by Barbara Johnson, Edmonson County Conservation Office
If you’re like most of us, you don’t have extra money to throw away. Even so, that’s what some people do when they don’t test the soil in their gardens or on their farms before buying lime and fertilizer. In fact, having your soil test done through a reputable soil-testing laboratory might not only be the best way to ensure success with your garden or crops but save a lot of money as well. Soil testing is offered at most fertilizer plants, garden centers and at the Edmonson County UK Extension office.

Soil testing can help you save money in your lawn, garden or on the farm, and grow healthier plants by telling you which nutrients are already in your soil and which ones you need to add with either natural or synthetic fertilizers. One of the most important things a soil test measures is your soil’s pH, or how acidic or basic your soil is. Soils in our area vary anywhere from 4.2 (very acidic) to 8.4 (basic) or higher.

Most plants prefer to grow in soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5, though there are some notable exceptions like blueberries, which prefer a soil pH around 4.5. Over fertilization is one of the worst things you can do for the environment, as runoff is a major pollutant in Kentucky’s waterways.

This year, Edmonson County Conservation District has received funding through an Environmental grant from the Kentucky Division of Conservation for soil testing reimbursement.  We are offering up to $7.00 reimbursement per soil test from any vendor with receipt. We are offering reimbursement for 1 test per household per year, and for our agriculture producers with farm numbers, up to 5 tests per year.  

​To receive reimbursement, bring your receipt along with your name and address by the Edmonson County Conservation District Office at 100 Washington St. Brownsville, and a check will be mailed to you. This offer is only open to citizens of Edmonson County while funds are available.

•  Use a soil-sampling probe, an auger, a spade or shovel.
• Tools should be either stainless steel or chrome-plated. Do not use brass, bronze, or galvanized tools because they will contaminate samples with copper and/or zinc.
• If a shovel or a spade is used, dig a V-shaped hole to sample depth (4-6’’), then cut a thin slice. Take several samples for each area
• Mix soil cores for each sample in a clean, plastic bucket. If the bucket has been used to hold fertilizer or other chemicals, wash it thoroughly before using it for soil samples.

For more information on collecting soil samples stop by the Edmonson County UK Extension Office on Mohawk St. in Brownsville phone: 270-597-3628 for more information on the reimbursement program call the Conservation District Office at 270-597-2761.

by Senator Steve Meredith:
​Visits from advocacy groups, a ceremonial bill signing, and rallies in the Capitol Rotunda, along with the bipartisan passage of bills, marked a busy Week Four of the 2017 Legislative Session. We were excited to welcome the children of Kentucky National Guard members from across the state for the First Annual Kentucky Military Kids Day. It was an honor to host these families who have sacrificed so much to serve our state and our country.
 
On February 20 we observed President’s Day, also celebrated as President George Washington’s birthday. Governor Matt Bevin ceremonially signed Senate Bill (SB) 3 this week. The bill, which easily passed both chambers during the first week of January, provides transparency for taxpayers by making legislative pensions public. We also introduced the “Sunny Page” Program this week, which encourages special needs students from across the state to page in the Senate and be a part of the legislative process.
 
In addition to all these events, we spent a large amount of time in committees and passing bills on the floor. Friday marked day 18 of 30 of the 2017 Session, so the window of time to pass legislation is closing. We passed quite a few important bills through the Senate, including:

• Senate Bill 8 defunds organizations that fund abortions, such as Planned Parenthood;
• Senate Bill 21 allows for the use of experimental treatments not yet approved by the FDA if the patient is diagnosed with a terminal illness;
• Senate Bill 107 gives the General Assembly a check-and-balance means of ensuring balanced boards of postsecondary institutions. This is another step to ensure the leadership at our state universities follow the law and act in the best interest of the students.
• Senate Bill 122 establishes a Gold Star Sons and Gold Star Daughters special license plate for children of the armed forces who were killed overseas;
• Senate Bill 153 establishes a comprehensive funding model for the allocation of state funds to public universities based on student success, course completion, and other components. This bill encourages universities to focus on the long-term success and preparedness of their students.
• Senate Bill 159 requires all public high school students to pass a civics test in order to receive a regular diploma. This passing score would be a minimum of 60 percent and the questions would be pulled from the test required of all people seeking to become U.S. citizens.

 
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, and your ideas for the future of our commonwealth. It is an honor to represent you in the State Senate.
 
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 [email protected].  You can also review the Legislature’s work online at www.lrc.ky.gov.

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by Officer Bradley J. McCoy
The unseasonably warm weather we are experiencing has many people expanding their outdoor time much earlier than usual.  With the warm weather, anglers across the Commonwealth are venturing out to their favorite fishing holes hoping to reel in some tasty filets or simply enjoy some fresh air.  However, before you “wet a line,” be sure you have the necessary licenses to keep you legal.
 
All hunting and fishing licenses expire the last day of February every year.  All persons hunting or fishing are required to have in their possession a valid license unless they are exempt.  Some examples of exempt individuals include resident landowners and their dependents hunting or fishing on their own property and resident servicemen on furlough for more than three days (must carry proof of furlough).  (See the new Fishing and Boating Guide for all exemptions.)  Young people under the age of 16 are exempt from the fishing license requirement.
 
The Department of Fish and Wildlife offers many options for hunters and anglers alike to satisfy their license requirements.  A resident fishing license can be purchased from a licensed agent or online at fw.ky.gov for $20.  For those who hunt and fish, a combination license is available for $30.  A Sportsmen License, which includes hunting, fishing, deer permit, turkey permit, state migratory bird permit, and trout permit, is a good deal for only $95. 

To purchase your license online, click here for all the details.
 
The money you spend on your licenses helps support the wildlife in the Commonwealth.  This money is used to build ramps, stock fish, purchase wildlife management areas, and enforce the fish and game laws.  The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife receives no general tax fund dollars.  If you have any questions or would like to report a Fish and Wildlife crime, please call 1-800-25-ALERT.

by Greg Hudson
On Saturday, February 11, 2017 the local Baseball and Softball board finished building the batting cages at Highway 70 Sports Complex while the Disc Golf Club made improvements to the trail system and Disc Golf course at Chalybeate Springs Sports Complex.

Both projects were made possible by the cooperation and partnership that has been established between the Baseball and Softball Board, Disc Golf Club and the Parks and Recreation Department. Parks and Rec would like to thank both groups for following through on their commitment to make improvements to our parks.

The Parks and Recreation Department will continue to provide quality programs and form partnerships that will benefit all who use our parks. Our partnership with the Baseball and Softball Board and Disc Golf Club are an example of what can be accomplished when we work together. Thank you again to the Baseball and Softball Board and Disc Golf Club and all who donated equipment or volunteered your time to this project. Job well done!
​
Upcoming Events
What:              Pitch, Hit, and Run Competition for 7 – 14 year old boys and girls
When:             Saturday, 25 March 2017
Where:           Highway 70 Sports Complex, Brownsville
Time:              9:00am Registration
Cost:               Free
 
What:              Spring Cleaning Yard Sale
When:             Saturday, 1 April 2017
Where:           Chalybeate Springs Sports Complex, Chalybeate
Time:              8:00am – 1:00pm
Cost:               $10 per 10X10 booth space
 
What:              2nd Annual Parks and Recreation Easter Egg Hunt for 0-12 year old boys and girls
When:             Saturday, 8 April 2017
Where:           Highway 70 Sports Complex, Brownsville
Time:              11:00am
Cost:               Free

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to sell your equipment at the upcoming Big South Realty and Auction consignment auction on March 25, at 9am! Deadline is March 1, 2017. The auction will be live and simulcast. Check out all the details in the flyer:

by Senator Steve Meredith:
​A wide array of bills were heard in committees and voted out of the Senate in a busy and exciting third week of the 2017 Session. Because this year’s 30-day meeting of the Kentucky General Assembly is considered a “short session,” we make sure we maximize our time here in Frankfort.
 
We passed nearly 20 bills this week with topics ranging from tobacco use on school property to campaign finance reform to transportation issues. One of the most noteworthy bills, however, is Senate Bill (SB) 14, which strengthens penalties for trafficking in heroin. Kentucky made national news these past few weeks for the rash of devastating overdoses that occurred. In Louisville, for example, there were over 50 overdoses in a 32-hour period—a number that was previously unheard of. People dealing heroin are dealing in death, and they must be stopped.
 
Another important piece of legislation the Senate passed this week was SB 1, which is comprehensive education reform that is desperately needed to help our school system. With approval from teachers, administrators, and other education stakeholders from across the commonwealth, SB 1 allows teachers to teach and returns control to our local districts. I am happy to report this bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support and is now heading to the House for consideration.
 
We also passed SB 117, which would allow a veteran with a bachelor's degree in any area to be issued a provisional teaching certificate if other criteria are met. This legislation would ultimately make it easier for veterans to teach in a classroom. I am dedicated to helping our veterans easily integrate back into the workplace, and this bill is one tool in the toolbox to do just that.
 
The Senate has already started to receive House bills, and we have sent Senate bills to the House for their approval. Many of you have already reached out to me regarding certain pieces of legislation, and I appreciate your input and concerns. I urge you to continue making your voices heard in Frankfort.  
 
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 [email protected].  You can also review the Legislature’s work online at www.lrc.ky.gov.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report: 
A special retirement ceremony was held for longtime Edmonson EMS worker Danny Goins, who retired after 30 years working with Edmonson County Emergency Services.

Edmonson EMS hosted the event this past Sunday at the Edmonson County Public Library as tons of family, friends, and co-workers past and present stopped by to wish Danny a happy retirement.​

He became an EMT in 1986 then furthered his education and became a paramedic in 1988. In addition, he also served as Assistant Director under Pat Prunty and as 911 supervisor and training officer.

​Danny also served on the Chalybeate Fire Department from 1981-2000, and served as assistant chief under Terry Massey.

​Danny served his entire 30 year career in Edmonson County.

You already know they have awesome barbeque, but did you know they now offer fresh donuts? Check out the latest from our friends at Walden's Barbeque!

The 2017 Little League Baseball/Softball program is about to begin and sign-ups are going on now. Download the forms below for free and turn them in to a Baseball/Softball board member either by in person or by mail.

Board members will be at Little League Basketball games Thursday and Friday, Feb 16, 17, at both Kyrock and South Edmonson Elementary during games at 6pm and 7pm, and will be at SEES on Saturday, Feb 18, from 10am-12pm, and at the EC 5/6 center on Saturday from 9am to 12pm.

You can also mail your paperwork to:
Edmonson County Parks & Rec
PO BOX 93
Brownsville, KY 42210

You can download the form below in either .PDF format or .DOC

Check out this great deal now offered by Jacob's Home Furnishings: 36 month of zero interest! All the info is in the ad below, or click ad to visit their Facebook page:

​Edmonson Voice Staff Report
Darlene Vincent, photos:
Mckenzie Vincent (15) took part at the recent Lonestar Rodeo in Bowling Green this past Saturday, February 11, 2017.

She is the daughter of Danny and Darlene Vincent and a member of the Edmonson County Pony Express 4-H Horse Club and the Edmonson County Saddle Club. 

This marked the fourth time she was part of the rodeo and this year's event was Lonestar's 35th year. She specializes in the cowgirl barrels.