submitted flyer:

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
While the Chalybeate Food Mart may not be new to joining the community, it is a new member of the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce, and they celebrated today with friends and family.

Owners Manish and Nisha Patel said even though they've been in business for 6 years, no one had ever asked them about joining the Chamber until recently.

"When (Chamber Director) Greg (Hudson) asked us to join, I didn't know what it was," said Manish. "So I told him if it means being another part of our community, then yes, we wanted to join."

The Patels' food mart is a popular stop for the Chalybeate area, carrying typical convenient store items, a hot deli, gas, tobacco products, and lotto tickets. They also carry highway and off-road diesel, along with kerosene.

"We believe in this community so we are always trying to find ways to give back," he said.

He also said that they are happy to allow vegetable stands and other similar booths to use their location at no cost, because he believes businesses should work together.

"We have a good spot here and anyone interested in a booth outside should come and talk to us. All our businesses would do better if we can find ways to help each other."

Chamber Director Greg Hudson said the Patels embody the spirit that the Chamber is working hard to promote.

"We're thrilled that Chalybeate Food Mart has been successful, and the Patels are a great representation of how to do business in our community," he said. "They are constantly looking for ways to give back to Edmonson County and we know they will be a great asset in our local Chamber."

The food mart is open 5am to 9pm 7 days a week. You can reach them by calling 270-597-8000. They are located at 1990 Chalybeate Road, Smiths Grove, KY 42171.

Click this flyer to visit the full listing with photos, video, description, and price. Please visit the Edmonson Voice Facebook Page for your chance to win a $100 VISA gift card simply by liking, sharing, and commenting on the post.

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County Family Resource-Youth Services Center is bringing a new event to the county with hopes of educating expecting, new, and young mothers, while providing a fun, family event for the community. The local organization is hosting the very first countywide Community Baby Shower and Early Childhood Fair this Saturday, June 26th at ECHS from 9am to 12 noon.

The free event targets both expecting parents and those parenting birth to age four.

There will be goodie bags, developmental kits, vendors, and giveaways throughout the free community event.

”We are very excited to be able to provide a place for all of the future mamas, expecting mamas, new mamas, and toddler mamas in our community to come together, learn from each other and learn from our vendors," said Morgan Esters, YSC Center Coordinator.  "We have some amazing raffle prizes and gifts."

There will also be sessions on Infant CPR, Preschool and Kindergarten Readiness, Safe Sleep practices, Car Seat Safety, and more.

You may contact any of the following for more information:

• alicia.edwards@edmonson.kyschools.us
• morgan.esters@edmonson.kyschools.us
• sharon.brooks@edmonson.kyschools.us

Darren Doyle, story:
A local food drive effort is now underway at one Edmonson County business. C&C Firearms and Outdoors will be accepting non-perishable food items and toiletries through Independence Day. All collected items will be donated to the Veteran's Alliance Center in Bowling Green to benefit local veterans.

"We're focusing on specific items but we won't turn anything away," said store owner Josh Casey. "Monetary donations we receive will be spent here in Edmonson County to purchase food for the vets, which also supports our local economy."

A list of items needed include:

• pancake mix
• Spam
• crackers
• canned potatoes
• dry mashed potatoes
• pasta sauce
• peas
• pinto beans
• tuna
• rice
• dry milk
• peanut butter
• jelly
• coffee
• canned fruit
• syrup
• cereal
• toothbrushes

Donations can be dropped of at C&C's retail location at 640 S Main St Brownsville, KY 42210 during normal business hours, Tues-Fri 10AM-6PM, and 9AM-3PM on Saturdays.

For more information, click their ad below.

Edmonson Voice Report: photos submitted
After a lengthy delay due to COVID, the Edmonson County Conservation District has named their 2019 and 2020 Master Conservationist Outstanding- Cooperator 2019-2020 award winners. Both 2019 and 2020 winners were named at the June 15th regular monthly supervisors meeting.

2019 Winners are:

• Michael Sam Skaggs- Outstanding Cooperator                                         
• Andy Alford-Master Conservationist

2020 Winners are:

• Andy Alford- Outstanding Cooperator
• Jimmie Luttrell- Master Conservationist

The local Outstanding Cooperator recognizes farmers who have continued beyond the Master Conservationist levels.

"Their dedication to continuing their conservation efforts are of benefit to everyone," the Conservation District said in a statement.

The Master Conservationist Award recognizes farmers who have completed more than 90 percent of their conservation plan to protect the soil, air, and water on their farm, which also protects the environment of their community.

"The Edmonson County Conservation District would like to congratulate all of our award winners, and express our deep appreciation of their continued efforts to using sound conservation practices," the organization stated.

submitted flyer:

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Creations Cafe, which is part of the "Creations by Tracy and Ashlee" venture, celebrated a ribbon cutting today at their multi-retail location on the square in Brownsville, hosted by the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce.

While the cafe, which is located upstairs in the former "Webb-Co" building, was the focus of today's event, the building itself houses several boutiques, a salon, and other vendors.

"We have clothing, retail, jewelry, and we also have Inspirations Salon with two cosmetologists, a nail tech, we have a massage therapist, and upstairs we have our new Creations Cafe, which is a new cafe-style that offers specialty sandwiches and salads," said Tracy Burba, who shares co-ownership with Ashlee Jaggers. "We're also going to be offering tanning beds soon, so we call it a 'one-stop-shop.' We also have plans to add women's plus sizes and children's clothes."

Burba said the salon is by appointment-only, and the summer cafe hours are Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm. Boutique summer hours are Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm, and on Saturdays 9am to 4pm.

While the business prides itself in a hometown feel, as both owners are life-long residents of EC, they've also been working on improving their internet and social media presence. They've just recently been added to Google Listings, and they also stay active on their Facebook Page, Facebook Group, and on Instagram. You can also visit their website by clicking here. They are located at 104 S Main Street, Brownsville, Kentucky 42210,  Phone number is 270-246-1273, and their email is: creationsbytracy.ashlee@gmail.com.

Chamber of Commerce Director Greg Hudson said it's always a good thing when the Chamber can welcome another business.

"Having Creations celebrate their ribbon cutting with the Chamber is great for our local business community," he said. "It's also nice to see another venture seeing success here near our courthouse square. We encourage all local businesses and organizations to contact the Chamber to see how we can also help you."

You can visit the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce website by clicking here.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
The Heritage Centre event venue was full at today's Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce luncheon, sponsored by Rafferty's as Three Corners Employment was featured as the special guest.

The organization specializes in collaborations with schools, businesses, and several other entities to help empower individuals with employable skills; whether they be students or adults.

Cindy Whittinghill, a local rep for Three Corners, spoke to the crowd about some of the services offered by the organization. One of the focuses was the Steps To Work program, which is currently ongoing in Edmonson County. The program is offered to students in their last two years of high school and gives opportunities for students to work with local businesses for real-life work experiences.

Students work two hours per day, five days per week, for six weeks, where they are paid. Currently, the Edmonson County program has 94 students in 11 different businesses, with 40 job coaches.

To find out more about Three Corners Employment, you can reach them at 270-256-9833 or at threecornersemployment@gmail.com.

To learn more about the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce, please visit EdmonsonChamber.com.

Click the ad to visit their Facebook Page:

by: Julia Wilson, Edmonson County Extension Agent, Family & Consumer Sciences/ 4-H Youth Development 
A long-cherished summer activity returned this year for Edmonson County Youth. Last week 42 campers, teen leaders, and adult volunteers from Edmonson County traveled to the 450-acre Western Kentucky 4-H Camp in Dawson Springs, Kentucky. 4-H Camp returned with enhanced COVID-19 protocols in place to protect campers and leaders.

Edmonson County Campers traveled to and from activities together as a group during the week, limiting interaction with campers from other counties.  Due to this, campers had the opportunity to participate in all the classes offered by camp instead of just three or four classes. Classes included archery, agriculture, canoeing, crafts, fishing, nature, low ropes, outdoor survival, riflery, and swim. Campers were able to attend at a discounted rate due to generous community donations and Ag. Tag Funds.

If you are interested in learning more about 4-H and other events offered by the Extension Office contact the office at 270-597-3628 or sign up for the online newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/uky/edmonsoncounty

Click the flyers to view the entire auction listing with photos:

By State Senator Steve Meredith:
Last Memorial Day, we were all experiencing an absence of normality due to COVID-19. At that time, we realized that we take many aspects of our lives for granted and that we might have a genuine appreciation for these things until they are no longer available. We could not gather with loved ones, worship with our congregations, or spend time with dear friends as we usually would. Even the little things, such as enjoying a meal at our favorite local restaurant, were put on pause. We are now emerging from the pandemic with a greater sense of appreciation for our precious liberties.
 
To properly honor the sacrifices of brave service members this Memorial Day, we should enjoy our freedoms with a heart of gratitude, never again taking for granted all of which we are blessed. We are fortunate to live as citizens of both the United States and the Commonwealth of Kentucky and owe our respects to those who laid down everything they have to preserve our great nation and strengthen it. 
 
Memorial Day was established to honor those who perished in the Civil War, which claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history. In the late 1860s, Americans began holding springtime tributes to fallen soldiers, decorating graves, and praying together. These are traditions that remain with us today. Originally known as “Decoration Day,” Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971. In May 2000, a “National Moment of Remembrance” was established as an opportunity for citizens to join together and memorialize the brave servicemen and women. They have lost their lives in the line of duty. This Memorial Day at 3 p.m. local time, citizens across the United States are encouraged to pause for a moment of silence to honor our fallen heroes. We also remember the families of these heroes. Families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty are known as “Gold Star Families” as they continue to preserve the memories of their loved ones.
 
In memory of our fallen heroes, let us appreciate the blessings of freedom like never before. President John F. Kennedy once said:
 
 “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” 
 
It is my honor to serve as your State Senator. I wish you and your family a safe and blessed Memorial Day weekend.