State Representative Michael Lee Meredith was one of three guest speaker's at today's ceremony. He explained to the crowd why there is now a special day recognizing Vietnam War Veterans.

"When you learn about the different wars throughout American history, you often learn about the heroic welcome that all of our soldiers get upon returning home," said Meredith. "The thing is, these guys didn't get that. The media created a narrative about these brave men and women that made things really difficult for those who fought in Vietnam to come back home. Many of them didn't have a place to go, or people who loved them to welcome them back, and sadly many more of them were mistreated. This day is a day to say thank you for fighting for us, and we're sorry that you didn't get the heroic welcome you deserved a long time ago."

Judge Executive Scott Lindsey also spoke today. He talked about how he had a member of his own family who was killed in action in Vietnam, and said he has always held a special place in his heart for the many other brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

"I'm the 53 year-old father of a 22 year old son," said Lindsey. "The average age of these guys who were going to fight this war was about 20 years old. Some even younger than that," Lindsey said, emotionally. "The thought of my kid having to leave our family to go fight a war on the other side of the country makes me sick. I can't say thank you enough to those of you in this room that had to do just that. Thank you, thank you so much."

Former Judge Executive and US Army retiree Wil Cannon was the final guest speaker today.

"I've been a lot of places and I've seen a lot of things, and I can proudly say that Edmonson County is one of the most patriotic places in the United States of America," Cannon said. "As I look around this room I appreciate the people I see, the veterans, the family and friends of those who have fallen, and those who just came out to be with us, but I am sad that this room isn't filled up. There should be so much more people here to support these guys. Most of you don't understand how difficult it was for them when they came home. Many suffered from PTSD, they were physically harmed, spat on, verbally abused, and they didn't deserve it."

Cannon went on to say he was proud to be from a place where people do appreciate our veterans, and he was proud to be in the same room with some of "those brave soldiers."

After this, Stoyonovich called out the names of the soldiers from Edmonson County who died during their time at Vietnam, as Jack Hasty rang a bell for each name called, and Maurita Miller honored the featured Veteran, Darrell Hogan.

For the closing of the ceremony, the VFW 639, plus Judge Executive Scott Lindsey and also Wil Cannon, did a 21 gun salute. "Taps" was also played.

DAV Commander Mike Stoyonovich said in closing, "The DAV salutes all of our veterans, and we salute this fine country."

Edmonson Voice Report:
Arts of Southern Kentucky announced that it will present “Hollywood’s Greatest Game Shows” featuring Bob Eubanks on Saturday, September 9th at 7:30pm in the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC).

This live, interactive event features Eubanks (the legendary host of “The Newlywed Game” and “Card Sharks”) leading 42 contestants chosen at random through nine of the favorite game show games of all time including “Name That Tune,” “Dealer’s Choice,” “In It to Win It,” “Pass or Play,” and “Trivia Trap.”

All contestants will win prizes, and one lucky person will have a chance to win a $1 million grand prize. Tickets are $25/$35/$45 and go on sale Friday, March 24th.

Available online at www.theskypac.com, by phone at (270) 904-1880, or in person at 601 College Street in downtown Bowling Green, open 9am to 5pm weekdays.

The event is co-sponsored by English Lucas Priest & Owsley, LLP.

Edmonson Voice Report:
A local woman is parking her mail-carrying vehicle after 24 years of service and three generations of work in the Brownsville area.

Melissa Britt, a third generation mail carrier who delivered out of the Brownsville Post office, worked the same route as her family for more than 70 years.

Her grandmother, Bertha Miller, carried for many years and then her daughter, Barbara Lindsey took over for her. Melissa started in 1999 and later took over from her mother, Barbara. 

"Melissa's route began at Mis Amigos in Brownsville and included all of Lindseyville, Sweeden, and Bee Spring," said Sheri Puckett, Postmaster in Brownsville. "She had a very large route and was always very precise. Melissa loved her job and did not want to have to give it up at this time but was involved in an accident while servicing her route in November 2021 and due to the injuries she sustained in that accident, the doctor advised her to retire. She underwent surgery and much physical therapy trying to come back to work and was heartbroken she not to be able to continue to serve her customers."

Melissa lives with her family in Cave City.

Along with those students, several staff members were also recognized.

Mr. Williams recognized the custodial staff were recognized for their hard work.

Guidance Counselors Kevan Alford and Kori Skaggs were also recognized for their dedication to ECHS.

Edmonson Voice Report:
The Edmonson County Youth League Baseball and Softball Board will be set up tomorrow, Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 9 am to 12 pm at the Parks and Rec office (under the health department) in Brownsville. It will be the last day to turn in sign up forms for this year's little league season.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Special edition shirts for the 2023 District Champion Wildcats and Lady Cats will be available through this Sunday, March 12th.

Three different designs are available: one for the boys' team, one for the girls', and one that commemorates both teams on one shirt.

Each design is available in T-shirt, long sleeve T, crew neck sweat shirt, and hoodie.

The deadline to order is this Sunday, March 12th at midnight. 

Madison Doyle, story and photos:
Today at Kyrock Elementary School, third and fourth grade students were presented the opportunity to open their own business, and provide a service or product to their peers at the entrepreneur fair. Guidance Counselor Brandy Kinser organized the event.

"Each third and fourth grader is given the responsibility to come up with a business plan," Kinser said. "They are given a worksheet where they write what their business is, they keep track of how much money they spent on opening their business, and at the end of the day they report what they made."

Kinser said the students get to keep the money they earned, and the top three most profiting businesses earn a trophy. She also said a group will vote on the best decorated booth, and that student will also receive a trophy.

Business ranged from a dog treat booth, where you could purchase dog treats and feed a student's pet, a slime business, mystery bags, Nerf gun wars, softball throw, bouncy houses, and many more. The slideshow below contains photos of multiple booths created by the students.

"This helps our kids understand that you have to spend money to make money, and it also teaches them financial responsibility, by being able to see what is important to spend money on and what's not," said Ms. Brandy.

This event is something Kyrock does every year to give kids a fun learning experience, according to Principal Shaun Stice.

Darren Doyle, story:
Yesterday, The Edmonson Voice was sent information about two local veterans who were honored in a unique way with the help of local VFW Post 6937. Their friendship began 70 years ago.

According to Lt. Colonel Floyd Houston, (U.S. Marine Corps Retired), and Junior Vice Commander of the local VFW Chapter, In December of 1953, two Edmonson County soldiers made their way home together. Both had served in the Army of Occupation (Germany) at the height of the Cold War. Morris Blanton and Paul Vincent recognized each other onboard the USS General Leroy Eltinge during their ocean transit back to New York and then they flew together into Louisville.

Col. Houston said that Paul had been drafted into the Navy at the end of WWII and served in the Pacific but he retained a reserve obligation and was drafted again during the Korean crisis. They took the bus together from Louisville to the intersection of 31W and Route 259, then known as the Crossroads.

"A certain 'Mr. Johnson' from the service station there gave the boys a ride into Brownsville," Houston said. "Fast-forward to the winter of 2022/23 when Paul (age 95) fell and broke his hip. He was hospitalized in Bowling Green and sent for rehab in Brownsville. His indomitable spirit pushed him to recover and come home to his house in Mammoth Cave."

Houston said that medical personnel inspected his home to evaluate its readiness for Paul’s return. Gerald Carroll, the Post Commander of VFW Post 6937, which is the home Post for both Paul and Morris, coordinated the construction and VFW funding for a wheelchair ramp. Neighbors then de-cluttered the house from potential trip hazards. Finally, after electrical power was restored, Paul returned home on Wednesday, March 8th.

"Yesterday, VFW Post members, including 92 year-old Morris Blanton, gathered at Paul’s house where renowned quilter Vicki Girten of Owensboro presented Paul and Morris handmade Veteran’s Quilts," said Houston. "Each of these beautiful quilts represents four days of work and Vicki has completed over a hundred of them. Hymns were sung, tales of redemption told, as well as stories about service era-harrowing weekend trips home to Edmonson capped off a wonderful afternoon."

Houston said Paul sang his signature song, "I'll Wear A White Robe." Paul Vincent, or "Brother Paul," as he is known, is the last remaining WWII Veteran in Edmonson County.

"I can't hardly describe all the love and determination I witnessed," said Col. Houston.

Madison Doyle, story and photos:
Today in Brownsville, Perdue Farms, Kentucky Breeders Office held its official grand opening, hosted by the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce. The office has been in operation since the beginning of this year. Perdue Foods is a part of Perdue Farms, which is a family owned business that has been around for over 100 years. The Kentucky Breeder's office is one of only six in the United States.

Tim Gilbert, Director of Breeders, addressed those in attendance today.

"I personally want to thank each and every one of you that are here today," Gilbert started. "Perdue Farms has been around for a long time, we have been around Edmonson County for a long time, we are thankful to be opening up here and we don't intend on leaving Edmonson County for a long time."

Gilbert also presented Nathan and Ross Wells, owners of R&R Refrigeration in Brownsville, with a plaque in appreciation for their contribution to Perdue Farms.

"We wanted to give these guys a small token of appreciation for letting us use their facilities. So far they have been great landlords, and we would not be here having this ceremony right now if it wasn't for these two guys right here," Gilbert said.

Josh Casey, Vice President of the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce, also addressed the crowd.

"I just want to say on behalf of the Chamber that I am so grateful to see as many faces out here today as I do," said Casey. "Those of us with the Chamber love working with new businesses in the county, it's exciting for us when people want to come here and open or expand their businesses here. Thank you all at Perdue for allowing us to be a part of this."

The business is located just behind R&R Heating and Cooling off Veterans Memorial, near Grider's Auto.

by Representative Michael Meredith:
With only 10 legislative days remaining in the 2023 Regular Session, we have passed common sense and solution-oriented legislation to help all Kentuckians. It is an honor to serve House District 19 this session, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for my constituents and Kentuckians at large. While I do expect some of the legislation passed in the General Assembly to be vetoed by the Governor, we are prepared to override his vetoes in order to pass the policies our commonwealth needs.
 
In the meantime, I would like to share some of the legislation we passed this week in the House, and I also want to remind you that you can keep up with legislative news by watching livestream coverage of House proceedings provided by Kentucky Educational Television, and live and archived footage of our committee meetings on YouTube @KYLRCCommitteeMeetings.
 
HB 3: This bill includes language that increases parental accountability, addresses the detention of violent juvenile offenders, expands access to treatment programs, directs disclosing of juvenile records, and initiates the opening of a Jefferson County youth detention center. HB 3 also provides an additional $39 million in funding for juvenile justice, including $17 million for renovating the Louisville detention center, $5.8 million for transportation costs, $9.6 million for DJJ staffing needs, and $4.5 million for renovations at the Lyndon juvenile justice facility. In expectation of the Jefferson County facility being operational during fiscal year 2023-2024, the bill also includes an additional $2 million for operating costs. HB 3 states if a juvenile has committed a violent crime, the juvenile will be detained for up to 48 hours. This will help increase safety for the youth and the community. Here is an example of how HB 3 increases parental accountability: if a child enters into a diversion agreement for truancy and fails to appear for preliminary intake inquiry or complete the agreement due to lack of parental cooperation, a parent or guardian can be charged with an unlawful transaction with a minor, a Class A misdemeanor. Lastly, HB 3 calls for more transparency in some cases and removes confidentiality in court cases where a juvenile has been found guilty of a violent felony offense.
 
HB 52: This legislation addresses post-traumatic stress disorder and how it is treated after stress injuries in the line of duty, as well as granting reimbursement for services through the Kentucky Fire Commission. This bill grants firefighters the ability to seek the help they need after a traumatic experience in the field, whether it is a fire or losing the life of a victim.
 
HB 157: This piece of legislation creates the Kentucky Urban Search and Rescue Program. HB 157 will establish two task force teams, one in Louisville and one in central Kentucky, 10 regional teams encompassing a 60-mile radius, and would be funded by grants, gifts, state appropriations, and federal funds administered by the emergency management division. The Kentucky Urban Search and Rescue Program would provide resources, more immediate assistance, and save lives. Our state has a severe shortage of first responders and when disasters strike, such as the floods in eastern Kentucky or the tornadoes of western Kentucky, it may take hours before help is on the way. With the creation of the Kentucky Urban Search and Rescue Program, we could potentially have boots on the ground ready to help within an hour of deployment.
 
HB 446: As our neighbors to the east and west continue their effort to rebuild their communities after tragic weather events ripped through the regions not so long ago, we were able to act on HB 446. This bill allows money in the Eastern and Western Kentucky SAFE funds to be used as loans for the replacement, renovation, or expansion of police, fire, and ambulance stations affected by the tornadoes and flooding in each region over the last two years. 
 
HB 538: Addresses classroom disruption that impacts learning by providing a framework for local school districts and administrators. The guidelines for restoring order in the classroom include provisions for students to be placed into an alternative setting, such as a resource room, a classroom where the disruption did not occur, or even virtual instruction. 67% of teachers in the commonwealth cite classroom disruptions as a hindrance to their ability to teach, with 13% of teachers feeling unsafe in their classrooms because of threatening pupils. This legislation seeks to alleviate some of these issues because, after all, teachers should feel safe to teach in their classrooms. 
 
As always, I can be reached here at home anytime, or through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. Feel free to contact me via email at [email protected]. If you would like more information on all of the legislation proposed thus far, please visit the legislature’s website at www.legislature.ky.gov.

Edmonson Voice Report:
The Edmonson County Board of Education met at the 5-6th Center on February 13th and recognized the following staff and students:

Mrs. Ashley Barrett, Isabelle Hardin, Annalee Vincent, Hannah Hogan, Conner Hayes, Mr. Johnny Vincent, Mrs. Bobbie Gilbert. Not pictured: Tiffany Walker

FRC Week: Mrs. Sherrell Jones, Mrs. Natalie Stice, Mrs. Lisa Whobrey, and Mrs. Joanna Jaggers. Not pictured: Mrs. Alicia Edwards and Mrs. Morgan Esters.

Board recognitions are made at each board meeting and for those who go above and beyond expectations.

The Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce has announced they will host a ribbon cutting this Thursday, March 9th at 12PM for the Perdue Farms Kentucky Breeders Office, located at 153 R&R Way, Brownsville, KY 42210.

In January 2023, Perdue Farms, Kentucky Breeders Operation opened their doors in Brownsville, Kentucky. The Kentucky Breeders Office is one of six Breeder Operations in the United States.

Lunch and refreshments will be served and door prizes will be available.

paid advertisement:
Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College is home to a new TRIO program: SKY Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC). The program, which was funded in September 2021, is federally grant-funded by the Department of Education, and its primary purpose is to connect adults to higher education.

SKY EOC assists adults who are interested in going back to school at any stage of their career; its youngest participants are seniors in high school.
Their free services include:

• Assistance with financial aid (FAFSA) & scholarship applications
• Information about postsecondary opportunities
• Assistance with the college admission & transfer process, including fee waivers and transcript requests
• Support for students with limited English, people with disabilities, & homeless youth
• Information about & assistance with General Education Development (GED) programs
• Career counseling, financial literacy, & time management skills

All services provided by SKY EOC are free of charge to the participants. To access the application, please visit https://skyctc.cc/EOC. Once you submit the application, a SKY EOC staff member will reach out to you to schedule an appointment.

For more information about the EOC center at SKYCTC contact: [email protected]  or call 270-901-1092. For further details, visit skyctc.edu and search EOC

Join Realtor Julie Skaggs-Reed for two separate open houses this weekend with three beautiful homes for sale!

On Saturday, March 4th, please visit 40 Gateway Court, Smiths Grove, KY 42171 for a 1374 sq. ft. home (3 bed, 2 bath) on .8ac for an open house from 9AM to 11AM. Visit the full listing here.

On the next day, please visit two listings at nearly the same location--neighboring listings at an open house for 144 Beeler Avenue (1377 sq ft, 3 bed, 2 bath) and 136 Beeler Avenue, (1906 sq ft,, 4 bed, 2.5 bath) Smiths Grove, KY 42171 from 3PM to 5PM! Visit the full listings here, for 136 Beeler and 144 Beeler.

See you there!

Madison Doyle, story:
Read Across America Week is celebrated in schools throughout the country. It begins on the birthday of the famous children's author, Dr. Seuss. To honor this week, Kentucky State Police Trooper Daniel Priddy was invited to come to both South Edmonson and Kyrock Elementary and read a Dr. Seuss book to the students. He read to every student in both schools.

"We wanted to do this because it is such a fun and different activity from the kids' usual classroom routines," said FRYSC Coordinator Alicia Edwards. "We also want the kids to see a police officer in a positive light, because unfortunately a lot of them have seen officers in a negative way with someone in their family."

Trooper Priddy said he has thoroughly enjoyed the time he has spent in the elementary schools this week.

"I absolutely love this," Priddy said. "I love all the kids and how excited they get when they ask me questions about my job, and I think that is so important to build a real connection with these kids. I want them to remember me and remember how much fun we had."