Click the flyer to view bidding information and more:

MAMMOTH CAVE, KY – Mammoth Cave National Park and will host two special musical performances by the Louisville Orchestra featuring famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma inside Mammoth Cave on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 11 am and 3 pm CDT. The performances will be led by the Musical Director of the Louisville Orchestra, Teddy Abrams, and celebrate the history and culture of Mammoth Cave and how natural environments can provide artistic inspiration. Tickets for the event will be distributed by a lottery process through Recreation.gov beginning Monday, January 30.  
 
“We are thrilled to offer this amazing opportunity to experience the sounds of Yo-Yo Ma and the Louisville Orchestra inside Mammoth Cave,” said Park Superintendent Barclay Trimble. “Music is universally loved and recognized as a way to connect and bring people together. Mammoth Cave has been a source of artistic inspiration for thousands of years and now through a composition created by Teddy Abrams and a historic performance by Yo-Yo Ma, we can add another fantastic musical moment to the cave’s history.” 
 
The music performed during this special event is being created especially for Mammoth Cave by Teddy Abrams. Abrams spent the last year exploring Mammoth Cave National Park and immersing himself into the cave’s geology and human history to gain inspiration from the sights and sounds of the park. He composed his work with featured performer Yo-Yo Ma in mind. 
 
“Visitors have always been drawn to Mammoth Cave to experience its ancient stillness and expansiveness,” explained Abrams. “It’s no surprise that this otherworldly treasure has inspired art in all forms, some of which can still be seen in the cave. Performing music in a cave where untold generations of people before us have created their own music connects us in a vital way to our past.” 
 

The musical performances will take place inside Mammoth Cave in a large open room known as Rafinesque Hall and may not be like what is typically experienced in a concert hall. The audience will be asked to participate and move around the performance space at various points during the piece. The cave area is a natural environment, with low lighting and a temperature of around 54ºF (12ºC). There are no seating options, and the performance time is estimated at 45 min – 1 hour. Audience members must walk 0.75 miles (1.2 km), round trip, to reach the performance area. The access trail includes a steep outdoor hillside to and from the cave’s natural entrance with a total of 130 stairs. Inside the cave, the trail will travel along broad walkways in some of the largest rooms inside Mammoth Cave. The trail is mostly level, but some hilly and uneven areas exist. 
 

Due to the expected popularity of the event, tickets are being distributed via a lottery system through Recreation.gov. The lottery system will provide an equitable opportunity for all interested visitors to attend this limited, yet high-demand event. The lottery will be open from 11 am CST, Monday, January 30 to 11 am Monday, February 6 at Recreation.gov. Only one application per email address is accepted, and each application may request up to 4 tickets. The performance is open to all ages, but youths under the age of 16 years, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. All lottery applicants will be charged a $1.00 application fee, but there is no fee for tickets to the actual event. 
 
For more information about this special musical event and for ticket information visit Mammoth Cave Presents Teddy Abrams and the Louisville Orchestra with Yo-Yo Ma. 

Photos courtesy of Mammoth Cave National Park.

Alford's Pharmacy and Drive-Thru is addressing a potential issue with Anthem Insurance patients.

"A lot of our patients/customers with Anthem insurance received a letter stating there was a change within their pharmacy network and they referred them to other pharmacies that are all miles away," said the pharmacy in a statement. "But what they don't tell them is they can call their insurance and opt out of this."

The pharmacy also stated that sometimes these letters may seem scary or intimidating but anyone with questions can call the pharmacy at 270-597-1044, or simply follow the instructions on the attached flyer.

Edmonson Voice Report:
VFW District 5 awarded three Edmonson County residents Community Service Awards this afternoon at Glasgow VFW Post 5906 at a ceremonial luncheon.

Jason Vincent was awarded EMT of the Year, Jessica Doyle was awarded Teacher of the Year, and Geraldine Simmons accepted the Fire Fighter of the Year award for her late husband Lawrence “Bunny” Simmons, alongside Brownsville VFW Post 6937 Commander Gerald Carroll. 

VFW District 5 is comprised of the counties surrounding Edmonson and the District Commander Jeff Keene presented the awards. 

"Each year, local VFW Posts throughout the nation nominate outstanding citizens within many occupational categories for their amazing and selfless service to our community," VFW District 5 said in a statement. "These nominees were submitted from our local Post earlier this fall and selected by District for recognition.  The next step will be judging at the State level.  Congratulations to these fine representatives of Edmonson County."

Three newly elected board members were also sworn in at the board meeting on January 9th, which included Mark Rich, Sean Sanders, and Melinda Campbell.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Superintendent Brian Alexander presented KSBA Certificates to Melinda Campbell, Mark Rich, Alex Ulm, Sean Sanders, and Paul Forester in recognition of January’s School Board Recognition Month at the January 9, 2023 school board meeting.

"Our board members are responsible for our community’s most precious resource and the key to its future – our children and their educational opportunities," said Superintendent of Edmonson Schools Brian Alexander.
 
"These individuals are responsible for making decisions aimed at ensuring that every child in our school district has a chance to be successful both in school and in life.  No year has been more trying on our school Board than this past year."
 
He added that each board member has to keep up with changing education laws and policies and spend hours on professional learning and state-mandated training. 

"At a time when state and federal funding continue to shrink, our school board members have not flinched in the face of the challenges or shied away from their responsibilities.  Our community can be very proud of this team of board members and I am proud to be their partner in striving for education excellence for our children. I personally and professionally commend their hard work and dedication."

Edmonson Voice Report:
Tammy Meredith Dennis has retired after 29 years of service as a bus driver with Edmonson County Schools.

"The Edmonson County Board of Education Transportation Department is honored to take this opportunity to thank Mrs. Tammy Dennis for 29 years of dedicated service to the students and parents of this community," said the transportation department in a statement. "She has zealously driven a regular route and a special needs route for the school system, as well as helped in our school facilities.  She has always let her love of children and respect for her community shine bright.  Thank you Mrs. Dennis for your upstanding  example. It is our sincere wish that you truly enjoy this time of your life and have a wonderful retirement."

She was recognized by Director of Transportation for Edmonson County Schools Lannie Deweese with a personalized plaque for her years of service.

Check out these two Edmonson County home listings from local realtor Shauna Gravil, and visit our Facebook Page for a $100 Gas Card Giveaway opportunity with these listings!

1496 Beaver Dam Chapel Road:

If you're looking for a home that's ready to move into, within a quiet country setting, and within minutes of Bowling Green...then look no further! This brand new, 3 bed 2 bath is nestled on an acre and comes with the assurance of a one year builder's warranty. Hosting a ton of upgrades including tiled walk in shower (and backsplash), granite, and LVP throughout, in addition to stainless steel appliances, all you need to bring is your furniture.

Outdoor features include a covered back patio where you can relax and enjoy the large back yard that borders the tree line. Tidy landscaping, and a black top driveway (to be installed) provide an easy to maintain front yard with desirable curb appeal. Contact listing agent today for your private showing. $279,900

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LISTING AND PHOTOS

They don't build them like this anymore! This immaculately maintained sprawling brick ranch styled home is nestled on an acre within the city limits of Brownsville, making it convenient to many amenities. The semi open, one level floor plan hosts a ton of unique features including a brick hearth in the dining room, and LVT flooring with retro furnishings throughout.

The screened-in back deck is the perfect place to relax, or spend time with friends and family while enjoying the private back yard with mature trees, a garden area, and tidy landscaping. Both an attached AND detached garage in addition to an outdoor storage shed provides plenty of space to store about anything. Contact listing agent today for your private showing. $229,900

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LISTING WITH PHOTOS

Please join us in celebrating Mr. Ronnie Doyle’s 80th birthday by sending him a birthday card with well wishes!  No gifts are necessary, but an outpouring of love and friendship in a birthday card is all he needs.

Please send the cards to:

Mr. Ronnie Doyle
21997 Louisville Rd
Park City, Ky. 42160

EDMONSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Library Director Vacancy
The Edmonson County Public Library, located in Brownsville, Kentucky, is seeking a full-time Library Director.   The preferred candidate must possess excellent organizational and customer service skills and be able to lead, manage, and work effectively with a team.  Must have an in-depth knowledge of computers as well as strong written and oral communication skills.  The successful candidate will have experience handling confidential information, have a strong work ethic and problem-solving skills.  Must be detail-oriented with an ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.  This position requires a high level of professionalism and initiative, the ability to meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.
 
The Director of the Library reports to the Edmonson County Board of Trustees and is responsible for the following: 

• Performs and/or provides leadership for all library activities – collection management/development, communications (internal and external), fiscal planning, purchasing, facility maintenance and usage, outreach programs, business management, technology, and human resources.
• Supervises staff, prepares work schedules, reviews payroll, conducts performance evaluations, ensures employees are properly trained and promotes professional development to maximize employee potential.
• Aligns strategic planning with the vision and mission of the library.
• Develops and prepares budget and annual audit.
• Updates, writes, and enforces policy.
• Reports regularly to the Library Board of Trustees by scheduling monthly meetings, preparing reports, implementing board policies, operational procedures, strategic planning, etc. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

 
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree with the ability to obtain appropriate certification within five years required. Managerial and prior library experience preferred.  See certification requirements: 
https://kdla.ky.gov/librarians/staffdevelopment/Documents/2021CertificationManual.pdf  

Salary
The salary will be determined based on education, experience, and qualifications.  Salary range:  $40,000 - $50,000
 
Benefits
This position comes with a benefit package of paid health for the employee, vacation, sick, and paid holidays.  Retirement options may be available. 
 
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, current resume, along with names, addresses, and phone number of three professional references to:  Mr. Ray Durbin, Library Trustee President, P.O. Box 583, Brownsville, KY 42210. 
 
Verification of education and previous employment will be conducted along with a thorough background check on final candidates.    
 
Application Deadline – January 31, 2023

Library Corner, By Jeanie Munsee:
 
We are happy to announce that the Library has “Little Free Libraries” placed in different locations in our county.  We have two that were provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  One of these is located at the Lodge at Mammoth Cave and the other at Bee Springs Post Office. 

Another “Little Library” has been placed at the Corner Market in Round Hill.  The fourth one is to be placed at Byrd’s Center in Chalybeate.  We also have free books at Sahetya Medical and the Rocky Hill Post Office.  They are filled with books from donations and Half Price Book Store.  If you have a book you have read, and would like to pass it on to someone else, please feel free to add it to the “Little Free Libraries”.

The Library will be closed December 30th to January 2nd for the holiday.  We wish every one a very “Happy New Year”!  Please stay safe and warm!  See you next year!!

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
One local man's Christmas got a little brighter a couple weeks ago after he had someone settle an outstanding bill that was over four decades old.

Chalybeate resident Carlton Skaggs, (84), who owned and operated Parker Hardware on the square in Brownsville from 1977 to 1986, said he received a strange phone call a couple weeks ago from a man that said he needed to pay an outstanding bill.

"I told him that I didn't know him and that all those books had been thrown away," Skaggs said. "I told him he didn't owe me nothing. I really thought it was just somebody playing a joke."

He said not long after the phone call, a man showed up at his residence and said he was there to pay the outstanding bill.

"I didn't recognize the man and still didn't know who he was after he told me his name," (Skaggs asked us not to mention his name). "He said he bought a chainsaw from me back years ago but he needed about a month to pay for it and that I told him I'd give him a month. I told the guy that I didn't remember any of that and that he didn't owe me anything because all those books and the bills were long gone. I told him he'd made a mistake but that's when he reached in his pocket and pulled out the invoice that was sent to him in July of 1978. He had the Parker Hardware invoice for a chainsaw for $110 with $24 interest added to it."

Skaggs said the man said he couldn't pay the bill when it was due and he kept putting it off, later and later. He said before he knew it, decades had passed but he never forgot about it.

"He just apologized and apologized and said it had bothered him all these years," Skaggs said. "He told me he wasn't leaving until he paid that bill. Not just that, but he wanted to pay the interest over all those years. I just kept telling him don't worry about it and he didn't owe me anything but he wouldn't have it."

Skaggs said the man was insistent on paying the bill, plus interest, and he wouldn't take no for an answer.

"I told him if it meant that much, just pay the $110 and we'd call it square. He pulled out five 20s and a ten, handed me the invoice and asked me to mark it paid. I did and handed it back to him. He cried a little and I did, too. We hugged each other and he left."

Skaggs said it was good to see someone want to do the right thing, although he had forgotten all about it.

Skaggs bought Parker Hardware from the late Vollie and Evelyn Parker in January of 1977. It was located on the corner of Main Cross Street and Washington Street. It is now the corner parking lot of Limestone Bank.

"I know the money will sure be handy right around Christmastime," Skaggs said.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Joe Davis, a 26-year employee of Edmonson County Schools, serving as a bus driver and mechanic, was recognized this week for his years of dedicated service.

Davis, who will be retiring at Christmas, was presented a custom embroidered jacket from the Edmonson County Schools Transportation Department.

The school transportation department wanted to honor him for his "outstanding dedication to his job, work, and the students and staff of the school system."

Edmonson Voice Report:
On Tuesday, December 13, 2022, VFW Post 6937 in Brownsville conducted its annual Community Service Awards Ceremony and Dinner at the Brownsville Library.  The Community Service Awards are the VFW’s opportunity to recognize  members of the community who serve the public and make a difference in Edmonson County.  Awardees here are submitted up the VFW Chain Of Command for consideration for higher awards. Post Commander Gerald Carroll presented the awards.
 
Jessica Doyle was awarded Teacher Of The Year.  She is the Music Teacher at South Edmonson Elementary School and has been recognized not only for the quality of the music she teaches her students, but also for her mentoring and the many programs she organized at the school, which includes veterans programs.  She was nominated by Raymond Durbin.

Brycen Daniels was awarded Boy Scout Of The Year.  Brycen recently was awarded Eagle Scout and he is a junior at the  Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science. Brycen was nominated by Boy Scout Troop 597.

Derek Conley was awarded Police Officer Of The Year.  He is a volunteer (Special Deputy) and has made an impact by being available as a backup at all hours of the day and night in spite of holding down a full time job at R&R Heating and Cooling.  Derek has been involved in a majority of recent drug cases and many other criminal investigations, and has been the recipient of letters of commendation from other police agency heads.  Derek was nominated by retired Sheriff Shane Doyle.

Jason Vincent was awarded Emergency Medical Technician Of The Year.  He began with the Edmonson County Ambulance Service in 2014.  He is a qualified 911 Dispatcher and completed the training to become an Advanced EMT in 2020. Jason was nominated by Keith Sanders.
 

Lawrence “Bunny” Simmons was posthumously awarded Firefighter Of The Year, the award which was accepted on behalf of his widow, Geraldine Simmons.  Lawrence was an Army Veteran who served in Berlin during the height of the Cold War.  He qualified as a firefighter in the Wingfield Fire Department in the 1980’s and served continuously until his recent death.  Lawrence was nominated by Wil Cannon, Sr.
 

Edmonson Voice Report:
Both the Edmonson County School Board and SEES Principal Josh Long recognized various individuals at the December 2022 board meeting at South Edmonson on Monday night.

Recognized by Mr. Long was first grader Kinsley Jessie, volunteer Ray Durbin, and Tammy Wilson, instructional aide. Also recognized but not pictured is Trey Tinsley.

In addition, the Edmonson County Board of Education recognized Lorri Keith and congratulated her on her retirement as
Board Member of  Edmonson County Schools.  Mrs. Keith served on the board for over 21 years.