by Maurita Miller, DAV Auxiliary:
The DAV and Auxiliary's program to honor Vietnam War Memorial Day was postponed due to the COVID-19 public restrictions. DAV Chapter #32 Commander Jack Hasty, #32 Adjutant and KY State Jr. Vice-Commander Mike Stoyonovich, are shown placing the wreath in honor of the Vietnam War Veterans on the National Day of Remembrance, March 29th. We sincerely appreciate the beautiful wreath, designed in Vietnam War colors - yellow, red and green, and donated by Madison's Flowers. Another program date will be set to honor the Vietnam Veterans, and will be announced when the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Please know the DAV and Auxiliary appreciates all Veterans, no matter when or where served, Thank You.
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Bank of Edmonson County has released an announcement regarding temporary suspension of their Saturday hours. Bank of Edmonson County has been monitoring the impact that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having on a global level, across America and most importantly, right here at home. Please know that we place the highest level of importance on the safety of our employees, families, clients and everyone with whom we do business. by Senator Steve Meredith:
As we continue to learn more about the COVID-19 pandemic with each passing day, I am proud to see how Kentuckians are responding. Even while implementing safety precautions such as “social distancing” that physically keep us apart, we are pulling together like never before in order to fight this invisible enemy. Our motto has never been more evident: “United we stand, divided we fall.” Members of the Kentucky General Assembly returned to Frankfort on Thursday with the primary goal of advancing the state’s biennial budget plan. While negative economic impacts due to the coronavirus are inevitable, I am confident in the legislature’s ability to reconcile political differences and craft a balanced two-year financial plan for the Commonwealth. The budget conference committee began meeting this week. This bipartisan and bicameral group is tasked with reexamining the current budget document and determining the most financially responsible avenue moving forward, given the economic climate. To get a clearer view of what the state’s financial future could look like, the committee heard a report from the State Budget Director, who offered a less than optimistic projection with an estimated $300 million in revenue losses over the next two years. These difficult financial conversations and budget revisions will be ongoing until a final version of the budget is agreed upon. We are constitutionally required to pass a budget prior to adjourning the legislative session. Therefore, it is anticipated that both chambers will vote on the finalized budget bill when we reconvene on our next legislative day on Wednesday, April 1. We will be in veto recess until the session’s final days on April 14 and 15. There are many ways for you to stay informed on legislative happenings as we continue our work in Frankfort. To see the daily meeting schedule with links to livestreams visit: LRC: legislature.ky.gov (link to watch is on the homepage). KET: ket.org/legislature I understand that these are troubling times, and it feels like there are more questions than answers. However, I believe it is important that all Kentuckians are informed of the resources that have been made available to help with any questions or concerns that you may have. I would ask for your assistance in sharing this information with those in your community as well. The COVID-19 hotline is still available to those in need: 1 (800) 722-5725. They ask that you first review their website, kycovid19.ky.gov, before calling. Guidance and updated information is being provided as it becomes available. The Education & Workforce Development Cabinet is working expeditiously to better serve those who have been displaced from work during this time. To expedite the process, Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims will be filed on a specific day of the week based on the first letter of your last name: Sunday: A – D Monday: E – H Tuesday: I – L Wednesday: M – P Thursday: Q – U Friday: V – Z (And all who missed their day) Please be on the lookout for UI information and other updates from the cabinet via social media and its website: www.kcc.ky.gov. As we maneuver through the final legislative days of the 2020 Regular Session, I encourage you to utilize resources mentioned to stay updated on the coronavirus situation and budget discussions. Take care of each other and stay healthy. It is an honor to represent you in Frankfort. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at 1-800-372-7181 or email me at [email protected]. I invite you to reach out to me on any other matter of importance to you as well. Don’t forget; you can also review the Legislature’s work online at www.legislature.ky.gov. Edmonson Voice Staff Report: Two local businesses have teamed up to help a number of kids in Edmonson County. Patrick Merritt, CEO of A Plus Family Healthcare in Brownsville, said he was contacted by local Girl Scout Troop 1591 with a bit of a problem. "The COVID-19 scare is affecting everyone," he said. "Because of closures and restrictions, the girl scouts were unable to set up outside of stores like they normally do to sell their cookies. This is a huge part of their organization and they were stuck with hundreds of boxes. They called us and asked if we would buy some." That's when Merritt got the idea to find a partner and buy all of the remaining boxes they had. "We called next door to Alford's Pharmacy and told them we wanted to partner with them to buy all the remaining cookies and donate them back to the kids in our county," he said. Alford's Pharmacy agreed and the Girl Scouts' supply was erased in one sale. Merritt said 120 of the boxes were donated to the Edmonson County Backpack Program and the remaining boxes are going to be distributed to other needs in the county.
"We thought this small gesture could make a positive impact on many different kids during these difficult times," he said. "People are concerned, some are worried. Sometimes a simple box of cookies can do us all a lot of good." Alford's Pharmacy and Drive-Thru CEO Kasey Alford has released a letter to the public to the Edmonson Voice regarding one of their employees that has tested positive for COVID-19. In the letter, Alford says the employee is neither a resident of Edmonson County, nor had any contact with any patient of the pharmacy. The entire letter is published below: To our customers, community, and friends, Encourages Community To Show Appreciation Darren Doyle, story:
When you hear the term "first responders," you know fire, medical, and law enforcement personnel are the ones being referenced. They are the first ones that respond to the emergencies people face every day. The COVID-19, or coronavirus scare of 2020 has grasped the world like we've never seen in most of our lifetimes and it's causing us to think and act much differently as we live our daily lives. A phone call I received yesterday resulted in another example of that different type of thinking. On the other end was Brownsville Police Chief Jeff Jewel with a unique request. "You know, there's a lot of crazy things going on right now," he said. "I think it's important to recognize and thank some of our hard working people in the community. I'm talking about our unsung heroes," he said. "The people that are our cashiers, our food vendors, food service workers. A lot of times people thank guys like me but these are the real first responders right now." Chief Jewell said that currently, these are the folks that are putting themselves at a greater risk of sickness than himself and they need to be recognized and thanked. "It's the people at the local Cee Bee, The Family Dollar. Those places. I thank you and I think it's important that when we're going in to get the things we need that we thank them for what they're doing," he added. Jewell said local law enforcement is continuing their precautions to avoid the spread of sickness and that he is certain that state and local officials are working hard to act in the best interest of all citizens. "We need to continue concentrating on using our resources where they're most needed. We all need to practice spreading out, keep out of large groups and do our best to keep areas from being concentrated." He encouraged folks to use the hashtag #BeWellBrownsville when posting to social media to help remind everyone of every day precautions. "We're still responding to calls but obviously we're working to minimize exposure. We all need to continue to work together, and from what I've seen, most everyone is doing that. Everyone seems to be following the guidelines. Let's try not to hoard groceries and supplies. Let's continue supporting each other." Tax Deadline Pushed Back To July 15th, Jones & Gravil Tax Service Offering Drop-Off Service Only3/20/2020 Darren Doyle, story:
Bee Spring business Jones & Gravil Tax Service has announced that their office has moved to a drop-off service only for tax and accounting work, due to COVID-19. Co-owner Josh Jones said the lobby will be open only for the purpose of dropping of documents to be serviced by the tax company with no in-person meetings. "We are asking customers to drop off their documents for us and we'll take care of the rest," he said. "You can either wait in your car until we complete your taxes, or you can come back and pick up your documents later. If we have any questions or further needs from you, we'll simply call you and ask." Jones is also reminding the public that the deadline for filing your income taxes has been moved from April 15th to July 15, 2020. The announcement came from U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin today as the nation copes with the effects of the coronavirus. Earlier this week it was announced that individuals and businesses would be allowed to delay paying their 2019 tax bills for 90 days past the usual April 15 deadline. Jones also said you can call the office to schedule a drop-off and that documents can also be mailed via U.S. Postal Service. No emails can be accepted. Office hours are M-F, 8am to 5pm and on Saturdays 8am until noon. Jones said other times can be arranged if needed, just call 270-286-4905. Darren Doyle, story: Both a local food mart and grocery store discussed their measures for supporting each other, the community, and how their supplies and services have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during the past week. Cee Bee Food Store in Brownsville, owned by Jeff and Cindy Rich, has been extremely busy this week as one may expect. The store announced Wednesday that it was opening later on Thursday in order to sanitize and restock the store. Instead of opening at 7am as normal, they opened at noon on yesterday, where a large crowd waited outside for the doors to be unlocked. Some supplies were limited, others not available, but most needs were met for the majority. Cindy Rich spoke to us about the very unique circumstances. "We are having to change our store hours to work through these times," she said. "For now, our hours will be 7am to 7pm each day. We're doing this in order to have time to keep our store clean and to stay as stocked as we possibly can. Jeff is staying in contact with our supplier and as long as those supplies are available, we'll be able to get them. Right now, there is still plenty available." The difficult items to stock currently are ground beef, chicken, and paper products. While the hot items yesterday were meat items, a per-person limit was set to ensure everyone there in need got at least some of it. Cindy said that there were rumors that customers were fighting over items and supplies but she said those were rumors were false. "Customers have been very understanding during these times and we appreciate that so much. We're all working together to get through this," she said. She also wanted the public to know there would be no price gouging at Cee Bee. Their prices are set by their suppliers and she said as long as the suppliers prices stay the same, so will the store's. "Right now, we don't see any reason for their prices to be significantly raised, it all has to do with the overall supply. Right now there is still a good supply." Manish Patel, owner of Chalybeate Food Mart, said his business is still open during regular hours and along with gas, tobacco, and convenient store items, he is still preparing plenty of hot food items for carryout.
"We appreciate the business from our community and we are going to keep our costs low," he said. "We're even willing to take a loss on some items for our community. Our home is here, too. Yes, we want to continue to have a good business, but we also need to help our community." Patel said just like everyone else, his store is finding it difficult to stock paper products and some bread items, but their store has a good supply of standard food mart items at the same price as always. "Our walk-in traffic has slowed down but we are open from 5am to 9pm every day. You are welcome here. You can use our restrooms. We will not raise our prices during this time and we want our community to not just buy in our store, you need to help other local businesses, like the Cee Bee and other places. We are all the community." When Cindy Rich was told about Patel's comments, she was very humbled. "He's such a great guy," she said. She also said to stay connected to Cee Bee's Facebook page for updates on certain items and other info as things may change from day-to-day. There are obviously many other local places in the county that serve food and food items and it's important to support all of them as much as we can. One great idea that can help is to purchase gift certificates and gift cards to the businesses that have been forced to temporarily close and restaurants that are forced on carryout-only. This could be most beneficial to barber shops, hair and nail salons, and smaller retail shops within the county. Many local churches are now starting to temporarily postpone services until more information about the spreading of COVID-19 becomes available. At first, most churches were adamantly against calling off services but that has changed over the course of a week. All non-essential businesses have been closed to the public along with county and city offices. The Edmonson Voice is allowing any COVID-19 related announcement or ad for any business or local organization at no cost during this time. Please let us know of any changes your group, business, church, or organization needs to make and we will either publish a Community Page article or add to our VOICE Community Calendar. Please send all submissions to: [email protected] or call our office at 270-597-6550. Jeff and Cindy Rich, owners of Cee Bee Food Store in Brownsville have announced that the popular grocery store will close tonight, Wednesday, March 18th at 7pm and reopen at a later time on Thursday, March 19th at 12 noon.
Store personnel said they will be using extra time tomorrow for restocking and to sanitize the store. "Thank you for your continued understanding and support during these unusual times," said Cindy Rich. Darren Doyle:
Over the past several days, virtually every business, organization, and group has made changes to the way they live, work, and play, which changes the way everyone else does as well. While there are still no confirmed COVID-19 virus cases in Edmonson County or the surrounding area, the pandemic has affected all of us. In many places, panic is ruling the masses, but in Edmonson County, things are not quite there. At least, not yet. Today, Mrs. Vickie Walker, from the Edmonson County Senior Food Pantry in the Community Center called our office and said she just wanted to thank the community for their kindness. She said she thought about maybe emailing a letter to the editor, but she just felt like it would be better if she called and spoke with someone. "I've noticed that over the past few days, while so many people in other places are panicked and running over each other, people here in Edmonson County are being kind to each other and I think people ought to take notice," she said. She noted that the workers at Cee Bee Food store and other local retailers are working hard and cooperating with each other and the public. "You know, these workers can only do so much and they're under a lot of pressure," she said. "They could get sick just like anyone else could but they're going to work and they're doing a good job for the rest of us. And not just that, they're being kind to one another while they're doing it." Walker manages the food pantry as a volunteer and said she is only working there by appointment only, in case of emergencies. "We want to help our seniors in need, but we are only working with those who are in need the most. Those that are completely out of food and those that have no family or other means of help." She asked anyone with requests to call first and discuss your situation: 270-779-1203. She laughed about the article I wrote on Sunday about people hoarding all the toilet paper. "I'm thankful I live in Edmonson County where people still have some common sense and they are kind to each other." From Edmonson County Sheriff Shane Doyle:
Beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, until further notice, the lobby to the Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office will be closed to in-person visitors. Please read the information below. If you have any questions, our front office staff will be happy to assist you; please call 270-597-2157. CCDW: New applications and renewals can be completed online at www.kentuckystatepolice.org For anyone wanting to pick-up their CCDW permit, the permit holder can sign the notice of issuance and mail in a self-addressed stamped envelope for it to be mailed back to them; otherwise, pick-ups will not be available until further notice. Civil Process: Only court-dated documents will be served, until further notice. Fingerprinting: Suspended until further notice Report Pick-Up: If you need a copy of an accident or crime report, call 270-597-2157 or email [email protected] with the specifics of your request, including name and date/time of incident. The $5.00 processing fee still applies and can be paid via a credit/debit card (with applicable fee) or mailed. If payment is mailed, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for your report to be mailed back to you. Taxes: Taxes can be paid via our website (www.edmonsonsheriff.com) by e-check or credit card. We can accept either cash or check payments in our drop box, located on the exiting side of the building (please include the name, address, and bill number for drop box payments, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope for your receipt). We will be available via phone for anyone who has questions about their property tax payments. Vehicle Inspections: When you arrive at the Sheriff’s Office, please call 270-597-2157 for instructions on how to get your vehicle inspection done. Deputies will not be conducting remote-location vehicle inspections until further notice. Walk-In Complaints: Front office staff will handle these over the phone, please call 270-597-2157. County Clerk's Office Closing To Public: Services Still Available By Mail, Phone, Internet3/17/2020 Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation has issued the following statement regarding their office operation: WARREN RECC COVID-19 RESPONSE March 17, 2020 (Bowling Green, KY) As concerns surrounding the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to rise, Warren RECC is focused on maintaining a healthy workforce and keeping personnel available so that we can continue to provide the quality service you expect from us. Bank of Edmonson County has issued the following statement to the community: Bank of Edmonson County has been monitoring the impact that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having on a global level, across America and most importantly, here at home. Please know that we place the highest level of importance on the safety of our employees, families, clients and everyone with whom we do business. by Danyale Atwell, FFA Reporter: On Thursday, March 12th, the Edmonson County FFA traveled to WKU Glasgow Campus to compete at the Barren River Region contest. For the first time in 20 years, Edmonson County FFA will be competing at the state level in Parliamentary Procedure. The team placed second superior. The team consisted of Morgan Turci, Hayley Lindsey, Jade Keltner, Maggie Brewer, Danyale Atwell, Morgan Vincent, and Dalton Curtis. Fourteen members also competed in a variety of contests. Six of the members are headed to compete at the state level in June in Lexington, Kentucky. The following members competed at region in these topics. Public Speaking - Allison Roof Creed Speaking - Taylor Atwell Beef Impromptu - Hayley Lindsey 1st place Superior Crop Impromptu - Jade Keltner Dairy Impromptu - Wyatt Davis Floral Impromptu - Maggie Brewer 2nd place Superior Fruit/Vegetable - Kay Belcher Goat/Sheep Impromptu - Danyale Atwell 1st place Superior Horse Impromptu - Morgan Vincent 1st place Superior Nursery Landscape Impromptu - Harley Meredith Poultry Impromptu - Morgan Turci Small Animal Impromptu - Grant Merideth 1st place Superior Swine Impromptu - Mia Jones 2nd place Superior Quiz - Emma Lashley.
**THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED AS OF MARCH 16, 2020**
Edmonson Voice Staff Report: Local veteran groups are moving forward with a Veterans Photo Digital Preservation Project for the purpose of digitizing every individual veteran's photo currently displayed in the Hall of Honor at the Edmonson County Courthouse. Organizers are currently coordinating the scope of the project with details to be released soon. In the meantime, local VFW Post 6937 is hosting an upcoming benefit event to get the project off the ground. Check out all the details below: Edmonson Voice Staff Report: photos courtesy of ECBOE Both students and staff members were recognized for outstanding academic performance and work ethic at the March 9, 2020 Edmonson County Board of Education meeting. ECHS Principal Brian Alexander recognized students Gabe Lindsey and Emma Rose Vincent for being Kentucky Governor's Scholars; not pictured is Nickolas Yusupov. Staff Members honored were counselors Corentha Cole and Michael Meredith, along with teacher, Angie Smith, all from Edmonson County High School.
Submitted by Boy Scout Troop 597: Edmonson County Boy Scout Troop 597 has been planning a trip to Ely, Minnesota for a Northern Tier High Adventure canoeing trip for July 2020. Since May of 2019, our troop has been working to earn money to help offset the cost of the trip. The scouts have been participating in bake sales, yard sales, parking cars, spirit nights, selling meat sticks, as well as working on their own to help pay for their portion of the trip. As a troop, we had some fundraising activities that did not work out and that has hurt our efforts.
Now we are turning to the community for help! We have two spirit nights scheduled for this week. Wednesday, March 11, Blaze pizza in Bowling Green is hosting a night for our troop from 5:00-8:00. All you have to do is bring in a copy of the flyer or show them the flyer on your phone before paying and 20% of the proceeds goes to the troop. For us to get the proceeds, you MUST show the flyer! Thursday, March 12, Bee Spring Restaurant will be hosting a spirit night for our troop. Please come out and support our scouts! Our scouts and leaders have worked hard to help earn the funds for this trip. If anyone would like to make a donation to help fund our trip, please contact Scoutmaster Derek Curtis at 270-996-8809. A Scout is thrifty! From the Scout Handbook - "A Scout is thrifty. A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property." Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Four welding students from Edmonson County High School competed in a national welding competition this past weekend in Jacksonville, Florida. Students Elijah Mansfield, Nathaniel Woodcock, Logan Lindsey, and Devin Smith traveled with ECHS instructor Brandon Meredith to the Tulsa Welding School in Jacksonville, which is the largest welding school in the United States. The students competed for tuition coverage and other numerous prizes. It's the first time in several years ECHS has competed in a similar competition. "We have excellent vocational programs at Edmonson County High School," said Principal Brian Alexander. "There is a high demand for skilled welding and fabrication and I have no doubt our students can excel in those fields. We're very proud of the effort put forth from our kids in this competition." Tulsa Welding School has campuses in Oklahoma, Texas, and Florida. The school says it has more than 20K graduates. |
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