Edmonson Voice Report:
On Friday, March 14, 2025, third and fourth grade students at Kyrock Elementary participated in a school wide Entrepreneur Fair, where they had their own businesses  that were open to students school-wide. Each third and fourth grade student submitted business proposals to their peers. A total of 26 proposals were chosen, making a total of 18 businesses.

The students made a collective profit of $1,208.05. There were first, second, and third place trophies for those who profited the most money, and there was also a trophy given to the best decorated booth, voted on by other peers. The winners are: 

1st Place: Kyndal Whittinghill and Tynlee Logsdon - Tynlee & Kyndal's Sweet Treats
2nd Place: Kaiden Mattingly and Eli Jaggers - Kaiden and Eli's Petting Zoo
3rd Place: 3rd Place - Asher Mello - Asher's Trick Shots
Best Decorated Booth: Sophia Sanders and Amelia Howell -  All Things Shimmer

Students also had the opportunity to ask a Business Panel of local business owners from Edmonson County questions about their work and what it takes to be a business owner. The Panel incldued Josh Casey from C & C Firearms, Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey, Ryan Stice from Stice Insurance Agency, Lauren McReynolds from McReynolds Physical Therapy, Andrea Brantley from Patton Funeral Home, Michelle Coleman from Bank of Edmonson County, and Joseph Decker from The Jo Show.

Mrs. Brandy Meredith, Principal of Kyrock Elementary, was thrilled with the success of her Blackhawk students.

"I am beyond proud of our student entrepreneurs for their hard work in creating innovative business plans. Their dedication and creativity truly shines, and it was inspiring to see their ideas come to life. Kyrock students enjoyed exploring the businesses and supporting their classmates' hard work. Great job, everyone!"

Mrs. Heather LaMastus also expressed that she was incredibly proud of Kyrock Students.

"This is my first year participating in the Entrepreneur Fair, and I absolutely loved it! I am so proud of my students for stepping up and taking such a big challenge. Their hard work and creativity is beyond inspiring."

The Edmonson County Board of Education is seeking the services of interested entities to harvest timber on properties located at 7775 Blackgold Road & 5827 KY HWY 259 N, Sweeden KY. 42285. For bids to be considered, proof of insurance and license/ certifications are required. 

Sealed bids will be accepted until March 28, 2025 at 3:00 PM at the Edmonson County Board of Education Office. Please leave sealed bids at the Board Office to the attention of Callie Beliles. Sealed bids will also be accepted via mail to the Edmonson County Board of Education Attn: Callie Beliles 100 Wildcat Way, Brownsville KY. 42210. Any bids received after 3:00 PM on March 28, 2025 will not be considered.

 To set an appointment up to view the timber prior to March 27th, please contact Lannie Deweese at 270-597-2172.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
A staple of the Edmonson County business community has changed hands and the new owner is speaking about his plans to build upon the history and legacy of the county's only full scale, family-run grocery store.

Cee Bee Food Store was acquired by local businessman Manish Patel, owner of the Chalybeate Food Mart, on Friday, March 7, 2025 from longtime owners Jeff and Cindy Rich, who have owned and operated the store for the last 17 years. The store first came to Brownsville around 40 years ago.

Neither are strangers to Edmonson County and both are looking forward to the future of non-chain store.

We sat down with Manish in his home earlier this week as he shared his story, his thoughts, and his passion for Edmonson County.

Patel moved to the United States in 2008 from India and became a cashier at a gas station in Florida. He had several roles in various businesses over the next few years and quickly saw that entrepreneurship would be his goal. It became a passion.

In 2014, he and his wife, Nisha were able to purchase what is now the Chalybeate Food Mart. Making drastic improvements in the store's appearance, cleanliness, friendly service, along with competitive gas prices and hot food items. They built their home behind the store in 2017 as a testament of their commitment to the community.

The family has become part of the community as much as anyone newcomer ever could, greeting customers with a smile and handshake for years. They have also generously given back to the community in various ways, supporting local schools and programs, first responders, and all sorts of local causes and events. With his footprint firmly planted in Edmonson County, he is now looking for even more ways to improve local commerce while grasping the small town way of life in Brownsville and the surrounding communities.

"People have supported us in Chalybeate and we want to do more," he said. "Yes, I'm a businessman, but I want more opportunities to help this community."

The discussion about purchasing Cee Bee from Jeff and Cindy became serious this past December when they decided they would sell the store to him. Manish says that he loved the idea of owning a small town grocery store that was not a chain---something he could continue in Brownsville.

"It's always been a good store," he said. "Jeff and Cindy have always done a good job of taking care of their customers. We want to do the same and I want to make it even better. I want to negotiate better deals and prices from vendors and pass them along to customers. I will run a fair and honest business and will always treat people like family. I believe in family."

The Patel's were certainly treating me like family while I was in their home as I experienced Indian cuisine for the first time. I was served fresh, homemade apoo tikki, a potato-based snack with cilantro, peppers, onions, and yogurt. It was great and they insisted I chase it with their fresh homemade ice cream that also had a little kick to it. While I was a little skeptical at first, my doubt was soon erased as I enjoyed their hospitality.

"My heart has always been for family and the community, first. Not just being in business. That's how I was raised. I always want to do this for the right reasons," he said.

"I plan on being at Cee Bee with customers and working to do what I need to do. I plan on keeping all the employees that want to stay and I'm giving them a raise. I've always looked at employees more like family than anything else."

We spoke with Jeff Rich about the decision to sell the store to the Patels. He has known them for several years and said he appreciates what they have done in the community.

"A few years ago I was approached by someone that was from somewhere else," Rich said. "He made a great offer to buy the store but he didn't know anybody here. He didn't have any local connections. I just thought that wasn't the right thing to do, since this has always been a locally run, family owned business, so we didn't sell it. Later, Manish came along and he started talking about buying it. After a few conversations I knew that he was the right person to take it over and we felt really good about selling it to him."

Patel said he eventually wants to expand the current hours of the store to serve more customers.

"We are looking at the different hours that we might add but we'll have to see," he said. "We want to open on holidays and  make sure we're open during bad weather...we might have to skip mopping the store those days, in case we don't have many workers, but we'll try to take care of you," he joked.

He said he is also looking at expanding the inventory to carry more and newer products, so they may better compete with larger box stores. He is planning on keeping the same fresh meat and produce departments, two sections that locals have always enjoyed.

Manish said his brother-in-law Sam, who also pleasantly introduced himself during the interview, will be assisting with the running of the store. A grand re-opening is in the works sometime in the near future. He said it will be a big community event with vendors, discounts, and special offers with lots of fun activities planned.

As the Riches head towards retirement, Jeff described their experience with Cee Bee over the last 17 years as "a great opportunity."

"We've been able to work right here in Edmonson County where we live and we're very fortunate for that," he said. "We've had great employees and great customers. They have both been like our own family. We've heard so many great stories, but we've heard bad ones, too, and that's part of it. We've had so many connections. Having a local grocery in a small town like ours is very special and we appreciate this community so much. We just want to thank everyone for their support over the years."

Rich said he'd still be around for a least a short time, while the transition takes place.

Just before I left the Patel's home, Manish shared his passion for Edmonson County with an emotional statement.

"We are happy here," he said. "This is where we want to stay. Edmonson County has been good to me and this is a home for my family. It's just like it was for me in India--people here care and they know my name, my family, and my son. It's not like this in a bigger city. We just want to stay here and help make our community better."

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Community Action of Southern Kentucky celebrated 60 years in the region with a ribbon cutting with the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce and reception today at the Edmonson County Community Center.

Leslie Talley, Director of Operations for the organization, and local resident, welcomed everyone in attendance and discussed the group's role and commitments to the local community.

She then introduced Executive Director Carla Brown, who first recognized the Edmonson County Head Start program, which is a Community Action Program, run by local resident Rena Beth Chaffins.

"They have a 5-star early childhood program, and it's just like hotel ratings, we are top dog here in Edmonson County, so congratulations to Rena and her staff," Brown said.

She also recognized Misty Meredith, who leads the Community Services staff. Brown said over 1200 recipients have benefited from rental, utility, water, and other assistance. She also pointed out the RSVP Senior Center volunteers, which Edmonson County has 69 total members assisting, along with Senior Center director Marlene Webb.

The new Senior Center has moved into the fellowship hall of Cedar Grove Baptist Church on Washington Street in Brownsville.

Edmonson County Judge-Executive Scott Lindsey then addressed the crowd and gave honor to former Edmonson County Community Action Director Toby Van Meter, who passed away in February of 2024.

Lindsey presented a plaque to be placed on the office space in the Community Center that read "Toby Ann Van Meter Community Services Office."

The attendees and staff members then gathered together to cut the ceremonial ribbon as becoming Chamber of Commerce members.

Refreshments and fellowship followed.

To join the Edmonson County Chamber, visit edmonsonchamber.com.

Make plans to enjoy one of gospel music's premier groups, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, with special regional guests United Quartet, Sunday, March 16th at 6PM.

There is no admission charge thanks to sponsors Bluegrass Roofing, Patton Funeral Home, and the Edmonson Voice. The event will be held at Crossland Community Church, located at 600 31W Bypass in Bowling Green.

A love offering will be taken and doors open at 5PM.

It is a homecoming of sorts for Signature Sound lead vocalist Dustin Doyle, a Chalybeate native and a 2003 graduate of Edmonson County High School. It will be the first time he will have had the opportunity to sing with his older brother, Darren, a member of United Quartet, since he joined Signature Sound in 2015.

Madison Doyle, story:
One of the biggest names in southern gospel music is coming to the area this spring, which provides an Edmonson County native not only the rare chance to sing to his former neighbors, but also the opportunity to be in concert with his older brother.

The Grammy-nominated quartet, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound will be featured in concert along with special local guests, United Quartet.

In addition to their four Grammy nominations, EHSS has consistently stayed at the top of southern gospel radio charts, earned multiple Gold and Platinum DVDs, and six GMA Dove Awards. They have performed on legendary stages  from the Grand Ole Opry and Carnegie Hall, to performing the national anthem at NBA games and NASCAR events through the years. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound have also been a fixture at Gaither Homecoming gatherings across the country.

Dustin Doyle, a former Edmonson County resident and graduate of Edmonson County High School, has been a member of the group since 2015, where he serves as the lead vocalist. In his years with the group, he has not yet had an opportunity like this to sing for his hometown folks with the busy touring schedule that has taken him across the world.

Ernie Haase is a former member of the legendary group "The Cathedral Quartet," one of the biggest groups in gospel music history. Haase has earned his own legendary status, creating Signature Sound from scratch more than 20 years ago. His high tenor singing has thrilled audiences all around the world with his signature song "Oh, What a Savior."

Ernie discussed coming to Bowling Green for the concert event.

"We're very excited to have the opportunity to appear in Bowling Green with United Quartet," Ernie told the Edmonson Voice. "Also for the homecoming of Darren's youngest brother, Dustin. This is the first time for them to do this."

The quartet also features original baritone singer Doug Anderson, and newcomer bass vocalist Christopher Taylor.

The group will be joined by special guests, United Quartet, a local and regional favorite, made up of former members of the Morgantown, KY group "The Crossmen."

The group's lead singer is Darren Doyle, owner of the Edmonson Voice, and Dustin's older brother.

While Darren is known as the local news man, his musical roots run deep, performing on the Grand Ol' Opry multiple times himself with The Crossmen and touring across the country with the former award-winning quartet "Perfect Heart."

Darren discussed how the concert came together.

"United Quartet is an opportunity for me to scratch the music itch with some of my closest friends, although we only perform live a few times per year," he said. "Our church, family, and professional obligations don't allow us to travel like most groups do, but that's more than okay with us, certainly as we get older."

Doyle said the guys in UQ, Jason Brooks (bass), Darren Lawrence (baritone), and Scott Flener (tenor) started a discussion on why not many pro groups perform in our area anymore.

"Dustin was in middle school when I stopped touring in professional gospel music," said Darren. "I had already started the Edmonson Voice when Dustin was hired with Ernie and so our professional paths never crossed. We contacted Ernie and asked if he was interested in bringing the group to our area so that Dustin could have a homecoming of sorts, and so we could have a chance to perform together. He loved the idea and immediately began working on his calendar to make it work. We had everything worked out in a matter of days."

The concert will be at Crossland Community Church, at the location of the former movie theater on the 31W Bypass on Sunday, March 16th at 6PM. United Quartet will be the opening act and the doors will open at 5PM. One of the biggest advantages to this concert is the price...it's totally free.

"We want to provide a great family-friendly event that everyone can enjoy without spending anything to attend," said Darren. "We have some very special friends that are making this happen, including Bluegrass Roofing, who is the title sponsor. They've had a huge part in bringing Christian music to our area. In addition, we have local friends like Patton Funeral Home who also helped bring this huge event close to home."

The Edmonson Voice is also a sponsor of the event.

Ernie encouraged everyone to attend and spread the word.

"We're looking forward to singing with Darren and United, and we're looking forward to Dustin being able to be home," said Haase. "It's just going to be a wonderful day that will bear fruit long after we're gone."

A freewill love offering will be taken during intermission.

"This is a great opportunity for the community to enjoy some great music for free, but it's really special to have the opportunity to finally perform with my baby brother," Darren said. "We're thrilled to have the chance to bring this caliber of group to our area. We'd love to see our hometown really turn out for this concert."

***THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED***


Time is running out for your chances to win a $3,000 prize basket in the Avie-Lynn Williams Leukemia Benefit!

We will have the LIVE drawing for the prize this Friday, February 21, 2025 on the Edmonson Voice YouTube and Facebook Channels with Miss Madison Doyle, Kyrock Elementary preschool teacher.

Payment MUST be received no later than Thursday, February 20th by 8PM, no exceptions.

All names will be printed and placed into the drawing container, which will be randomly chosen on-air on Friday. Multiple-chance purchasers have their names included as many times as chances. Ex: $20 = name printed twice, $50 = printed five times, etc..

THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF CHANCES YOU CAN BUY!

100% of ALL proceeds go directly to the family of Avie-Lynn Williams, where you can read about her story here.

CHANCES FOR THIS CONTEST ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

Visit our full published contest rules here.

GOOD LUCK AND WE'LL SEE YOU FRIDAY!

Alivia Higgins, ECHS FFA, story:
On January 30th, 2025 our officers met with Judge-Executive Scott Lindsey for the proclamation to declare FFA week in Edmonson County signed. He declared FFA week to be February 15th-22nd which is the week of George Washington’s Birthday.

Members of FFA all over the nation participate in National FFA week to increase understanding of the value of agricultural education and the National FFA Organization's role in producing the next generation of agricultural leaders.

 
Kevin Alexander attended our January meeting and spoke with members about Ag Tags, which help advance agriculture education in Kentucky and give back to Kentucky’s FFA and 4-H programs.

To help your local FFA Chapter, please consider contributing $10 to the Ag Tag Program when you license your vehicle.
 
Thank you to the ones who have donated and supported us!

***THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED.***


Local Kyrock preschool student Avie-Lynn Williams, only 4 years old, is currently in the midst of her second bought with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, with which she was first diagnosed in March of 2023.

She is currently undergoing treatment at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and all raffle proceeds will go directly to the family.

The basket is great for a family and contains prizes such as a $680 Henry rifle*, a $600 deer mount, a free month's dumpster rental, a $400 Benchmade knife, a $250 photography package, $200 Fast Freddy's Car Wash gift card, and nearly $300 in other gift cards along with a ton of other local products and services, all donated to the cause.

The live drawing for the winner will be held on Friday, February 21st on the Edmonson Voice.

***THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED.***

*must be legally eligible to purchase a firearm, proper documentation is required

Edmonson Voice Report:
On Monday, February 3rd, Kentucky State VFW Commander Bruce Ashley announced that Edmonson County's own Ashley Ritter was selected as the State EMT of the Year. 

The state award comes after Ritter was selected as EMT of the Year in Edmonson County by local VFW Post 6937 on December 10, 2024.

Last week, she was awarded the same honor at the region level, which includes Edmonson and surrounding counties.

Ashley began her EMS career as an Emergency Medical Technician after obtaining her license as part of her Fire Science and Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree Program through Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts.  She began working as an on-call EMT in West Brookfield where she had also served as a volunteer firefighter from age 15.  While finishing college, Ashley worked for MedStar Ambulance in Worcester, Massachusetts.
 
Mrs. Ritter moved to Edmonson County upon graduation from college in May 2016 after serving as a Structural Fire/EMT during the summer of 2015 at Mammoth Cave National Park.  She begin working as a part-time EMT as Edmonson County EMS in May 2016 while also working in the ER at the Medical Center at Bowling Green.  Ashley accepted a full-time position as an EMT at Edmonson County EMS in December of 2016.  In August 2019 Ashley enrolled in the Central Kentucky Paramedic Program in Lexington, KY.  Ashley graduated the program and became licensed as a paramedic in August of 2020.
 
Ashley also obtained a Master’s Degree in Health Emergency Management focused in Disaster Medicine in May 2017 from Anna Maria College.
 
She currently serves the community as a volunteer firefighter/first responder with Kyrock Volunteer Fire Department and as the Edmonson County High School Girls’ Soccer Head Coach.

"The VFW really enjoys recognizing citizens for their roles in protecting our communities called the Community Service Awards each year," said VFW 6937 in a released statement. "Four of our awardees took VFW 5th District honors and advanced to state for consideration and Ashley’s nomination was the one that prevailed."

Ashley resides in the Sweeden community of Edmonson County with her husband Wally and daughter Annabeth.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Local retired educator, artist, and member of the Edmonson County Arts Guild, Phyllis Miller, was honored by Governor Andy Beshear with her painting being put on display at the state capitol building in Frankfort.

Mrs. Miller submitted her painting “Chaperone Green River Steamboat” for the Fall 2024 Team Kentucky Gallery sponsored by the Governor and First Lady, which was selected to be displayed in the capitol for six months.

"I was invited to an Artists’ Reception by Governor Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear," Mrs. Miller said. "As soon as he walked in the Rotundra and approached me, I told him I had something for him--an Edmonson County Art Guild Historic Calendar, I told him this year was Edmonson County’s Bicentennial." 

Mrs. Miller said the governor was very appreciative, then he and the First Lady met her at the painting for a discussion.

It is the second painting to be accepted onto the gallery from Mrs. Miller.  

"Our Governor is truly a very personable man, kind and thoughtful, this is the third time I have met him," she added.

Mrs. Miller also discussed some current and future projects that are being led by the Arts Guild. The inside of the Community Center entrance, the "welcome center," was repainted with some historic photos on display and the group currently has an historic calendar available.

"After we finished the Welcome Center, we noticed in the hall of the new courthouse the one lone picture of Richie Sanders and decided that hallway needs all people from Edmonson County who have served Edmonson County in Frankfort or Washington D.C. displayed and recognized." We discussed with Judge Scott Lindsey and Representative Michael Meredith, Michael has been wonderful helping us as well as some families we have reached out to.  The pictures are all being touched up and enlarged then matted and framed."

She said a reception would be planned for families of those displayed along with an invitation to the community.

Find out more about the Edmonson County Arts Guild by visiting their Facebook Page here.