The 2020 Edmonson County Basketball Homecoming was held tonight at ECHS where senior Madison Harrison was named this year's queen.

Madison is the daughter of Glendale and Jackie Decker. She was escorted by Brock Stethen, son of Mike and Letia Webb.

The junior princess was Kaylee Cook, daughter of Jason and Charlene Cook, escorted by Matt Shaw. He is the son of Carl and Kim Mills.

Sophomore princess was Maham Shahbaz, daughter of Muhammad and Uzma Shahbaz. She was escorted by Wade Luttrell, son of Jeremy and Tanya Hodges.

The freshman princess was Claire Burklow, daughter of Leroy and Michelle Burklow. She was escorted by Jude Clemons, son of Josh and Tiffany Clemons.

The attendants this year were Aubrey Hinson, daughter of Ethan and Nicole Hinson. She was escorted by Leo Lindsey, son of Justin and Leah Lindsey. Also Avery Justis, daughter of Chase and Sarah Justis, who was escorted by Alex Talley, son of Alan Talley.

by Senator Steve Meredith:​
The 60-day legislative session is moving right along here in Frankfort as the General Assembly begins to advance 2020 legislative priorities this week. 
 
First, allow me to offer my congratulations to our newest colleague, Senator-elect Mike Nemes, who was elected with an overwhelming majority in the 38th Senate District, which encompasses Bullitt County and part of Jefferson County. I look forward to welcoming him to our caucus. 
 
On Tuesday, Kentuckians and legislators from both sides of the aisle listened to Governor Beshear proposed policy goals and recommendations to the Kentucky General Assembly in his first State of the Commonwealth Address. The Governor also noted his legislative priorities for 2020, which included fully funding pension obligations, criminal justice reform, and plans to improve Kentucky public education, starting with a statewide teacher salary increase. As the legislature begins to prepare the biennial budget, Governor Beshear will also be delivering a budget address on January 28. Both of these addresses are customarily presented by the governor and serve as a beneficial element in our state’s separation of powers. We eagerly await to hear how the Governor plans to execute the ideas he has laid out.
 
Crafting a budget will not be an easy task. Demands placed on state government by our priorities, and other costs continue to outpace revenue growth. In the coming weeks, legislative branch staff and other resources will be utilized to help the General Assembly better determine a path forward for this year’s budgetary balancing act. Per the Kentucky Constitution, budget bills must start in the House. I will keep you informed as the Senate begins to deliberate budgetary matters in the coming weeks. 
 
While the new administration formulates its agenda and presents it to the legislature, the majority leadership in the General Assembly is continuing to move forward with a legislative agenda supported by Kentucky voters. Committee meetings are now in full swing, as this past week legislators began discussing bills recently assigned to their respective committees. 
 
Senate Bill 56 (SB 56) passed unanimously out of the Health & Welfare Committee on Wednesday during its first meeting of the 2020 Session. The committee heard student testimony as well as a presentation from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. SB 56 ensures Kentucky complies with federal minimum legal age for the sale of tobacco products and eliminates purchase, use, and imposes possession penalties for youth up to age 21. This encourages our youth to lead healthier lives. 
 
Additionally, my bill, Senate Bill (SB 38) which deals respectful and dignified disposition of human remains for people deemed wards of our state also passed unanimously out of the Health & Welfare Committee.  Without this legislation, the bodies of people under guardianship of our state can be held for days, and even weeks, before they can receive a proper burial.
 
The State Senate passed Senate Bill 3 (SB 3) on Thursday. This a great bill that proposes a constitutional amendment to the voters of Kentucky. If adopted, the amendment would move Kentucky’s statewide elections to even number years, in unison with Presidential elections. This would save the state $3.5 million dollars and counties $13 million dollars. It’s a fiscally responsible measure that will both alleviate voter fatigue, and increase voter engagement in the election of our state Constitutional Officers.

Senate Bill 11 (SB 11) also passed favorably on the Senate floor this week. SB 11 provides recourse for property owners to pursue legal action for intentional damages done to residential rental property. It would classify intentional or wanton destruction, defacement, or damage to such property as criminal mischief under Kentucky Law. 
 
SB 3 and SB 11 will now head over to the House for consideration. 
 
As we head into the third week of the 2020 Regular Session, your input is greatly appreciated. Kentuckians have many avenues to follow the General Assembly throughout the session, including seeing legislative action in person here in Frankfort, or viewing online at KET.org/legislature. 
 
If you have any questions or comments about the issues or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me at Stephen.Meredith@LRC.ky.gov.  You can also review the Legislature’s work online at www.legislature.ky.gov.

The following open letter is from the Chalybeate Volunteer Fire Department:​

The Chalybeate Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the Chalybeate Fire District.  The magistrates voted for an increase of $5 on your annual Fire Department Dues.  It may not mean much to you, but it's caused a lot of great things to start to take place at our Department. 

Our Turn Out Gear has to be replaced every ten years.  It costs over $2,000 for one set of gear for one firefighter. We have struggled the last several years trying to find a way to replace our much outdated equipment.  Our firefighters are always ready to serve the people in our district and to help out in other districts when called.  We always give 100%. 

The increase in our dues has allowed much needed maintenance on our vehicles, we've replaced outdated radios, and we're now ordering new Turn Out Gear. We have purchased five sets of Turn Out Gear.  We still have several more sets that need to be replaced in order for our Department to be in compliance.  These things would not be possible without the increase.   This is just the beginning of what will allow us to better serve our Fire District.   Again, we would like to thank our great Chalybeate Fire District and the support they give us daily.  It is our pleasure to help you in your time of need.
 
--Thanks from the Chalybeate Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors and the Chalybeate Volunteer Fire Fighters 

​Please see flyer for all info. Local church choirs have also been added to this event. Diana is the daughter of Jerry and Marsha Spainhoward.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
ECHS has announced the candidates for the upcoming 2020 Basketball Homecoming scheduled for this Friday night. 

​Freshmen: Macy Allen, Claire Burklow, Emma Hayes, and Joann Hurst. Sophomores: Lilly Miller, Paige Wolfe, Maham Shabaz, and Macy Cassady. Juniors: Kaylee Cook, Kaylee Russell, Heather Todd, and Hannah Lamastus. Seniors: Adri Harp, Rachel Cowles, Lauren Ballance, and Madison Harrison, 

The game is scheduled against Whitesville-Trinity in a G/B double header with girls tip beginning at 5:30pm.

Click the ad to find out more:

​paid advertisement:

By Julia Wilson, Edmonson County Extension Office:
Many people have made losing weight and/or becoming healthier one of their New Year’s resolutions, and some may try to do so through a fad diet that promises quick and dramatic weight loss results.

While intending to become a healthier version of yourself is good, fad dieting can lead to its own set of health problems including dehydration, weakness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, constipation and nutrient deficiencies. This is because most fad diets are based on consuming a limited number of foods or eliminating a certain food or food group entirely from your diet. This is not only boring, but it is not sustainable and can lead to the serious health side effects mentioned above.

You can easily identify whether a diet is a fad diet or one supported by research, because a fad diet will almost never include a physical activity component. Research shows that most adults should engage in between 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (e.g. brisk walking) or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise (e.g. cycling) each week to show the positive health benefits from movement.

Before starting or stopping any diet, you should approach your doctor or dietitian to make sure the program is safe for you, particularly if you have a health condition that is impacted by diet, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Also, ask yourself if the diet you are starting is something you can sustain for the rest of your life. Remember, if the diet and its effects seem too good to be true, they probably are.

Research continues to show that the best way to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle is by being physically active and eating a variety of foods.

These foods include:
A variety of vegetables in all different colors
Fruits, preferably the whole fruit
Grains with whole grains comprising at least half of your consumption
Low-fat dairy
Proteins including seafood, lean meats, legumes, nuts and seeds

More information on eating healthy and incorporating more physical activity into your day is available at the Edmonson County Extension office.​

Sources: Heather Norman-Burgdolf, UK extension specialist, 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

by Rep. Michael Meredith:
I joined legislators from throughout Kentucky in Frankfort this week as House and Senate members convened the 2020 Regular Session. I am always reminded that it is a privilege to serve this district and our communities, an honor and responsibility that I take very seriously. I hope to continue communicating with you through these legislative updates, but also invite you to reach out to me directly through the contact information at the end of this update.
 
We saw more than 300 bills filed this week, and while some were pre-filed over the past few months, there are many new proposals that I will be reviewing in the days to come. While a thousand bills may eventually be filed, only a fraction will move through the legislative process to become a law. Many times the final version of a bill is often quite different from how it was introduced. That is the result of the input that legislative committees provide to ensure the final product is strong and accomplishes its goal without unintended consequences.
 
I cannot stress enough that the top priority for the House is crafting the biennial budget. We will spend a considerable amount of time meeting with stakeholders, and ensuring that the needs of every level of state government are addressed. Our state has many needs, including funding our state pension obligations, addressing the skyrocketing costs associated with incarceration and funding our public education system. We have a challenging road ahead, but I know that my colleagues in the House Majority Caucus and I are in agreement that we want to be good stewards of your taxpayer dollars. Rest assured, we will do our best to ensure that the needs of the families and people across the Commonwealth are met.
 
Since the Kentucky Constitution states that the budget must start in the House Chamber, the Senate has more flexibility in what they give their time and energy to during the early days of the session. You may have seen recent announcements regarding what they plan to highlight.
 
When we come back next week, legislative committees will start to hear testimony and consider bills, but also we will hear from Governor Andy Beshear on Tuesday, January 14. The Governor will give his first State of the Commonwealth Address, a speech aimed at laying out his priorities for the future, and his assessments of how he believes Kentucky state government is operating today. I look forward to this speech and hope it gives us some idea of how he intends to fund the promises he made throughout the campaign. Unfortunately, I fear it may rely on funding we do not have.
 
As I have mentioned so many times, our commitment to funding programs like education and workforce development remains strong. However, we must also address the skyrocketing costs of our jails and prisons and Medicaid, as well as the $43 billion unfunded liability in our public pensions. It will be difficult to continue moving Kentucky forward while paying off the debts of the past, but this budget will provide us an opportunity to map a responsible path.
 
I hope to hear from you on any issues that are important to you. It is crucial for me to understand your views so that I may better represent you in Frankfort. I can be reached during the week from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (EST) through the toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via e-mail at Michael.Meredith@lrc.ky.gov. You can also keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page at www.lrc.ky.gov. 

​by: Senator Steve Meredith
The first week of the 2020 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly has come to a close. We had a productive week in Frankfort and left with confidence in what the session has in store. It was a pleasure to begin the session on Tuesday with a visit from the 100th Army Band from Fort Knox, who performed an extraordinary rendition of "My Old Kentucky Home" and our National Anthem.
 
As with the early stages of any session of the General Assembly, some procedural measures were in order. The Senate Majority has listened to feedback from our constituents and have prioritized several pieces of legislation that are hopeful of passing this session. Those bills, among others, were assigned to their respective committees this week. Committee hearings begin next week and provide the public an opportunity to hear about the legislation.
 
Bills must be presented at a public committee meeting and passed with a majority vote before heading back to the Senate to be voted on by the entire Senate body. If the bill is approved by the Senate, it heads to the Kentucky House, where the same process occurs. Bills that are passed by both chambers are submitted to the Governor for his approval.
  
The proverbial legislative elephant in the room for the 2020 session is, of course, the General Assembly's duty to pass a balanced two-year budget and two-year road fund plan. As a member of the Senate Appropriations & Revenue Committee, my colleagues and I in the Kentucky Senate Majority are working diligently with members of the Kentucky State House in preparation for this crucial responsibility. There are several bills in which I am in the process of drafting and plan to file soon in hopes to address some of our state’s most pressing issues. I look forward to continued discussions on these matters throughout the coming weeks.
 
If you have any questions or comments about the issues or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me at Stephen.Meredith@LRC.ky.gov.  You can also review the Legislature’s work online at www.legislature.ky.gov.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Edmonson County's favorite K-9 Deputy is anxiously waiting for his return to cable TV, as Tango will be featured on A&E's brand new game show, "America's Top Dog."

Deputy Jordan Jones, who handles Tango, described the show which airs tonight at 8pm local time. 

"It's like American Ninja Warrior for dogs," he said. "The show takes as many real-world scenarios for these types of dogs and puts them into a game show-like atmosphere. It's actually one huge obstacle course."

Tango made his television debut on A&E's Live PD in 2017, when the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office was featured on two different episodes of the popular cable TV show. Tango made a positive impression with viewers, which prompted the producers of ATD to contact the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

The episodes were filmed in June of 2019, where the show flew Deputy Jones and Tango out to northern Los Angeles. Jones said Tango had his own seat on the plane.

"The plane ride made him a little sluggish which brought his drive down, but we were able to get him back up for the show," he said. "They gave us 3 hours to train on their course, which was very difficult. It was definitely the most challenging scenario I've ever faced as a K-9 handler."

Deputy Jones said Tango competed against K-9s from all over, some from the FBI, and one that had an appraised value at over $100,000.

Tango, a six-year old German Shepherd, was purchased for the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office strictly by local fundraising and donations in the amount of $10,000. He joined the Sheriff's Office in September of 2016.

Tango had no comment when we asked him his thoughts on the experience. Since he has the ability to remove a grown man's arm, we did not press him for comment.

The show airs tonight at 8pm on A&E Network.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Local student Brayden Johnson has been awarded the winner of the Grandparent Essay Contest held by the organization AARP.

Brayden Johnson wrote his essay about his Grandfather Hulen Sanders. Brayden’s essay will compete against the Third District Retired Teacher’s county winners.  If his essay wins Third District it will go to the State competition.

“I want to thank Brayden’s teachers Mrs. Kelsey Highbaugh and LaNetta Skaggs for all their help,” said local Retired Teacher President Bobby Joe Duncan.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Mammoth Cave National Park will offer free Mammoth Passage cave tours on Monday, January 20 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, an annual celebration of the influential leader’s achievements in the modern civil rights movement.  Cave tours will depart from the visitor center at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm.

Mammoth Passage tour participants must pick up their free tickets in the visitor center before going on a tour. The ¾-mile, 1¼-hour Mammoth Passage tour is limited to 70 people, and requires a walk down and up a steep path to the Historic Entrance and traversing 160 steps.  The tour explores a vast canyon passageway and discusses a 19th-century saltpeter mining operation and the geologic origins of Mammoth Cave.
 
Each year the National Park Service offers several fee free days, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, to provide the opportunity for the public to visit a new place or return to an old favorite. For more information about Mammoth Cave National Park events, visit the website www.nps.gov/maca. 

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce has announced that their 2020 Membership Drive has begun.

Renewal membership forms should be arriving to current members within the week, and the Chamber's site has been updated with this year's form. Individuals or businesses can conveniently join online with a debit or credit card. New members are always welcome and more information can be found on the website or by calling 270-597-2222.
 
The Edmonson Chamber "Shop Local Shop EC" promotion continues and the shop local gift certificates are also still available.

Chamber Director Rhonda Clemmons said that sponsors have already committed for first Spring Luncheon and Spring Breakfast of the year, which will be announced soon in addition to other events through out the year. Other Chamber events will include the Annual Cookout on The Square, Annual Golf Scramble, and the formal Dinner Banquet held each December.
 
“Our Chamber is membership sponsored, and we work hard to offer updated information about our community, our businesses, and service providers. Our website serves as a directory for customers to find the resources they are looking for. We also provide telephone assistance, maps, and directory information to customers needing assistance. We want to be a resource for our community,“ said Rhonda Clemmons.

Free of charge and suitable for all ages. 45 minute running time, with time for questions at the end of the presentation. Please note that the show will begin on time, with no late entrance permitted.

2020 PERFORMANCE DATES AND SHOW TIMES:
7 January, Tuesday                            7:00 p.m.
9 January, Thursday                          7:00 p.m.
12 January, Sunday            2:00 p.m.
14 January, Tuesday                          7:00 p.m.
16 January, Thursday                        7:00 p.m.
19 January, Sunday            2:00 p.m.
21 January, Tuesday                          7:00 p.m.
23 January, Thursday                        7:00  p.m.
26  January, Sunday            2:00 p.m.
28 January, Tuesday                          7:00 p.m.
30 January, Thursday                        7:00 p.m.
2 February, Sunday             2:00 p.m.
4 February, Tuesday                         7:00 p.m.
6 February, Thursday                       7:00 p.m.
9 February, Sunday             2:00 p.m.
11 February, Tuesday                        7:00 p.m.
13 February, Thursday                      7:00 p.m.
16 February, Sunday           2:00 p.m.
18 February, Tuesday                        7:00 p.m.
20 February, Thursday                      7:00 p.m.

For information, contact the planetarium at 270-745-4044 or visit https://www.wku.edu/hardinplanetarium/shows/public_show_spaceshipearth.php

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Congressman Brett Guthrie has announced that the National Park Foundation Open OutDoors for Kids program is awarding a $10,000 grant to Mammoth Cave National Park.
 
The grant will be used to connect 2,000 fourth graders from nearby elementary schools to Mammoth Cave for field trips.
 
“Mammoth Cave is the pride of the Second District,” said Guthrie. “I am proud to announce this grant that will give local students the chance to visit the park. Using this grant money, kids will be able to enjoy STEM activities at the park, go on scenic hikes, and take a ranger-led cave tour. As a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, I know this will be a great opportunity for Second District students.”

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The South Edmonson Bulldog Choir took their show on the road yesterday around Brownsville as the performed Christmas carols around town.

The group, made up of 3rd and 4th grade students, made stops at Edmonson Center Healthcare, Limestone Bank, Bank of Edmonson County, the county Courthouse, and the Board of Education. South Edmonson Service Club members also passed out Christmas Cards.

​The choir is led by SEES music and art teacher, Mrs. Jessica Doyle.