Darren Doyle, story:
Yes, you read correctly. The Edmonson Voice has received multiple reports of armadillos being spotted in various areas of the county, most recently in the Pine Grove area.

One of these little mammals looks like a cross between an anteater, turtle, and a pig and is from the same family as anteaters and sloths. 

Brady Meeks of Pine Grove sent us the top photo of this one, which was located on HWY 743 near Alexander Creek Road. Mr. Meeks said he spotted it on the side of the road on his way to work Thursday morning. 

Just a few months ago we received a similar photo from Michelle Decker, who spotted a larger one on Veterans Memorial HWY just inside the city limits of Brownsville near Park Place.

According to nature, armadillos normally aren't aggressive towards humans and roll up in a ball when threatened; however, one should use caution when approaching as they are said to be a carrier of leprosy.

A genetic study published in 2011 in The New England Journal of Medicine shows that U.S. armadillos and human patients share what seems to be a unique strain of the bacterium that causes leprosy.

While they thrive in southern, warmer climates, the lack of predators over time has allowed them to migrate north, which is likely why they've made it to Kentucky. Perhaps would-be predators were also informed that the little guys carry leprosy.

With two sightings in Edmonson County near the Green River region, who knows? Maybe they were headed there to dip seven times.

Edmonson Voice Report:
​Brownsville VFW Post 6937 has announced their new officers in a press release.

Kevin Engel was named Post Commander.  Kevin is a Combat Action Badge, Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal recipient of the Iraq conflict.  Medically retired after 30 years of service from the US Army for wounds, Kevin served as a Command Sergeant Major.  He was a Combat Engineer in the Army and now owns and runs his own construction company here in Edmonson County.  He was the VFW District 5 Commander last year and has thrown his hat in the ring to become a VFW Department of Kentucky State officer.
 
New Senior Vice Commander is Gerald Carroll.  Gerald served 38 years in the US Army as a Chief Warrant Officer-5 serving as a Master Army Aviator with extensive overseas experience.  His extensive decorations include the Combat Action Badge and the Meritorious Service Medal. 
 
Randall Wilson is the Post’s new Junior Vice Commander.  Randall owned and operated a successful welding firm.  His overseas service was defending the Republic of Korea as a cavalryman.  This is Randall’s first term as an officer of the VFW.
 
Donna Engel is our Post’s experienced Quartermaster.  She has been awarded All State and All American honors and is also the VFW 5th District Quartermaster.  Donna and Kevin are married and her overseas service was also defending the Republic of Korea as a member of the US Air Force.
 
Rare and blessed are VFW Posts with officers of this caliber.
 
Past Post Commander Edwin Vincent remains in charge of the Post’s Burial Honors Detail and will become the VFW Department of Kentucky’s Senior Vice Commander this year (State Commander next year).  Past Post Commander Floyd Houston is taking some time off to visit with new grandchildren across the country and to lead an effort to digitize the Edmonson County Veterans’ Hallway.
 
"The VFW was established following the Spanish-American War and is charged by Congress to remember our fallen veterans, take care of living veterans in need, as well as widows and orphans of veterans, and to conduct good works in the community," said the post in a statement. "Our Post is known for its charitable contributions, conducting Flag training for Edmonson County 4th Graders each fall, for conducting patriotic speaking and writing competitions for older students, for conducting Community Service Awards each year, and especially for our Burial Honors Detail.  Our Burial Honors Detail routinely supports between 12 – 20 veterans’ graveside internments with precision and great dignity.  We meet at the Edmonson County Library on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 pm.  If you are an overseas veteran with a qualifying campaign medal, please join us."

Main Street Barbershop owner Odis Allen has announced that he will reopen his shop later than the projected date of May 25th.

"Governor Beshear has approved hair stylists and barbers to reopen on Monday, May 25th under strict guidelines," Allen said. "However, our county's Covid cases continue to rise.  With this in mind I feel it would be unwise for me to reopen until this trend changes.  My wife and I both have compromised immune systems and we're at a higher risk level. It is my intention to reopen as soon as I can and look forward to that day.  I miss you all and pray for your good health."

​

The Edmonson County Conservation District Office has announced that they have reopened. Their announcement is published below:

Edmonson Voice Report:
Edmonson County and City of Brownsville have joined forces with Thomas & England Veterinary Services in Smiths Grove to offer Spay/Neuter vouchers for residents of Edmonson County, according to an announcement from the Judge Executive's Office.  Edmonson County residents can pick up vouchers from the Judge Executive’s Office Monday thru Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cat spay/neuter vouchers will be in the amount of $40, with pet owner paying $5 - $10 based on sex of cat.  If cat has not had rabies vaccine, there will be an additional $10 charge for that, you will need to show proof of rabies vaccination if you have it. 

Dog spay/neuter vouchers will be in the amount of $50, with pet owner paying $20-$30-depending on weight of dog.   If dog has not had rabies vaccine, there will be an additional $10 charge for that, you will need to show proof of rabies vaccination if you have it.

The JE's office said that Thomas & England is currently scheduling the spay/neuter appointments, where they are currently about two weeks out. Making appointments as soon as possible is recommended by calling 270-563-0011. 

The price range is below for the spay/neuter program:

Cat Spay (female) $50 - $ 40 voucher = $10 pet owner responsibility
Cat Neuter (male) $45 - $ 40 voucher = $5 pet owner responsibility

Dog Spay/Neuter:
60 pounds or less $70 - $50 voucher = $20 pet owner responsibility
60-90 pounds $75 - $ 50 voucher = $ 25 pet owner responsibility
90 pounds or more $80 - $ 50 voucher = $30 pet owner responsibility
THESE PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE THE REQUIRED $ 10 RABIES VACCINATION, THAT WILL NEED TO BE PAID BY THE PET OWNER AS WELL, UNLESS YOU HAVE PROOF OF RABIES VACCINATION. 

Those interested by call the Judge Executive’s Office at either of these numbers with questions or to be added to the voucher list for pickup: 270-597-2819 or 270-597-1079. Vouchers have a 60 day expiration date, and if the voucher is not used within 60 days, it will be voided and unable to redeem at Thomas & England.

​Individuals that pick up vouchers will be required to show proof of residency in Edmonson County, the Judge's office said.

​by: Rachelle Wright, Project Director for Cave Country Trails
Hiking is making a comeback, and we are fortunate to live in a place that offers a variety of trails to enjoy. At Cave Country Trails, we’re all about getting people on the trails in our region, so here’s some things we want you to know.

Mammoth Cave National Park has nearly 84 miles of hiking trails across their 52,830 acres.  Their trail systems are divided into three areas: frontcountry, backcountry and the visitor’s center trail area. 

The frontcountry and backcountry areas of the park are divided by the Green River. There are ponds to explore, cave entrances to peek into and many wildlife encounters to be had.  Plus there are also accessible trails in the park, like the Sand Cave Trail, Sloan’s Pond Trail and the Heritage Trail. This makes hitting the trails something everyone can enjoy.  

A complete list of the trails and trail maps for the national park can be found at www.nps.gov/maca Also, since the Green River Ferry will not be running again until late spring, check their website for more information before determining your driving route to the trailhead of your choice.

While Mammoth Cave National Park is often the first place we consider when think about hiking, our region also includes trail systems in two state parks.  Nolin Lake State Park’s Brier Creek Trail System has just under 10 miles of trails, including their fan favorite, Waterfall Loop. The Brier Creek Trail system is also active with mountain bikes, which we will discuss in a future article. Their trail map can be found at: parks.ky.gov/mammoth-cave/trails/trails/brier-creek-trail-system. 

​Another lesser known trail on the edge of Warren County is the Shanty Hollow Lake Trail, which is a bit over 2 miles. The trail begins by taking you along the edge of the lake, then greets you with large moss covered boulders as you turn into the “hollow.”. The centerpiece of the trail is the waterfall at the end of the hollow and the rock ledges surrounding it.  For user information on this moderately rated trail and reviews of it, head to: alltrails.com/trail/us/kentucky/shanty-hollow-lake-trail

The last trail we will share this week is on the Brigadoon Nature Preserve, just south of Glasgow, off 31E. Brigadoon’s loop trail is also a bit over 2 miles through an “old growth forest” with nice lake overlooks and one stream crossing. Around this time of year it is loaded with wildflowers. The All Trails info for Brigadoon can be found at: alltrails.com/trail/us/kentucky/brigadoon-state-nature-preserve-loop

We also suggest cavecountrytrails.com for more information on a variety of trails in our region, which includes: Barren, Edmonson, Hart and Warren Counties. We have trail information for cyclists, mountain bikers, paddlers, hikers and trail riders as well. We recommend reading reviews of any trail before you go, printing a map to carry with you on the trail and pack water on the trail as well.  Keep watching for future articles on paddling, cycling and horseback riding.

Cave Country Trails, Inc is a non-profit that focuses on creating a regional network of biking, hiking, equestrian, and water trails to connect communities and make the Mammoth Cave Area and South Central Kentucky a more attractive destination and place to live. This initiative promotes healthy lifestyles while attracting visitors and new businesses, managed with local flavor, resulting in regional economic growth. They can be reached at [email protected]

May 6, 2020 | By: Katie Pratt
The first known appearances of the Asian giant hornet, also known as the “murder hornet,” has many Americans concerned. A University of Kentucky entomologist is offering some information to educate Kentuckians about the worrisome insect.

As its name would suggest, the hornet is a native of Asia but was recently found in Washington state and British Columbia, Canada. Due to its size and the power of its venom, it is the most dangerous hornet in the world. Honeybees are their most common prey but their stings can be dangerous and even lethal to humans who are allergic to other types of bee and wasp stings.

“It is unlikely the insect is in Kentucky,” said Jonathan Larson, UK entomologist in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “So far, there have been no findings in North America outside of the Pacific Northwest, but we do have some similar looking insects in Kentucky that could cause people to think they have seen one.”

Asian giant hornets are 1.5 to 2 inches long. They have black and yellow-orange stripes and a large orange or yellow head with prominent eyes. They form large colonies on the ground. Common insects in Kentucky that are similar in size to the hornet include the European hornet, cicada killer and bald-faced hornet. However, Larson said these insects have distinct features that can help Kentuckians differentiate them from the Asian giant hornet.

“The European hornet is more of a red-orange color, and the cicada killer will have a smaller head and different shape than the Asian giant hornet,” he said. “Bald-faced hornets are black and white instead of yellow-orange.”

​While it is unlikely the hornet is in Kentucky, UK entomologists encourage anyone who has a specimen that they think might be the Asian giant hornet to submit pictures through a direct message on the Kentucky Bugs Facebook page or email pictures to [email protected]. Pictures should include top and side views of the insect and a size comparison to help the entomologists positively identify the insect.
​
Officials in the Pacific Northwest are working to eradicate the Asian giant hornet from the area.

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County Schools have always hosted an in-person kindergarten registration for incoming students each year; however, schools are adjusting that process due to the current Covid-19 situation.

Carol Stice, Instructional Supervisor for Edmonson County schools said this process is extremely important and she asked the Edmonson Voice to help the local school system spread the word.

"A huge part of our elementary schools' planning for the next school year is dependent upon the number of incoming kindergarten students we have," she said. "We want to encourage any parent with a child that will be five by August 1, 2020, to register their child ASAP with our online registration."

The online signup has been launched by the district and is ready to go for the next school year. Stice said that incoming kindergarten parents will need to visit mrtg.edmonson.k12.ky.us/OLR.html and follow the prompts on the screen to get their child registered.  She also added that in the event of any questions or issues, folks can simply call the school (Kyrock:270-286-4013 or South Edmonson 270-597-2379) for more.

"We are here to help and want this process to be as seamless as possible," she said. "We are so sad that we couldn't have our Kindergarten Express kickoff like we've done in the past, but we desperately need this information as soon as possible.  We encourage everyone in the community to share this information with any parent who may need it."

Sherrell Thompson, EC Extension Office:
Earlier in the year the Edmonson County Soil Conversation Office canceled their annual tree seedling giveaway due to COVID-19. The UK Cooperative Extension Service of Edmonson County is very excited to partner with Soil Conservation to continue this program as one of our Extension-on-the-Go kits. We feel that it is so important during this time to continue as many programs and services as we can to serve our community while also protecting our community. We currently have 100 tree bundles available.

Each participant will receive 9 tree seedlings completely free of charge and delivered to your home. This program is only for Edmonson County residents and the trees are only available while supplies last.

The sign-up begins Friday, May 1st at 9:00 AM and ends Saturday, May 2nd at 4:00 PM. No sign-ups will be accepted after 4:00 PM Saturday. See the instructions below to sign up:

1.) Complete the online order form to request a bundle of trees.Click on this link to complete the form: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/edmonson-county-tree-seedling-giveaway-tickets-104069576906
The bundle will include Red Bud, White Oak, Shagbark Hickory, Sugar Maple, Pecan (2), White Pine (3).
2.) Unless otherwise noted tree packets will be left by the mailbox of each resident.
3.) Delivery will take place on Monday, May 4th 2020.
4.) This service is available ONLY for Edmonson County residents. Out of county requests will not be delivered.
5.) Only one bundle of trees will be left at each address.

Once you receive your trees we ask that you fill out a survey at https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0V417TToHJ95I6V

Interested in more "Extension-on-the-Go" programs? Check out our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/edmonsonextension/

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to call the Edmonson County Extension Office Friday, May 1st until 4 PM at 270-597-3628 or by email at [email protected]. 

Reminder, the only way to sign-up is by completing the form online. We cannot accept sign-ups by email or by calling and leaving a voicemail.