning approximately 7,000 gallons of gas had already leaked out onto the ground. Fire department members began evacuating inhabitants of 8-10 houses in the area as not only gasoline flowed, but the fumes were just as dangerous, and explosive. Massey said the Red Cross was contacted and two families were placed in hotel rooms last night. Others reportedly went to stay with family or friends. Massey said that because the gasoline penetrated the soil, the PVC main water lines could become compromised without action. Tony Sanders, Manager of Edmonson County Water District, said that officials were going to reconvene immediately after the scene was cleared today to discuss a plan moving forward. Massey said Warren County's Emergency Management also arrived on scene to help along with a soil cleanup crew. That crew will have to pump any standing fuel off the ground, then the ground itself will have to be removed, disposed of, then replaced with new soil. "There was gasoline running literally two-foot deep down the ditch," Massey said. Officials at the scene said the costs for cleaning everything up would run into the millions and could take months before things looked like they did before the accident. Sheriff Doyle said that the trucking company has a contracted cleanup crew to repair damage from the spill. The scene was cleared and the road was finally reopened earlier today.  Edmonson Voice Report: A Bowling Green man has been arrested and charged with three counts of murder after a triple homicide in Butler County today. Kentucky State Police reported that on January 19, 2021 at approximately 9:45 A.M. , KSP Post 3 was contacted by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office requesting assistance with a shooting complaint at 88 Lonnie Snodgrass Road. KSP said in a press release that detectives were able to determine that Lupe V. Mcgranahan, age 63 of Morgantown, Charles W. Mcgranahan, age 79 of Morgantown, and Angela R. Carey, age 30 of Morgantown had been shot multiple times and were pronounced deceased at the scene by the Butler County Coroner’s Office. Law Enforcement located Joseph M. Carey, age 32 of Bowling Green, who is reportedly the husband of Angela R. Carey at the residence. Joseph Carey was detained and later arrested for the deaths of the three victims. Joseph M. Carey was charged with one count of Murder-Domestic Violence, two counts of Murder, and three counts of Wanton Endangerment. Carey was later lodged in the Butler County Detection Center. An autopsy has been scheduled for tomorrow at the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office. KSP Troopers and Detectives were assisted at the scene by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, Morgantown Police Department, Butler County EMS and the Butler County Coroner’s Office.  Scene of an overturned gasoline tanker in the 8000 block of HWY 259N. Darren Doyle, story: BREAKING: A tanker semi full of gasoline has overturned in the 8000 block of HWY 259N. Emergency personnel are clearing the scene due to gasoline spillage along the roadway and ditch line. All motorists are being detoured on Jock Road through Nolin Dam Road at this time. Officials are telling us that the road will be closed for an extended period. Sheriff Shane Doyle has reported that all homes within a quarter-mile stretch have been requested to evacuate the area. This is developing story and we'll have more as it becomes available. January Is Edmonson County School Board Recognition Month  Front, L-R: Alex Ulm, Lorri Keith and Keith LaMastus Back, L-R: Paul Forester and Superintendent Brian Alexander Edmonson Voice Report: Superintendent Brian Alexander presented KSBA Certificates to Lorri Keith, Mickey Johnson, Alex Ulm, Keith LaMastus and Paul Forester in recognition of January’s School Board Recognition Month. Kentucky will again observe January as School Board Recognition Month. "Our board members are responsible for our community’s most precious resource and the key to its future – our children and their educational opportunities," a statement released by the central office for Edmonson County Schools. The statement also said that these individuals are responsible for making decisions aimed at ensuring that every child in the school district has a chance to be successful both in school and in life. "Each board member has to keep up with changing education laws and policies and spend hours on professional learning and state-mandated training," the statement said. "The dedication of our Board has never been more evident than during the past year in dealing with the COVID Global Pandemic."  "At a time when state and federal funding continue to shrink, our school board members haven’t flinched in the face of the challenges or shied away from their responsibilities. Our community can be very proud of this team of board members and I’m proud to be their partner in striving for education excellence for our children" Tonya Jones, (second photo) Notary Public and Secretary to the Superintendent, administered the Constitutional Oath and the Oath of Office to Alex Ulm and Paul Forester, appointed Board members. Board Member Mickey Johnson was unable to attend the meeting, but was administered the Constitutional Oath and the Oath of Office on January 8, 2021.  Area numbers from the Barren River Health District, January 15, 2021. Darren Doyle, story: Edmonson County saw a decline in active COVID-19 cases this week after seeing its highest number of active cases just over a week ago. As we've continued to stress, a more accurate assessment of the pandemic can be reached by tracking active case numbers in a particular area instead of focusing on total numbers, only. Total cases will only continue to rise; however, active cases fluctuate according to the severity of spread in an area, which affects recoveries and deaths. Edmonson County has consistently been at the bottom or very near the bottom of the list in the Barren River Health District in terms of both total number of cases and active cases since the beginning of the pandemic. Active cases in Edmonson County reached 102 on Friday, January 8th, which was an all-time high; likely due to spread that occurred during the Christmas and New Year holidays; however, that number declined to 90 active cases on Tuesday, January 12th. The number declined further yesterday, according to the latest data from the BRDHD, which is now reported to be 82 active cases in Edmonson County. Total cases in the county are now at 666, with 571 recoveries and 13 deaths reported from the coronavirus.  Scene of one of 7 different accidents this morning in Edmonson County. Darren Doyle, story and photo: It was a chaotic morning for Edmonson County emergency personnel due to at least seven separate accidents occurring all around the same time today due to heavy patches of black ice throughout the county. The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office responded to five of the seven accidents during an hour-and-a-half timespan. The other two did not require medical or law enforcement attention, according to the Sheriff's Office. Law enforcement reported the first accident at around 6:30AM on Nolin Dam Hill, that involved two vehicles. The Sheriff's Office said two vehicles were headed west towards Nolin Dam when one vehicle attempted to pass the other but hit a patch of black ice. The vehicles collided but no injuries were reported. A deputy said he left that scene to just out the road where another vehicle topped a crest, hit black ice and slid into the Lincoln Country Corner parking lot where it collided with a parked vehicle, where once again, no injuries were reported.  Scene of one of seven accidents this morning in Edmonson County. Edmonson County emergency workers were then dispatched around 7AM to Morgantown Road near Bear Creek to the report of an overturned vehicle. The Sheriff's Office said that a 17-year old female juvenile was headed west on Morgantown Road in a 2009 Honda Civic when she hit black ice and lost control of the car. The vehicle overturned and came to rest near the guardrail. She was transported to the Medical Center for unknown injuries. Working that accident scene were the Kyrock and Bear Creek Fire Departments, JAWS, The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Edmonson EMS, and the District 3 KY Transportation Cabinet. Emergency workers encountered a fourth accident at the Hilltop intersection while en route to the Morgantown Road accident. The accident involved two vehicles that collided, also due to ice; however, no injuries were reported at that scene. While emergency personnel were working both the Morgantown Road and Hilltop accidents, another emergency call went out for an accident on Louisville Road. The Sheriff's Office said that another 17-year old juvenile, a male, was headed north on Louisville Rd, (31W) in a white Chevy pickup when he hit a patch of ice, lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a fence row. The youth had to be extricated from the vehicle. He was transported to Greenview Hospital with unknown injuries. Responding to that scene was the Brownsville Fire Department, JAWS, Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, local emergency management, and Edmonson EMS. An Edmonson County ambulance also obtained a flat tire while en route to one of the accident scenes when it came in contact with road debris from a previous accident. "To say that Edmonson County emergency workers were busy this morning was an understatement," said Sheriff Shane Doyle. "Thankfully, due to the quick response and professionalism of our first responders here, we were all able to work together during a very difficult morning. Black ice is extremely dangerous and this is just a small example of what can happen on slick roads. I also want to thank our local dispatch for their excellent work this morning under very difficult conditions."   Edmonson Voice Report: Today, Governor Andy Beshear, state officials, and Kroger leadership announced a new partnership said to significantly increase the speed of COVID-19 vaccinations across the commonwealth. Beshear said the first Kroger regional, drive-through vaccination sites will open the week of Feb. 1 for Kentuckians in Phase 1A, 1B and 1C. For more details on who is included in each phase, click here. More details are said to come later regarding site locations and how to sign up. “Last year, when we were wondering when anybody who wanted a COVID-19 test would be able to get one, Kroger made that a reality. That testing partnership created the national model for surge testing,” said Gov. Beshear. “These drive-through vaccination sites are fantastic news all Kentuckians, and we’re grateful to the entire Kroger team for making it possible. Your help in this effort will save countless lives.” Vaccinations have already begun for K-12 school personnel through individual school districts and will continue to ramp up over the next few weeks. The Governor said the state expects to finish administering initial vaccination doses for K-12 educators and support staff the week of Feb. 1. Vaccinations organized by local health departments have been scarce with little information available. “The great news is, we expect to finish first dose vaccinations for school staff the week we said we would start,” said Gov. Beshear. The Governor urged Kentuckians to be patient as vaccine allocations from the federal government are still far too small to cover everyone in Phase 1A, 1B and 1C who wants to be vaccinated; however, he said it's critically important that the state gets vaccines into arms quickly. That means in some cases, vaccine providers will need to vaccinate Kentuckians out of the phase sequence in order to meet the state’s goal of administering 90% of vaccines within one week of their arrival at a distribution site. The Governor and the Kentucky Department for Public Health outlined these phases to help providers distribute vaccines in the most equitable order they can while still vaccinating people as fast as possible. To learn more, click here. “I know people are understandably anxious and want to get the vaccine as soon as they can, especially those who are high-risk. We want to do our very best to put those people in the front of the line, but we also need to move quickly so vaccines don’t just sit in a freezer, helping no one,” said Beshear. “The faster we increase our vaccination numbers, the safer we all will be, because we will get closer to herd immunity as a state more quickly. That’s the overarching goal, so we ask Kentuckians to bear with us if they have to wait a little while in order to get an appointment.” |
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