Darren Doyle, story:
The Grinch was at it again this year, this time at the Bourbon Barrel Christmas Tree in Chalybeate; however, thanks to Kentucky State Police and Santa Claus, the Grinch had a change of heart and a local charity for Edmonson County children will benefit.

Kentucky State Police Post 3 Public Affairs Officer Daniel Priddy responded to a 911 call at the popular Christmas location where it was reported that the Grinch was trying to steal Affordable Christmas donations so that kids throughout the county would be empty-handed this year.

"I happened to be close to the area so I called for backup, which was Santa himself," Trooper Priddy said. "Since he responded with me, we were able to catch the Grinch in the act and he was taken into custody and placed in the back of my cruiser."

While Trooper Priddy continued his investigation, it was Santa who took charge of the situation.

"It was Santa who had the idea to explain the meaning of Christmas," Priddy said. "He also explained how much it meant to all the boys and girls in our area. The Grinch’s heart grew right before our very eyes, three sizes larger, in fact. His eyes watered and he knew that he'd done wrong. He was a changed Grinch right there in the back of my cruiser. For the rest of the night the Grinch became The Holiday Cheermeister," Priddy said.

Santa, who had stopped in Edmonson County just long enough to check in on all the boys and girls as he begins checking his list twice with only one week until Christmas, said he did not want to see the Grinch thrown in jail.

"We all have bad days sometimes," Santa told the Edmonson Voice. "Sometimes we just need a friend to remind us that a better day is ahead and that someone out there cares about us. That's all I did as I explained to him the meaning of Christmas and why the Affordable Christmas Program is so important."

Trooper Priddy said the Grinch apologized to Cody Vincent and Jon Vincent, the creators of the Bourbon Barrel Christmas Tree and promised he'd never do it again.

"I believe he was very sorry after Santa Claus talked to him," Cody said. "He really meant it from his heart when he apologized to us and brought us back the donations."

There is no fee to visit the Bourbon Barrel Brothers' Christmas Tree; however, freewill donations are collected on site for the Edmonson County Affordable Christmas program.

No charges were filed against the Grinch and he was put on the nice list, according to Santa.

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office is investigating and searching for a scammer that is making his way through the area selling potentially bogus products at convenience stores.

Sheriff Shane Doyle said he was contacted Tuesday night by Chalybeate Food Mart Owner Manish Patel, who said a man that had previously called and visited his store attempting to sell a radiator leak repair product returned and scammed a store employee out of cash.

"Mr. Patel said that the man had tried to sell him some sort of product called SSS Graphite that was supposed to stop radiator leaks but Patel didn't feel like the product was legit and he had a policy where he  did not purchase products from door-to-door salespersons," Sheriff Doyle said. "Mr. Patel told him that he wasn't interested, but this person called the store later and spoke to a store employee, asking for Patel."

Some time later, the man came to the store and told an employee that he had already made a deal with Patel for the sale of the product and asked for cash payment, the Sheriff said.

"This man told the store employee that he'd already set everything up with the owner and that he needed a cash payment from the drawer," Doyle said. "The employee just took him at his word and paid him cash, but it was all made up."

A quick Google search of SSS Graphite resulted in similar stories from the same description of the suspect in Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, and Tennessee.

The suspect is described as being in his 50s and driving a light green Ford Flex. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office at 270-597-2157.

Darren Doyle, story:
Two topics that have been points of discussion with the current administration of the Edmonson County Fiscal Court were reviewed at today's meeting, which were a regional jail and the current animal control/animal shelter issue.

Edmonson County Judge Executive Wil Cannon has heavily favored building a new county animal shelter after the fiscal court terminated a contract with a private animal shelter on June 13, 2016 and the shelter was shut down by Kentucky State Police due to animal cruelty charges that were brought against one of the owners. Kentucky law requires all counties to use an animal shelter according to KRS 258.095, which states: The governing body of each county shall employ, appoint, or contract with an animal control officer, or shall contract with an entity that employs, appoints, or contracts with an animal control officer, and shall establish and maintain an animal shelter as a means of facilitating and administering KRS 258.095 to 258.500.

While the law doesn't require each county to have its own shelter, they must utilize one.

With not enough in the budget for the county to build its own shelter, the county voted to contract animal services to the Bowling Green-Warren County Animal Shelter, directed by Lori Hare. That contract was voted upon by Edmonson County Fiscal Court on July 11, 2016 with the hopes that the contract would be temporary until the county built it's own shelter.

Five years later, the county is still under contract with BG/WC Animal Shelter as the they still do not have their own; however, they purchased a 12-acre tract on Veterans Memorial HWY for the original price of $105K, which was finally purchased for $91,449.38 after the seller delayed the deal by not vacating the property by the extended deadline. That decision was not favored by some neighbors in the area.

Hare, Director on the BG/WC Shelter, attended today's virtual meeting to answer any questions that magistrates had concerning the current agreement or other general questions.

She described Edmonson County's current part-time dog control officer Joe Carl Daugherty as someone "with a great heart and wants to do a good job and can, as long as he has the proper training." She said the ideal situation for a dog control officer was someone that was passionate about animals because sometimes deputies that are assigned those duties from a local law enforcement agency are looking for more police duties than animal duties. She also said the positions were best carried out by someone with a full-time animal control position. All animal control personnel that has been hired by the county have been part-time, only.

Sheriff Shane Doyle had requested another deputy in his upcoming year's budget that would also oversee animal control after adjusting his budget to allow room for that, which he said was originally agreed upon by the fiscal court budget finance committee; however, Judge Cannon said he felt like deputies should be focused on safety rather than animals. Treasurer Tammi Willhite said after some research in some other line items, she and Cannon said additional money was found in a line item not used in three years, described as "economic development," which was normally used for travel when promoting the county.

Doyle said he was not implying that the current animal control officer situation in the county was not working, but rather, he was seeking solutions to both a deputy shortage and the lack of full-time animal control that he thought could be beneficial to the county in several ways. He completely agreed his office would be better suited with another full-time deputy instead of one that has to share animal control duties.

Hare said the shelter was housing a total of 800 to 1000 dogs per month. According to the Judge Executive's Office, consistent reports show anywhere from 10-25 dogs per month from Edmonson County are included in that total number; however, Hare said she felt like they were much higher than that from Edmonson County, and said many walk-ins were likely from Edmonson County, even though she did not provide any data to support her opinion.

She also said that most counties in KY provide animal control officers that are not law enforcement. She said she felt like the current contract the shelter had with the county was working overall and she was not interested in discontinuing the contract, as a good working relationship had been established. She said she would continue mentoring those involved and offering any assistance to the agreement as it would only help the shelter in the long run.

While the county property designated for an animal shelter has been secured, no further talk of when a shelter could or would be built was discussed. The property is currently being used for storage, as an impound lot for the Sheriff's Office, and the rest is being leased for farmland.

Another item discussed was the continued possibility of a regional jail between Ohio, Butler, and Edmonson Counties. This idea was first discussed in Edmonson County Fiscal Court in May of 2021 when the fiscal court voted to continue with a feasibility study at the cost of $1875. Those studies have continued and documents have been drafted to move forward with an interlocal agreement as part of the process of the jail; however, County Attorney Greg Vincent said he had some issues with the documents.

He described the language as being written as binding Edmonson County into far too much responsibility, even if the numbers didn't work for the county. He said he liked everything else at this point, but the county could not afford to make such a commitment at this stage. He said without question, without grants for the construction and staffing of a proposed 200-250 facility, the county could not fund it, and while it may be a bad economic time for purchasing property and hiring contractors, it could be the best time to secure funding, due to the nature of government funds that are currently available.

Cannon said he felt optimistic that housing federally funded prisoners could possibly pay for a large portion of the costs of a jail but Vincent disagreed. Vincent said that more and more offenses are being decriminalized, which could lower the possibilities of offenders being incarcerated; however, at a cost of $45 per prisoner, per day, if Edmonson County could stay within that same range of budget, it was certainly worth a shot of moving forward, as the county has to pay that anyway.

Edmonson County currently has a jail budget of $477,700. Current county inmates are housed at Hart County Jail, which  normally runs the county nearly $25,000 per month, depending on the amount of inmates at the time. Currently, the county has 34 inmates housed at the Hart County Jail, which is a bill of $1,530 per day.

A vote to continue with an inter-local agreement is expected at the next fiscal court meeting, which is the next step in a regional jail process.

The county also voted to:

• Implement premium pay at a gross total of $112,000. These funds are made possible with funds received by the county from the American Rescue Plan Act. 
• Purchase new voting machines for the county at an estimated cost of $100K-$125K, which was budgeted already by County Clerk Kevin Alexander. He said he estimated the state will cover around $25K of that cost
• Approve Lincoln Volunteer Fire Substation Grant 19-038 Contract Modification, extending date. This will extend the possibilities of the substation being built in the area.
• Approve Bald Knob Road Deed for the purpose of widening Bald Knob Road to accommodate traffic to the new golf course that used to be Park Mammoth.
  

The next fiscal court meeting will be held on Monday, December 27, 2021 at 9AM and will be held virtually.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
The aftermath of an EF-3 tornado that slammed Bowling Green in the early hours of the morning made its way through the northern part of Warren County and the southeastern corner of Edmonson County on Saturday, December 11, 2021.

While the large majority of Edmonson County had little or no damage, downed power lines from snapped utility poles and damaged substations caused road closures and power outages in the southern and western parts of the county.

The entire route of 31W in the northern portion of Warren County saw significant damage with many homes, barns, and trees mangled. Debris was scattered over hundreds of acres of farmland in the area. Among those hit the worst were Ballance Farms and Buttram Farms, with major damage taken on from the storm.

The National Weather Service in Louisville confirmed the EF-3 tornado that blasted Bowling Green earlier. Areas among those that were damaged worst were Russellville Road and 31W-Bypass, with several businesses sustaining major damage or being completely leveled. Winds were reported of 150mph.

Multiple fatalities have already been reported in Bowling Green and Warren County; however, no official details have yet to be reported.

WRECC reported over 22,000 customers without power this morning. US 31W was closed for a large section near KY 101 north into Edmonson County and 101 south headed toward Smiths Grove.

While a majority of businesses in Smiths Grove and other areas near Bowling Green saw no damage, many were closed due to power outages.

Edmonson Voice Meteorologist Landon Hampton from weatherornotbg.com, tracked the storm all through the night and provided real-time updates and warnings from their website and social media accounts. Local TV stations were forced off the air during the worst part of the storm.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office was out early assessing the damage. Sheriff Shane Doyle discussed what he saw.

"God was good to us again," he said. "Thankfully, this storm just clipped a portion of our county and we only saw a little damage. We send out our prayers to our friends in Warren County and around the state for the help they need."

The majority of the damage in Edmonson County was reported as trees and limbs down, some barn damage, and a few outbuildings that were battered.

Kentucky State Police was also out helping with road closures and providing help throughout the night.

Doyle asked for those that had plans to go to Warren County or Bowling Green today to please reconsider if not absolutely necessary.

"There is so much damage in Bowling Green and the region. Please stay clear of that area so that emergency personnel can properly do their jobs. This is an extremely difficult time for them right now."

The Bank of Edmonson County has made the following announcement with regard to its Bowling Green Branch:

"With the loss of power in Warren County and southern Edmonson County, Bank of Edmonson County Bowling Green branch will be closed today. However, our Brownsville location is open until noon. According to our data processing providers, ATM networks are down across the state of Kentucky so ATM services may be unavailable throughout the weekend. Bank of Edmonson County is praying for our Warren and Edmonson County customers that experienced so much loss and our Bank family is praying for all who were affected."

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 December 13, 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 833 3020 6502, password 098413 or by going to the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83330206502?pwd=dUpzb2JHMzk3Qm5yVGs0dmhVV2NPUT09
 
AGENDA
12/13/2021

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of today’s Agenda
4. Approval of November 22, 2021 Fiscal Court Minutes

a. Read b. Dispense

1. Approval of Bills
2. Appropriation Budget Transfers
3. Office Reports
4. Committee Reports

1. Tourism
2. Recreation Tax Committee

1. Old Business

1. Recreation Tax Ordinance- create committee

1. New Business
   1. Q & A with Lori Hare- BGWC Shelter.
   2. Approve Resolution EC21-27, ARPA Premium Pay.
   3. Acknowledge Dog Control November CAD Report.
   4. Approve 2022 County Paid Holiday Dates.
   5. Approve 2022 Fiscal Court Meeting Date Schedule.
   6. Approve Sheriff’s Office purchase of new equipment.
   7. Approve Sheriff’s November Monthly Fee Account Report, pending final audit.
   8. Approve Sheriff’s November Property Tax Report, pending final audit.
   9. Approve Sheriff’s November Property Tax Fire Protection Tax Report, pending final audit.
   10. Approve County Clerk’s November MVAV Collection Report, pending final audit.
   11. Approve County Clerk’s November Deed Transfer Tax Report, pending final audit.
   12. Approve County Clerk’s November Excess Fee Account Report, pending final audit,
   13. Approve County Clerk’s November Delinquent Tax Collection Report, pending final audit.
   14. Approve 2021 Emergency Management Assistance Program Grant.
   15. Approve Lincoln Volunteer Fire Substation Grant 19-038 Contract Modification, extending date.
   16. Acknowledge BGWC November Shelter Directors Report.
   17. Approve Bald Knob Deed.
   18. Approve Treasurer’s November Monthly Settlement Report.
2. Updates:
3. Judge Executive:
4. Adjourn:
5. Next Fiscal Court Meeting will be December 27, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. / virtual meeting.

 
Wil Cannon
EDMONSON COUNTY JUDGE EXECUTIVE

Madison Doyle, story and photos:
Multiple Edmonson County businesses were honored last night at the annual Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce dinner, which had not been held since 2019, due to the COVID pandemic. The event was a combination of 2020 and 2021 and was held at the Heritage Centre in Brownsville.

The Chamber honored the Edmonson Voice as the recipient of the 2021 Business of the Year, which was accepted by founder and director Darren Doyle. The fully digital news network, created by Doyle in 2014, quickly became the leading source of local news in Edmonson County with a weekly readership of 15,000.

For the 2020 awards, the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year was given to A Plus Family Healthcare, a local non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center facility. The clinic, created by local pharmacists and healthcare professionals, serves 3,000 patients and has locations in both Brownsville and Sonora.

The Chamber also awarded a "Rookie Business of the Year" award to Creations by Ashlee and Tracy, owned by Ashlee Jaggers and Tracy Burba. They operate a multi-service and product business in the former WebbCo building on Main Street that features a salon, cafe, boutiques, and more.

Additionally, Preserving Edmonson Pride (PEP) was honored with the Chamber's 2020 "Outstanding Service Award," for their vision and work dedicated to beautifying Brownsville. The non-profit organization is making strides to join with county and city governments for the purpose of obtaining grants and other funding to improve the appearance of the community for the purpose of increasing commerce in the area.

Chamber Director Greg Hudson said he was glad to be able to have the dinner after the 2020 ceremony was cancelled.

"We were unable to have this event last year due to the pandemic, and even though the awards for 2020 weren't given when they normally are, we had a great event tonight and were able to combine the two years worth of awards into one," he said. "All the recipients were very deserving of their awards and the Chamber is honored to give them."

In addition, Chamber board members Josh Roney (vice president) and Laura Lindsey (treasurer), who recently stepped down from their roles, were both honored for their many years of service to the Chamber and were presented their own awards. Other former board members Maegan Hance (president) and JC Sanders (member) were unable to attend but were honored for their years of service as well. 

Ray Durbin, Mike Stoyonovich, and Lisa Whobrey were also honored with Citizen of the Year Awards.

Madison Doyle, story and photos:
After a cancelled awards dinner last year due to the COVID pandemic, The Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce held its annual event on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at the Heritage Centre in Brownsville. The chamber combined the awards for 2020 and 2021 at the annual event.

Sharing honors for Citizen of the Year Award were two Vietnam veterans that are heavily involved in their communities. Receiving Co-Citizen of the Year were Ray Durbin of Sunfish and Mike Stoyonovich of Brownsville.

The awards were presented by newly elected Chamber board member Darren Doyle.

Durbin, a volunteer at South Edmonson Elementary who stays heavily active in veteran programs and activities, wasn't sure if he'd be able to attend because of potential scheduling conflict Thursday night. That conflict was an appointment he had made to pick up donuts he had purchased to give away to all the teachers and staff at South Edmonson on Friday morning--all the more reason Durbin was chosen for the award.

Stoyonovich's current role is as a service officer for local DAV Chapter 32, were he has secured over $1 million in benefits to veterans in the Edmonson County area. In addition, he serves on a number of volunteer committees in Edmonson County and the surrounding area.

Receiving 2020's Citizen of the Year award was Lisa Whobrey, Community Education Director for Edmonson County.

She is the coordinator of the annual Cram The Cruiser Event in Edmonson County, a school supply drive for EC students. This past year's event saw another record-breaking year, with over $5,000 worth of cash and supplies that will be distributed throughout the school district for any student that has a supply need.

A Plus Family Healthcare and The Edmonson Voice won Business of they Year awards for 2020 and 2021, and Preserving Edmonson Pride and Creations by Ashlee and Tracy were also honored with service and business awards.

Darren Doyle, story:
A Bee Spring man has been arrested and faces marijuana and felony firearm charges after a domestic incident in the early hours of Thursday, December 9th, according to Edmonson County Sheriff Shane Doyle.

Doyle said he responded to a call of a domestic assault incident in Bee Spring around 1AM on Thursday morning. He stated that while speaking with the victims of the alleged assault, it was discovered the suspect, Garvis Hayse, (51), a resident of the address of the incident, was a convicted felon. Doyle said that Garvis admitted that there were firearms in the house.

Consent to search the house was granted and law enforcement discovered five firearms and a quantity of marijuana and other drug paraphernalia.

Hayse was arrested without incident and lodged in the Hart County Jail. He was charged with:

• Assault, 4th degree (domestic violence) minor injury
• Assault, 4th degree (child abuse)
• Possession of firearm by convicted felon
• Possession of handgun by convicted felon
• Possession of marijuana
• Possession of drug paraphernalia-buy/possess

Sheriff Doyle was assisted on scene by Kentucky State Police.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Three individuals are facing a combined total of 15 charges, including a host of felony drug charges, as a result of an indictment warrant service in Brownsville yesterday, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office stated that deputies arrived at the 100 block of B Street in Brownsville to serve an indictment warrant on Tony Lynn Daniels (57), a resident of that address on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. When law enforcement arrived, Daniels was detained for the outstanding warrant and reportedly gave consent to search the property, which resulted in the discovery of multiple containers of suspected methamphetamine, various forms of drug paraphernalia, cash, and suspected Hydrocodone and Suboxone, the Sheriff's Office said. Two additional individuals, Heavenlea Lynn Casey (34) of Leitchfield, Kentucky and Eric T. Hack (45) of Brownsville, Kentucky, were also located inside the residence, according to authorities.

Daniels was served an Edmonson County Indictment Warrant for:

• Trafficking in Controlled Substance—1st Degree/1st Offense (<2 GMS methamphetamine)
• Trafficking in Controlled Substance—1st Degree/1st Offense (> or = 2 GMS methamphetamine)
• Trafficking in Controlled Substance—1st Degree/1st Offense (< 10 drug unspecified/opiates—enhancement)
• Trafficking in Controlled Substance—1st Degree/1st Offense (> 20 drug unspecified—enhancement)
• Trafficking in Controlled Substance—3rd Degree/ 1st Offense (> or = 20 but < or = 120 drug unspecified—enhancement)
• Trafficking in Legend Drugs—1st Offense
• Trafficking in Marijuana (less than 8 oz)—1s Offense (enhancement)
• Unlawful Distribution of a Meth Precursor, 1st Offense (enhancement)
• Endangering the Welfare of a Minor

In addition, Daniels, along with Casey and Hack were also charged with:

• Trafficking in Controlled Substance—1st Degree/1st Offense (<2 GMS methamphetamine)
• Possession of Controlled Substance—1st Degree/1st Offense (methamphetamine)
• Drug Paraphernalia—Buy/Possess
• Possession of Controlled Substance—1st Degree/1st Offense (drug unspecified)
• Possession of Controlled Substance—3rd Degree (drug unspecified)
• Prescription Controlled Substance Not in Proper Container—1st Offense

All three were all lodged in Hart County Jail.

Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Joseph Barkoff, story and photos:
It has been two years in the making, but the Annual Edmonson County Industrial Authority dinner revved back into action on Tuesday night, December 7th at Tayvin Gardens in the Chalybeate community.
 
Two local family businesses were awarded Business of the Year, a commitment to local industry was honored, and a guest speaker reminded those present that they are here for a reason.
 
Both Gravil Funeral Home and Patton Funeral Home were both presented “Co-Business of the Year Award,” by Kevin Alexander, board member and master of ceremony for the evening.
 
“This has been unprecedented times that we’ve lived in,” Alexander said. “We’ve had people really step up in our community that have had to step up because of the crisis that we faced.”
 
The board chose not to award a citizen of the year, but instead, as a result of not having a dinner last year, the two businesses each stepped up for their community beyond the ability of words.
 
“For the effort they’ve made in compassionately and professionally taking care of people at a time [of loss],” Alexander said.

Both funeral homes combine for close to 100 years of experience in service to the community and the key factor Alexander noted, in making a business like a funeral home work is comfort, he said.
 
Funeral homes provide a safe place for those who need comfort, but with the restrictions from Covid-19, offering comfort in normal ways had to be adjusted.
 
Alexander presented the award to Gravil Funeral Home while board member N.E. Reed presented another to Patton Funeral Home, each after a few words.
 
“We’re just fortunate in Edmonson County because there’s not many communities that have businesses like Gravil Funeral Home and Patton Funeral Home,” Alexander said.
 

Guest speaker Mike Stoyanovich is an Army veteran. A purple heart winning, bronze star wearing, 1968 to 2007-in-the-Army-during-Vietnam-to-Iraq First Sergeant Stoyanovich, veteran.
 
Drafted into the Army after not doing so well in his first year in college, Stoyanovich ended up in Vietnam after boot camp and eight months training to be an electrician, he said.
 
When the Army was handing out orders, he was assigned to an infantry unit. He told the issuing sergeant there must be a mistake, as he went to school to be an electrician and the sergeant pointed out the primary job title in his portfolio was infantry. There was no mistake.
 
Five months into his tour of one year, his base camp was attacked.
 
Waking to the sound of air raid sirens, and for once with his boots off asleep, his squad all rallied to their preassigned defensive positions in two-story sandbag bunkers on the perimeter.
 
Shots were hitting the sandbag walls on the other side, and careful peaks only revealed shadows of movement, and then out of the air above their heads, a squadron of Cobra gunships with search lights and mini-guns opened fire at a rate of 2,500 rounds a minute on top of their position, he said.
 
After 15 minutes of constant fire before they got up to inspect the damage he found an outline silhouette of his body where it was crouched, he said.
 
“It was an incident that might be explained as divine intervention,” Stoyanovich said.
 
Later that night Stoyanovich got down on his knees and “gave his life to Jesus Christ,” he said.
 
His squad mate pointed out there must be a plan for him.
 
 “To make a long story short,” Stoyanovich said,” moving to Edmonson County has changed my life.”

Also honored was YAMI, Yahigi America Molding Inc.’s for Industry of the Year in recognition of their leadership, commitment, and the promotion of industry and community development in Edmonson County.
 
Representatives COO Toshihiko Yamamoto and plant manager Takahiro Nonoyama were there to receive the award and Yamamoto said a few words of thanks.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
It was a close call for not only a young driver in one vehicle, but also a small child, who was a passenger in another vehicle that was involved in a two-car crash this afternoon in Chalybeate.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office responded to the collision around 3PM on Monday, December 6th, which took place on KY HWY 101 in front of Chalybeate Food Mart in the heart of school traffic. According to officials, a 2013 Chrysler passenger car, driven by a 16-year old female juvenile, was southbound when the driver attempted to turn into the food mart parking lot and entered into the path of a 2020 Honda Odyssey van, driven by Shane Montgomery, (39) of Chalybeate, who was headed north. The two vehicles collided in front of the retail store.

Montgomery's passenger was a 5-year old juvenile, authorities said. No one was injured in the collision. A sheriff's deputy at the scene credited the Good Lord, air bags, and seat belts, as everyone was properly restrained. All refused medical treatment at the scene.

Traffic was rerouted through the store parking lot while the scene was cleared.

In addition to the Sheriff's Office, responding to the scene were the Chalybeate and Wingfield Fire Departments, Edmonson EMS, and EC Emergency Management.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander has announced that South Edmonson Elementary will be closing for the remainder of the week as a result of high absences due to multiple illnesses and quarantines.

"South Edmonson will be in virtual instruction for the rest of the week December 7th through the 10th." Alexander said. "With 100 kids out at South today and 10 teachers and aides absent, it’s best for South to go virtual the rest of the week. When you look at the entire landscape of learning, health, and safety for the SEE learning community, this is the right call for kids."

While there are 13 confirmed COVID student and 4 staff cases, along with 74 student quarantines, (out of 451 total students and 58 staff members) he said the the school is also being hit hard with strep, flu, and stomach bugs. The school district publishes their COVID data in real time.

A district-wide policy, which went into effect on October 25, 2021, stated that individual schools who have had a positive combined student/staff incidence rate of less than 2.5% for five (5) calendar days will be encouraged to, but not required to wear face coverings. SEES current rate is at 3.34%. No other county school is near that at this time.

The Kentucky Department of Education has allowed school districts the flexibility to make one school virtual while others continue in-person, eliminating the need to shut in-person education down for an entire district.

Edmonson County Parks and Rec Program Director John Kiernan said that youth basketball will be suspended this week as well. The program was planning to recognize teams during the Throwback Game boy/girl doubleheader on Tuesday night at the 5/6 Center, but Alexander said that will be rescheduled.

A decision on the annual Breakfast With Santa Event at SEES will be made later in the week.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Two individuals from the Mammoth Cave area are facing multiple drug and other charges after a social services call sometime on Sunday.

According to a released statement, the Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office was called to assist the Department of Social Services with a home visit at the 100 block of Walnut Drive in Mammoth Cave on Sunday, December 5th. The Sheriff's Office stated that upon arrival, resident Jeremiah Jackson (41) opened the front door and immediately fled back into the home after seeing law enforcement. Officers reportedly observed Jackson throw something into a kitchen cabinet before being detained in handcuffs, and the Sheriff's Office said a strong odor of marijuana was detected from inside the house.

The Sheriff's Office also stated that Jackson admitted to having marijuana in the home and consented to law enforcement searching the residence, which resulted in the discovery of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a hi-point .40 caliber handgun, and suspected Hydrocodone; marijuana was reportedly located within easy access of children that live at this location.

A female occupant, Shelly Jackson (30) was also located inside the residence, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Both Shelly and Jeremiah Jackson were arrested and charged with:

• Trafficking in Marijuana (less than 8 oz), 1st degree/1st offense (marijuana—firearm enhanced)
• Possession Controlled Substance, 1st Degree/1st Offense (drug unspecified—firearm enhanced)
• Drug Paraphernalia—Buy/Possess (firearm enhanced)
• Endangering the Welfare of a Minor

Jeremiah was also charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence.

Both were lodged in Hart County Jail.

Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.

An Edmonson County Grand Jury has recently returned the following indictments:

Jordan T. Watt, Operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/substance-second offense-aggravated circumstance, Fleeing or evading police first degree-first degree motor vehicle, Wanton Endangerment-first degree police officer (three counts), Criminal mischief first degree, Obstructing a highway, Possession of marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia-buy/possess, Driving DUI suspended license-first offense-aggravated circumstance.

Michael D. Barnhart, Trafficking in controlled substance first degree-second or greater offense-greater or equal to 2gms meth.

Jessie James McInerney, Failure to wear seat belts, Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess, Tampering with physical evidence, Possession of controlled substance first degree, Possession of controlled substance-third degree, Trafficking in marijuana.

Mary L. Johnson, Trafficking in controlled substance first degree-less than 2gms of meth, Trafficking in controlled substance first offense-greater than or equal to 2gms of meth, Trafficking in controlled substance first degree-drug unspecified-firearm enhanced, Trafficking controlled substance third degree-drug unspecified-firearm enhanced, Trafficking in controlled substance third degree-firearm enhanced, Trafficking in legend drugs, Trafficking in marijuana-firearm enhanced, Unlawful distribution of meth precursor-firearm enhanced, Endangering the welfare of a minor.

Amanda D. Johnson, Engaging in organized crime, Theft by unlawful taking or disposition all others $1000<$10,000, Receiving stolen property $1,000<$10,000, Operating motor vehicle on suspended or revoked license, Acquisition of retail merchandise for resale, Failure of non-owner to maintain required insurance first offense.

Tony Daniels, Trafficking in controlled substance first degree-less than 2gms of meth, Trafficking in controlled substance first offense-greater than or equal to 2gms of meth, Trafficking in controlled substance first degree-drug unspecified-firearm enhanced, Trafficking controlled substance third degree-drug unspecified-firearm enhanced, Trafficking in controlled substance third degree-firearm enhanced, Trafficking in legend drugs, Trafficking in marijuana-firearm enhanced, Unlawful distribution of meth precursor-firearm enhanced, Endangering the welfare of a minor.

Sandreka M. Claybrooks, Engaging in organized crime, Theft by unlawful taking or disposition all others $1000<$10,000, Receiving stolen property $1,000<$10,000, Operating motor vehicle on suspended or revoked license, Acquisition of retail merchandise for resale.

Joshua Fox, Trafficking in controlled substance-first degree-meth, Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess, Possession of controlled substance first degree-meth.

Janiyah S. Witherspoon, Engaging in organized crime, Theft by unlawful taking or disposition all others $1000<$10,000, Receiving stolen property $1,000<$10,000, Operating motor vehicle on suspended or revoked license, Acquisition of retail merchandise for resale.

Michael Vance, Trafficking in controlled substance first degree-second or greater offense-meth. Drug paraphernalia-buy-posses, Possession of controlled substance first degree-meth.

Loretta Goodpaster, Trafficking controlled substance-first degree-meth, Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess, Possession of controlled substance first degree-meth.

Brandon Harrison, Trafficking in controlled substance first degree-second or greater offense-meth. Drug paraphernalia-buy-posses, Possession of controlled substance first degree-meth, Persistent felony offender first degree.

Randy L. Hawkins, Trafficking controlled substance-first degree-meth, Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess, Possession of controlled substance first degree-meth.

Wendy S. Hawkins, Trafficking controlled substance-first degree-meth, Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess, Possession of controlled substance first degree-meth.

Joseph Thornsberry, Trafficking in controlled substance first degree-meth. Drug paraphernalia-buy-posses, Possession of controlled substance first degree-meth, Persistent felony offender first degree.

Misty Thornsberry, Trafficking in controlled substance first degree-meth. Drug paraphernalia-buy-posses, Possession of controlled substance first degree-meth.

Savannah C. Sinks, Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess, Possession of controlled substance first degree-meth, Rear License not illuminated, Failure to produce insurance card, Operating motor vehicle on suspended or revoked license.

Robert Neal Hunt, Assault fourth degree, Strangulation first degree.

Joshua Brown, Sexual abuse first degree, Attempted rape first degree, Unlawful transaction with a minor second degree.

Johnathon Shirazi, Rape first degree, Sodomy first degree-two counts, Sexual abuse first degree-20 counts, Use of a minor under 16 in sexual performance, Promoting a minor under 16 in sexual performance, Wanton endangerment second degree.

Harold Vincent, Theft by failure to make required disposition of property $1000<$10,000.

Dale Ray Hawks, Sexual abuse first degree-victim under 12 years of age.

Megan Mistelske, Assault second degree, Assault fourth degree.

Jeremy Wright, Glaring headlights, Operating motor vehicle on suspended or revoked license, Manufacturing methamphetamine, Persistent felony offender first degree.

Norman Ray Starner, Possession of marijuana, Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess, Tampering with physical evidence, Endangering the welfare of a minor, Persistent felony offender first degree.

Lindsey J. Joy, DUI first offense, Wanton endangerment-first degree-3 counts, Failure of owner to maintain required insurance, Failure to produce insurance card, Criminal mischief first degree, Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess, Possession of controlled substance first degree-meth.

Andrew Hampton, Possession of controlled substance first degree-meth, Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess, Careless driving.

Kristina Emery, Possession of controlled substance first degree-meth, Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess.

Joshua Lashley, Excessive windshield/window tinting, Tampering with physical evidence, Drug paraphernalia-buy/possess, Possession of controlled substance first degree, Possession of marijuana, Wanton endangerment-second degree-2 counts, Persistent felony offender second degree.

Timothy Taylor, Flagrant non-support, Persistent felony offender first degree.

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

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
One man was sent to the hospital earlier today after a rollover crash involving two vehicles, according to the Brownsville Police Department.

Brownsville PD received a call regarding an injury accident around 8:39AM that had occurred on South Main Street in Brownsville, in front of the Minit Mart.

Police said that 2017 Nissan van operated by Mathew Bayer (32) of Smiths Grove collided with a 2001 Ford Pickup operated by Wilmer Webb (45) of Cave City in a rear end manner.

According to police, Webb’s vehicle overturned upon impact, striking a fence and coming to final rest on an earth embankment located on Minit Mart convenience store property.  Webb was transported to TJ Sampson Community hospital for treatment of minor injuries, police said.  Bayer was reportedly uninjured.

Brownsville Police Department was assisted on scene by Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office, Edmonson EMS and Brownsville Fire Department.

Darren Doyle, story:
Both U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie and State Representative Michael Meredith have filed for re-election to their respective offices.

Guthrie, who has represented Kentucky’s second congressional district since January 2009, filed for reelection on Wednesday, November 10th. Meredith filed for re-election today to represent Kentucky’s 19th House District, which includes Edmonson County and part of Warren County. Meredith has held the seat since 2011.

More candidates have filed for offices in Edmonson County. Currently, the following individuals are now seeking offices in county elections, with the primary election scheduled for Tuesday, May 17, 2022:

Judge-Executive:
Jordan M. Jones (R)
Ronald Scott Lindsey (R)

Sheriff:
Shane A. Doyle (R)
Stoney Phillips (R)
James Edward Vincent (R)

Jailer:
Joe Carl Daugherty (R)
Todd Vincent (R)

County Attorney:
Gregory Royce Vincent (R)

County Clerk:
Kevin M. Alexander (R)

Magistrate, District One:
Mark Meeks (D)

Magistrate, District Two:
Joe Durbin (D)
John Kiernan (R)

Magistrate, District Three:
Charlie Tarter (D)

Magistrate, District Four:
James “Mickey” Johnson (R)
Pat Prunty (R)

Magistrate, District Five:
Jason E. Vincent (R)
Rickey Sanders (R)

Magistrate, District Six:
James C. Vincent (R)

Constable, District Two:
Tim Skees (R)

School Board District Five (Non-Partisan):
Sean Sanders

Those wishing to seek office have until January 7th to file with the County Clerk's Office; however, one must also first file with the state election finance committee. For more information about running for local office, contact the County Clerk's Office at 270-597-2624.

Madison Doyle, photos:
The 2021 Edmonson County Lions Club Fair was back after being cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Folks came out in large crowds all through Brownsville to watch the parade, which had over 70 participants.

The following were named winners in their respective categories:

• Best of Show: Brownsville Missionary Baptist Church
  
• Horse and Rider: Ernie Phelps and Red
• Horse Drawn: Tri-County Search and Rescue
• Commercial: Maretta's She-Shed
• Civic: Todd Vincent For Jailer
• School: ECMS Cheer Team
• Emergency Vehicle: Bear Creek Fire Department
• Antique Car: (tie) 1972 Ford LTD Convertible, 1978 Trans-Am, Smokey and the Bandit

**UPDATE 11/25/21 10:46PM: The Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office has officially reported that she has been found safe.**



Edmonson Voice Report:
Madison Lynn "Maddie" Sowders has been reported missing by the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

According to authorities, Edmonson County Sheriff's deputies responded to Brownsville Manor Apartments for a report of a runaway 12 year old female on Wednesday, November 24, 2021. The Sheriff's Office stated that Madison Lynn "Maddie" Sowders was last seen by her family going to bed the night of November 23rd.

She was reportedly wearing black sweatpants, a black and camouflage hooded sweatshirt, and is possibly wearing white tennis shoes. She is approximately 5 foot 4 inches tall, is 105 pounds, has brown eyes and brown shoulder length hair.

Sowders has been missing as early as 10:30 pm on November 23rd. Anyone with any information in this case is urged to contact Edmonson County Dispatch at 270-597-2729 or your local authorities.

Our office will be closed on Thursday, November 25th until Monday morning, November 29th for the Thanksgiving holiday.

We want to say Thank YOU for your support of the Edmonson Voice and for allowing us to serve our community. We strongly feel that this is the greatest county in Kentucky and we are thankful to be part of it.

Happy Thanksgiving and God bless you from everyone at the Edmonson Voice.

-Darren Doyle, Founder and Content Director

Edmonson Voice Report: photos submitted:
Two drivers were transported to the hospital earlier this evening after a collision involving a dump truck and a flatbed truck occurred on HWY 259 N, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene just south of Kyrock Elementary tonight around 5PM. According to a sheriff's deputy, Connor Brooks, (20) of Bee Spring was northbound on 259 in a Dodge flatbed truck. The deputy stated that Brooks reported to the deputy that he fell asleep, and as a result, his vehicle crossed the center line and traveled into the path of Leslie "Bo Bo" Roof, of Brownsville, who was southbound in a tri-axle dump truck.

According to the sheriff's deputy, Roof attempted to leave the roadway to avoid the oncoming truck but the two vehicles collided. Each vehicle came to rest off the roadway, the sheriff's deputy stated.

Brooks was transported to the Medical Center by Edmonson EMS for non-life threatening injuries. Roof reportedly refused medical treatment at the scene at first but was later transported to Greenview Hospital, also for non-life threatening injuries.

Traffic was detoured through Kyrock Road and Nolin Dam Road while a portion of 259 N was closed.

Also responding to the scene were the Kyrock and Brownsville Fire Departments, JAWS, and the KY Transportation Cabinet.

Edmonson Voice Report:

​Kentucky State Police Post 3 in Bowling Green has been contacted by concerned citizens about a phone scam in our area. Citizens have received calls from someone stating they are with local and state law enforcement and that there is an active warrant for their arrest. 

The Kentucky State Police would like to remind everyone to never share your Social Security Number or other personal information online or by phone. Legitimate businesses will never ask you to pay with Apple cards, eBay cards, Google Play cards, or any other prepaid card.

To report a possible scam, please contact 888-432-9257 by phone, or fill out a complaint form online at ag.ky.gov.

Edmonson Voice Report:
On Friday, Governor Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) announced that the regional driver testing branch in Bowling Green will begin serving Kentuckians who wish to obtain a state driver permit or driver license. The regional branch, located in Bowling Green, will serve residents of Barren, Simpson, Warren, Allen, Butler and Edmonson counties. Residents of these counties should take note of the new regional location in order to make an appointment prior to arrival for a permit, driver or commercial driver license test.

“We appreciate KSP and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet working together to expand driver licensing services to Kentuckians in Barren, Simpson, Warren, Allen, Butler and Edmonson counties,” said Gov. Beshear. “A local branch makes it easier for our Kentucky families to access the services they need.”

Currently, KSP is offering driver testing at the KYTC Regional Drivers Licensing Office, located at 360 East 8th Avenue, Bowling Green, KY 42101, for residents of Barren, Simpson, and Warren Counties.

Beginning November 22, KSP will offer driver testing services at the KYTC Regional Drivers Licensing Office, located 360 East 8th Avenue, Bowling Green, KY 42101, for residents of Allen, Butler, and Edmonson counties. KSP welcomed Barren, Simpson and Warren county residents at this location on Oct. 25 and the transition went smoothly. The expansion to Allen, Butler and Edmonson counties will complete this regional testing office conversion.

Wednesday, November 17th was the final day for testing in Edmonson County. This decision was made at the state level, not through The Edmonson County Circuit Clerk's Office.

Appointments are available Monday through Friday and can be made online by visiting KSP’s website. Residents must make an appointment prior to arrival for a permit, driver or commercial driver license test.
“One of the benefits of regionalization is increased availability of testing services,” said KSP’s Commander of Driver Testing, Captain Marshall Johnson. “New appointments will be posted daily at 8 a.m., Monday through Friday, and this availability is the product of regionalizing our services.” 

KSP is continuing to work with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Kentucky’s circuit court clerks to open the remaining regional offices statewide by June 30, 2022.

Prior to an appointment, new drivers should prepare for the exam by accessing the only approved Kentucky driver’s manual or through the official KSP mobile app, ‘kspolice’. All driver testing materials can be viewed and downloaded free of charge.

Successful testing applicants will be served the same day by KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Office staff to apply for a permit or license, based on capacity and time of day, without scheduling a separate appointment. The transition of licensing services by KYTC was mandated with passage of House Bill 453 during the 2020 Kentucky General Assembly.

According to KYTC, Kentucky will continue offering the option of a standard driver’s license, but a REAL ID or other form of federally approved identification, such as a passport or military ID, eventually will be needed by people 18 and older for boarding commercial flights and accessing military bases and federal buildings that currently require identification. Federal enforcement is scheduled to begin May 3, 2023.

First-time application for a REAL ID must be made in person at a Driver Licensing Regional office. Specific documentation is required. A list of acceptable documentation and a link to take an interactive quiz that populates a personalized list of documents is available at drive.ky.gov | IDocument Guide.

Darren Doyle, story:
A wage increase called Premium Pay, made possible with funds received by the county from the American Rescue Plan Act, was discussed at today's Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting, which was held virtually.

What essentially would be more like a bonus but categorized as a temporary pay increase, Premium Pay is one of the government-approved purposes for part of the $2.3 million the county will receive from the federal government in COVID-19 relief funds. The county has already received $1.2 million with the rest coming between May and December of 2022.

County Treasurer Tammi Willhite said all neighboring counties are looking to boost county employee pay through the program, which will allow local governments to increase hourly wages up to $13 more per hour or $25K more per employee; however, most counties are looking to increase workers' pay $1 or $2 more per hour.

In today's meeting, Willhite said all workers employed through offices administered by the fiscal court, including sheriff's deputies and office staff, county clerk staff, judge executive office staff, dispatch, parks and rec, transportation officers, litter abatement, and road department workers would be affected; however, no elected official would qualify for any pay increase through Premium Pay, including magistrates, who would make the vote.

Willhite said if magistrates vote to participate in Premium Pay, county workers would see a benefit in their paychecks (retroactively) from the time period of July 2020 to June of 2021, the height of the pandemic, for all hours worked in-person. Time logged in from anyone working from home would not qualify.

The increase is intended to compensate workers for any time or benefits lost during the pandemic.

Other ways that counties can spend their ARPA money include broadband and water infrastructure, equipment, and other uses, many of which have not been made clear to local governments, Judge Executive Wil Cannon said.

"We don't need to be in a hurry for these decisions. We have to make sure the way we spend this money is allowable by the government, otherwise we have to pay it back," he said.

No vote was taken on incorporating Premium Pay today.

In addition to regular county office reports that were given, magistrates also voted to:

• Approve Resolution EC 21-26, Jaws of Life Agreement with Kyrock Volunteer Fire Department.
• Approve Robin Rigdon’s Notary Bond.
• Approve BGWC October Shelter Directors Report.
• Approve FEMA DR 4595 Public Assistance Grant.
• Schedule Finance Committee Meeting for Fee Officials Budget-December 3rd, 9:00 am.

The next Edmonson County Fiscal Court meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 13, 2021 at 9AM and will be held virtually.

Edmonson Voice Report:
The U.S. Postal Service is urging local residents to use extra caution on the roadways following an accident that recently occurred involving a mail carrier.

Brownsville Postmaster Sheri Puckett said the accident was the fourth one involving mail carriers along the same local road in the last five years.
 
"As United States Postal Service employees, it is our honor to serve this community," she said. "We take great pride in providing excellent customer service and delivering essential items throughout Brownsville. With the holiday season approaching, our carriers will have longer days delivering many packages and mail pieces."
 
"Help keep us safe so we can return home to our families at the end of our workday. Our carriers survived their injuries, but their lives will be forever changed."
 
Puckett said postal vehicles are marked with signage, flags, and lights.

"Be aware our carriers will make frequent stops along their routes. Brownsville postal carriers want to deliver the holidays for our customers. And I would like to deliver the gift of safety to our employees."

The other driver involved in the recent crash was also seriously injured, according to local officials.