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Edmonson Voice Report:
Community Action is now accepting applications for the new Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Cooling Program. Designed to help offset the cost of higher electric bills due to rising temperatures, the program is the network’s latest resource to help families during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Applications will run through October 31, 2020, or until funds are depleted.

The LIHEAP Summer Cooling Program is separated into two components, Subsidy and Crisis, to assist with electric costs. Eligible households can apply for one or both components and participation in prior LIHEAP programs will not affect a household’s eligibility. Households must meet income eligibility requirements, including income guidelines. Benefits are only available to assist with electric costs.

The Subsidy component provides households one-time benefit ranging from $50 to $200 depending on income levels and housing category. The Crisis component is available to eligible households who demonstrate a home energy crisis situation. Crisis benefits will cover the minimum needed to alleviate the crisis not to exceed $600. Households can reapply each time they experience a crisis situation until they reached their maximum benefit. Applicants are encouraged to contact their local Community Action outreach office for specific application instructions.

Community Action administers LIHEAP in partnership with Community Action Kentucky and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services who receive the funding as a pass-through block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. More information about resources provided by Community Action and a listing of LIHEAP outreach offices can be found at the Community Action website at www.casoky.org.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
Just over a month ago, the Edmonson Voice first reported about young Parin Patel, a Chalybeate resident who will be going into the third grade at South Edmonson Elementary and his newly found painting skills. Parin's father, Manish Patel, told the Edmonson Voice that he and his family had recently encouraged Parin to find other hobbies besides video games. That's when Parin took up painting after watching several how-to videos.

Parin's paintings were impressive from the start and he and his family began to discuss what they were going to do with all the artwork. The family decided to try to sell the paintings for a local cause, which would eventually be Edmonson County Community Education and the EC Family Resource/Youth Services Centers.

After we published the story, all of Parin's paintings were sold basically in the same day and he began taking orders for new artwork. His dad said Parin had over 100 orders and would've had more; however, a shortage of canvas material during the coronavirus pandemic caused Parin's fundraiser to end a bit early.

Today, Parin and his family donated $1500 to local schools, which will be used to kick off the 2020 Cram the Cruiser event that is currently being organized to be held in a few weeks.

"We appreciate everyone who bought the paintings and made the orders," said Manish. "Without the community's support, there would be no fundraiser. We credit the people of Edmonson County for helping the schools."

Parin said he did about 4-5 paintings on the days he worked on them and didn't get tired at all.

"I painted them when I wanted to and it was ok," he said. 

Parin's new passion has been featured on an art YouTube Channel that you can see below.

Manish and his family own Chalybeate Food Mart and is known not only for his popular business but also for giving back to the local community in different ways.

"I am glad that the money was raised for a good cause, but it's also a good teaching lesson for Parin," he said. "I told him that he can work hard to make money and that's good, but it's also important to help others. It's important to support the people that support us. We should help each other."

For more information about Parin's work, you can visit his father's Facebook Page.

Editor's Note: the photo of Parin and the check was edited to hide sensitive account and personal information.

by ​Morgan Vincent, Edmonson County FFA Chapter Reporter:
Six members of the Edmonson County FFA Chapter qualified to compete at the Kentucky State Convention in various Impromptu speaking competitions on June 23rd, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, each of these competitions took place virtually.

The members that competed were:
Hayley Lindsey in Beef Impromptu
Maggie Brewer in Floral Impromptu
Danyale Atwell in Goat/Sheep Impromptu
Morgan Vincent in Horse Impromptu
Grant Merideth in Small Animal Impromptu
Mia Jones in Swine Impromptu
​

Editor's Note: As part of Brycen Daniels' Eagle Scout-requirement Communications Merit Badge, he is required to send an article to a local news outlet. His family contacted us and asked if we would allow his article to be published in the Edmonson Voice and we were thrilled to do so. He has submitted the following article and above photo:  

By Brycen Daniels:
My name is Brycen Daniels. I have been in scouts since the first grade, and I am currently a Life Scout working towards my Eagle Scout in Boy Scout troop 597 in Edmonson County. I will be a Freshman in the fall.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had many diverse effects across communities in America. In my community, our nursing home has been heavily affected by the pandemic due to its residents being at higher risk from the virus. The target demographic for Covid-19 is anyone over the age of 60 or anyone with pre-existing medical conditions. The residents at the nursing home often fit into both of the categories.

During the pandemic there have been no visitors allowed. Not being able to see their families can be detrimental for some of the residents. Many of the residents have conditions that could affect their ability to understand why their families stopped going to see them in person. This causes many of the residents to become depressed and possibly have a decline in their health. Lack of visitation also deeply saddens the family members of the residents. With visitation reopening soon, they will need a way to shield the residents from potential exposure to the virus.

As a service project for Boy Scout Troop 597, I wanted to do something to help the residents. I first contacted the administrator at the Edmonson Center and found out the type of barrier and dimensions of the barrier they needed. Second, I contacted Mr. Michael Mills of Mills Creations to work with him on constructing the barrier to help prevent the spread of the virus between residents and their visitors.  Mr. Mills generously donated all of the materials for the project as well as his time in helping construct the barrier.

I finished the project off by filling in the screw holes with wood putty, sanding the barrier frame, and painting the frame to make it look nice for the residents and the visitors. The barrier has a sturdy wooden frame with a plexi-glass window so the resident can see their visitor. The barriers will also be mobile so that the staff can easily move the barrier inside or outside to accommodate for different situations. The barriers will be placed over a table so both parties can sit while they visit with their families. The table will also further separate the visitor from the resident.

The virus can be spread by respiratory droplets, thus a physical barrier and distance between residents and their visitors is key for their safety. We delivered the barrier on July 3rd to the administrator, Chris Swihart.

The nursing home is a large part of the community in Edmonson county many people have loved ones and family members in the nursing home. The Boy Scouts are always looking for ways to help out the community in any way we can.  ​

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Mis Amigos Mexicano Grill in Brownsville has announced that they will stay closed temporarily due to virus precautions, according to an announcement made on their Facebook Page.

The Mexican eatery announced that they had a gas leak on June 10th, which required a closure to repair. They since announced remaining closed for a few more days for safety measures from COVID-19.​

"As many of you might have read we had a gas leak about a week ago and we are glad to say that we have finally found the source of the gas leak and fixed the problem," they said in a Facebook post. "However, while we were closed one of our employees has informed us that they believe they were in close contact with someone who might have COVID-19. Although they are closely monitoring themselves, we have made the decision to remain closed for a couple more days for the safety and well-being of our customers and employees. These few days will allow for all our employees to get tested and receive the results. We will continue to update everyone and once again we are very sorry for the inconvenience."

As per our adopted COVID-19 Policy: any Edmonson County business or organization can make free announcements with the Edmonson Voice regarding the opening or closing of your local business, organization, program, etc. affected by virus pandemics or precautions. Please email our office: editor@edmonsonvoice.com. Some exclusions apply. Announcement will be made either on our News, Community, or VOICE Calendar pages.

Walden's Barbeque has announced that they have reopened and will be operating on a limited menu for now. 

The BBQ restaurant located in the Main Street Center temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic but reopened this past weekend. Currently, their open times are Tuesday - Saturday 11 am till 6pm, according to their Facebook Page.

"Please be patient with us as we had to hire new faces and change or menu around due to higher meat & product prices and demand," they posted on their page. "We will keep you updated.....thanks everyone for your business!!!!!!!"

As per our adopted COVID-19 Policy: any Edmonson County business or organization can make free announcements with the Edmonson Voice regarding the opening or closing of your local business, organization, program, etc. affected by virus pandemics or precautions. Please email our office: editor@edmonsonvoice.com. Some exclusions apply. Announcement will be made either on our News, Community, or VOICE Calendar pages.

Edmonson Voice Report:
The Edmonson County Homemakers have announced that their 2020 scholarship recipient is Jacob Vincent.  He is the son of Jason and Natalie Vincent.  

He graduated from Edmonson County High School this past year with a 3.958 grade point average.   His school and club activities include: Beta Club, Math Club, and ECHS Baseball.
​
He plans to attend SKYCTC and then WKU to study secondary education.   Jacob's plans include returning to teach at ECHS and be a part of the baseball coaching staff.  

Edmonson Voice Report:
Edmonson County has been selected to receive an award of $3,253 in Federal Funds in Phase 37 and $16,480 in CARES through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army, and United Way Worldwide.  The Local Board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

A Local Board comprised of the area Judge Executives and community/business representatives will determine how the funds awarded to Edmonson County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or unit of government, 2) be eligible to receive federal funds 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply. Organizations applying must have an accounting system and have the ability to be their own fiscal agent.

Public or private entities interested in applying for EFSP funds must contact Community Action of Southern Kentucky, 921 Beauty Avenue, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42102, (270)782-3162, for an application. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, June 30, 4:00 p.m., Central Standard Time.

​"The local council understands the impact that closing child care centers has on not only the providers, but also the communities as a whole," said the council. "While the state has provided a variety of financial assistance, these businesses are still facing many unknowns as they re-open.  The local council decided that offering the required cloth face coverings in a unique, see-thru way would be one way they could help."

Regulated providers in Edmonson County include Edmonson County Head Start, Little Treasures Learning Academy, and Sarah’s Play School.

Council members said they found a child care business owner who began making the masks when her own business closed as a result of the pandemic.

​One bedroom duplex for rent on Sulphur Road in Chalybeate. Near South Edmonson Elementary and Chalybeate Park. Water is included in rent. No pets permitted. Rent is $385 per month with a $385 security deposit. Please call 270-791-0945.