Darren Doyle, story:
Traffic was jammed up a little bit this morning at Edmonson County High School but it was for a fun cause.

ECHS brought back a "Drive Your Tractor To School Day," which allowed students with access to a tractor to drive it to school and park in the back of the parking lot this morning.

ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams said it was a very unique event that students enjoyed and was sponsored by Jacob's Home Furnishings.

"We appreciate Jacob's Home Furnishings sponsoring today's event," he said. "We hope to have it next year and have more tractors being driven. This is just another fun thing we can try to do for our kids, and it was neat to watch them drive up and park this morning."

Jeff Jacobs, owner of Jacob's Home Furnishings said there was a pretty good turnout of tractors and he agreed that the students enjoyed the day.

The local store gave away three $100 VISA gift cards for three different categories.

The winners were Haydn Burrell (biggest tractor), Dustin Davis (oldest tractor), and Garrett Rigdon (cleanest tractor).

"We’re hoping this becomes an annual event like it was years ago during national FFA week," said Jacobs.

Editor's note: While we first understood this was the first time the school has had this event, others told us since the article was published that Edmonson County had this many years ago. Several locals are hoping the return of this event will stay.

The Big Brownsville Bash has been set for June 2nd-4th and we are proud to be part of it. The three-day event is sponsored by Rafferty's, Patton Funeral Home, Bank of Edmonson County, A Plus Family Healthcare, The Edmonson County Tourism Commission, and Alford's Pharmacy.

Several other chamber members are getting involved and the schedule is packed with plenty of activities for everyone.

Click the flyer to visit the Chamber's website with all the events and activities.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
South Edmonson 4-H students competed in the Mammoth Cave Area written and public speaking communications contests last night at Bowling Green Junior High School. 

This process began at South Edmonson 4-H's school level showcase, where 43 students competed in both demonstration and speeches at the club level. Students then moved on to compete at the district level at Edmonson County Extension Office, where the winners advanced to the Mammoth Cave Area competition. Students competed in the junior category, which ranged in ages from 9-13. 

Competing at the county level competition were Jesse Denham, Harper Leedy, Parin Patel, Lincoln Hughes, Harper Davis, Baylee Wilkerson, Jaxon Minyard, Daphne Bolton, Annalee Vincent, and Ava Kepple.

The following students placed in the area competition. 

Harper Davis, Purple Ribbon, Grand Champion Speech. Harper will go on to continue at the state level in Lexington, Kentucky.

Jesse Denham, Blue Ribbon, Songwriting
Harper Davis, Blue Ribbon, Essay
Sophia Prunty, Blue Ribbon, Poetry

Lincoln Hughes, Blue Ribbon, 2nd Place, Science Demonstration
Daphne Bolton and Jaxon Minyard, Blue Ribbon, 3rd Place, Team Demonstration
Baylee Wilkerson, Red Ribbon, 2nd Place, Speech

"These students made our community, school, and club so very proud," said SEES Counselor Shannon Lowe. "4-H is a partnership with our extension office and we are so glad that we can provide opportunities for our youth in Edmonson County."

From Barren River District Health Department:
With the start of summer right around the corner, the Barren River District Health Department (BRDHD) has joined with the Sea Tow Foundation – a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to the education and promotion of safe boating practices – to celebrate National Safe Boating Week, a focused, week-long event designed to bring awareness to boating safety prior to the start of the busy summer boating season.

“Boating is an activity that millions of Americans enjoy every year and BRDHD wants to remind boaters everywhere about the importance of staying safe when heading out on the Barren River and surrounding waterways," said Jeanna Phelps of BRDHD.

This year, National Safe Boating Week is celebrated May 21-27. The Sea Tow Foundation has compiled daily boating safety tips that BRDHD will be sharing with boaters in-person throughout the summer at community events, as well as on Facebook @BarrenRiverDistrict.

“One of the important boating safety tips that we will be sharing during National Safe Boating Week and throughout the upcoming boating season encourages boaters to always designate a Sober Skipper before heading out on the water to eliminate Boating Under the Influence incidents on the water,“ said Phelps. “BUI is illegal in every state and having a Sober Skipper is a great way to ensure that all boaters have a safe and enjoyable time on the water, each and every trip.” For a full listing of the Sea Tow Foundation’s National Safe Boating Week daily tips and blog posts, visit the Sea Tow Foundation’s website at www.boatingsafety.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at @SeaTowFoundation and on Twitter at @SeaTowFdn.

ABOUT SEA TOW FOUNDATION
With a vision of a world where boaters are safe and responsible, the Sea Tow Foundation – a nationwide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization - was established in 2007. Through the Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program, which prevents drowning, more than 83,000 life jackets are available to borrow and return free of charge at over 950 life jacket loaner stations located across the United States. The Sea Tow Foundation’s Sober Skipper Campaign aims to eliminate boating under the influence accidents by encouraging boaters to be or designate a sober skipper before each boating trip. And the Foundation’s Boating Safety Advisory Council presents the National Boating Industry Safety Awards annually to for-profit boating businesses who promote and advocate for safe boating. For more information on the Sea Tow Foundation, please visit boatingsafety.com.