Darren Doyle, story:
A local WKU standout has been awarded honors from WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business at a recent annual awards ceremony, which was held on Friday, April 24th. Each academic department honored its top junior and senior in each area. Kaleb Morgan, a 2018 graduate of ECHS, was named Outstanding Junior in Accounting. 

Kaleb was the junior that performed at the highest level according to their professors. Kaleb is currently an accounting major at WKU with a 4.0 GPA.

"WKU offers a program in which I can simultaneously pursue my bachelor’s and master’s," he said in a statement to the Edmonson Voice. "I will be receiving both of those in Fall 2021. Upon receiving them, I will be eligible to take the CPA exam and obtain my license. Eventually, I would like to either work for a large accounting firm or perform in-house accounting for a large corporation."

Students, faculty, and staff were recognized for their achievements during the 2019-20 academic year via YouTube video and social media. The video can be viewed here.

​He is the son of Joey and Amanda Morgan of Chalybeate.

Two Edmonson County organizations have announced new locations for food distribution that are scheduled for this Thursday, April 30, 2020, which include Feeding America and the Edmonson County Senior Center.

Feeding America in Edmonson County has announced distribution for USDA commodities will take place at Chalybeate Sports Complex at 10am. Recipients must bring proof of Edmonson County residency.

In addition, the Edmonson County Senior Center has announced a drive-thru service that will provided at Edmonson County High School on the same day, April 30, 2020 from 10am to 12 noon. For more information, contact the center at 270-597-3116.

Darren Doyle, story:
South Edmonson Elementary Music and Art Teacher, Mrs. Jessica Doyle, is coordinating a bear hunt for her students and the entire Edmonson County community.

Before you actually get "loaded for bear," it's important to note that these are teddy bears, not real ones. Mrs. Jessica, along with many other educators, have continued the search for new and fun activities for youngsters who are cooped up in their homes during the coronavirus pandemic. ​

"We would like to encourage our community in Edmonson County and anywhere else, to put bears either in your windows in the front of your house or out on the front porch," she said. "One fun way to get out of the house without putting yourself in danger is to go on a teddy bear hunt in our community."

Mrs. Jessica said the game is as simple as riding along with an adult, looking for teddy bears in windows and porches, and keeping count; however, the most important part of the game is actually having bears to hunt, and that's where the community can help.

"So again, we're asking all our community members to participate in the game by placing teddy bears in your front windows and porches so that our students can hunt them," she added. "Any positive activity means so much during this time."

April 24, 2020 | By: Aimee Nielson
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Consumers have raised questions about meat supply and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. To help them sort through the information, meat specialists from three land-grant institutions recently joined forces to offer practical, science-based answers.

Many of the questions revolve around food safety and the concern that humans could get COVID-19 by eating meat that was handled by a worker who has the virus.

“There is currently no evidence of the disease being transmitted through meat,” said Gregg Rentfrow, meat scientist with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “COVID-19 is a respiratory disease cause by a coronavirus, and it is transmitted through personal contact.”

Consumers should follow proper food safety measures and make sure to cook meat to recommended temperatures. A good guide for safe cooking temperatures is available at https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/safe-minimum-cooking-temperature.

Another question the specialists are dealing with is the possibility of consumers getting sick by handling food packages.
“We’re being asked if consumers can contract the virus by touching packaging that may have been handled by a food service worker testing positive for COVID-19,” said Jonathan Campbell, meat extension specialist for the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. “The Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture say no. The FDA also says you don’t need to wash your food containers to prevent COVID-19 infection.”

Campbell said the best way for consumers to protect themselves is by thoroughly washing their hands before and after handling food packages.

“Never try to wash meat in the sink or spray it with chemicals, or dip food into a cleaning solution,” he added. “Common household cleaners are not meant to clean our food.”

Consumers are concerned about plant closures due to workers at the plants contracting COVID-19. Rentfrow said he and his colleagues from Penn State and The Ohio State University are trying to soothe consumer anxiety about the supply chain.

“We want to emphasize that the meat industry is devoted to maintaining the food supply,” Rentfrow said. “Although some plants have temporarily closed and others have slowed production, the meat industry began preparing for these interruptions before they began, and I’m confident things will get back on track soon.”

At The Ohio State University, extension meat science specialist Lyda Garcia added that those meat plants that have closed are deep cleaning, so they can reopen as soon as possible.

“They are going beyond normal cleaning and sanitizing,” she said. “They are working with their local and state health departments to get back to normal as soon as it is safe to do so. Consumers don’t need to panic buy or stock up on meat, rather just try to maintain their traditional buying patterns.”

Overall, total meat sales have declined across the United States, but retail sales continue to increase. Temporary restaurant and food service establishment closures have caused the overall decline.

“The industry is working with the USDA-Food Safety and Inspection Service to redistribute meat products previously intended for restaurants and food service to meet retail grocery store needs,” Rentfrow said. “They are all working together to make sure the food supply is safe, and that consumers are able to get the products they desire.”

Some meat plants have reduced production, while they try to put social distancing and other measures in place to protect their workforce. Many are staggering their shifts, breaks, lunch times and even taking employee temperatures.

“They are doing everything they can to keep their workers safe and to ensure a safe product for the consumer,” Campbell said. “Some plants are going above and beyond and doing overall health assessments for each worker at the beginning of each shift and also requiring them to wear masks, gloves and eye protection.”

Most plants are continuing to pay ill workers while they recover at home.

Meat inspection is already mandatory, by law. Meat inspectors are present in all processing facilities.

“We want to help consumers understand that the meat industry as a whole, really does hold consumers safety as a top priority,” Rentfrow said. “Everyone is doing their best to make sure food is safe and plant employees are well and ready to work.”

Consumers can do their part by avoiding overbuying.
​
“We can work together to make sure everyone has enough,” Garcia added.

**UPDATE: APRIL 25, 2020:
From Ag teacher and greenhouse coordinator Matt Lindsey: "The last day the Edmonson County High School Greenhouse to be open for the season is Monday April 27th from 9am to 1pm.  The greenhouse was scheduled to be open for a few more days, but the plants have been purchased very fast this year.  There will still be a limited selection of tomatoes and flowers Monday morning, but those are expected to go fast.  Thank You to everyone who has come out and supported our local horticulture students."

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
ECHS has announced that the Edmonson County High School Greenhouse will open on Monday April 20th. 

"The plants in the greenhouse were started by our local horticulture students," said Ag teacher Matt Lindsey. "Unfortunately, the students cannot work in the greenhouse at this time, but they will still be proud knowing their plants were bought.  The greenhouse is in Brownsville on Houchin Ferry Rd behind the school.  Your patronage is greatly appreciated and it supports the education of our students."

Lindsey said during this time of social distancing, there will be a limit of two customers in the greenhouse at a time. 

"We apologize for any delays, and appreciate your patience," he said.
 
The greenhouse will be open on the following days only, and while supplies last:
Monday April 20th 9am to 1pm
Wednesday April 22nd 9am to 1pm
Thursday April 23rd 9am to 1pm
Saturday April 25th 9am to 1pm
Monday April 27th 9am to 1pm

Edmonson Voice Report:​
John Michael Mills, a Senior majoring in Biology at Western Kentucky University, has received the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. 

"John Michael makes the world around him a better place through his indefatigable good nature and compassion," said Shawna Blagojevic, Communications Coordinator of Ogden College of Science and Engineering.

Blagojevic described John as an engaged, active, pre-med student who has been accepted into the early assurance program at UK-BG Med.

"As a student worker in the Biology Office, he takes on more duties than typically assigned to students, completes his tasks and asks for more," she said. "He directs tours, worked Preview Day, maintains student mailing lists, and assists at every Biology event. He is a conscientious and empathetic person and a pleasure to work with."

John Michael is the son of Michael and Laurie Mills of Wingfield. He was also the Salutatorian of the Edmonson County High School class of 2018.

​The 2020 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly has adjourned sine die.
 
This week, the legislature continued to  work tirelessly to complete the people’s business in a timely, but healthy manner, meeting only 53 legislative days—seven days less per the Kentucky Constitution.
 
The House and Senate spent most of the last 24 hours of the session taking turns recessing to wait for the other to catch up on pending business. The tedious process of concurrence and veto overrides almost resembles a game of chess, but nonetheless essential to ensuring the integrity of the Commonwealth’s legislative process.
 
Early in the week week, both chambers voted to override the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 2, legislation that will require voters to present photo ID. at the polls. It is important that we maintain the credibility of our elections. In recent years, we have had many races determined by single digit vote totals, therefore we should do what we can to ensure that our voter registration logs are up to date and voters are who they say they are. This bill helps solidify these concerns and helps maintain the integrity of Kentucky’s election process.
 
Under Senate Bill 2, voters have the option to provide any ID with their photo on it such as a student ID or employee ID. Not only does Senate Bill 2 include provisions for a free ID for those who do not have one, the bill also maintains the ability for a poll worker to verify they know a voter, and offers the option of voters who do not have an ID to sign an affidavit and submit a provisional ballot.
 
It is important to note that Senate Bill 2 will not become state law until ninety days after the end of the legislative session, so it will not be pertinent to the primary election currently scheduled in June, giving Kentucky voters enough time to obtain a photo ID should they not already have one. I was happy to support this legislation and see its final passage upon the veto override.
 
House Bill 387, amended to assist with coronavirus relief, allows the governor to declare it a “necessary government expense” to purchase protective gear for health workers and first responders. The bill also includes a provision to  permit the governor to use unrestricted state funds, such as the rainy day fund, to pay for them.
 
Additional bills that the General Assembly approved include measures on the following topics:
 
Addiction treatment: Senate Bill 191 addresses certification and educational requirements for alcohol and drug counselors. The bill also directs Kentucky to establish guidelines employers can use to develop programs to help more individuals struggling with substance use disorders while maintaining employment.
 
Taxes: Senate Bill 5 will require library boards, and other so-called special-purpose governmental entities, to get approval from a county fiscal court or city council before increasing taxes.
 
Marsy’s Law: Senate Bill 15 would enshrine certain rights for crime victims in the state constitution. Those would include the right to be notified of all court proceedings, reasonable protection from the accused, timely notice of a release or escape, and the right to full restitution.
 
Terms of constitutional offices: House Bill 405 proposes a constitutional amendment that would increase the term of office for commonwealth's attorneys from six years to eight years beginning in 2030 and increase the term of office for district judges from four years to eight years beginning in 2022. It would also increase the experience requirement to be a district judge from two years to eight years.
 
Kentucky voters will decide on the proposed constitutional amendments this November.
 
The 2020 Regular Session was certainly unique. I will be sending a more detailed wrap-up of legislation passed in the coming weeks. Thank you for your support, criticisms, questions, and comments throughout this session. Your involvement is truly appreciated.
 
It’s great to be home, reunited with family. I hope to see you out and about in the coming year.  Take care and God bless.
 
If you have any questions or comments, call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me at [email protected].  You can also review the Legislature’s work online at www.legislature.ky.gov.

​Edmonson County Circuit Court Clerk Tanya Hodges has released a special statement regarding the process of jury duty summons' in Edmonson County.

"Dear Edmonson County residents,

As you may know, when court cases require a jury here in the Edmonson County Courthouse, our office has to request a jury panel from Frankfort. I, nor anyone in our office has any control as to whom is mailed a jury summons. We simply request a certain amount of names, and then the names are randomly selected from a database stored in Frankfort.

It has come to our attention that several families have received a summons in the name of a deceased loved one. We know this is frustrating, and sometimes painful. We deeply apologize for these incidents and we are working hard to keep this from happening in the future. 

A new jury panel is currently being selected and the summons' have been mailed out. Again, we do not select these names locally, but we ask that if you or a family member receive a summons for someone who has passed, to please contact our office immediately so that we can notify Frankfort in order to remove that name from the database. 

We are here to serve you with respect and dignity, and we deeply care about our responsibilities, our credibility, but most importantly, you, the people of Edmonson County. Please contact our office with any needs for our services, it is our pleasure to serve you. Thank you so much."

Respectfully submitted,
Tanya Hodges
Edmonson County Circuit Court Clerk
270-597-2584

by Senator Steve Meredith:
​The Senate met its constitutional obligation to pass a state budget this week, but the spending plan was truncated because of COVID-19. It’s simply unclear how severe the disease’s impact will be on the amount of taxes collected or the citizenry’s wellbeing.
 
Instead of trying to pass a two-year financial plan with so many unknowns, legislators came together and crafted a 12-month budget using the most pessimistic revenue forecast considered by the state’s nonpartisan economic forecasters. The heart of the spending plan is the executive branch budget found in HB 352, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers.
 
HB 352 would eliminate all salary increases included in earlier budget proposals but would hold SEEK base appropriation at $4,000 per pupil. The acronym stands for Support Education Excellence in Kentucky, the formula used to allocate state tax dollars to local school districts. This bill would provide $7.4 million for school-based mental health service providers. Their services are required based on the language in the 2019 School Safety and Resiliency Act. 
 
HB 352 would also provide $1.6 million to support medical services at county jails and additional cash for the Kentucky Poison Control Center, which is running the state’s COVID-19 hotline. No money would be taken from accounts held by professional and occupational boards and commissions under HB 352. Many of these professions, such as nursing, are on the frontline of the COVID-19 response.
 
Additionally, HB 352 would freeze funding contribution requirements for so-called quasi-governmental organizations, like health departments and community mental health centers, at the current 49 percent of employee pay. There were concerns that escalating pension costs could weaken the organizations as they are called upon to respond to COVID-19.
 
Unfortunately, HB 352 wouldn’t add additional money to the state’s budget reserve trust fund (our state “savings” account).  It is also not clear how much of the more than $300 million that was expected to be available in the fund will actually be there once the fiscal year ends on June 30.
 
A related revenue bill, known as House Bill 351, was amended in the Senate to include language that would grant the governor, secretary of state and the board of elections additional flexibility in conducting the 2020 primary election, now set for June 23. Current law permits the governor and secretary of state to change the time or place but not the “manner” of an election. This would allow the two elected officials, in conjunction with the board, to develop an election procedure more open to absentee voting, which may be necessary because of COVID-19.
 
The Senate also passed the judicial and legislative branch budgets in addition to the state’s highway plan, which would still extend over 24 months. All of the budget-related bills have been delivered to the governor, including HB 351.
 
The Senate has decided to recess for as much time as possible to minimize everyone’s potential exposure to the virus. However, we plan to return on April 13 to begin considering any veto overrides and possibly give final passage to a handful of other bills.  But, our leadership will continue to monitor the COVID-19 emergency and make adjustments in our schedule accordingly. The Kentucky Constitution prohibits the legislature from conducting business in even-numbered years beyond April 15.
 
While we are all ‘hunkered’ down in our homes enjoying our families and the beginning of Spring, I would urge everyone to please make sure they have filled out the questionnaires for the Census.  This is vital for federal funding and future projections for our communities.
 
Take care of each other and stay healthy.  It is an honor to represent you in Frankfort. 

If you have any questions or comments, call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me at [email protected].  You can also review the Legislature’s work online at www.legislature.ky.gov.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
​Three local cub scouts competed this past Saturday in the annual Wapiti District Pinewood Derby, which for the first time ever, was a virtual competition. Jaxson French, Nick Miles, and Colton Miller from Pack 597, sponsored by Edmonson County Lions Club, were representatives from Edmonson's local pack. Wapiti District is compromised of 13 counties with 17 Cub Scouts packs. The top 3 winners from each of these 17 packs come together each year for the District Derby. 

Cubmaster Shawna Sorgmann said the derby was originally scheduled last month at the Greenwood mall but was rescheduled until a virtual option could be planned, due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Sorgmann assisted at the program alongside Randy Richey, who is another pack Cubmaster. The derby was done with only three actual people together in order to follow CDC guidelines. The cars were placed in sealed bags and left in quarantine for a week then handled with gloves to prevent any chance of infection.

​"Thanks to Shawna and Randy, we were able to complete this derby with 2 constant views of start/finish plus a constant computer screen with heat names and results," said Pack 597. "This is the first nationwide competition to be done in this manner to our knowledge."

Cee Bee Food Store in Brownsville has announced that they are temporarily changing their store hours until further notice. 

The new hours are:
Monday through Saturday: 7AM to 6PM
Sunday: 10AM to 6PM

Co-owner Cindy Rich said that the adjusted hours are for the protection of their employees.

"Thank you for your understanding during these unusual times," she said. 

The Edmonson County Extension Office has made the following announcement: