Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
​An EC 5/6 Center student was selected as Edmonson County Winner in the “2017-2018 Grandparent of the Year” essay contest sponsored by AARP Kentucky and the Kentucky Retired Teachers’ Association (KRTA), according to a press release by the Edmonson County 5/6 Center.

Addison Browning is among thousands of Kentucky fifth graders who participated in the 17th Annual Essay competition for 2017-2018.  Students submitted essays answering why “My Grandparent should be the AARP Kentucky Grandparent of the Year” to their 5th grade teachers who selected the school winner. 

Each participating school winner and school received recognition certificates.  Because all Edmonson County fifth grade students are in one school building, Addison Browning also is selected as county winner.

As county winner, Addison Browning receives a framed certificate for her efforts, and the essay will be submitted for district competition.  District winners then become eligible to participate in the state finals.  In a recognition ceremony the selected “Grandparent of the Year” and state winner are honored at the Annual KRTA Convention in Louisville on April 24, 2018.  The state winner also receives a $100 award.

​Addison is the daughter of Kish and Julie Browning of Lindseyville.
​
The “AARP Grandparent of the Year” essay contest is organized by local Retired Teacher Association units, who help secure local school participation, promote the activity, and serve as local contest judges. ​

​On Thursday, March 8, 2018, Brownsville VFW Post 6937 will host a “Meet the Candidates” Chili Dinner and auction beginning at 5 pm at the Byrd Center, on 3340 Chalybeate Rd, Smiths Grove, Kentucky 42171. 

​Candidates running for elected office in Edmonson County, supporters, and interested voters are invited to attend, eat chili, listen to the candidates, and participate in a fundraising auction for our VFW Burial Honors Unit. 

The cost will be $5 for a bowl of chili, a hot dog and a drink, and we invite you to bid generously on a variety of items to be auctioned.  So far, at least two of the items include a 12 gauge shotgun and a one year membership to the soon to open, Cave Mountain Clays sporting clays range at the Rockcastle Shooting Center.

Auction proceeds will go towards the purchase of service flags, poles, stands, blank ammunition, and possibly additional service rifles for the Post’s Burial Honors Unit.   

Since June of 2012, Brownsville VFW Post 6937 has provided military honors for 42 area veterans.  This service is free for honorably discharged veterans and can be coordinated through funeral directors throughout the Commonwealth.  Military burial honors date back to the Napoleonic wars when at the end of a battle, by mutual arrangement, the opposing armies would allow burial details to safely recover and bury their dead.  At the conclusion of this sad duty, each side would notify the other of its completion by firing three volleys of rifle fire.  Since the American Civil War, the haunting bugle rendition of Taps has been included.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
​Blue Cap Entertainment in conjunction with the Bowling Green Hot Rods announced today that Big Loud recording artist Jake Owen’s “Life’s Whatcha Make It Tour 2018,” will be making a tour stop to perform at Bowling Green Ballpark on June 30, 2018. Tickets will go on sale starting Friday, March 2nd at 10:00 a.m..

“I really do believe that life’s whatcha make it,” says Owen. “If you wake up feeling positive, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll see things throughout the day in a positive light. I think concerts are like that: it’s what you make it. People show up to have a good time and the artists on stage feel that too. A lot of my songs over the years have pointed to that idea. The fact that we’re playing baseball parks on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer, when people are ready to get out, have a good time, and don’t have to work the next day, is really cool. And, I’m so pumped to have Chris Janson and Jordan Davis on the bill with me. It’s going to be an awesome tour. I’m fired up!”
 
Owen has partnered with CID Entertainment to offer three levels of VIP Ticket Packages on tour. VIP Ticket Packages include a premium concert ticket and exclusive VIP merchandise. Fans can also opt-in to join Jake before the show for a ‘Good Company’ experience where he’ll perform two acoustic songs. Details on the Jake Owen VIP package can be found HERE.

In addition, Owen has been in the recording studio working with award-winning producer Joey Moi, who produced Jake’s biggest hits to date: “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Alone With You,” and “Beachin,’” to name a few. New music from Owen will be available on Wednesday, February 28th, details coming soon.
 
Tickets for this concert can be purchased starting at 10:00am on March 2, 2018 by visiting bghotrods.com, calling 270-901-2121, or in person at the Bowling Green Ballpark Box Office.

Darren Doyle, story:
The Disabled American Veterans membership and Auxiliary, Chapter 32 in Brownsville, has mailed a special statement to the Edmonson Voice for the purpose of thanking the Brownsville and Edmonson County community for their support during 2017.

"Chapter 32 was responsible for $514K of lifetime annual income, education, and healthcare benefits for veterans and their families in Edmonson County and surrounding communities in 2017," the statement read.

According to their letter, the chapter service met with hundreds of veterans and filed 131 compensation claims last year. Because the organization is made up of all volunteers, the group depends heavily on fundraisers that are supported by the local community.

"These statistics are amazing and were the result of a lot of dedicated volunteer hours," read the statement. "The results are 'blessings' to each and every one of our members."

"One particular claim success brings all the blessings to light. An Edmonson County woman came in to inquire about a possible survivor pension for herself. Her husband was a military retiree and was 100% service connected through the Veterans Administration. He died and the VA compensation he was drawing was taken away. She was alone and living on $300 a month and her lodging was being taken care of by a neighbor. She was 85 years old. We submitted a claim for her and it was approved. Her income increased by 5 times. She was so grateful to DAV she baked several cakes for us and delivered them herself."

According to Mike Stoyonovich, who sent the written statement, stories like the local elderly woman's is the reason the local chapter works with veterans and their families to maximize those benefits.

The chapter is located at the corner of Veterans and Washington Streets next to Brownsville City Hall. Meetings with veterans are held on Fridays beginning at 7:30am continue until veterans are gone. Veterans are encouraged to bring DD214 (discharge) and any military records to be evaluated for a possible claim. Donations are always accepted at their PO Box: 
Disabled American Veterans
PO BOX 733
Brownsville KY 42210.  

The statement concluded with "God Bless our Citizens, Veterans, and the United States of America!" 

It takes most high school students more than one try to achieve a suitable score on their ACT, or American College Testing exam, which is the national standard for college admissions in the United States; however, one local seventh grader has raised the bar to an extremely high level for his classmates. 

Brody Johnson, a seventh grade student at Edmonson County Middle School, recently achieved a composite score of 35 on the ACT exam. 

Brody, who is also a member of the ECMS Academic Team, was able to take the exam as a result of scoring in the top 95 percentile on the state standardized test.

According the ACT National Profile Report, the average composite score of the test in 2017 was 21.0. A perfect score is 36. 

ECMS Principal Brandon Prunty discussed Brody's impressive feat.

"Brody is definitely an extraordinary student," he said. "His level of intelligence never ceases to amaze us. To score a 35 composite on the ACT as a seventh grader is unheard of. We're anxious to see what the future hold for Brody and we're very proud of him."

He is scheduled to be recognized at programs at both WKU and Duke University in May. He is the son of Brad and Jodi Johnson of Bee Spring.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:​
Many students in Kentucky public high schools are preparing to take the ACT and many have already taken it at least once. These tips from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) may help students do better on the test.

• Read, read, read. Most of the ACT is based on reading. The more you read, the better you’ll do.
• Take advantage of any free ACT prep courses offered by your school or by local colleges and libraries.
• Take practice tests online or buy practice tests for use at home.
• Familiarize yourself with the sections and directions.
• Get plenty of rest the night before, and eat a good breakfast that morning.
• Remember to take No. 2 pencils and a calculator if your school doesn’t provide them.
• Do the questions you can answer easily first, then come back to the harder questions, especially in the math portion.
• Guess if you have no idea what the answer should be. Guessing doesn’t hurt your score.

KHEAA is the state agency that administers the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES), need-based grants and other programs to help students pay their higher education expenses.
​
For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit www.kheaa.com; write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602; or call 800-928-8926, ext. 6-7214.

submitted flyers:
All proceeds will benefit the Edmonson County High School Lady Cat softball team. Online payments are being accepted through PayPal. Just click on either flyer to email a booster member.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The Edmonson County Board of Education met February 12, 2018 at the EC 5/6 Center where Principal Alan Talley presented the following students with Certificates of Appreciation for their Outstanding Achievements: Tommy Jay Aaron Norris, Ben Edwin Sanders, Emma Grace Sackett, Olivia Claire Stice.

Also recognized for their outstanding dedication and service to the students of Edmonson County were staff members Angie Hughes and Josefina Ashley.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The Edmonson County Board of Education has announced that Board Member Mickey Johnson has completed the KSBA Academy of Studies.

Superintendent Patrick Waddell presented KSBA Academy of Studies Certificates at the February 12, 2018 school board meeting.

"The work of a school board member has become increasingly complex, with its mind-boggling array of roles, responsibilities, laws, regulations and policies," said a statement released from the school board. "The KSBA Academy of Studies guides school board members through the information and skills they need to make their jobs less overwhelming and make them, and their board team, more effective."

According to the board, members are not required to participate in the Academy of Studies; however, the program helps to prepare those who participate to succeed in a new era of high expectations through a comprehensive, realistic and practical curriculum.

"Board members not only gain the knowledge, skills and abilities shared by outstanding members, but also are publicly recognized for their progress toward completion of these skills at KSBA conferences and in KSB publications," the statement said.

Remember these days? Here is a photo of the staff of Wilkes Clinic from 1980, sent to the Edmonson Voice by Mrs. Vanecia Wilson.

Pictured here are: 
Left to right- Linda Saling, Ruby Jaggers, Virginia Proffitt, Thelma Blanton, Dr. Mike Collins, Dr. Marcus Wilkes, Dr. O.N. Bhatt, Mrs. Jean Wilkes, Melody Prunty, Quinton Madison.

Got any old photos from around the county? We'd be glad to share them; just email to: [email protected].

Chris graduated Edmonson County High School in 1990, served three years in the U.S. Army, and went on to work for the park service.

He and his wife Crissy, live in Woodbridge, Virginia, which is near Washington, D.C. He is also the son-in-law of Bruce and Cindy Vincent of the Lincoln community.

BOWLING GREEN, KY – The Bowling Green Hot Rods have announced plans for their upcoming annual Job Fair. The event will take place at Bowling Green Ballpark on Saturday, February 24th, from 10 am until 1 pm. Applicants will be interviewed on the spot, and multiple positions will be available.

“Our Job Fair is crucial to a successful season,” Hot Rods General Manager/COO Eric C. Leach said. “In addition to our full-time staff, we count on numerous quality candidates to fill positions that help bring our fans the best experience in Minor League Baseball.”

Several positions are available, and more details can be found below. Applicants must be 16 years of age in order to work for the Hot Rods.

For more information, or if job applicants would like to fill out an application in advance, they can visit www.bghotrods.com, or stop in the Hot Rods Front Office during normal business hours.

Production Crew:
Official Scorer: Previous experience, attention to detail required, as well as a thorough understanding of the game of baseball and the rules.

Game Day Stringer: Uses MiLB program to input game action on a pitch-by-pitch basis; Baseball knowledge and detail oriented required; training provided.

Camera Operators, Technical Directors, Replay Operators: Set up and take down equipment for games, as well as follow game action; Previous experience required.

Music Operators, Line Score Operators, LED Board/Scoreboard Operators: No previous experience necessary.

Baseball Operations:
Bat Boys: They will work before, during, and after home games, reporting to the Clubhouse manager. Previous experience not required.

Kids Play Area: Positions include attendants at Speed Pitch, Carousel, Prize Wheel, Homer Hole, and Mascot Handler. Opportunity to work special events as well. Previous experience not required.

Ushers/Ticket Takers: In addition to helping fans locate their seats, Ushers will help maintain the cleanliness and policies of Bowling Green Ballpark.

Ballpark Technician: Technicians will assist in clean up, prep, and maintenance in all aspects at Bowling Green Ballpark. This position requires employees to be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Box Office:
Box Office Attendant: Attendants will assist fans purchasing or picking up tickets at the Box Office. Experience with computers and handling cash is a plus.

Grounds Crew and Field:
Grounds Assistants: This position requires lifting up to 50 lbs., and will assist the Head Groundskeeper in maintaining the field and prepping it for Hot Rods games. Previous experience is preferred, but training will be provided.

Pro Sports Catering:
Concessions: Our food and beverage partners, Pro Sports Catering, will be looking for suite attendants, cooks, servers, cashiers, and bar tenders to help serve our fans.

For more information about the Job Fair, please visit www.bghotrods.com or call 270-901-2121.

Seventeen Kyrock Elementary students participated in the schools annual science fair which was held last week. Each student was recognized for their efforts and students from grades Kindergarten through 4th grade took part.

​Most everyone is following the amazing story of Coleton Parsley. Here is an inspiring two-year old video clip recently discovered by his grandparents of Coleton singing "Brave and Strong," two words that describe everything about Coleton. We were asked to share as an inspiration for all and for continued prayers.

Check out this virtual tour of a two bedroom, one bath home available in an upcoming auction from Ken Byrd Realty & Auction: 

Also: don't forget another sale on the same day, just down the road. Check out all the details here:

A drawing for two lower-level tickets for tonight's UK vs. UT basketball game at Rupp Arena was held at the last ECHS home game. 

Shaska Hines, Edmonson County Tourism board member and part of the local Trail Town initiative, held the basket of names while ECHS sophomore volunteer Alex-Shae Horn drew the winner, which was Mr. Richard Patterson.

"On behalf of Edmonson County Tourism, we thank everyone that participated in this fundraiser." said Director Rhonda Clemmons. "We also send a thank you to Senator Steve Meredith, who donated the tickets."