Darren Doyle, story:
The countywide burn ban that was issued by executive order from the office of Edmonson County Judge-Executive Wil Cannon has been officially lifted as of this morning, October 31, 2022. 

The order was given on October 7th and has remained in effect during drought conditions in the county as well as the surrounding area. Recent rainfall has drastically improved those conditions.

The rescinded executive order is published below.

Madison Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Fiscal Court met today, Monday, October 24, 2022. The meeting was called to order by Judge Executive Wil Cannon by leading the court in the pledge of allegiance. As usual, multiple county department heads gave updates within their respective offices. No further discussion was had on the reports.

Tony Sanders, General Manager of Edmonson County Water District, attended fiscal court today and addressed some complaints of discolored water throughout the county. Sanders said this is the first year that the county has had lower water levels when they have released the dams. He said they were supposed to start the release on October 15, and by the 18th, the water district had received multiple complaints of brown water, or others said that it had an unpleasant taste. Sanders said he contacted personnel in charge of the dam release to try to find answers. He said "When all of that water was released, the levels were low and there wasn't enough water to dilute everything that was released, and it all came out at one time." Sanders also said there is chlorine in the water lines to help disinfect, and right now there is a lot of chlorine and that could cause discoloration. He said that all water in the county is at an adequate level and is safe to use. "We are flushing out the lines trying to get everything cleared up right now," he said. "If anybody has any more questions, please feel free to call the office and I'll do my best to help you."

There were no other major discussions today. The court also voted to:

• Approve October Cash Transfers.
• Approve Ordinance EC22-29, Transient Room Tax. First Reading.
• Acknowledge 2022 Crime Stoppers Statistics Report.
• Acknowledge Sheriff’s Controlled Property Notification.
• Approve Resolution EC22-31, ARPA Expenditure Agreement.
• Approve Resolution EC22-32, Bear Creek Volunteer Fire Department Grant Agreement.
• Approve Resolution EC22-33, Chalybeate Volunteer Fire Department Grant Agreement.
• Approve Resolution EC22-34, Kyrock Volunteer Fire Department Grant Agreement.
• Approve Resolution EC22-35, Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department Grant Agreement.
• Approve Resolution EC22-36, Rocky Hill Volunteer Fire Department Grant Agreement.
• Approve Resolution EC22-37, Wingfield Volunteer Fire Department Grant Agreement.
• Approve State Board of Elections Contract.
• Approve Charter Communications Franchise Agreement.
• Approve to advertise Dispatch Consoles Bid.
• Approve Jailer’s Quarterly Report.

The next fiscal court meeting is scheduled for November 14, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.

Edmonson Voice Report:
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) released assessment results for the 2022 Kentucky Summative Assessment on October 18, 2022.  This year’s results are based on the state’s revised accountability system.  Carol Stice, District Assessment Coordinator for Edmonson County Schools, explained, “This year’s data release has significant changes from our last look at the five-star accountability model.  Now we are looking at a color-coded rating system that ranges from red (very low) to blue (very high).  The release gives us individual scores and labels from very high to very low for each indicator at the school and district levels and then an overall 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.  There were 59 elementary schools out of 701 in Kentucky that scored “Very High.” We have one of those schools in Kyrock Elementary.  When we looked at that further, Kyrock ranked 15 out of 701 overall, 12th in reading, 5th in math, and 25th in Science.  KES ranked first in those content areas among the 123 elementary schools in the GRREC region.  There just aren’t enough words to say how happy and proud this makes us,"
 
“Additionally, Edmonson County Middle School was 60th overall Middle School (out of 318)  with a “High” ranking.  We are so proud of them as well,” Alexander said.  “While our other schools may not have ranked as high overall, we did see growth in 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.”  Alexander also stated, “When we compared our scores to other districts around the region we were excited to see how we performed overall in comparison.  Coming out of the pandemic, we knew that we would face challenges in achievement at the level we hope to be at in some of our schools.  We are already developing an action plan to improve our accountability in several areas.  Now that we have a better understanding of this revised accountability system, I am confident we will quickly improve on this new rating scale.  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 of which to be proud.”
 
Individual student reports will be coming home with students on Friday, October 21, 2022.  For more detailed information on the release of state assessment results, you may access the Kentucky School Report Card. 

Darren Doyle, story:
Tragedy was narrowly avoided yesterday in Brownsville when a pickup veered off the roadway into a parking lot, crashing into a dumpster and two other vehicles, according to the Brownsville Police.

According to Brownsville Police, Stephen Brown (58) of Plano, was headed north on Washington Street just past City Hall when he apparently suffered a medical episode that caused him to veer his truck off the left side of the roadway and to enter the rear parking lot of the Main Street Center.

Police said Brown's Dodge pickup first crashed into a guy wire of a utility pole in the DAV parking lot, then into Main Street Center parking lot where the truck first hit a garbage dumpster. Police said the dumpster was smashed into the side of a parked C&A Plumbing pickup truck where Trevor Roof (22), a C&A employee, was in the bed of the truck, cleaning it out into the dumpster. According to police, another C&A employee, Travis Graham (33), was standing on the opposite side of the truck and narrowly missed being trapped between the truck and a parked Nissan Versa. The C&A truck smashed into the Versa, knocking both Roof and Graham to the ground, police said. The owner of the Versa was also standing nearby but was reportedly uninjured.

All three individuals involved were transported to the hospital via Edmonson EMS with non-life threatening injuries. The Brownsville Police Department worked the incident and members of the Brownsville Fire Department helped at the scene.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Rep. Michael Meredith has been recognized for his service in the Kentucky legislature by a statewide organization representing county governments. The Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) presented Meredith with a 2022 County Advocate award this week.

"Rep. Meredith has always been willing to hear and understand the perspectives of local officials. We appreciate his steadfast efforts to support counties and the legislation that impacts them," said KACo Executive Director Jim Henderson. "Specifically, the funding for e-recording of county clerk documents, a solution to reapportionment that had been delayed due to COVID-19, fostering a discussion of saving counties significant taxpayer dollars by reducing jail costs and more were all critical to the mission of counties. KACo is proud to name Rep. Meredith a County Advocate."

Darren Doyle, story:
An Edmonson County resident, who wished to remain anonymous in order to protect the identity of her 86 year-old mother, called the Edmonson Voice and shared her story about intervening during a recent scam call.

The resident said she entered the home of her elderly mother and saw she was on the phone. She said her mother was so excited because she had apparently won a Publisher's Clearing House sweepstakes. The resident thought something sounded fishy so she took the phone from her mother and joined the call.

"He said his name was John Cooper from Publisher's Clearing House and mom had won $7,000 a month, a Mercedes, and a year's worth of insurance from Allstate. He gave a badge number and everything. He was very convincing and well spoken. He spoke with a foreign accent but very good English," she said.

"He told my mom she needed to go to the nearest Dollar Store and buy a VISA gift card and put $505 on it. She just needed to buy it first, then give the numbers to him over the phone. He even told her he'd stay on the phone with her while she went to get it. I asked him what was this for, and he said it was for attorney and estate fees. He said once he had the gift card, he'd send the prize team out to her house and they would deliver all the prizes."

The resident said she knew it was a scam and hung up. She said she contacted the real Publisher's Clearing House and reported the incident; not only that, but she was able get the real PCH on the line when the scammer called back on her mother's phone, where the real PCH called "John" out and confronted him as the scammer."

All is well that ends well, because the elderly lady was not scammed, but it's likely she would have, had her daughter not intervened.

"I just want people to know that this stuff goes on right in our own county and our elderly are being preyed upon," she said. "Please, tell your relatives not to fall for this stuff. It's not right."

She said the incident was also reported to the Sheriff's Office, but that it's nearly impossible for the guilty parties to be caught in situations like this.

"These people are very slick at what they do," said Sheriff Shane Doyle. "Unfortunately, they are usually based outside of the U.S. and are able to use a U.S. phone number, sometimes even a local phone number. As always, if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is, and NEVER give any bank or financial information to anyone over the phone or internet. Certainly, never trade gift cards for anything like this."

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Shawn Marie Alcott, a candidate for the Kentucky Supreme Court, made a stop in Edmonson County on Thursday, October 13th to speak with citizens about her campaign.

She made the stop at Honeybee Baked Goods during lunch today, sharing her thoughts and taking questions from those inside the cafe.

She also discussed her background and ideas with the Edmonson Voice at today's stop.

She said her first job out of law school was with the court of appeals as a staff attorney for Judge Joseph R. Huddleston, which cemented her desire to come back to the appellate court.

Alcott said without a strong independent judiciary, our system of government as it's designed can't properly function.

"We have to have a strong court to enforce the separation of powers we have in our three branches of government," she said. "Our legislative branch looks at the executive and they're envious of that power and vice versa, and it's up to the courts to keep everything in line and in check. If our government isn't functioning well, that affects everyone at the local level. A lot of people think what happens in Frankfort doesn't affect them, but it does."

She said she believes that she is the most qualified candidate on the ballot as a result of her 29 years experience in all aspects of the law. Alcott obtained her bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and later attended the University of Kentucky College of Law. She was a member of the UK Women’s Law Caucus and a Business Manager of the Kentucky Law Journal.

From there, she landed first at the Court of Appeals, then as Assistant Warren County Attorney, and then into private practice where she is a shareholder at the Kerrick Bachert Law Firm.

She said that many see attorneys as people who sit in nice offices that don't work very hard, but added that her upbringing and outlook is very different.

"I grew up in Muhlenberg County in a small business and I've worked since I was 12 years old," she said. "My first job was cleaning the bathrooms and mopping the floor for my dad. I worked in that small business all the way through college, so I know what it is to work. That prepared me well for the practice of law, because unless you're committed to working hard and working a lot, you're not going to be successful."

The race for Kentucky Supreme Court is non-partisan. She made note that anyone voting straight ticket will not have a vote cast in this race. She encouraged everyone to vote specifically for all non-partisan races as well as amendments and other races.

She and her husband, son, and two daughters reside in Bowling Green. Supreme Court District 2 covers a total of 17 counties: Allen, Barren, Breckinridge, Bullitt, Butler, Edmonson, Grayson, Hancock, Hardin, Hart, Larue, Meade, Monroe, Ohio, Simpson, Spencer, and Warren.

Darren Doyle, story:
Pamela Decker, an Edmonson County resident, was recently appointed as the District 4 Director of the WRECC Board, a position that was vacant due to the passing of former director N.E. Reed.

The decision came during the recent WRECC September meeting. With a total of seven districts in the WRECC area, District 4 covers all of Edmonson County (minus the National Park) and a small portion of Barren County.

Many would agree that Edmonson County lost an advocate with WRECC with the loss of Reed, so having county representation in the co-op is important to many local customers. Mrs. Decker, who has a long career in the banking and education fields, said she wanted to be that local representation.

"I had great respect for N.E. Reed and his commitment to our county," she said. "After his passing, I had some family members approach me about applying for the vacancy on WRECC's board.  Like the other applicants that applied for the position, I care deeply about our county and the region.  I am at a point in my life where I want to give back to my community.  I believe in servant leadership, and this is one way that I can serve the area where I have lived my entire life."

Mrs. Decker said that while she is eager to learn about electric co-ops, she understands the value and demand that we all have for those services everyday. She said that while being interviewed for the position, she was asked what she saw as the biggest challenge facing rural electric co-ops in the future.

"My response included more than one concern," she said. "Among these were the rising costs of electricity and the ever-changing regulatory and technological landscape, especially in regard to new green initiatives.  I also discussed the need for rural areas to have better access and affordability to fiber/wireless connections.  While this has been a concern for some time, it became even more prevalent after the Covid lockdown when we were all working and studying at home.  This is one area that I would like to focus on as a board member."

Mrs. Decker's long and impressive career began here locally at Bank of Edmonson County, where she served for 15 years. She was able to be part of a management team that started American Bank & Trust in Bowling Green, where she served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for another 15 years. She then retired from banking in 2015 and joined a financial technology company (CSI) out of Paducah, where she served as Vice President of Customer Experience, overseeing their customer support center and education/training department.  While working at CSI, she finished her doctorate in organizational leadership and decided to leave the corporate world and move into higher education.  She is now an Assistant Professor of Business at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky teaching courses in management, ethics, finance, and international business.

Her notable resume was unlikely to harm her chances in being named the new director; however, most people on the local level still know her as "Pam." Her husband is longtime school bus driver and all-around student friend, Hoppy Decker and they have been married for 41 years. They currently live in the Pig community and have two grown children, Nadina and Jacob. 

"Nadina lives in Big Reedy and is married to Kevin Alexander, and they have blessed us with three grandsons, Gavin, Nolan, and Canon," she said. "Our son Jacob lives in Bowling Green."

Mrs. Decker said that she is truly honored and humbled to have been chosen for this position. 

"All the candidates who applied for the vacancy were more than qualified, and I told the nominating committee and full board during my interview that they couldn't go wrong with whomever they selected.  We have some wonderful people here in our county, and I have been and will always be proud to say that I'm from Edmonson County.  I consider it a privilege to represent WRECC's District 4 which includes Edmonson County and the Park City area of Barren County."

Darren Doyle, story:
A Brownsville woman had a scare earlier today when her vehicle ended up on its side in a ditch, resulting in a trip to the hospital.

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, around noon today, October 10, 2022, Martha Hogan (60) of Brownsville, had turned from Twin Springs Road onto Silent Grove Church Road, when for an unknown reason, fell off the left shoulder, which was a steep embankment. Her vehicle, a 2014 Chevy Equinox, came to rest on its side and she was trapped inside until emergency personnel could reposition the car to remove her from the vehicle, the Sheriff's Office said.

The driver was transported to the Medical Center in Bowling Green for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

In addition to the Sheriff's Office, responding to the scene were the Chalybeate and Brownsville Fire Departments, Edmonson County JAWS, Edmonson EMS, and county Emergency Management.

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Judge Executive Wil Cannon has issued an executive order for a burn ban for all of Edmonson County, due to drought conditions. The ban applies to all outdoor burning with the exception of campfires in an established campground.

Mammoth Cave National Park also issued a burn ban within the park boundary.

The full executive order is published below.

Darren Doyle, story: photos ECSO and Animal Control
A Wingfield woman faces 15 counts of animal cruelty charges after local animal control and law enforcement responded to a complaint call on Saturday.

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, local animal control officer Joe Carl Daugherty requested a deputy at 4491 Wingfield Church Road in Edmonson County after finding several neglected dogs he found after responding to a complaint call.

"I got a call that there were multiple dogs on the property that were being neglected and I knew we had a problem as soon as I got there to check it out," Daugherty said. 

The Sheriff's Office stated that when a deputy arrived on scene, it was difficult to tell at first just how many dogs there were, as the property was in such disarray.

According to the Sheriff's Office, multiple dogs were located inside a camper trailer where there was dog food scattered on the ground in a gravel area around the camper. A deputy stated that the camper was full of dog urine and feces and emitted a strong odor from outside the camper. He also stated that the dogs were living in and among piles of random garbage, both bagged and loose. The dogs were all dehydrated and most were malnourished, officials said.

The Sheriff's Office seized 15 dogs at the property, all of which needed veterinary care, five needed emergency care, and one dog had to be euthanized as a result of poor health from undernourishment and sores, according to officials.

Deborah Jeanette, (57), the owner of the dogs, was charged with 15 counts of Animal Cruelty-2nd degree. According to Edmonson County Animal Control, Jeanette also had dozens of dogs seized from her in Warren County a few months ago in a separate incident.

Officer Daugherty said he recently completed his annual training at the KY Animal Care and Control conference, which helped him determine the proper procedures for the safety of the dogs.

The dogs were taken to the Bowling Green/Warren County Animal Shelter.

Darren Doyle, story:
Longtime bus driver James Decker, better known as "Hoppy" to most everyone, was recently recognized with an award certificate after helping a student through a medical emergency during his bus route.

Lannie Deweese, Director of Transportation for Edmonson County Schools, said Hoppy had to pull the bus over mid-route during the incident. He said bus drivers are required to undergo different types of training multiple time per year for situations such as these.

"He had to pull over in the middle of the route and take care of the student until parents and ambulance got to them," Deweese said. "The mother of the student called and wanted me to thank Hoppy for being very professional and taking good care of her child. I spoke with Hoppy afterwards and he told me the training we had at the beginning of the year kicked in when this happened. Hoppy is a super good driver that takes his job at heart. I just wanted to let everyone know that our drivers do a great job. Hoppy loves his kids and will do whatever to help them."

Hoppy was described as "keeping his composure," and handled the situation "exceptionally."

Hoppy has been a student favorite for years and has always been known for his positive influence, not only in schools but also throughout the community.

Madison Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Fiscal Court was held today, Monday, September 26, 2022 in the upstairs room of the Edmonson County Courthouse. The meeting was called to order by Judge Cannon by reciting the pledge of allegiance.

Today's agenda was very light in comparison to the usual meeting agendas. There were no major discussions or decisions at today's meeting.

Several of the county department heads gave updated reports on the happenings within their department per usual. Following this the court moved into new business, where they voted to approve or acknowledge the following items:

• Approve to change Fiscal Court Meeting from October 10th to October 11th at 9:00 a.m. due to Holiday.
• Set Committee to close portion of JR Prather Road (428 feet Blacktop).
• Acknowledge Edmonson County Ambulance District 2022 Tax Rates (no change from last year).
• Acknowledge Edmonson County Schools 2022 Tax Rates (slight drop from last year).
  
• Approve Sheriff’s February through April Franchise Report, pending final audit.
• Approve Sheriff’s 2021 Tax Settlement Reports, pending final audit.
• Acknowledge BGWC August Shelter Directors Report.
• Approve TW Inspection Services, LLC rate increase on Solar Services for electrical inspections.
• Approve Mammoth Cave National Park Special Use Permit for Cedar Hill Church Road.
• Approve Motorola Solutions Quote to purchase Radios for Road Department.

The next fiscal court meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 9 am.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Four individuals have died as a result of two separate crashes in two counties this week, according to Kentucky State Police.

On Tuesday, September 20th, 2022 just after 8:00 p.m., troopers responded to the scene of a collision located near the 8100 block of Happy Valley Road (KY 90) in the Cave City community. Police said that Singh Gill, 28, of Fresno, CA, was operating a 2017 Freightliner tractor-trailer southbound on Happy Valley Road near the 8100 block where he failed to see a vehicle slowing to make a left turn in front of him. 

In an attempt to avoid hitting the vehicle Gill swerved left into the northbound lane where his vehicle struck a 2005 GMC Yukon head-on, according to KSP.  The operator of the GMC, David Hayes, 76, of Cave City and two passengers, Katie Yoder, 54, of Horse Cave, and Daniel Yoder, 55, of Horse Cave, were pronounced deceased at the scene by the Barren County Coroner. Two other passengers in the GMC, Roseanne Yoder, 20, and Joseph Yoder, 14, both of Horse Cave, were flown by Air Methods to Vanderbilt University Hospital where they are listed in stable condition.

The investigation is being led by Trooper Bo Hubbard. He was assisted at the scene by Barren County EMS, Barren County Sheriff’s Office, Cave City Fire Department, Park City Fire Department, Air Methods, Barren County Emergency Management, Barren County Coroner’s Office, and KSP personnel.

On Wednesday, September 21st, 2022 just before 2:00 p.m., troopers responded to the scene of the collision located near the 4700 block of North Dixie Highway (US 31-W) in the Bonnieville community. According to Police, Hope Davis, 26, of Leitchfield, was traveling southbound on North Dixie Highway near the 4700 block when, for unknown reasons, her vehicle veered off the right shoulder of the roadway. Davis' vehicle then struck a tree causing it to overturn and catch on fire, KSP said. Hope Davis was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Hart County Coroner.
 
The investigation is being led by Trooper Timmy Jewell. He was assisted at the scene by Hart County EMS, Hart County Sheriff’s Office, Bonnieville Fire Department, Hart County Coroner’s Office, and KSP personnel.

Madison Doyle, story and photos:
Today, September 16, 2022, was the annual Edmonson County Fair Day, where there were inflatables, games, food, and fun for kids of all ages. Thanks to local sponsors, the activities were free.

The Edmonson Voice was a sponsor of the inflatables this year.

Below is a slideshow of kids participating in fair day activities:

Madison Doyle, story and photos:
The Edmonson County Fair Day Parade took place this morning, September 16, 2022. The winners for this year were:

• Best of Show : Edmonson County 5/6 Center
• School Division: Edmonson FFA
• Commercial Division: Jacobs Home Furnishings
• Antique Car: Dicky Logan (54 Chevy Pickup)
• Emergency Vehicle: Wingfield Fire Department
• Horse Division: Kelsey Pedigo riding "Star"

Here is a photo slideshow of all parade participants:

This year's Edmonson County Lions Club Parade was brought to you by Cee Bee Food Store, Shauna Gravil-Realtor, Mickey's Towing and Garage, and South Central Rural Telecommunications (SCRTC).

Stay connected for a photo slideshow of this parade and other fair activities.

An Edmonson County Grand Jury recently returned the following indictments:

Catrina A Letner: DUI first offense, careless driving, obstructed vision and/or windshield, possession of controlled substance third degree, drug paraphernalia buy/possess, prescription of controlled substance not in original container.

Timmie J Hooten: Fleeing or evading police in the first degree (on foot), wanton endangerment first-degree (police officer), escape in the second degree.

Christopher D Self: Failure to or improper signal, driving DUI suspended license, poss of controlled sub - first degree - third or > offense, drug paraphernalia buy/possess.

Keith C. Melvin: Trafficking in controlled substance first degree - second or greater offense > or = 2 gms meth.

Michael P Keown: No registration plates, operating motor vehicle on suspended or revoked license, possession of controlled substance in the first degree - firearm enhanced, drug paraphernalia buy/possess - firearm enhanced.

Wesley "Daniel" Massey: Trafficking in controlled substance in the first degree (carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives), wanton endangerment first degree, persistent felony offender in the second degree.

Richard M. Inghram: Violation of Kentucky E.P.O./V.D.O, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substance in the first degree- second offense meth, tampering with physical evidence.

Willie Ray Lindsey: Poss cont sub - first degree - third or > offense meth, drug paraphernalia buy/possess.

John Robert Meredith: Two counts wanton endangerment first degree - police officer, two counts fleeing or evading police first degree - motor vehicle, reckless driving, improper passing, improper start from parked position.

William K. Allen: Speeding 16 mph over speed limit, trafficking in marijuana (eight ounces to < than five pounds), drug paraphernalia buy/possess.

John J. Yoebstl, Possession of controlled substance first degree meth, drug paraphernalia buy/possess.

Christopher J. Sebaugh: Cultivate in marijuana (5 or more plants), possession of marijuana.

William L. Taylor: Receiving stolen property $10,000 or more, possession of controlled substance first degree (meth).

Francisco A. Susenbach: Criminal abuse in the first degree (child 12 years of age or under).

Phillip Wingfield: Careless driving, fleeing or evading police first degree (motor vehicle), drug paraphernalia buy/possess, operating vehicle with expired operators license, DUI first offense.

Willie Ray Lindsey: Bail jumping in the first degree.

Rosemary E. Ascencio: Criminal abuse in the first degree (child 12 years of age or under).

Michael B. Groce: Burglary first degree, theft by unlawful taking $1000 or more, theft by unlawful taking or disposition - four counts - firearm.

Darrell J Glenn: Trafficking in controlled substance in first degree (carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives) - two counts, drug paraphernalia buy/possess, possession of controlled substance third degree, possession of marijuana, wanton endangerment - first degree, tampering with physical evidence, possession of controlled substance first degree, persistent felony offender second degree.

Jordan K. Gray: Rape in the first degree- incapable of consent/physically helpless.

Brianna Cowles: Sodomy in the first degree - incapable of consent/physically helpless.

Ryan A. Taylor: Abuse of corpse.

Veronica S. Taylor: Abuse of corpse.

Note: An indictment is only a formal charge and is not an admission of guilt. All parties are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
The Edmonson County Fiscal Court voted to allocate up to $130,000 to the Edmonson County Dispatch Center for upgrades to their main equipment console--the hub of their communication center.

The request for the funding was made in-person by Edmonson County 911 Dispatch Director Robin Rigdon, who described the current outdated setup.

She said that because of limited space, a dispatcher cannot monitor all of the departments for potential emergencies, including law enforcement, fire, medical, the road department, and local schools. She said the dispatch center does not always have multiple dispatchers working and one person cannot properly monitor all the communication lines without moving to another room or a location away from the main console. She said this presents a risk because not all can be monitored at the same time.

She said that an upgraded console would allow all systems to be monitored all at once, by one person. She added that while the annual maintenance costs for this equipment would be around $18K per year, the dispatch center would be able to cover those costs.

Judge Wil Cannon spoke in favor of the upgrades and asked the court for a motion and second. The vote was approved unanimously. Cannon had previously allotted $100K in ARPA funds for dispatch center upgrades in the plan he first recommended in February of this year. Director Rigdon said that the estimated costs for the equipment are $120K with approximately $10K in additional costs upon installation; however, she also said that should the costs be less, the dispatch center would only request the exact dollar amount spent.

Several county offices gave reports, in addition to Edmonson County Schools Transportation Director Lannie Deweese. He thanked the county road department for their help on the several bus turnaround locations throughout the county. However, he did clarify an issue of adding new turnarounds. He said that due to a bus driver shortage, the school system has been forced to change some of the bus routes, and while some parents aren't happy, the school system has no choice. He asked the road department that in the event someone requests work to a turnaround that is not currently in the school bus route system to deny the request. Deweese said the schools are doing the best they can with the current driver shortage they currently face.

Magistrates also voted on the first reading of a resolution that would renew the 5-year Solid Waste Management Plan with the state. The new agreement would run from 2023 through 2027. This plan requires one single trash collector for the entire county in order to better track the amount serviced. A public hearing was scheduled right before the October 24th fiscal court meeting at 8:45AM. 

The court also voted to:

Madison Doyle, story and photos:
The Edmonson County Lions Club hosted the annual Edmonson County Fair Beauty Pageants on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at the ECHS auditorium. Cheani Schroeder was named Miss Edmonson County 2022, and Kaitlyn Michelle VanMeter was named the Local Miss Edmonson County 2022 Winner. The rest of the winners are as follows:

Miss Edmonson County:
Winner: Cheani Schroeder
Local Winner: Kaitlyn Michelle Vanmeter
1st Runner-Up: Meyshyia Bradshaw
2nd Runner-Up: Natalie Faith Stone
3rd Runner-Up: Kennedy Reece Davis

Miss Teen Edmonson County:
Winner: Kendall Lynne Slaughter
Local Winner: Shaylee Marie Hampton
1st Runner-Up: Evan Layne Coley
2nd Runner-Up: Haylin Adams
3rd Runner-Up: Keegan Elizabeth Forbes

Miss Pre-Teen Edmonson County:
Winner: Sydney Jewel Byrd
Local Winner: Kinleigh Grace Hampton
1st Runner-Up: Brynlee Brown
2nd Runner-Up: Ava-Kate Sprowles
3rd Runner-Up: Carlee Brooke Briggs

Little Miss Edmonson County:
Winner: Lynna Caroline Dennison
Local Winner: Ava Caroline Kemble
1st Runner-Up: Kaylin Marie Hooten
2nd Runnner-Up: Ada Marie Brown
3rd Runner-Up: Avery Kelly

Tiny Miss Edmonson County:
Winner: Kimber Jo Swift
Local Winner: Lyla Jane Massey
1st Runner-Up: Emylie Kate Frank
2nd Runner-Up: Sadie Jane Minor
3rd Runner-Up: Gracie Miller

Madison Doyle, story and photos:
Yesterday morning in the Edmonson County High School Auditorium, the Edmonson County Lions Club hosted the annual Edmonson County Fair Baby Show. The event was organized by Lori Alexander and Alison Holland. River Cline, son of Kendra and Wesley Cline, was named the overall boy winner. Tilly Jo Massey, daughter of Alex Jane and TJ Massey, was named the overall girl winner. The rest of the winners for each individual category are as follows:

0-6 Month Boys:
Winner: Tatem Alvarez
1st Runner-Up: Edward Lee Decker
2nd Runner-Up: Braeden Cowles

0-6 Month Girls:
Winner: Emmaline Meredith
1st Runner-Up: Callie Sowders
2nd Runner-Up: Avery Rose Minyard

7-12 Month Girls:
Winner: Jaclyn Horn
1st Runner-Up: Stella Harris

13-18 Month Boys:
Winner: River Cline
1st Runner-Up: Owen Michael Young
2nd Runner-Up: Rowan James Minor

13-18 Month Girls:
Winner: Addison Higdon
1st Runner-Up: Kennedy Ima Spainhoward
2nd Runner-Up: Ryleigh Grace Meredith

19-23 Month Girls:
Winner: Colynns Farmer
1st Runner-Up: Marley Jones
2nd Runner-Up: Avie-Lynn Williams

2 Year Old Boys:
Winner: Jonathan Kayne Kemble
1st Runner-Up: Rylan Hazelwood

2 Year Old Girls:
Winner: Kaye Carroll
1st Runner-up: Adalee Cait Minor
2nd Runner-up: Raelynn Key

3 Year Old Boys:
Winner: Kayson Vincent

3 Year Old Girls:
Winner: Tilly Jo Massey
1st Runner-Up: Laney Jade Basham
2nd Runner-Up: Rylee Nichols

Edmonson Voice Report:
The Kentucky State Police investigated a three-vehicle collision on the Western Kentucky Parkway near Caneyville that resulted in the death of a Grayson County man on Monday around 12:10PM.

According to a KSP press release, a 2016 Ford F350 operated by 59-year-old Jeffery Hammonds of Jackson, TN was traveling west on the Western Kentucky Parkway near Caneyville when the vehicle he was following abruptly changed lanes, which revealed a 1996 Nissan pickup truck being operated by 49-year-old Barry Embry of Caneyville.

Embry was stopped in the slow lane behind a 1997 Ford Dump Truck attempting to offer visible protection for 45-year-old Corry Shadburn of Beaver Dam, police said.  The dump truck had mechanical problems, which caused the vehicle to become disabled in the slow lane;  Hammonds was unable to avoid striking the rear of Embry's truck, which caused him to strike the rear of the dump truck, according to KSP.

Police said that Hammonds and Shadburn were not injured in the collision.  Barry L. Embry was pronounced deceased by the Grayson County Coroner's Office.

Senior Trooper Tyler Lynch is investigating and was assisted on scene by personnel from the Kentucky State Police, Grayson County Sheriff's Office, Grayson County Constable, Caneyville and Leitchfield Fire Departments and Grayson County EMS.

Darren Doyle, story:
The expected traffic impacts in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3 Edmonson County area for September 2 through September 9 are listed below. All work is subject to change.

KY 70 Main Street (mile points 9.9 - 11.7):
A resurfacing project will resume on KY 70 Main Street beginning at the intersection of Morgantown Road and KY 259, extending east to the intersection with Washington Street. Motorists should expect flaggers to be present through the work zone during the day.  Paving operations will begin Wednesday night under lane closures between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Motorists should not park in this section during this time.

Mammoth Cave National Park - September 14th through September 16th:
Mammoth Cave National Park will temporarily close Brownsville Road (KY-70E) from the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Brownsville Entrance from 7 am Wednesday, September 14 to 7 am Friday, September 16. The 48-hour closure is required for crews to complete fog sealing on the roadway.
 

Darren Doyle, story:
Nominations are now being accepted for the inaugural class of the newly formed Edmonson County Hall of Distinguished Alumni, according to a press release from the newly formed organization.
 
"The purpose of the EC HODA is to honor alumni whose exceptional achievements and careers reflect the highest values embraced and promoted by the school and committee," the press release stated. "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 excited that the project is coming to fruition.
 
“There are so many distinguished former students of ECHS and we are excited for our students to see what’s possible if they work hard,” he said. “The committee is made up of excellent individuals and it’s a true honor to serve with the other folks on it.  It will be challenging during the selection process to narrow the nominations down to the ones being inducted this year but we want the inductions to mean a lot to those being selected.”
 
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

Edmonson County HODA Committee Chair Amanda Lich noted that Edmonson County High School has many untold stories of achievement among its alumni family.

“We have decorated military heroes, successful business leaders, esteemed educators, and alumni who have achieved success in a variety of other ways, Lich said. “While their contributions to the county and their chosen areas of expertise may be unique, they likely share the same values that were formed as ECHS students. By celebrating these honorees and highlighting their achievements, we hope to inspire our current students who have so much potential yet to be realized. We invite the community to submit nominations for worthy candidates and to join us in celebrating our inaugural class of inductees at the recognition ceremony to occur in January 2023.”  

Nomination forms are available at ECHS in the front office or you can simply fill out their online form at https://forms.gle/5TWww3WfxBZksSxY8

Nominations for the inaugural class will run from September 1st through October 15th.  The committee will vote on the inductees and a banquet will be held in conjunction with the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce in honor of those selected sometime in January of 2023. There will also be recognition of the inductees during an ECHS boy-girl basketball game during that same time period.

For more information, contact Principal Williams at ECHS at 270-597-2151.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
Officials from Mammoth Cave National Park have confirmed the helicopter crash and fatality that was reported to the Edmonson Voice by Edmonson County Emergency Management earlier today.

According to a press release from MCNP, at approximately 4:00PM on Monday, September 5, law enforcement officers from Mammoth Cave National Park received notification that a helicopter crash with a single fatality had been located inside the park’s southern boundary. The pilot, David Stone, age 69 of Louisville, TN, had been flying alone from St. Louis, MO to Knoxville, TN on Saturday, September 3 before contact was lost with his aircraft. Mr. Stone was found dead at the scene.   
 
The press release also said that park service officials were originally notified of the potential downed helicopter around 10:30 am Monday. Information from the last location and eyewitnesses accounts placed the helicopter within close proximity to the park. Park staff assisted Barren and Glasgow County Emergency Management, Edmonson County Emergency Management, and Kentucky State Police by searching park areas accessible by roads and trails. The helicopter was located late afternoon by a search helicopter. 
 
The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the National Park Service and the National Traffic Safety Board. 

Edmonson County Emergency Management Director Terry Massey told the Edmonson Voice around 4:35PM today that park officials had confirmed the crash happened inside the park and they would oversee the rest of the investigation. He also said the pilot, David Stone (69) of Louisville, TN, was also found deceased.

Massey said at first, he understood the crash to be near the park boundary but on private property in Edmonson County and that he was coordinating recovery efforts with local emergency officials.

"The National Park Service called me and told me to stand down with my guys," Massey said. "They said it was on the park so it was a park issue and their people would handle it."

Massey said Edmonson County emergency personnel disbanded their command center, which was set up at South Edmonson Elementary School.