Madison Doyle, photos: 
Four different seniors and their families were honored at Edmonson County High School on Friday night at the 2018-19 Winter Sports Senior Night.

​Seniors Kaley Hartz (Winterguard), Chanley Logsdon (Basketball), Nick Johnson (Basketball), and Griffin Spainhoward (Basketball) were recognized at center court with a standing ovation from the crowd.

Edmonson County Baseball/Softball Board members are postponing their application for this season's youth league sports due to the chance of inclement weather on Saturday, February 16th.

The deadline has been extended until next Saturday, February 23rd. Applications will be accepted all next week into Saturday, according to the board.

by Senator Steve Meredith:
​It was a productive third week of the 2019 Regular Session, as the General Assembly remained hard at work in Frankfort.
Working with our colleagues across the aisle, we forged ahead in committee meetings in which we heard testimony, discussed policy, and advanced bills for a floor vote. Friday, we reached the filing deadline for new bills in the Senate. Moreover, we are pleased with the consequential legislation that is before us this session.

The Senate Majority made notable progress on our legislative agenda successfully passing 9 bills over the course of the week. This legislation will now move to the other chamber to be deliberated by the House of Representatives. Prominent among those passed were bills concerning 2nd Amendment rights and pro-life measures.

Always a passionate topic, the Senate addressed abortion this week. After much consideration, we passed a “Fetal Heartbeat Bill.” Senate Bill 9, sponsored by Senator Matt Castlen, would ban the ability to perform an abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat with the exception of a medical emergency. This pro-life legislation is just one of the several pro-life related bills the General Assembly will consider this year. I will remain steadfast by voting to protect life.
 
Senate Bill 150, sponsored by Senator Brandon Smith, would allow the carrying of a concealed firearm without a license. The measure states that people 21 or older who are able to lawfully possess a firearm may carry a concealed weapon without a license in the same locations as people with valid state-issued licenses. Another provision states no one would be allowed to carry or possess any deadly weapon where it is already prohibited by federal law.
 
Senate Bill 40, of which I am the primary sponsor, would limit the amount of attorney’s fees that could be collected as a result of legal action for building code violations. Senate Bill 99, sponsored by Senator Max Wise, creates the ability for a properly licensed winery to ship a limited number of cases of wine directly to consumers. Senate Bill 143, sponsored by Senator Mike Wilson, prohibits government entities from contracting with groups or individuals who are actively boycotting Kentucky trading partners based on discriminatory practices, including Israel. A bill sponsored by Senator Julie Raque Adams, Senate Bill 15, expands school security by requiring two levels of clearance for new hires, board members, and other school personnel. Senate Bill 70, sponsored by Senator Alice Forgy Kerr, redefines the crime of strangulation as a Class D felony.
 
Additionally, we passed Senate Bill 100, legislation to reform Kentucky’s current private solar net metering policy. This bill, sponsored by Senator Brandon Smith, would change how much owners of solar power systems are reimbursed for electricity they add to the power grid generated as they do with all other electric rates in Kentucky. Furthermore, this bill protects all current net metered customers by allowing them to be grandfathered and guarantees a minimum of 25 years under their current net metering agreement.

Every day, I am mindful of the primary obligation we have as legislators: To represent those who entrusted us with this responsibility. The Regular Session is a pivotal time to statutorily address the needs and concerns of our district in the capitol. I remain humbled to serve as your State Senator as we continue to work towards developing policy that is best for all Kentuckians.
​
For ambitious students who want to be a part of this year’s legislative process, the Senate offers page opportunities for all ages. Students interested should contact my office at (502) 564-8100 to make a formal request. Full-time page opportunities are also available. More information regarding both page programs can be found at www.legisature.ky.gov. 
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.

 Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
On Monday, February 11, 2019, multiple 5/6 Center students and staff members were recognized at the Edmonson County Board of Education Meeting. 

Jolley-Detwiler, Madison, Raymer, and Shields are all for Distinguished scores in all four tested areas (reading, math, social studies, writing) as a 5th grader. The other four students were nominated and selected to be recognized for award of excellence.

​The two staff members were recognized for their dedication and hard work.

Also recognized was Board Member Alex Ulm for achieving his Level II in The Kentucky School Boards Academy of Studies.

Click the ad to visit the EC County Youth Baseball/Softball Facebook page:

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Manish Patel, age 36, moved to the United States 10 years ago with hopes of finishing his medical degree. As a med student in India, he was told that studying in America would lead to much better opportunities.

He took that advice and moved to Missouri to finish school; however, the opportunities that came his way were as far away from the medical field as India is from the Chalybeate Food Mart. He found that he couldn't afford to stay in school and that he needed to go to work immediately. With a sister (already a successful entrepreneur) that lived in Bowling Green, he hoped he could find some help, being stuck in the United States with no money and without the ability to speak English.

Fast forward to 2014 and the Chalybeate Food Mart. He found that the store was for sale and that the previous owners (also Indian) had little-if any- success trying to run a food mart/gas station in a conservative, rural area. 

"I was scared to come to rural area like Edmonson County," said Patel. "All I know was the big cities, but now, I would never go back to the big city. This community is a good example of how the country (rural) is good."

Patel bought the food mart and immediately went to work on cleaning up the place and investing back into the property, which was in dire need of a face lift. Once he reopened the store, he and his wife Nisha, worked around the clock to take care of their customers, as they do today. About a dozen folks came through the doors while this interview was being conducted and everyone was greeted by either Manish, Nisha, or both of them. The most popular phrase from Manish? "Heyyyyyy buddy!" 

There are three things that Patel seemed most proud of, regarding his business, which has become a staple of the Chalybeate community: low gas prices, fresh, hot food, and a clean store with friendly, personal service.

He pulled up his daily gas price information from his supplier to show me what the price he would pay that day if he received gas. 

"I only try to make a few cents on a gallon," he said. "People work hard for their money and as long as I make only a few cents, that pays for my cost. We want our customers to have a reason to stop and come inside to eat our good food and talk to us."

The food? Surprisingly good for a convenience store. Freshly prepared chicken strips, potato wedges, honey butter biscuits, cajun-style fish filets, made-to-order pizza, and other deli-type foods. The store also features several variety of breakfast biscuits in the morning.

So what makes this any different from any other food mart? That answer is up to the public, as there are many local options; however, the Patels are some of the friendliest people I've ever encountered in a retail business and they regularly give back to the community by supporting local causes, offering church and funeral discounts, and helping others that they keep anonymous. 

"Let us know if your church needs food or if you are taking to a funeral. We will give you a discount. We want to help you. We are different religion, but all religions should work together to help each other and that's what we want to do."

He was also candid about his religion, which is Hindu. 

"People here don't know about that and that's ok, but because of Hindu, we don't eat meat of any kind. No chicken, no beef, no fish, nothing like that. People ask me 'what does this food taste like,' and I say 'it tastes good.' Some people know I am Hindu and they ask me 'how do you know?' I tell them, everyone else says it's good and they keep buying it so it must be good!" he said with a laugh.

"I know none of our customers are our real family, but they seem like it. Everyone at school and the teachers treat my son like a friend. We love the people here in Edmonson County. We are reaching out to everyone here because we want more friends and we want to be a bigger part of this community. When we first moved here, we just wanted customers, but now we see what this place is and Edmonson County is the best."

The Patels have also built a home directly behind the store. That was what they said was the final decision made in making a long-term commitment to staying in Edmonson County.

"We think we have the best food of any place like this," he said. "And everyone loves our fish. We have a man who drives from Leitchfield just to eat our fish dinner. Everyone knows about our chicken, but people love our fish, too." 

"No, I didn't finish a medical degree, but degrees are good only if you work hard. If you have a good degree but don't want to work hard then it will do you no good. Everyone can do something if you try. I start with zero, I speak no English, but I didn't give up and I become part of a good community."

Obviously Manish wants to sell you gas, fresh food, tobacco, and whatever else he has for sale, but he says he wants more friends and most importantly, feedback on how his business can provide more to the public, and more ways on how he can be an even bigger part of the community. 

"I want to see your comments on this story," he said. "Even if it's bad, that's okay. We're not perfect. We make mistakes, but we want to always try to do things right. To treat people good, and if we make mistakes, we will fix for you."

During the interview, a man came inside to thank Manish for allowing him to leave his broken-down car in the parking lot overnight from the day before. The car was not in a convenient spot for the owner, nor Patel. 

"Thank you for your kindness and hospitality," the unidentified man from Bowling Green said. "I don't know what I'd have done if you hadn't let me leave the car here yesterday."

"Hey, no problem buddy," said Patel as he shook his hand. Patel continued his interview with me.

"Why would I tell him to move his car? That's just another way how we can help people. If I tell him 'no, you have to move it-this is a business' he won't come back and he won't be my friend."

When asked if people have ever taken advantage of his kindness, his reply was: "Sure, that happens. But I believe if I lose money over here it's because I was too lucky some other time, or that I will have a better day in the future. I believe it all works out if you treat people good."

The store is located at 1990 Chalybeate Road, Smiths Grove, KY, 42171. You can call to place your to-go order at 270-597-8000.

You can also look for some upcoming specials at Chalybeate Food Mart on the Edmonson Voice.

You can send a friend request to Manish on Facebook, as well as check out specials and current gas prices by clicking here.

by Senator Steve Meredith:
The General Assembly hit the ground running this week as it began the continuation of the 2019 Regular Session. The Senate Majority is excited to move forward with its legislative priorities and pass laws that benefit the Commonwealth.
 
Through ice and snow, to unseasonably warm weather, the General Assembly continued to discuss legislative priorities throughout the 3-week interim in committee meetings. The newly formed Public Pensions Working Group, co-chaired by Senator Wil Schroder, met twice each week. Throughout these meetings, this bipartisan group from both chambers heard extensive and detailed testimony on the condition of our public pension systems. While there is still much to be done, we are confident that this working group is heading in the right direction toward developing a viable solution to this persistent dilemma facing our state.
 
Committee meetings were in full swing this week we discussed and passed bills to the senate floor for final votes. On Thursday, the senate passed three pieces of legislation.
 
Senate Bill 32, sponsored by Senator Stan Humphries, improves the current water well drilling system by allowing water well driller assistants to be certified by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. Senate Bill 77, sponsored by Senator Julie Raque Adams, proposes an expansion of Kentucky’s current organ donor registration list through an easily accessible sign-on system to designate consent. Senate Bill 31, sponsored by Senator Ralph Alvarado, requires the Cabinet of Health and Family Services to provide frequent visitation for siblings who are in out-of-home care and not jointly placed.
 
Also on Thursday, the Senate Education Committee was honored to welcome the families of the victims of the Marshall County High School shooting as they testified on behalf of Senate Bill 1. The testimony from the Holt and Cope families was powerful and moving.  At the conclusion of the meeting, SB 1 was unanimously voted out of committee.
 
SB 1, the School Safety and Resiliency Act, passed on Friday with an overwhelming majority. Sponsored by Senator Max Wise, SB 1 is a bipartisan piece of legislation that focuses on developing standardized conditions and training that will better secure safety in our schools through personnel, structures/protocols, and a culture of connection with students that concentrates on their overall well-being. Accountability for school safety compliance will also be emphasized. The safety and security of the children of Kentucky is paramount.  As the bill moves to the House, the Senate Education Committee will continue to provide input so that the bill that eventually arrives on the Governor’s desk is in its best possible form.
 
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.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Mammoth Cave National Park will present ranger led talks, guided walks, and special videos clips focusing on the legacy of African American history at Mammoth Cave in honor of Black History Month.
 
African Americans have greatly contributed to the tourism, exploration, mapping and development of Mammoth Cave throughout its over 200 year history. As some of the first cave guides and explorers who led visitors through the mysterious cave passages in the early 1800s, the enslaved cave guides played a major role in shaping Mammoth Cave National Park into a renowned tourist destination.
 
The ranger led talks will take place on Saturday, February 9, 16, and 23 staring at 9:30 am at the park’s visitor center.  Rangers will share stories of enslaved African American guides and their contributions to Mammoth Cave. 

The ranger led Heritage Trail Walks will depart from the visitor center at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 16 and Sunday, February 17. The 1 hour accessible walk will follow the Heritage Trail, overlooking Mammoth Cave’s Historic Entrance, and will terminate at the Old Guide’s Cemetery. Sunday’s walk will be presented by a ranger in Civil War period costume. Each walk will discuss the significant contributions African Americans have made throughout Mammoth Cave’s guiding history.

​In addition to the scheduled walks and talks, two video clips featuring stories of the enslaved Mammoth Cave guides will be playing all month long in the visitor center exhibit area. The video clips are provided courtesy of Western Kentucky University’s Public Broadcasting Service and Kentucky Educational Television (KET).
 
All events are free and open to the public with no reservations needed.  For more information about the park or park events, please visit our website at www.nps.gov/maca.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Superintendent Patrick Waddell presented KSBA Certificates to Lorri Keith, Mickey Johnson, Alex Ulm, Keith LaMastus and Paul Forester in recognition of January’s School Board Recognition Month.

Kentucky will again observe January as School Board Recognition Month.

“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 Patrick Waddell.

The superintendent also said each member serves to improve opportunities for our students, they serve to ensure our community is poised to meet the future with a highly educated workforce able to improve the local economy, and they serve because they believe in the role public education plays in creating a better Commonwealth for all citizens.

Waddell stated, “whatever the reason, each board member serves with minimal compensation and maximum effort. Board members spend time reading materials and reports to prepare for these meetings. State law requires members to obtain training on finance, charter schools, ethics, leadership and other non-required topics.” 

​"Most importantly, school board members are members of the community; they must be prepared to answer questions about district operations at the grocery store or at the board table. I am very proud to work with each of these local school board members and appreciate the time and effort they do to improve the education of our students, here in Edmonson County.”

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The 2019 Edmonson County district spelling bee was held today at ECHS. ​Lillie Webb from South Edmonson Elementary and Jasper Young from Kyrock took home elementary school honors. Fifth grader Carriann Williams and 6th grader Olivia Madison were the 5/6 Center winners. Seventh grader Preslee Hyman and 8th grader Brody Johnson were the ECMS winners.

Brody Johnson was also awarded first place and will be competing at the state spelling bee in Louisville, March 16, 2019. For his achievement he received a trophy, $100 cash prize and $100 to pay for expenses to the state competition.

Second place winner, Olivia Madison received a trophy and $50 cash prize.  The cash prizes and the $100 toward travel is paid by the Farm Bureau Women's Committee.

Edmonson County Schools would like to thank the Edmonson County Women's Committee for their continued support of students.  

 Re-elected Board member Keith LaMastus was unable to attend the board meeting but was administered The Constitutional Oath and the Oath of Office on 01/07/2019.  ​

Click the ad for an application. For all other questions, please contact the employer.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
​The Edmonson County Middle School academic team won the KAAC Governor’s Cup Region 5 overall championship on February 2, 2019, hosted by Edmonson County.  More than 20 schools from Barren, Logan, Simpson, and Warren Counties participated in the event. 

Points were awarded for placement in future problem solving, quick recall, and written assessment.  ECMS and South Warren ended the contest with 35 points each, but tie breaking rules for the event state the team with the most first place finishes be declared the winner, which resulted in the ECMS victory.  Glasgow Middle finished third overall, and Bowling Green Junior High School finished fourth. 
 
ECMS made a strong showing the regional testing competition.  The following five ECMS players earned the opportunity to compete in seven testing events at the KAAC State Governor’s Cup Finals.

• Brody Johnson            1st arts and humanities, 1st language arts
• Jonas   Miller               1st social studies, 2nd arts and humanities
• Evy Bolton                   2nd language arts
• Emma Sackett             5th language arts
• Brycen Daniels            score of 41/50 on science test  

​Due to the difficulty of the tests, any student scoring 40 or more on a regional test automatically advances to the state competition.
 
ECMS dominated the quick recall competition and took first place in the event. 

ECMS won its round one game over Adairville 37 to 17.  In round 2, ECMS defeated Glasgow 36 to 15.  After sitting out round 3, ECMS won its round 4 match over Bowling Green 38 to 19.  ECMS then defeated Bowling Green by a score of 39 to 26 in the quick recall championship game.
 
The ECMS future problem solving team placed third in the regional competition and earned 3 points for the team in the overall competition.  The regional topic concerned the global issue of food waste. 
 
“Our regional victory shows the true importance of team effort," said Head Coach Greg Grey.  "It took every point earned by every player in every event to achieve our overall victory.  I want to be the first to commend our players for their extra effort in moving from district to region.   Their work is now being rewarded with a trip to the state finals.   We play in one of the most competitive regions in the state, and that makes our victory even sweeter.  Our focus from now to mid-March will be on winning a state championship.  We look forward to the challenge and as always want to represent Edmonson County in the best possible manner.“