Pageant organizers have scheduled a rehearsal and registration from 5-7pm on Thursday night, June 1st in the ECHS auditorium. 

For more information, click the ad below or contact Lori Alexander, 270-784-8520 or Madison Hollis, 270-393-1000.

Darren Doyle, story and photo:
Lt. Colonel Floyd Houston, U.S. Marine Corps Retired, an Edmonson County resident, is to be inducted into the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame (KVHOF).

The Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame selected twenty nine Kentucky military veterans for induction into the Hall of Fame later this year. Chosen for their post-military community service, inductees served in various military conflicts including the Korean War, Somalia, Vietnam and The Global War on Terror. For the first time in the organization's history, the class contains no World War II veterans.

KVHOF will honor the nominees at three events, all held at Embassy Suites/UK Coldstream in Lexington. Continuing tradition, the class will be introduced August 8th in a program featuring Team FastraxTM Professional Skydiving Team. The Grand Gala Dinner September 8th is an evening of military fellowship and patriotic music, spotlighting each inductee's military service. Their community service will be highlighted in the formal induction ceremony held the morning of September 9th. All events are open to the public.

Lt. Col. Houston, who served in Somalia, has tallied an impressive resume over the years that includes where he:

• was in a unique unit (2nd Force Reconnaissance Company)
• helped protect President Bush on an operation in Columbia 
• led a successful company sized raid on a Presidential Compound in Mogadishu 
• established a multi-million dollar Rewards For Justice reward on the now late 1983 Beirut barracks Bomber, Imad Mughniyah
• was medically retired due to injuries in 1999 and worked at HQMC as a civilian
• commanded VFW Post in Virginia leading it to All State honors
• authored a book about his VFW Post in Virginia: PILLARS OF THE POST (88 veteran biographies with profits assigned to a local veterans scholarship)
• coached a junior rifle team in Virginia for 11 years, coaching them to two open US National Rifle Championships in 2003 (beating the fabled US Army Marksmanship Unit and all the kids got scholarships)
• retired to Kentucky in 2015
• commanded local VFW Post here, earning All State and All American honors
• helped with the Hall of Heroes Project
• helps with VFW veteran funerals
• volunteers as a School Resource Officer
• is working on a second book, a history of the 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company from the end of Vietnam until they were transferred into Special Operations Command in 2006 to become Marine Raiders (nonprofit)

"Hearing that I was to be inducted into KVHOF was a completely unexpected honor," said Houston.

He is currently the Junior Vice Commander of Brownsville VFW Post 6937 (both All State and All American) and helps with veteran funerals on top of volunteering as a school resource officer.

An official Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame plaque bearing inductee names will join earlier class plaques permanently displayed in the Frankfort, Kentucky Capitol building, in the first-floor hall near the Secretary of State's office. The names will also be added to regional KVHOF monuments placed around Kentucky. To date, KVHOF has honored over 250 veterans from 53 Kentucky counties, covering multiple conflicts and eras since World War I, representing the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.

Brownsville resident and local veteran Mike Stoyonovich, Army First SGT. Ret., was also inducted in the the Kentucky Veteran Hall of Fame last year.

Don't miss the Big Bash Arts, Crafts, and Vendor Fair at 8AM on Saturday, June 3rd, sponsored by Patton Funeral Home and presented by the Edmonson County Homemakers! You can also get a sneak peak on Friday evening at the Tractor Show.

It will feature arts, crafts, jewelry, boutique and handmade items, and more! Are you a vendor? Come on out!! Make sure you preregister to reserve your 10x10 booth space. Canopies allowed outdoors, only. Contact Sharon Cowles at 270-791-2717.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Alicia Edwards, a former familiar face with the EC Schools Family Resource Center, was recently named the new director of the Edmonson County Public Library and she is looking to help the Library grow as she and the staff continues to build on the good things the county has seen from the folks on Ferguson Street.

Edwards steps in for the departing Jeanie Munsee, who was the director of the Library for 28 years. Mrs. Jeanie is currently helping Edwards with the transition in her new role. Edwards said that while serving as the Family Resource Center Coordinator in seven out of the twelve years she was with the school system, she was blessed to be able to work alongside kids, schools, families, businesses, and community leaders.

"It was such a privilege for me to get to know everyone," she said. "While I will always treasure my time in FRC, I feel this role is perfect for me. I still get to work with everyone in Edmonson County and plan even more programs alongside my wonderful Library work family. I have partnered with the Library for many years and knew what an amazing place it was. I always felt it was the heart of a community! Jeanie Munsee was the Director for 28 years and is so loved by our patrons. I have big shoes to fill for sure."

She described the opportunity as "incredible," and said the transition has been nothing but fantastic so far.

While she is still getting her feet wet with operating systems, budgets, and what is the norm around the Library, she is focused on working to better educate the community on all the products and services that the Library offers, and it's an extensive list.

"My goals and vision for the library are to find more ways to provide community involvement and some really exciting programs for ALL ages," she said. "We have a lot of ideas and goals for the upcoming year and we are looking forward to serving our community. Our community is the very best, and the more we can provide, the better we all are in the end."

She said she has already received some ideas from community members, for which she said she not only was grateful, but also welcomes it.

Currently, the Library currently offers the following programs:

• Story time weekly
• Ladies' Book Discussion
• Ladies' Craft Night 
• Summer Reading (month of June)

In addition to the the programs, she said the Bookmobile is available to provide services right to one's home. 

"All you have to do is just call and we will put your home on the route."

Other services and products offered by the Library include the following:

• An amazing selection of books (if we don't have it, ask!)
• GED testing (starting in June)
• Workforce/Career resources
• Notary
• Genealogy 
• Senior Citizen Services
• Inter-library Loans
• Printing, Faxing, Internet and Computer Access
• Free Wi-Fi
• Tablets that are available to check out
• Audio books
• CDs
• DVDs 
• Magazines
• Digital Books and Magazines
• Little Libraries throughout the county 
• Tech and Board Room that is available to rent
• Manuals for CDLs, Driver's Manual, and other testing materials are available.

Edwards said she and the staff are already working to add to the lists above.

She also added that her new role also has some sentimental value, as her Mammaw, Judy Renfro, was the Bookmobile Lady for over 20 years.

"It makes the transition to this position even sweeter knowing I am able to follow in her footsteps and work where she loved working."

Library hours are 9AM to 4:30PM M-F, 9AM to 1PM on Saturday, and closed Sunday. It's located at 280 Ferguson St, Brownsville, KY 42210. You can call them at 270-597-2146.

You can also visit their Facebook Page here and their website by clicking here.

submitted flyer:

Make sure you come out to biggest day of the bash! On Saturday, June 3rd, on the square will be the Big Bash Car Show, presented by Rafferty's from 10am-2pm!

Get ready to see some of the most beautiful and unique classic, muscle, and extraordinary vehicles in our area. All sorts of divisions will be available. For registration, contact Mike Stoyonovich at 270-566-3722.

By Darren Doyle, editor:
An interesting experience occurred last week here at the Edmonson Voice office when I noticed what appeared to be flies or some other flying insects darting around in the front yard in numbers like I'd never seen. Cautiously approaching to see what the commotion was, I could hear the low roar of what sounded like an industrial fan running, and in a couple of minutes, all the insects gathered on a trimmed tree branch of the sycamore tree near the front door and I could tell they were honeybees.

I grabbed a camera and began to take a closer look with a zoom lens, since the sting of any bee or wasp swells me up like the Goodyear Blimp. Even though they still gave me the creeps, it was pretty cool to see a honeybee swarm for the first time. Relatively, it was a small swarm but having never seen one, my attention was grabbed.

I called my neighbor, Barry Cowles, a local beekeeper and the owner of Poppy's Local Honey, which is sold locally in Edmonson County. Barry has several hives on property he owns near the entrance of R&R Heating and Air Conditioning on Veterans Memorial Highway. It's a small, lovely spring-fed pond with several hives around.

Barry soon showed up, assured me this was no big deal, and that the bees would all be relocated to a portable hive he had in his yellow Jeep. He explained that starting the relocation process could aggravate the bees at first, so he cautioned me to stay alert, even though I felt like I was facing a flock of pterodactyls somewhere on the castaway hills of the planet Eternia. I was standing on the pavement just in case I needed to pull a Usain Bolt and race to the haven of my nice and peaceful office. In reality, it was much less dramatic than that, as Barry pulled out a few tools he uses to relocate the bees.

He had a small wooden box that was the hive, and a cleverly constructed device made from a large drinking water container mounted upside-down with the bottom cut out. The container was attached to a telescopic swimming pool pole. He put on a protective hat with a net "to protect the eyes," and placed the hive on the ground, directly under the swarm.

He then stood under the swarm and placed the container around the bees, forcefully tapping the branch, which caused about half the swarm to fall into the container. He then dropped the container down at the opening of the hive and they started to make their way inside.

The bees were a little confused at first, some were even angry. There were shots fired as Barry took five or six stings to the arm. After another try with the water container and the queen was relocated to the front of the hive, all the others began to follow. He even showed me the queen and how she was pointed in a very distinct manner.

"She's saying 'this is the way, get in here,'" Barry said.

In just a minute, the angry and confused bees headed for the hive entrance just like it was Black Friday at Best Bee where, oh honey, these guys were trying to get in line to buy cheap Samstung TVs. (apologies)

Barry decided to leave the hive there for a few hours just to make sure all the stragglers made their way in, as it apparently takes time for some of the slower ones to catch on. After he returned, he had a full hive of these guys ready to go to work on their next batch of Poppy's Honey. A small handful of bees remained on the limb for a couple days then they were gone.

Cowles said he has had an interest in beekeeping and honey since he was a kid, where he learned the art from family members.

You can purchase Poppy's Local Honey at multiple locations, like Creekside Nursery on Chalybeate Road, Sun Valley Feed Mill in Brownsville, or Honeybee Bakery and Cafe, also in Chalybeate.

Visit them on Facebook by clicking here.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Two men from the Sweeden community have received awards from the Edmonson County Conservation District.

Danny Vincent was awarded the 2022 Outstanding Cooperator award.

This award recognizes farmers who have continued beyond the master conservationist levels, and their dedication to continuing their conservation efforts "are of benefit to everyone", says the Edmonson County Conservation District.

Matt Minton was awarded the 2022 Master Conservationist Award.

​The Master Conservationist Award recognizes farmers who have completed more than 90 percent of their conservation plan to protect the soil, air, and water on their farm, which also protects the environment of their community.

The Edmonson County Conservation District says they want to congratulate both of these men, and express their "deep appreciation of their continued efforts to using sound conservation practices".

Don't miss this awesome opportunity for a great property! Here is a 4 bed, 2 bath home for sale on a 1acre lot, located at 3375 Morgantown Road, Brownsville, KY 42210!

Looking for your very own hobby farm within minutes of Bowling Green?? Look no further! This farmhouse bungalow was built in a different time, but has been completely renovated from bottom to top, and hosts priceless views of the rolling Kentucky hillside. Granite countertops, a HUGE utility room, and LVT flooring throughout are just a few of the many updates.

Partially fenced, and featuring a 30x40 garage, in addition to a chicken coop, and carport providing plenty of space for animals or hobbies. Sellers are offering a one year home warranty with purchase. Contact Shauna Gravil, realtor today for your private tour.

Don't forget to visit the Edmonson Voice Facebook Page for your opportunity to win $100 in groceries from the Cee Bee Food Store just for sharing this property listing!

Click here or any photo in this post to visit the full listing with all the info and tons of photos!

Check out this 5 bed, 2 bath home on 4.18ac, located at 92 Wells Road, Brownsville, KY, 42210!

Within minutes of Bowling Green, and nestled on just over 4 acres, this vintage farmhouse is a rare find. Freshly painted, and hosting a ton of charm with recently refinished hardwood floors, in addition to many other unique, original fixtures and finishes throughout.

Partially fenced with a detached garage, 2 small sheds, 2 barns, an orchard, garden area, and mature landscaping and trees. Enjoy it all from the wraparound, covered front porch. Sellers are offering a one year home warranty with accepted offer. Contact local realtor Shauna Gravil today for your private tour!

Don't forget to visit the Edmonson Voice Facebook Page for your opportunity to win $100 in groceries from the Cee Bee Food Store just for sharing this property listing!

Click here or any photo in this post to visit the full listing with all the info and tons of photos!

Come on out to the Big Bash Baby Show, sponsored by The Hidden Homestead/Scott Skaggs Photography, Thursday, June 1st at the Edmonson County Community Center.

The show is presented by the Edmonson County Homemakers and is open to six different classes for both boys and girls.

For registration or more information, call Janis Simon at 270-597-3782 or 270-991-4933.

Please visit EdmonsonChamber.com for all the details on the Big Brownsville Bash.

As part of our series of promos for the 2023 Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce Big Brownsville Bash, we are excited to invite the community to our first-ever Big Bash Tractor Show.

The show is open to all classes and includes any unique, antique, or hit-and-miss tractors. Got a cool old tractor? Call Mark and reserve your FREE spot. The show will take place on Main Cross Street in front of the Courthouse on Friday, June 2nd from 4PM to 7:30PM.

Also featured is a new Chamber member, Creekside Gourmet BBQ and Tex-Mex! They will be on the square selling their famous homemade dishes, cooked fresh on the spot.

You might just get a sneak peak at a few of the inflatable attractions that you'll find the next day for the kids!

Come on out and enjoy an added event for this year's Bash.

Edmonson Voice Report:
South Edmonson 4-H members competed in the Mammoth Cave Area Communications Contest Thursday evening at Barren County Middle School. 

Prior to competing in the area competition, students competed at the district level. Champions from Edmonson County traveled to compete against other 4-H students from around the region in the areas of speech and demonstrations. 

The following students were champions of the event and have qualified for the state communications competition in July in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Hadley Garmon and Jesse Denham won the Team Demonstration category. Daphne Bolton won the 10 year old speech division and Harper Davis won Digital Demonstration. 

Other blue ribbon winners for the night were Annslee McReynolds in Performing Arts and London Simon in 9 year old speech. Ashley Wells won a red ribbon in Health and Safety Demonstration. 

4-H Communication contests allow students the opportunity to improve their public speaking skills and gain confidence to be successful in their futures. 

Other blue ribbon winners for the night were Annslee McReynolds in Performing Arts and London Simon in 9 year old speech. Ashley Wells won a red ribbon in Health and Safety Demonstration. 

4-H Communication contests allow students the opportunity to improve their public speaking skills and gain confidence to be successful in their futures. 

Edmonson Voice Report:
Edmonson County Schools has announced that ECHS and Kyrock have been selected to win a Building Energy Upgrade Grant through the TVA EnergyRight School Uplift program.

Tight budgets and aging buildings leave many schools facing a difficult decision between funding learning programs and making needed facility upgrades that can lower energy costs and improve health and comfort. TVA’s School Uplift program partnered with local power companies across seven states to help 64 public schools tackle energy waste this school year. School Uplift is a year-long energy management training program developed with the State of Tennessee’s Energy Efficient Schools Initiative that helps public schools make smart energy choices that improve the classroom learning environment and save money through decreased energy use.

ECHS and Kyrock joins over 118 schools to have completed School Uplift over the past three years, competing to earn grants for building upgrades and other learning environment improvements. On average, participating schools save nearly 10% on their annual energy bills from behavior changes alone.

“Every dollar invested in our schools helps districts allocate resources to where it matters most – educating our children,” said Monika Beckner, vice president of TVA’s Energy Services and Programs. “We’re inspired by the winners of this year’s School Uplift grants and proud of their dedication to reducing energy waste and building a sustainable future for us all.”

TVA EnergyRight and WRECC are currently recruiting public K-12 schools for the 2025-2026 school year. Visit https://energyright.com/business-industry/school-uplift/ to express interest in participating in this program.