FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 1, 2020) – During the first week of June, KSP is sending a plea to parents and caregivers with ‘Keeping Kids Cool’, a statewide initiative to provide awareness about leaving children in hot cars. It may seem like common sense, but statistics show that these deaths are continuing to happen across the U.S.

According to the National Safety Council, 52 children died in 2019 of vehicular heatstroke and Kentucky accounted for two of those. One child in Texas has already died this year from being left in a hot car. Since 1998, there have been 850 child-related vehicular heatstroke deaths in the United States. These include instances where a child has been forgotten in a car, accidentally locks themselves in a vehicle or, in a small number of cases, when a child has been intentionally left in a car.

KSP spokesman Sgt. Josh Lawson says the most common reason children are left in a hot car is the parent or caregiver forget they are there. A majority of parents are misinformed and like to believe they could never ‘forget’ about their child.
“As both a trooper and a father, I can’t emphasize enough the danger involved with hyperthermia,” says Lawson. “None of us want to believe that we would get so distracted with our day or other activities that we would exit our vehicle without our child. But it happens and it happens too often.”

Lawson continued to say that it can be a matter of minutes before a child is in distress from being left in a hot car.

“Temperatures inside a car can rise 19 degrees in 10 minutes,” adds Lawson. “When you combine that with a warm weather day and the facts that a child’s body heats up 3-5 times faster than adult, you have a recipe for disaster.”

In 2000, Kentucky passed “Bryan’s Law,” which makes a person liable for second-degree manslaughter or first-degree wanton endangerment for leaving a child younger than eight years of age in a motor vehicle where circumstances pose a grave risk of death.  The law was named after 11-month old Bryan Puckett, who died July 13, 1999 after being left in a hot car by his babysitter.

Lawson offered the following safety tips:

• Look before you lock. Make this a priority and a habit.
• Never leave a child in an unattended car, even with the windows down.
• Make it a habit of opening the rear door of the car every time you park to ensure no one is left inside.
• To enforce this habit, place an item that you can’t start your day without such as a purse, briefcase, employee badge, phone, etc.
• When at home, keep your vehicle locked at all times, even in the garage.
• Never leave keys within reach of children.
• If a child is missing, immediately check the inside, floorboards, and trunk of all vehicles in the area.

KSP asks citizens to keep an eye out for children left in vehicles on hot days and to call 911 if they see an unaccompanied child in distress.

​Mammoth Cave National Park begins to increase recreational access to the visitor center and cave tours:
 
MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky.,– Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Mammoth Cave National Park is increasing recreational access and services. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.
 
Beginning June 1, Mammoth Cave National Park will reopen access to: 
•   Self-Guided cave tours inside Mammoth Cave
•   Mammoth Cave National Park’s visitor center
•   Food and Beverage Opportunities
•   Retail sales location parkwide
 
Beginning June 11, Mammoth Cave National Park will reopen access to: 
•   All park campgrounds
 
In addition, the following spaces continue to be available:   
•   All park roadways
•   All park hiking, biking, and equestrian trails
•   The Green and Nolin Rivers for boating, paddling, and fishing
 
“We reviewed our cave tour and visitor center operations and made changes that will allow us to once again provide access into Mammoth Cave,” said Superintendent Barclay Trimble. “We will offer a self-guided tour of the upper Historic section of the cave where visitors will experience large open passageways that allow for effective social distancing. Tour participants will learn about the cave’s history and geology from rangers stationed at key points along the trail. Cave tour tickets will be limited in number, so we encourage everyone to plan ahead and purchase their tickets through Recreation.gov before arriving to the park.”
 
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Mammoth Cave National Park, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.  
 
While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, and avoid crowding.
 
The CDC has offered guidance for people recreating in parks and open spaces to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.  
  
Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/maca and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

Darren Doyle, story:
Yes, you read correctly. The Edmonson Voice has received multiple reports of armadillos being spotted in various areas of the county, most recently in the Pine Grove area.

One of these little mammals looks like a cross between an anteater, turtle, and a pig and is from the same family as anteaters and sloths. 

Brady Meeks of Pine Grove sent us the top photo of this one, which was located on HWY 743 near Alexander Creek Road. Mr. Meeks said he spotted it on the side of the road on his way to work Thursday morning. 

Just a few months ago we received a similar photo from Michelle Decker, who spotted a larger one on Veterans Memorial HWY just inside the city limits of Brownsville near Park Place.

According to nature, armadillos normally aren't aggressive towards humans and roll up in a ball when threatened; however, one should use caution when approaching as they are said to be a carrier of leprosy.

A genetic study published in 2011 in The New England Journal of Medicine shows that U.S. armadillos and human patients share what seems to be a unique strain of the bacterium that causes leprosy.

While they thrive in southern, warmer climates, the lack of predators over time has allowed them to migrate north, which is likely why they've made it to Kentucky. Perhaps would-be predators were also informed that the little guys carry leprosy.

With two sightings in Edmonson County near the Green River region, who knows? Maybe they were headed there to dip seven times.

Edmonson Voice Report:
​Brownsville VFW Post 6937 has announced their new officers in a press release.

Kevin Engel was named Post Commander.  Kevin is a Combat Action Badge, Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal recipient of the Iraq conflict.  Medically retired after 30 years of service from the US Army for wounds, Kevin served as a Command Sergeant Major.  He was a Combat Engineer in the Army and now owns and runs his own construction company here in Edmonson County.  He was the VFW District 5 Commander last year and has thrown his hat in the ring to become a VFW Department of Kentucky State officer.
 
New Senior Vice Commander is Gerald Carroll.  Gerald served 38 years in the US Army as a Chief Warrant Officer-5 serving as a Master Army Aviator with extensive overseas experience.  His extensive decorations include the Combat Action Badge and the Meritorious Service Medal. 
 
Randall Wilson is the Post’s new Junior Vice Commander.  Randall owned and operated a successful welding firm.  His overseas service was defending the Republic of Korea as a cavalryman.  This is Randall’s first term as an officer of the VFW.
 
Donna Engel is our Post’s experienced Quartermaster.  She has been awarded All State and All American honors and is also the VFW 5th District Quartermaster.  Donna and Kevin are married and her overseas service was also defending the Republic of Korea as a member of the US Air Force.
 
Rare and blessed are VFW Posts with officers of this caliber.
 
Past Post Commander Edwin Vincent remains in charge of the Post’s Burial Honors Detail and will become the VFW Department of Kentucky’s Senior Vice Commander this year (State Commander next year).  Past Post Commander Floyd Houston is taking some time off to visit with new grandchildren across the country and to lead an effort to digitize the Edmonson County Veterans’ Hallway.
 
"The VFW was established following the Spanish-American War and is charged by Congress to remember our fallen veterans, take care of living veterans in need, as well as widows and orphans of veterans, and to conduct good works in the community," said the post in a statement. "Our Post is known for its charitable contributions, conducting Flag training for Edmonson County 4th Graders each fall, for conducting patriotic speaking and writing competitions for older students, for conducting Community Service Awards each year, and especially for our Burial Honors Detail.  Our Burial Honors Detail routinely supports between 12 – 20 veterans’ graveside internments with precision and great dignity.  We meet at the Edmonson County Library on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 pm.  If you are an overseas veteran with a qualifying campaign medal, please join us."

Main Street Barbershop owner Odis Allen has announced that he will reopen his shop later than the projected date of May 25th.

"Governor Beshear has approved hair stylists and barbers to reopen on Monday, May 25th under strict guidelines," Allen said. "However, our county's Covid cases continue to rise.  With this in mind I feel it would be unwise for me to reopen until this trend changes.  My wife and I both have compromised immune systems and we're at a higher risk level. It is my intention to reopen as soon as I can and look forward to that day.  I miss you all and pray for your good health."

​

The Edmonson County Conservation District Office has announced that they have reopened. Their announcement is published below:

Edmonson Voice Report:
Edmonson County and City of Brownsville have joined forces with Thomas & England Veterinary Services in Smiths Grove to offer Spay/Neuter vouchers for residents of Edmonson County, according to an announcement from the Judge Executive's Office.  Edmonson County residents can pick up vouchers from the Judge Executive’s Office Monday thru Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cat spay/neuter vouchers will be in the amount of $40, with pet owner paying $5 - $10 based on sex of cat.  If cat has not had rabies vaccine, there will be an additional $10 charge for that, you will need to show proof of rabies vaccination if you have it. 

Dog spay/neuter vouchers will be in the amount of $50, with pet owner paying $20-$30-depending on weight of dog.   If dog has not had rabies vaccine, there will be an additional $10 charge for that, you will need to show proof of rabies vaccination if you have it.

The JE's office said that Thomas & England is currently scheduling the spay/neuter appointments, where they are currently about two weeks out. Making appointments as soon as possible is recommended by calling 270-563-0011. 

The price range is below for the spay/neuter program:

Cat Spay (female) $50 - $ 40 voucher = $10 pet owner responsibility
Cat Neuter (male) $45 - $ 40 voucher = $5 pet owner responsibility

Dog Spay/Neuter:
60 pounds or less $70 - $50 voucher = $20 pet owner responsibility
60-90 pounds $75 - $ 50 voucher = $ 25 pet owner responsibility
90 pounds or more $80 - $ 50 voucher = $30 pet owner responsibility
THESE PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE THE REQUIRED $ 10 RABIES VACCINATION, THAT WILL NEED TO BE PAID BY THE PET OWNER AS WELL, UNLESS YOU HAVE PROOF OF RABIES VACCINATION. 

Those interested by call the Judge Executive’s Office at either of these numbers with questions or to be added to the voucher list for pickup: 270-597-2819 or 270-597-1079. Vouchers have a 60 day expiration date, and if the voucher is not used within 60 days, it will be voided and unable to redeem at Thomas & England.

​Individuals that pick up vouchers will be required to show proof of residency in Edmonson County, the Judge's office said.

​by: Rachelle Wright, Project Director for Cave Country Trails
Hiking is making a comeback, and we are fortunate to live in a place that offers a variety of trails to enjoy. At Cave Country Trails, we’re all about getting people on the trails in our region, so here’s some things we want you to know.

Mammoth Cave National Park has nearly 84 miles of hiking trails across their 52,830 acres.  Their trail systems are divided into three areas: frontcountry, backcountry and the visitor’s center trail area. 

The frontcountry and backcountry areas of the park are divided by the Green River. There are ponds to explore, cave entrances to peek into and many wildlife encounters to be had.  Plus there are also accessible trails in the park, like the Sand Cave Trail, Sloan’s Pond Trail and the Heritage Trail. This makes hitting the trails something everyone can enjoy.  

A complete list of the trails and trail maps for the national park can be found at www.nps.gov/maca Also, since the Green River Ferry will not be running again until late spring, check their website for more information before determining your driving route to the trailhead of your choice.

While Mammoth Cave National Park is often the first place we consider when think about hiking, our region also includes trail systems in two state parks.  Nolin Lake State Park’s Brier Creek Trail System has just under 10 miles of trails, including their fan favorite, Waterfall Loop. The Brier Creek Trail system is also active with mountain bikes, which we will discuss in a future article. Their trail map can be found at: parks.ky.gov/mammoth-cave/trails/trails/brier-creek-trail-system. 

​Another lesser known trail on the edge of Warren County is the Shanty Hollow Lake Trail, which is a bit over 2 miles. The trail begins by taking you along the edge of the lake, then greets you with large moss covered boulders as you turn into the “hollow.”. The centerpiece of the trail is the waterfall at the end of the hollow and the rock ledges surrounding it.  For user information on this moderately rated trail and reviews of it, head to: alltrails.com/trail/us/kentucky/shanty-hollow-lake-trail

The last trail we will share this week is on the Brigadoon Nature Preserve, just south of Glasgow, off 31E. Brigadoon’s loop trail is also a bit over 2 miles through an “old growth forest” with nice lake overlooks and one stream crossing. Around this time of year it is loaded with wildflowers. The All Trails info for Brigadoon can be found at: alltrails.com/trail/us/kentucky/brigadoon-state-nature-preserve-loop

We also suggest cavecountrytrails.com for more information on a variety of trails in our region, which includes: Barren, Edmonson, Hart and Warren Counties. We have trail information for cyclists, mountain bikers, paddlers, hikers and trail riders as well. We recommend reading reviews of any trail before you go, printing a map to carry with you on the trail and pack water on the trail as well.  Keep watching for future articles on paddling, cycling and horseback riding.

Cave Country Trails, Inc is a non-profit that focuses on creating a regional network of biking, hiking, equestrian, and water trails to connect communities and make the Mammoth Cave Area and South Central Kentucky a more attractive destination and place to live. This initiative promotes healthy lifestyles while attracting visitors and new businesses, managed with local flavor, resulting in regional economic growth. They can be reached at cavecountrytrails@gmail.com

Click the ad to email the pharmacy:

May 6, 2020 | By: Katie Pratt
The first known appearances of the Asian giant hornet, also known as the “murder hornet,” has many Americans concerned. A University of Kentucky entomologist is offering some information to educate Kentuckians about the worrisome insect.

As its name would suggest, the hornet is a native of Asia but was recently found in Washington state and British Columbia, Canada. Due to its size and the power of its venom, it is the most dangerous hornet in the world. Honeybees are their most common prey but their stings can be dangerous and even lethal to humans who are allergic to other types of bee and wasp stings.

“It is unlikely the insect is in Kentucky,” said Jonathan Larson, UK entomologist in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “So far, there have been no findings in North America outside of the Pacific Northwest, but we do have some similar looking insects in Kentucky that could cause people to think they have seen one.”

Asian giant hornets are 1.5 to 2 inches long. They have black and yellow-orange stripes and a large orange or yellow head with prominent eyes. They form large colonies on the ground. Common insects in Kentucky that are similar in size to the hornet include the European hornet, cicada killer and bald-faced hornet. However, Larson said these insects have distinct features that can help Kentuckians differentiate them from the Asian giant hornet.

“The European hornet is more of a red-orange color, and the cicada killer will have a smaller head and different shape than the Asian giant hornet,” he said. “Bald-faced hornets are black and white instead of yellow-orange.”

​While it is unlikely the hornet is in Kentucky, UK entomologists encourage anyone who has a specimen that they think might be the Asian giant hornet to submit pictures through a direct message on the Kentucky Bugs Facebook page or email pictures to jonathan.larson@uky.edu. Pictures should include top and side views of the insect and a size comparison to help the entomologists positively identify the insect.
​
Officials in the Pacific Northwest are working to eradicate the Asian giant hornet from the area.

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Schools have always hosted an in-person kindergarten registration for incoming students each year; however, schools are adjusting that process due to the current Covid-19 situation.

Carol Stice, Instructional Supervisor for Edmonson County schools said this process is extremely important and she asked the Edmonson Voice to help the local school system spread the word.

"A huge part of our elementary schools' planning for the next school year is dependent upon the number of incoming kindergarten students we have," she said. "We want to encourage any parent with a child that will be five by August 1, 2020, to register their child ASAP with our online registration."

The online signup has been launched by the district and is ready to go for the next school year. Stice said that incoming kindergarten parents will need to visit mrtg.edmonson.k12.ky.us/OLR.html and follow the prompts on the screen to get their child registered.  She also added that in the event of any questions or issues, folks can simply call the school (Kyrock:270-286-4013 or South Edmonson 270-597-2379) for more.

"We are here to help and want this process to be as seamless as possible," she said. "We are so sad that we couldn't have our Kindergarten Express kickoff like we've done in the past, but we desperately need this information as soon as possible.  We encourage everyone in the community to share this information with any parent who may need it."

Sherrell Thompson, EC Extension Office:
Earlier in the year the Edmonson County Soil Conversation Office canceled their annual tree seedling giveaway due to COVID-19. The UK Cooperative Extension Service of Edmonson County is very excited to partner with Soil Conservation to continue this program as one of our Extension-on-the-Go kits. We feel that it is so important during this time to continue as many programs and services as we can to serve our community while also protecting our community. We currently have 100 tree bundles available.

Each participant will receive 9 tree seedlings completely free of charge and delivered to your home. This program is only for Edmonson County residents and the trees are only available while supplies last.

The sign-up begins Friday, May 1st at 9:00 AM and ends Saturday, May 2nd at 4:00 PM. No sign-ups will be accepted after 4:00 PM Saturday. See the instructions below to sign up:

1.) Complete the online order form to request a bundle of trees.Click on this link to complete the form: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/edmonson-county-tree-seedling-giveaway-tickets-104069576906
The bundle will include Red Bud, White Oak, Shagbark Hickory, Sugar Maple, Pecan (2), White Pine (3).
2.) Unless otherwise noted tree packets will be left by the mailbox of each resident.
3.) Delivery will take place on Monday, May 4th 2020.
4.) This service is available ONLY for Edmonson County residents. Out of county requests will not be delivered.
5.) Only one bundle of trees will be left at each address.

Once you receive your trees we ask that you fill out a survey at https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0V417TToHJ95I6V

Interested in more "Extension-on-the-Go" programs? Check out our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/edmonsonextension/

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to call the Edmonson County Extension Office Friday, May 1st until 4 PM at 270-597-3628 or by email at sherrell.thompson@uky.edu. 

Reminder, the only way to sign-up is by completing the form online. We cannot accept sign-ups by email or by calling and leaving a voicemail. 

Darren Doyle, story:
A local WKU standout has been awarded honors from WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business at a recent annual awards ceremony, which was held on Friday, April 24th. Each academic department honored its top junior and senior in each area. Kaleb Morgan, a 2018 graduate of ECHS, was named Outstanding Junior in Accounting. 

Kaleb was the junior that performed at the highest level according to their professors. Kaleb is currently an accounting major at WKU with a 4.0 GPA.

"WKU offers a program in which I can simultaneously pursue my bachelor’s and master’s," he said in a statement to the Edmonson Voice. "I will be receiving both of those in Fall 2021. Upon receiving them, I will be eligible to take the CPA exam and obtain my license. Eventually, I would like to either work for a large accounting firm or perform in-house accounting for a large corporation."

Students, faculty, and staff were recognized for their achievements during the 2019-20 academic year via YouTube video and social media. The video can be viewed here.

​He is the son of Joey and Amanda Morgan of Chalybeate.

Two Edmonson County organizations have announced new locations for food distribution that are scheduled for this Thursday, April 30, 2020, which include Feeding America and the Edmonson County Senior Center.

Feeding America in Edmonson County has announced distribution for USDA commodities will take place at Chalybeate Sports Complex at 10am. Recipients must bring proof of Edmonson County residency.

In addition, the Edmonson County Senior Center has announced a drive-thru service that will provided at Edmonson County High School on the same day, April 30, 2020 from 10am to 12 noon. For more information, contact the center at 270-597-3116.

Darren Doyle, story:
South Edmonson Elementary Music and Art Teacher, Mrs. Jessica Doyle, is coordinating a bear hunt for her students and the entire Edmonson County community.

Before you actually get "loaded for bear," it's important to note that these are teddy bears, not real ones. Mrs. Jessica, along with many other educators, have continued the search for new and fun activities for youngsters who are cooped up in their homes during the coronavirus pandemic. ​

"We would like to encourage our community in Edmonson County and anywhere else, to put bears either in your windows in the front of your house or out on the front porch," she said. "One fun way to get out of the house without putting yourself in danger is to go on a teddy bear hunt in our community."

Mrs. Jessica said the game is as simple as riding along with an adult, looking for teddy bears in windows and porches, and keeping count; however, the most important part of the game is actually having bears to hunt, and that's where the community can help.

"So again, we're asking all our community members to participate in the game by placing teddy bears in your front windows and porches so that our students can hunt them," she added. "Any positive activity means so much during this time."

April 24, 2020 | By: Aimee Nielson
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Consumers have raised questions about meat supply and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. To help them sort through the information, meat specialists from three land-grant institutions recently joined forces to offer practical, science-based answers.

Many of the questions revolve around food safety and the concern that humans could get COVID-19 by eating meat that was handled by a worker who has the virus.

“There is currently no evidence of the disease being transmitted through meat,” said Gregg Rentfrow, meat scientist with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “COVID-19 is a respiratory disease cause by a coronavirus, and it is transmitted through personal contact.”

Consumers should follow proper food safety measures and make sure to cook meat to recommended temperatures. A good guide for safe cooking temperatures is available at https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/safe-minimum-cooking-temperature.

Another question the specialists are dealing with is the possibility of consumers getting sick by handling food packages.
“We’re being asked if consumers can contract the virus by touching packaging that may have been handled by a food service worker testing positive for COVID-19,” said Jonathan Campbell, meat extension specialist for the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. “The Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture say no. The FDA also says you don’t need to wash your food containers to prevent COVID-19 infection.”

Campbell said the best way for consumers to protect themselves is by thoroughly washing their hands before and after handling food packages.

“Never try to wash meat in the sink or spray it with chemicals, or dip food into a cleaning solution,” he added. “Common household cleaners are not meant to clean our food.”

Consumers are concerned about plant closures due to workers at the plants contracting COVID-19. Rentfrow said he and his colleagues from Penn State and The Ohio State University are trying to soothe consumer anxiety about the supply chain.

“We want to emphasize that the meat industry is devoted to maintaining the food supply,” Rentfrow said. “Although some plants have temporarily closed and others have slowed production, the meat industry began preparing for these interruptions before they began, and I’m confident things will get back on track soon.”

At The Ohio State University, extension meat science specialist Lyda Garcia added that those meat plants that have closed are deep cleaning, so they can reopen as soon as possible.

“They are going beyond normal cleaning and sanitizing,” she said. “They are working with their local and state health departments to get back to normal as soon as it is safe to do so. Consumers don’t need to panic buy or stock up on meat, rather just try to maintain their traditional buying patterns.”

Overall, total meat sales have declined across the United States, but retail sales continue to increase. Temporary restaurant and food service establishment closures have caused the overall decline.

“The industry is working with the USDA-Food Safety and Inspection Service to redistribute meat products previously intended for restaurants and food service to meet retail grocery store needs,” Rentfrow said. “They are all working together to make sure the food supply is safe, and that consumers are able to get the products they desire.”

Some meat plants have reduced production, while they try to put social distancing and other measures in place to protect their workforce. Many are staggering their shifts, breaks, lunch times and even taking employee temperatures.

“They are doing everything they can to keep their workers safe and to ensure a safe product for the consumer,” Campbell said. “Some plants are going above and beyond and doing overall health assessments for each worker at the beginning of each shift and also requiring them to wear masks, gloves and eye protection.”

Most plants are continuing to pay ill workers while they recover at home.

Meat inspection is already mandatory, by law. Meat inspectors are present in all processing facilities.

“We want to help consumers understand that the meat industry as a whole, really does hold consumers safety as a top priority,” Rentfrow said. “Everyone is doing their best to make sure food is safe and plant employees are well and ready to work.”

Consumers can do their part by avoiding overbuying.
​
“We can work together to make sure everyone has enough,” Garcia added.

**UPDATE: APRIL 25, 2020:
From Ag teacher and greenhouse coordinator Matt Lindsey: "The last day the Edmonson County High School Greenhouse to be open for the season is Monday April 27th from 9am to 1pm.  The greenhouse was scheduled to be open for a few more days, but the plants have been purchased very fast this year.  There will still be a limited selection of tomatoes and flowers Monday morning, but those are expected to go fast.  Thank You to everyone who has come out and supported our local horticulture students."

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
ECHS has announced that the Edmonson County High School Greenhouse will open on Monday April 20th. 

"The plants in the greenhouse were started by our local horticulture students," said Ag teacher Matt Lindsey. "Unfortunately, the students cannot work in the greenhouse at this time, but they will still be proud knowing their plants were bought.  The greenhouse is in Brownsville on Houchin Ferry Rd behind the school.  Your patronage is greatly appreciated and it supports the education of our students."

Lindsey said during this time of social distancing, there will be a limit of two customers in the greenhouse at a time. 

"We apologize for any delays, and appreciate your patience," he said.
 
The greenhouse will be open on the following days only, and while supplies last:
Monday April 20th 9am to 1pm
Wednesday April 22nd 9am to 1pm
Thursday April 23rd 9am to 1pm
Saturday April 25th 9am to 1pm
Monday April 27th 9am to 1pm

Edmonson Voice Report:​
John Michael Mills, a Senior majoring in Biology at Western Kentucky University, has received the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. 

"John Michael makes the world around him a better place through his indefatigable good nature and compassion," said Shawna Blagojevic, Communications Coordinator of Ogden College of Science and Engineering.

Blagojevic described John as an engaged, active, pre-med student who has been accepted into the early assurance program at UK-BG Med.

"As a student worker in the Biology Office, he takes on more duties than typically assigned to students, completes his tasks and asks for more," she said. "He directs tours, worked Preview Day, maintains student mailing lists, and assists at every Biology event. He is a conscientious and empathetic person and a pleasure to work with."

John Michael is the son of Michael and Laurie Mills of Wingfield. He was also the Salutatorian of the Edmonson County High School class of 2018.