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Master Commissioner Sale: Saturday January 30th, 10AM
Edmonson County Court House
 
2 separate tracts:
 
Parcel 1:  22.5 +/- acres land located at 9736 HWY 259 N. Bee Spring, KY
 
Parcel 2: House and lot located at 9736 HWY 259 N, Bee Spring, KY
 
https://www.edmonsoncountymastercommissioner.com/properties.html
​

Darren Doyle, story:
A t-shirt benefit drive has begun for the family of Sarah Childress, a 38-year old wife and mother who resides in Edmonson County that is suffering from the effects of a stroke she suffered last week. 

Rose Webb, creator of the #SarahStrong t-shirts, and friends Cassie Vincent and Carol Stice are reaching out to the community once again.

"We all want to do anything we can to help the Childress and Skaggs families in their time of need," said a statement from the benefit effort. "These shirts can be ordered and worn to show our support for Sarah. All proceeds will go directly to her family to help with expenses."

Sarah is currently at Norton's Hospital in Louisville. While doctors are still unsure of her treatment moving forward, the family says prayers and support are flooding in from everywhere, which is giving them hope.

​You can place your orders by clicking HERE.

Darren Doyle, story: photos by Scott Skaggs
A local family is asking for prayers from the community after a 38-year mother suffered a stroke on Tuesday.

Sarah Childress, wife and mother of three girls, ages 5, 11, and 13, is currently at Norton's Hospital in Louisville surrounded by her husband, Jarrid, and other family members. The stroke she suffered this week was due to a venous vein blood clot in her brain.

The family said that after suffering a terrible headache on Monday, she became unresponsive on Tuesday and was taken to the Medical Center in Bowling Green where she was soon moved to Norton's. A planned surgery was suspended due to the danger and nature. While her motor skills have been affected, medical professionals are currently saying it's too soon to determine the best course for her recovery. 

Family members have said while she is not currently awake, she has responded with slight movements and hand squeezing at times. 

"I'm so appreciative of all the prayers so far," Jarrid told the Edmonson Voice. "I'd give my life for her to be better. The girls need her and I need her. Please pray for us the best you can."

Sarah's father, Steve Skaggs, echoed much of the same.

"We can feel the prayers of God's people," he said. "Please continue your prayers for us. I'm so proud of Edmonson county and our people where I'm from, but our people is anyone that has prayed to our God on our behalf. Wherever you're from, we're grateful."

​A relief fund has been organized in the name of Jarrid Childress at the Bank of Edmonson County.

Michelle Coleman, CEO of Bank of Edmonson County, said that numerous Edmonson County residents have asked how to help Sarah’s family, and as a result, this fund has been created.  Both checks and cash are being accepted as donations at Bank of Edmonson County; checks can be made to Jarrid Childress. Checks can be either deposited in-person on their behalf or mailed to any of the three bank locations. You are advised to deliver cash in person, not by mail.

Locations include:
109 S. Main St
Brownsville KY 42210--Mailing address for all locations is: PO BOX 99, Brownsville KY, 42210

6780 Louisville Road
Bowling Green KY 42101

156 S. Main St. 
Smiths Grove KY 42171

The money will be directly available to the family to help with medical and living expenses while Sarah fights to recover. 

While the family is humbled by the relief effort, they were adamant about sharing to the public that their most immediate need is prayer.

​The Childress' reside in the Moutardier community in northern Edmonson County.

The Edmonson County Youth League Baseball/Softball Board has made an announcement regarding the upcoming 2021 youth season. For further questions, please contact the email address in the announcement below.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Brownsville VFW Post 6937 presented a letter of thanks to local businessman Josh Casey, owner of C&C Firearms on Tuesday, January 12th in appreciation of a recent fundraiser coordinated by Casey, according to a press release from the VFW.

"The COVID pandemic precluded the VFW Post from running its usual Chili Supper fund raising auction and Mr. Casey organized and ran a silent auction last month at no charge which raised over $800 for the Post," a statement from the VFW said.

"Josh Casey and C & C Firearms are stalwarts of Edmonson County and he is an expert on the firearms and outdoor sports industry." the statement continued.

The VFW also included information about the Engels (pictured). According to the statement, Commander Engel is a Combat Action Badge, Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal recipient of the Iraq conflict, medically retired after 30years of service from the US Army for wounds. His wife Donna is the Post’s experienced Quartermaster, who has been awarded All-State and All-American honors and is also the VFW 5th District Quartermaster. 

"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 VFW. "Our Post is known for its charitable contributions, conducting Flag training for Edmonson County 4th Graders each fall, for conducting patriotic speaking, 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." 

​The group is currently part of a local digital preservation project, The Hall of Heroes Conservation Project, that is in the process of digitizing each individual veteran photo that is displayed in the Edmonson County Courthouse. Over 1200 photos are currently being added to the groups brand new website EdmonsonVets.com.

The Post meets at the Edmonson County Library on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 pm (next week on Tuesday because of the Federal Holiday). Anyone that's  an overseas veteran with a qualifying campaign medal is welcome to attend a meeting. The group can also be found on Facebook. 

Click any of the photos below to view the complete listing from Realtor Shauna Gravil:

Darren Doyle, story: submitted photos:
One local youth football player has hopes of heading south to Florida in a few weeks to participate in the Youth Pro Bowl 2021 event. More significantly, she's the only female football player that's been accepted to the event, according to her parents.

Bristol Butler, a 4th grade student at Kyrock Elementary and a member of the Edmonson County Youth Football League, along with her parents, James and Destiny Butler of Mammoth Cave, are looking to make the trip to Orlando for the event that will be held January 27 -31. 

Bristol, who is 10 years old, has been playing football for three years and also plays soccer and softball. Her parents say she is one of only three female footballers in the local youth league. In addition to sports, her parents say that she's also active in the community, at least before the pandemic altered many activities.

"Before COVID, she would come with me to the nursing home and visit," said her mother, Destiny. "She would sing and paint the residents' fingernails." Mrs. Butler also said Bristol participates each year in her school's canned food drive.

While plans have been made for Bristol to participate in the national event, the family is a bit concerned about the cost of the trip, which includes event registration, hotel and fuel expenses, and food, which is estimated to be over $1000. They say it's even more difficult now since both James and Destiny lost their jobs due to the pandemic. They are seeking donations from the community to help them make the trip.

"We both worked for a seasonal cleaning company which shut down early due to COVID and has yet to reopen, but my husband has filed for unemployment," she said. "We’re barely scraping by with that right now. With our house payment and bills it would be impossible to save up enough in the time frame."

Kyrock Principal Shaun Stice described Bristol as "a good kid."

"She's a good student and well behaved," he added.

Mrs. Butler said they're doing all they can to see that Bristol has the opportunity to play in the national event.

"I know every parent says this, but Bristol really is an amazing little girl and she deserves every opportunity," she said. "She makes amazing grades, she is a great big sister to her 4 year-old sister Anniston, and she has big dreams. She absolutely LOVES football and we just want to help her go as far as she can."

A message sent to the Youth Pro Bowl organization was not immediately returned.

If you'd like to donate to Bristol's cause, you can contact Mrs. Destiny Butler by call or texting 270-246-1075.

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky. December 30, 2020– Mammoth Cave National Park is near completion on several construction projects taking place at Green River Ferry. The Green River Ferry serves as a river crossing location, river access for canoes and kayaks, boat ramp for fishing boats, and parking area for trail and river users.  

Green River Ferry Ramp Reopening 
The Green River Ferry will resume vehicle shuttle operations starting on Sunday, January 3. The ferry will be open from 6 am to 10 pm but will be closed daily between 1:45 pm and 2:15 pm for cleaning and disinfection of the operating booth between shifts.  

The ferry service has been closed since early September to complete a vehicle ramp project to extend the access ramp by 30 feet into the Green River. The contractor for the project, Kovilic Construction Company, took advantage of lower than average water levels which allowed them to reach the lowest sections of the ramp where they needed to complete much of the work required for the project. Additional paving on the south ramp and coffer dam removal on the north ramp is still needed, though, so short-term closures can be expected in early spring/summer 2021.  

The ramp extension project is being coordinated by Federal Highway Administration Eastern Lands Highway Division with assistance from the park. For more information on the Green River Ferry operating status, please call the Green River Ferry Hotline at 270-758-2166 or follow MCNPRoadsFerry on Twitter.  

Canoe and Kayak Access Ramp Construction  
Work to install a new canoe and kayak access ramp at the Green River Ferry area has been suspended until late spring 2021 due to high water, but River access at both Green River Ferry and Dennison Ferry, 7.6 miles upstream from Green River Ferry, will reopen on Sunday, January 3. River users are permitted to use the Green River Ferry’s vehicle access ramp to reach the river until the canoe and kayak ramp is completed in mid-2021. 

Much of the project is finished, but the contractor still needs to complete work on the lower railing system. This work is expected to occur when water levels drop in late spring.   

The installation of a ramp dedicated to paddlers will improve river access, safety, and reduce congestion between paddlers and vehicles utilizing the ferry boat. Boaters and paddlers should be aware that winter often brings high fast moving water in the Green River and are advised to be familiar with the park’s river safety and regulations.   

Echo River Springs Accessible Trail and Bridge Installation 
The first half of the Echo River Springs Accessible trail is currently open to the public, and the installation of the pedestrian bridge over the Echo River will be completed on January 12 and 13. The installation will include a temporary closure of the Green River Ferry Road and Green River Ferry Service from 8 am to 4 pm each day.  

The new pedestrian bridge will span approximately 200 feet over the Echo River and will create an accessible loop trail that leads directly back to the Green River Ferry parking area. As a part of the trail project the existing accessible trail has been extended an additional 0.3 miles. Portions of the Echo River Springs Trail were rehabilitated in 2018 to improve accessibility and add tactile wayside interpretation stops along the route. The bridge project is the last step to complete the plan to improve Echo River Springs Trail.   

Edmonson County Youth League Basketball has cancelled their 2020-21 season due to obstacles as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their full announcement is listed below:

For more information, please contact their Facebook Page.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Local artist Parin Patel, a 9-year old third grade student at South Edmonson Elementary, has found another local cause to donate funds from his painting hobby. 

Patel, who is the son of Manish and Nisha Patel, owners of Chalybeate Food Mart, donated $1,111 to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office for their K9 fund today. Patel found a passion for painting earlier this year where the paintings began to stack up at their home. His father, Manish said after a family discussion, they decided the funds would be best used if they were invested back into the community.

Earlier this summer, Parin made a $1500 donation to the Edmonson County Community Education and the EC Family Resource/Youth Services Centers. All those funds came from the selling of his works, which are available in their store.

​

​"We want to help with the K9 funding," said Mr. Patel. "We really appreciate the community that bought the paintings. That money is actually not mine, it belongs to the community so we just want to give it back."

Parin's mother, Nisha said the same. "We can do nothing without our community so that's why we want to always help our community," she added.

Patel said Parin has also recently taken up the piano as well as the guitar. When asked if we could expect Parin to be in concert anytime soon, the Patels laughed but didn't yet have an answer for that; however, if it's anything like his newfound painting talent, he just might be performing hit songs sooner rather than later.

He has sold over 150 paintings and his parents said as long as he wants to continue to paint, the store will continue to sell the artwork and donate the funding back to the community. 

Sheriff Shane Doyle and Deputy Jordan Jones, who is Edmonson County's K9 Officer, accepted the donation from Parin.

"This was a really awesome gift and we really appreciate Parin and the Patels for helping with our cause," said Jones, who lost his K9 partner, Tango earlier this year. 

Sheriff Doyle also thanked the Patels for their generosity.

"Thank you is not quite enough to say to this gesture," he said. "The Patels have proven to be wonderful community partners as they're no strangers to giving back to local causes. As we've said before, acquiring a qualified K9 Officer is a very expensive and detailed process. We are currently working to add another K9 as soon as possible and this donation helps tremendously."

Doyle said even with the proper funding, it's not as simple as just going to a trainer and purchasing a dog. 

"We have to make sure it's the right fit, the K9 is a good fit with our handler, who is Deputy Jones, as well as a good fit for our office. It's much more detailed than most would think, but hopefully we'll be able to add another K9 soon."

For more information about Parin's artwork, you can contact Chalybeate Food Mart or Manish Patel's Facebook page.

Mr. and Mrs. Kennith Childress of Mammoth Cave will mark their 60th wedding anniversary December 24th.  Childress and the former Nina Brooks were married December 24, 1960 at the home of Rev. Andrew Hester, who officiated the ceremony.

They have three daughters: Kim Ashley (Terry), and Melanie Vincent (Danny), both of Mammoth Cave, and Erin Childress of Connecticut.  They also have four granddaughters: Heather Jordan (Johnathan), Megan Wells (Ross), Sarah Vincent (fiancé Jamie Thomas), and Jill Stout (Adam).

They also have four great-grandchildren: Ashley and Allison Wells, Carter Wyatt Stout and Kayden Rhett Stout (due April 2021).

The gifts contained fruit baskets and personal items for the residents. 

We have received copies of this year's letters to Santa to publish from local elementary classes, just in case Santa needs to quickly check them from the Edmonson Voice while he's on the move. 

Enjoy these letters from students at Kyrock Elementary:

​

Darren Doyle, story: photos, ECHS:
With high school basketball delayed this year, most teams are scrambling to prepare for the 2021 season that begins on January 4th. While Coach Mike McClintic and his staff have already hit the gym with their first official week of practice since the delay, he felt that the boys needed to up their game a bit, but without hitting the gym floor. 

Practice was cancelled on Friday, December 19th so that the team could help load food packages on school buses so they could be delivered to students and families all across the county.

Superintendent Brian Alexander said 8,290 meals were delivered on Friday across the county, thanks to the boys' team.

​"Each child received a treat bag with lots of fruit and cookies," he said. "All drivers and monitors received a fruit bag as well."

Coach Mac discussed how important it was for his team to offer help to school staff yesterday.

"I'm super proud of these boys for coming out on such a cold morning to load our buses," he said. "It truly shows the character of these young men. That's why it's such a privilege to have the opportunity to spend time with them and be their coach, both in and out of the gym."

by Senator Steve Meredith:
Another Christmas is upon us, and I extend my warmest wishes and a sincere hope that you and your loved ones are enjoying a holiday season in good health and full of happiness. 
 
This season, in particular, I can say that I look forward to just being home with my family to enjoy the holiday and spend more time with those who make life meaningful. Above all else, we should remember the true meaning of Christmas.
 
This time of year is particularly nostalgic for me.  I often reflect on childhood memories, family gatherings, and church services that are forever commemorated in my mind.  If you are like me, some of your happiest memories were created around the dinner table or the Christmas tree. Following this difficult year, it is a challenge to focus on anything but the present, as many of our families are dealing with fears and anxieties.  For that reason, it is essential to hold on to cherished memories and look forward to the creation of new ones in the future. The holiday season is supposed to be a joyous occasion. I encourage you to do your best to make it so, but there is no denying that this year has been challenging. Families are struggling right now. Loved ones have been lost. For those of you who have lost a friend or loved one or who have experienced financial or other hardships this year, please know you are in my prayers. 
 
As the General Assembly gears up for the 2021 Regular Session, I have heard from many constituents across the 5th State Senate District.  Some of our families have expressed their struggles to put food on the table and pay bills as a result of government mandates during this pandemic.  Suffice it to say that fellow lawmakers and I are eager to get to work on behalf of our constituents. We have heard you, and our efforts during the interim period have well prepared us to take appropriate legislative action in 2021. Help is on the way. 
 
If you are among the fortunate who have not been financially impacted by COVID-19, I encourage you to consider doing something kind for those who have been. Whether it is providing meals to families in need or delivering a gift to a child, there is much that we can do for each other to make the holidays brighter. 
 
Of course, Christmas is more than a time of gift-giving and watching Christmas classics. For Christians, it is about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is also about the love of family and friends. Do not forget there is "good news of great joy which shall be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born to you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Our salvation is also in God's plan for all of us if we recognize it and accept it.
 
It is my wish that everyone has a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year. Be well, and I look forward to hearing from and seeing everyone again in 2021.

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky., December 17, 2020: Bruce Powell, Deputy Superintendent of Mammoth Cave National Park, announces his retirement from the National Park Service (NPS) at the end of December 2020. Powell’s federal career began in 1984 and has taken him around the country for over 36 years of dedicated public service. 
 
“I loved the national parks well before I began my federal career,” said Powell. “I was able to achieve my career goal of working in a variety of national parks and have had the opportunity to see and care for these very special places. After working at fourteen NPS locations in ten states, I have had a very satisfying career and plan to finish out this month with a smile of contentment.” 
 
Powell started his work for the park service as an Editorial Clerk in the Southeast Regional Office in Atlanta, GA and then spent his next five years working in different roles in Administration at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. He then went to the Southwest Regional Office as a Management Analyst before serving as the Superintendent of Golden Spike National Historic Site in northern Utah for six years and earning a Superior Service Honor Award. During this part of his career, he served official details at Cumberland Island National Seashore and Chamizal National Memorial, and Powell also served as the Acting Utah State Coordinator, representing, and assisting 16 national park areas in the Beehive State.  
 
But after many career experiences and many moves, Mammoth Cave has been his primary home. Powell came to Mammoth Cave National Park in 2001, serving as its Deputy Superintendent, a position he and has filled for the last twenty years. 
 
“Bruce has completed a lot of major projects and witnessed many changes during his time with the park service,” said Barclay Trimble, Superintendent. “For the last twenty years at Mammoth Cave, he has been dependable, hardworking and his passion for his job truly shows in how much he cares for this park, its employees, and our many community partners. His institutional knowledge and dedication to the park have been amazing assets that we will definitely miss after he retires.” 
 
Powell advocated and initiated many critical projects at Mammoth Cave over the last 20 years, but is most proud of his work in supporting the achievement of the park’s mission for being established: to preserve the internationally famous Mammoth Cave while providing an opportunity for the public to enjoy it. He fulfilled this mission through projects focused on internal park operations, but also by actively coordinating with the park’s three counties, Edmonson, Hart and Barren, as well as the local communities’ organizations such as their chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus, Caveland Marketing Association, and the Mammoth Cave Biosphere Region. His work has strengthened and built upon these invaluable relationships that are critical to the success of the park and the businesses and organizations around the park. 
 
“Nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing park visitors get excited as they visit the park,” said Powell. “I likewise get great satisfaction in helping lead and support a superb group of highly dedicated park employees while working collaboratively with so many supportive park partners and community groups that surround Mammoth Cave National Park. I am very grateful for this opportunity.” 
 
For his retirement plans, Powell looks forward to more time with his wife Barbara at their home in Bowling Green, KY, and visits with their daughter Katrina who attends school in Louisville.  
 
A small private reception is being planned to celebrate Bruce’s achievements during the summer of 2021. Well wishes or cards are being collected in advance and may be sent to Mammoth Cave National Park, Attn: Powell Retirement, PO Box 7, Mammoth Cave, KY. Emails may be sent to MACA_PIO@nps.gov. 

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office has made the following announcement regarding holiday closing and end-of-year tax payment information:

Kyrock Volunteer Fire Department has issued a thank you announcement for the support of their recent "Pictures With Santa" event that benefitted the Edmonson County Affordable Christmas program. 

submitted flyer: 

Click the flyer to visit their Facebook Event: