Darren Doyle, story:
Community members are coming together to help a local 6-year old girl who needs a heart transplant.

Brystol Childress, a kindergarten student at South Edmonson Elementary, has already had multiple heart surgeries in her young life. According to her teacher, Mrs. Jessica Madison, Brystol went for a valve replacement surgery where the doctors ran into complications, as part of her heart wasn't properly functioning and she was placed on a machine to help her heart pump correctly.

On Tuesday, February 23rd, Brystol returned to the operating room where the machine was removed and her heart began working on its own. This great news was short lived, as only a couple hours later, medical staff couldn't find a heart rate and had to perform CPR. Brystol was rushed back to the OR where they placed a device in her to keep her heart pumping until she can receive a heart transplant.

Brystol has been placed on the transplant list but needs to gain physical strength before she can receive a new heart.

​You can help Brystol's cause by purchasing a benefit t-shirt that says "#BraveLikeBrystol" that is available by clicking the order form link below: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQ6NKRbRWJkXiHQM6RrJQuSrY-NHU7QX4rq38-z3VbRE9eCA/viewform​

"She and her parents need our prayers," said Mrs. Jessica. "All proceeds from the shirts will be given to the family to help them in this time of need."

She is the daughter of Travis and Rae Childress of Cub Run. ​

Legislators wasted no time passing legislation upon returning to Frankfort for the second part of the session.  The House of Representatives and the Senate voted to override six vetoes issued by Governor Beshear. The legislation vetoed included bills that protect the unborn, better defined legislative and executive branch powers, and help Kentuckians deal with the COVID pandemic. Ordinarily, all six bills would become effective once the Secretary of State signs them because they include emergency clauses. The bills vetoed are the result of months of careful consideration and input from stakeholders and constituents.

The Governor filed a lawsuit challenging three of these bills within minutes of our overrides, so their fate remains in the hands of a Franklin County Circuit Judge. The Judge partially granted Governor Beshear’s request for an injunction by blocking HB 1 for thirty days. The court’s order denied the restraining order and injunctive relief requested by Governor Beshear on SB 1 and 2, which remain law.  HB 1 provides direction to help businesses, schools, nonprofits, and other organizations remain safely open throughout the rest of this pandemic. It gives employers some relief in making their unemployment insurance payments. The measure also includes a provision that ensures visitation opportunities for those in long-term care and children in state custody.  SB 1 balances the need for Kentucky to act quickly in an emergency but ensures that a governor does not overstep his or her authority and attempt to legislate through executive orders. SB 2 prevents the executive branch - including unelected appointees - from using the regulatory process to make laws. 

Lawmakers in more than half the states have filed bills this year to limit the emergency powers of their governors. State legislatures generally took on lesser roles after the pandemic hit. It has been governors or their top health officials who have set many of the policies — imposing mask mandates, limiting public gatherings and shutting down churches, dine-in restaurants, gyms, hair salons, and other businesses. Kentucky is so diverse that a one size fits all approach does not work for our state. Those of us who call Southcentral Kentucky home have different life demands than those who live in Louisville and Lexington. I certainly see the need for a quick response but also want to move toward a system where one or two people don’t have the ability to dictate the terms of everyone’s life without input from constituents. 

We are still reviewing all budget options that will address the economic, educational, and financial fallout from the COVID pandemic. I fundamentally believe that state spending should reflect our commitment to responsibly invest tax dollars into programs that benefit the people of Kentucky while being conservative and using federal money wisely because it is one-time money and we have too many struggling Kentuckians for it to be wasted.  Typically, the budget covers two fiscal years, but it would have been irresponsible to adopt a two-year plan when we had no idea what COVID would do to our state’s resources or needs. The plan we craft this session will guide state spending from July 1, 2021 until June 31, 2022. The Consensus Forecasting Group, who makes the projections used for state budget development, provided some positive news, as they believe that the state’s General Fund receipts will increase $17 million to $11.729 billion for the current fiscal year. They also estimate an increase of $53 million for the 2022 fiscal year, which covers the budget we will pass this session. While this is good news, I cannot stress enough that this is only an estimate, and it is based on a lot of variables.

The pandemic has shed light on the different struggles our citizens are faced with, providing us the opportunity to positively impact Kentuckians with legislation that will have long term impacts.  HB 7 creates an advisory council that will create a Recovery Ready Certification for Kentucky communities.  The council will be tasked with coming up with standards for communities looking to help those recovering from substance abuse as well as providing guidance to communities in developing high-quality recovery programs. By putting this council in place, state and local governments can work together to get the most out of every resource available for recovery. Another measure aimed at helping Kentuckians during the pandemic is HB 10. The bill creates layers of protection for business owners, schools, local governments, medical procedures, religious entities, and individuals in the event of COVID-19 related litigation. Small businesses are the foundation of this Commonwealth. Sadly, many have closed while others are barely hanging on. This measure eliminates the barrier of COVID-related liability for businesses as they are trying to rebuild.

Finally, I would like to explain why I voted to pass SB 120. The bill seeks to keep historical horse racing machines operating in the state by changing the statutory definition of pari-mutuel wagering to include them. Kentucky’s historic horse racing facilities have been operating for over a decade and have brought significant investment and revenue to increase purses in races which has helped our horse industry from the owners and trainers to farmers and other suppliers.  Several tracks would have closed and thousands of jobs would have been lost at the facilities had we not passed SB 120.  At a time when thousands of people are on unemployment because of the pandemic, and many have been unable to access the benefits they are entitled to, I find it unconscionable for us to take a vote that would add to these numbers.  In addition to the jobs that would have been lost at these facilities, thousands of other jobs across the state’s signature horse industry would have been lost.  Over 60, 000 horse farms would have been negatively impacted if the measure had not passed and millions of dollars of tax revenue would have disappeared as well.
​
We are going to make each of the days we have left count so that your voice is heard. Over the next few weeks, I will continue to update you on our progress. In the meantime, I can be reached here at home anytime, or through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. If you would like more information, please visit the legislature's website at www.legislature.ky.gov or you can email me at [email protected]. 

by Senator Steve Meredith:
Severe winter weather here in the Commonwealth has left thousands without electricity and some without heat. It is my sincere hope that you and your family remain safe and warm. I stay inspired by the committed work of our linemen and road workers who brave the elements to keep the world turning for all of us. Also deserving of credit are local officials who have taken the necessary action to provide a local response amid power outages and, of course, our first responders who remain on duty rain, sleet, or shine.

Due to the condition of roadways and low temperatures, official legislative work was postponed this week. The safety of staff and members were prioritized. Rather than getting on treacherous roads, meetings were held virtually, and work was done remotely where it could be. No committee meetings were held, nor was there any activity in the House or Senate chambers. The General Assembly is scheduled to reconvene on Monday, February 22, at 4:00 p.m.

Even though the session was postponed, the legislature remains to focus on its efforts.  I look forward to returning to Frankfort this week to continue working on your behalf.

A significant development we learned about recently is yet again related to the tens of thousands of outstanding unemployment claims that have yet to be resolved. During such inclement weather, I cannot help but think about the individuals who have struggled to pay their bills and who have not received the unemployment benefits that would allow them to do so.

A recent report published by the Kentucky State Auditor found over 400,000 emails sent to the administration that have yet to be opened. There are no doubt people here in our district whose claims have yet to receive attention. Additionally, it appears some payments were back-dated, and some folks received benefits for which they did not qualify. The full report lists additional findings. You can find it at auditor.ky.gov.

I know many people continue to struggle, and severe weather only serves to make life more difficult. Please know that you remain in my prayers. Do not hesitate to reach out to my office if I can be of any assistance to you. Be sure to follow severe weather safety tips. By visiting kyem.ky.gov, you can find helpful information as to how to prepare for bad weather. Join me in continued prayer for our local road department workers, linemen, first responders, and everyone who may be struggling right now. I trust that brighter and warmer days are ahead of us.

If you have any questions or comments about these issues or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me [email protected].

In recognition of National FFA Week, Edmonson County Judge Executive recently signed a proclamation on behalf of the ECHS group. The event was declared for the week of February 20th through February 27, 2021.

ECHS FFA students who attended the signing were Taylor Atwell - Historian, Danyale Atwell-Treasurer, Hayley Lindsey-Vice President, Morgan Vincent-Reporter, Moran Tucci-President, and Dalton Curtis-Sentinel.

​Taylor Atwell - 3rd place - 10th Grade Agriscience
Danyale Atwell - 4th place - 11th Grade Agriscience
Josiah Prewitt - 5th place - 11th Grade Social Studies
Grant Merideth - 3rd place - Division 1 Speech
Alyssa Doyle - 5th place - Solo, Duo, Trio
Meredith Hennion - 3rd place - Jewelry - Division 2
Cam Lich - 1st place - Woodworking - Division 1
Dalton Curtis - 3rd place - Woodworking - Division 2
Ava Lich - 4th place - Three-dimensional Design

Paid advertisement:

​Click the ad to visit their Facebook Page:

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
As we've all heard it said before, miracles happen everyday, and the Childress family will tell you that they now know first hand. After being hospitalized and in therapy for over a month after a near-fatal stroke, Sarah Childress returned home to Edmonson County today to a celebration thrown by family and friends.

Not just the majority of Edmonson County has pulled together in prayer and thoughts for the family, but also surrounding counties, multi-states, and even other countries have lifted them up in prayer. 

Things looked bleak for Sarah after she suffered a stroke due to a venous vein blood clot in her brain on January 12th. The 38-year old mother and real estate agent (who turns 39 on Monday) continues to fight her way back to normal. Her husband, Jarrid, discussed the ordeal.

"We didn't know the severity of the stroke at the time, when we were in Bowling Green," he said. "Then the decision was made to do surgery on her but we had to wait on the doctors. They flew her out of there to Norton's in Louisville but then the doctors said the surgery was too risky. That's when they told us that if she woke up at all, it would be 2 to 3 months later, but that's when people started praying."

Family members began contacting everyone they could reach and started asking for prayers. Churches, other families, and people everywhere began praying for Sarah. Not only were the prayers going up, but they were also getting through.

"She had wiggled a leg here and there, but she hadn't woke up," Jarrid said. "It was on that 7th morning that I looked over at her and her eyes were open. I didn't know what to say or do at first, but I asked her, 'can you hear me?' And she nodded 'yes'. I ran and got the nurse and they couldn't believe it. They started giving her commands and she was just amazing everybody in the hospital. From that point on, she just started improving every day. Sometimes it seemed like leaps and bounds. The doctor came in and told me that people die from this stroke. He said it was truly a miracle from God because medically, he couldn't explain it any other way. She wasn't supposed to come out of it, but she did. To hear this doctor say this just hit me hard."

Sarah still has a long way to go on her way to recovery. She'll be undergoing therapy three days a week and will require around-the-clock care, but her family, who has been by her side the entire way, are still there to help out and offer whatever they can. Different family members had their faith increased when they'd hear from folks assuring them that God had heard their prayers. Sarah's sister-in-law, Lindsey Skaggs even had her own promise from God that Sarah would be ok. These are the things that the family said got them through the darkest times. 

Sarah's parents, Steve and Jill Skaggs also discussed their journey thus far.

"We have to thank everyone for their prayers and for everything you've done," Steve said. "You know, I know some people won't understand this, but I'm glad God picked our family for this. I thought about Mary and Martha and how sad they were when Lazarus died. But when the Lord delivered their family for the glory of God, can you imagine how they felt? The Lord picked them to bless and that's how we feel. Sure, it's been hard and we have a long way to go, but how uplifting it is to see prayers answered and to know that God brought her home."

Jill said it wasn't just folks praying for them, but it was the continuous prayers that got them through.

"People didn't just pray, they stayed in prayer," she said. "People from all over were praying for us and it wasn't just a one-time thing. They kept on sending prayers and we could feel them. We could feel them when the doctors said there wasn't any hope. We know God was hearing those prayers."

Jill also thanked the caregivers for Sarah during her ordeal.

"All the people in charge of her care were so good to her. They loved her. They cried with her and they cheered with her."

While the family continues to hold each other up, Jill said they've learned many things and seen wonderful works.

"How could anyone not see God for who He is and that He is a miracle worker?" she asked. "Because He is." 

The family asks for continued prayer as Sarah begins the next phase of her recovery, which includes therapy, motor skill rehab, and relearned habits. Her speech and motor skills are still very slow but the family remains optimistic about where things are headed. After all, she wasn't even supposed to live through the stroke.

"We can't say thank you enough," Jarrid said. "There's just no words that I can come up with. Even the word "miracle" doesn't say it. We wouldn't be where we are today without everyone's prayers."

by Senator Steve Meredith:
​Through icy road conditions and frigid temperatures, the Kentucky General Assembly completed another 3-days of legislative business in Frankfort. I hope you have remained safe during the winter weather that’s rolled into the bluegrass recently. Join me in taking a moment to thank the fantastic folks who have braved it to keep our lights on and our roads clear.

Amid ongoing budget discussions, key legislation to address challenges facing our state continues through the legislative process here in Frankfort. Several priority measures have already passed this session, including Senate Bills (SB) 1 and 2, and House Bills (HB) 1, 2, 3, and 5.

Another priority bill came one step closer to join that list this week after it cleared a Senate committee with approval.

• Senate Bill 5 aims to reassure many sectors of our society as they continue to navigate in the era of COVID-19. It would provide liability protection for everyone who owns, leases, or controls premises that the public enters to obtain goods or services or to conduct activities. If passed, public and private schools, churches, entertainment/sports venues, government agencies, homeowners, and more would be provided liability protection. SB 5, however, would not protect any business or other organization that acts grossly, negligently, or with malice regarding safety requirements.

The bill outlines services that may prove essential during a given state of emergency. We have all gained a greater appreciation for the various sectors in our society that are essential, even if only to an individual reliant on them. Business owners and employees have experienced the stresses of meeting safety guidelines while still earning enough to keep doors open and bills paid. Under SB 5, those individuals and businesses providing services would be protected from liability during a formal state of emergency and for a year after the emergency is declared.

Additional legislation receiving passage in the Senate included:

• SB 16 updates the Colon Cancer Screening Program with its fund and advisory committee to include "and Prevention" in the title. It requires funds from the sale of special cancer prevention license plates to be directed to the program fund and used solely for colon cancer screening and prevention. The bill also updates the membership of the program's advisory committee. It requires the Department for Medicaid Services to present statistics on cancer services related to colorectal cancer annually and upon request.

Kentucky has done an excellent job in recent years on the cancer screening and prevention front. We were once ranked 49th in this area and have reached a ranking as high as 17th. We currently rank about 22nd. More work is left to do in our ongoing fight against cancer, but I am pleased that we are re-strategizing our efforts through improved legislation such as this. 

• SB 29 provides Kentucky's Attorney General, Commonwealth Attorneys, and County Attorneys security against financial liability resulting from their sworn duties' performance to prosecute state law. Losses would be compensated by funds appropriated to the Finance & Administration Cabinet.
• SB 36 removes the automatic transfer of a child from a district court to a circuit court to be tried as an adult in cases involving the use of firearms. The bill brings juvenile cases involving a gun in alignment with the standards applied to any other juvenile case. It would require the district court to consider whether or not the child has a severe intellectual disability, as well.
• SB 73 extends the timeline for action for the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights in cases before them. Currently, the commission is struggling with caseloads that staffing levels are not fully able to manage.
• SB 74 renames the current Office on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders to the Office of Dementia Services. The bill serves to elevate dementia-related services within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). Additionally, it updates the membership and duties of the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Advisory Council.
• SB 80 strengthens oversight of peace officers who conduct themselves in a criminal or unprofessional way by easing a council’s ability to revoke certification. The bill also puts in place hiring procedures that will help ensure an officer avoids consequences by leaving one agency to work for another.
• SB 84 provides women in state correctional facilities who are pregnant with an understanding of the community-based resources available to them by connecting them with social workers to help in the child's placement. This bill ends placing pregnant inmates, or those within six weeks of delivery of the child, in solitary confinement. I consider this a pro-life measure. We must keep the best interest of an innocent child in mind.
• SB 120 allows for the continuation of historical horse racing gambling following a Supreme Court of Kentucky ruling that this gaming was incompatible with the definition of pari-mutuel wagering. I voted "no" on this bill for two significant reasons. First, I think this process is wrong. According to Section 226 of our state constitution, only the lottery and charitable gaming are permitted in Kentucky. The appropriate approach to achieving this bill's goal is to amend the Constitution of Kentucky. That would have to occur by placing an amendment on voters' next general election ballot to decide. The Kentucky Lottery was established in this manner back in 1988. It is only appropriate we apply that standard to other forms of gambling. The only way this issue finally gets settled is when the people of Kentucky get to voice their opinion.

Opposition to the process notwithstanding, I opposed SB 120 because I believe the government's endorsement of this destructive addiction is wrong. It is harmful to communities and preys on the poor who pray they will win big, yet rarely do. Gambling ruins lives and is a regressive tax on those financially struggling. Finally, I see this bill as a step toward further expansion of forms of gambling. It provides no reassurances. SB 120 is likely to be challenged in court.

I look forward to keeping you updated through the remainder of the session. God Bless!

If you have any questions or comments about these issues or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me [email protected].

Bank of Edmonson County has announced that they will be closing all locations today, February 11, 2021 at 2pm. 

​

Edmonson Voice Report:
The Edmonson County Middle School competed in the middle school district and regional tournaments in January.  Both competitions were held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

At the district tournament, the quick recall team played a much improved Henry F. Moss Middle School from Warren County.  Edmonson County won the game 38 - 22 to advance to the district finals.  In the finals, the team played Moss Middle School again.  The Wildcats held off a late run by the dragons to win the quick recall championship 32 - 25.  

The team also competed in written assessment competitions.  Brayden Johsnon placed first in language arts and arts & humanities.  Ian Dooley placed 4th in social studies.  Ace Daugherty placed 3rd in mathematics and 5th in social studies. Thomas James placed 2nd in science and 3rd in social studies.  All of these students advanced to the regional tournament in their written assessment tests.  With the combined points from quick recall and written assessment, the team finished as district runners-up to St. Joseph School from Bowling Green.

At the regional tournament, the quick recall team endured a gauntlet of tough games.  In round 1, the Wildcats faced Auburn Middle School from Logan County.  It was a sluggish game, with both teams making runs in the game.  The final tally had Edmonson County winning 24 - 17.  

The round 2 opponent for Edmonson County were the Purples of Bowling Green Junior High School.  Their team is very well coached and always extremely tough.  The Wildcats played their best game from start to finish in this contest to defeat Bowling Green 37 - 14.  

After a bye in round 3, Edmonson County played Glasgow Middle School.  After a hot start by the Scotties of Glasgow, Edmonson County came back with a fury.  Even though they trailed Glasgow 15 - 13 at halftime, they used their momentum to take the lead in the 2nd half of play.  The Scotties had a late run, but Edmonson County never lost their composure and they extended the lead to win the game 34 - 27.  This win put Edmonson County in the regional finals where they secured a spot in the Kentucky Academic State Tournament for the tenth consecutive year.

In the finals, Edmonson County played a red-hot team from South Warren Middle School.  South Warren had lost earlier in the day to Glasgow, but had advanced through the losers’ bracket to get back to the finals.  In the first game of the finals, South Warren handed the Wildcats their first loss 38 - 20.  This forced an if needed round where the winner was the champion and the losing team were the runners-up.  This contest was back and forth the entire match.  In the end, the Spartans defeated the Wildcats 33 - 29, but both teams will advance to the state tournament to represent region 5.  

“I am extremely proud of my kids,” said Coach Nick Skaggs. “Making it to the state tournament is a major accomplishment.  The kids showed great composure throughout the entire day and they are continuing to get better each week.  We will continue to work and we will be ready for the teams we will face at state.” Coach Skaggs continued. 

The state tournament quick recall team members are Brayden Johnson, Ian Dooley, Ace Daugherty, Thomas James, and Emberlei Stevens. 

In written assessment competitions, Brayden Johnson advanced to the state tournament after he won the language arts regional championship and finished 2nd in arts & humanities.  With the quick recall and written assessment points, the team finished 3rd overall behind only South Warren and Bowling Green.  The state tournament will be played online this year March 13 - 15.  ​

submitted by Julia Wilson, Edmonson County Extension Office:
Extreme winter weather can leave communities without utilities or other services for long periods of time--- as many of us remember from the 2009 ice storm. Preparing before the storm arrives helps reduce the stress you and your family could experience. Taking time to prepare now prevents dangerous trips to the store once the storm hits.

• Do you have a safe alternative source of heat if you lose power?
• Do you have fuel for any generators you may be using? Use generators outside only and away from windows.
• Charge any devices you may need such as cell phones, tablets, laptops, portable battery packs etc. Turn down the dimness to save battery life.
• Check flashlights and headlamps to make sure the batteries are good.
• Do a couple loads of laundry to ensure your family has clean towels and clothes if needed.
• Inexpensive solar garden lights can be a great way to light up your home at night without the risk of burning candles or oil lamps.
• Have paper plates, plastic cups and utensils,  and paper towels on hand  so you don’t have to worry about washing as many dishes.
• According to the USDA, a refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
• If food in your freezer thaws it may be safely refrozen if the food still contains ice crystals or is at 40 °F or below.
• Have a cooler and frozen gel packs handy in case you have to remove your food from the refrigerator to keep it cold.
• Fill the gas tank in your car.
• Have some cash in small bills. If you do go out stores and business may not be able to process debit and credit cards.
• Do you have some forms of entertainment that don’t require electricity like board games, puzzles,  and books?
• How will you cook or warm food? Remember camping stoves should not be used indoors because of carbon monoxide.

 
Check or create an emergency kit. Items to have in an emergency kit:

• Water, at least a gallon per person, per day for 3 days. Don’t forget pets too!
• Easy to prepare shelf stable food like cereal, boxed milk, peanut butter, crackers, soups, canned meat such as tuna, salmon and chicken.
• Manual can opener if you rely on an electric one.
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries for flashlights
• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Flashlights
• Pet and service animal supplies
• Baby supplies if needed (formula, diapers, etc.)
• Basic toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, soap, baby wipes)
• Toilet paper and garbage bags

 
For more information, contact the Extension Office, or visit www.ready.gov/winter-weather

T-shirt orders placed from the #SarahStrong benefit will be picked up this Saturday, February 6, 2021 located at Mutts n' Suds, in the Main Street Center in Brownsville.

Pickup time for this Saturday will be 10am to 2pm. 

Please share with everyone and after receiving your shirt, show your support and tag #SarahStrong on your social media.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Due to many Brownsville City employees being out due to COVID, city trash customers will have their trash collected on Thursday, February 4th, only, according to a statement released from City Hall.

The statement said the city has contracted the pickup with Scott Waste and they can only complete pickup on the one day.​

Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are excited to return to Kentucky, where they plan to film episodes of the hit series American Pickers throughout the area in mid-February 2021.

In a press release, the organization stated that crews will be utilizing all virus pandemic safety measures.

AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on History. The hit show follows Mike and Frank, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They known for finding sizeable, unique collections and learning the interesting stories behind them.

"As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, the Pickers want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. The pair hopes to give historically significant objects a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way," the group said.

​"Mike and Frank have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them. AMERICAN PICKERS is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send us your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to: [email protected] or call 855-OLD-RUST. facebook: @GotAPick"