Moriah Peterson, story and photos:
Freedom Fest 2019 was on Friday night June 28th at the Chalybeate Sports Complex. The event included a dunking booth, sport games, inflatables for kids, foam machines and more. 

Vendor booths and a DJ were setup during the event and concessions were also available.   

The free event hosted by Edmonson County Parks and Recreation ended the night with a firework show.

"We want to thank all our sponsors for another great event," said Edmonson County Parks & Rec Program Director, John Kiernan. "They make this free community event possible. We also appreciate everyone for coming out." 

Moriah Peterson, story and photos:
The Edmonson County Chamber and community members gathered for a luncheon to honor Bro. Jerry Patton and his 50 years of service and business of Patton Funeral Home on Friday June 28, 2019 at the Heritage Center in Brownsville.

"We are very humbled by the outpouring support from our community, colleagues, family and friends. This was a momentous occasion for our staff and family, and we truly appreciate the opportunity to serve the wonderful people of Edmonson, Barren and surrounding counties," said Andrea Patton Brantley, Patton Funeral Home Manager. "It is our desire to be able to 'Continue a Heritage of caring' for the next 50-plus years."

During the luncheon, current, past and even future staff members were recognized for their hard work, dedication and support.    

"Today we are honoring one of our anchor community businesses and Jerry Patton's 50 years of service to our community, said Chamber Director Rhonda Clemmons. "We had a fantastic turnout today." 

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County Special Olympics Track and Field Team competed in the Kentucky State Summer Games on May 31 and June 1, 2019. Each member competed in various track and field events over the course of the two days.

While team members enjoyed winning medals and were recognized for their achievements, Local Coordinator Greg Hudson focused on the team itself and how important the Special Olympics organization is in Edmonson County.

"Special Olympics is an International Organization that was founded with the purpose of providing an opportunity for all individuals to participate in athletic competition regardless of their abilities," he said. "In order to be eligible to compete as an athlete, an individual must have a cognitive delay that has been diagnosed by an agency or professional."

Hudson said that Special Olympics is not only limited to individuals with intellectual impairment, but also is open to all athletes in the form of unified teams. These teams are comprised of the athlete and partner, (individual without an intellectual impairment.)

"These teams are a very important part of Special Olympics as they provide and opportunity for both the athlete and partner to gain knowledge and experience the enjoyment of athlete competition while forming lasting relationships that will forever shape the communities in which they live," he added.

Hudson not only wanted to honor Edmonson County athletes for a job well done, but also wanted to thank the volunteers who make the games possible.

"There were over 1,000 volunteers who worked the games this year and they made the games exciting and fun for all the athletes. This year we had six athletes compete in track and field events and each athlete won at least one medal during the competition."

This year's competing team members included: Matthew Vincent, Michael Vincent, Ross Hudson, Bart Decker, Chris Wilkerson, and Jesse Condor. Vivian Thomas serves as Head Track & Field Coach.

"Last but not least I want to thank those who have volunteered or who have supported our team financially this year, without the money to purchase equipment, pay the entry fee for competition or the volunteer support to run practice or compete this would not be possible," Hudson said.

For more information on becoming an athlete or how you can support the team, you can contact Greg Hudson at 270-991-3578.

Interested applicants can download an application below: 

 
One commonly overlooked aspect of night time crappie fishing is the pre-determination of the location of which you will be focusing your efforts. As crappie leave the shallows as spring time spawning concludes, they scatter from their shallow water beds into transition zones along drop offs and onto flats containing structure. Failure to locate areas holding noteworthy numbers of crappie, prior to your outing, can lead to unknowingly fishing areas of low fish density and less than desirable results.
 
At times, prior knowledge of favorable crappie fishing locations from past years under similar conditions can be of value. However, variables such as fluctuating water depths, differing weather conditions, and changes in water condition and clarity can all vary year to year. Because of these variables, it is often best to scout and predetermine fishing locations by use of a fish finder to study structure and lake contours, as well as signatures of schooling crappie, to determine where best to focus your efforts.

Another mistake that crappie anglers commonly make when fishing at night is the lack of proper utilization of lighting for attracting crappie. When a light is deployed for evening crappie fishing, minnows and other baitfish are attracted to the light source to feed upon insects that swarm the illumination. In turn, crappie are attracted to the schools of bait fish that they favor as a food source.
 
Many anglers in the past would suspend a lantern over the water to facilitate this level of attraction. This method is still effective today, however the use of green LED and fluorescent submersible lights have proven to provide increased water penetration depth and saturation. This in turn, has the potential to increase attraction and overall effectiveness. In the majority of situations, the use of submersible LED and fluorescent lights in conjunction with lantern style lighting, can make for a deadly combination for putting crappie in the boat.
 
Perhaps the most commonly made mistake by after hours crappie anglers is the apprehension to experiment with rigging at various depths. Crappie are inherently depth oriented and even a variation of a foot too deep or too shallow can produce less than stellar results. Because of this, an angler who only fishes at a singular depth is very limited in their ability to discern where in the water table crappie are holding. By fishing multiple poles at staggered depths, a fisherman can quickly key in on where crappie are suspending at and adjust their other poles accordingly.
 
Crappie fishing at night not only allows an angler a reprieve from summers tumultuous heat, but also provides hours of endless fun and if successful, excellent table fare as well. This summer, as the sun sets low on the horizon, arrive at your favored lake prepared with a sound strategy at hand to avoid night time crappie fishing's most common oversights. As you boat your final fish of the evening to fill out your limit, you will be delighted that you did.   ​

​The Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce wishes to announce there will be a June Luncheon on Friday June 28 at Noon at the Heritage Centre. 503 Washington St. Brownsviile, KY. The Luncheon will be in honor of Bro. Jerry Patton and his 50 years of service and business of Patton Funeral Home. “Bro. Patton has tirelessly served our community” stated Rhonda Clemmons, Edmonson Co. Chamber of Commerce Director.

“He has been a community leader as a Pastor, in  his civic service, and in business.” stated Clemmons. "This is a wonderful opportunity to network, gather with old friends, meet new ones, and celebrate this incredible milestone for one of community icons."

The Luncheon will be free of charge and all are welcome to attend. 

 For more information visit www.edmonsonchamber.com, or call 270-597-2222

Click the ad to email employer:

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Sherry Sanders and Michael “Sam” Skaggs were recently named the 2018 Master Conservationists for Edmonson County. 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 would like to congratulate both Ms. Sanders and Mr. Skaggs for their achievements. Ms. Sanders and Mr. Skaggs were awarded a certificate, a sign for their farms, and plaques commemorating the event.

​Their certificates read, in part: "In recognition of the love they have shown for the land by using it properly and establishing the necessary conservation practices for maintaining the fertility and increasing the productivity of their farms. They have proven themselves to be good stewards by preserving their farms for generations to come. It is in recognition of an important task well performed that they and their families are awarded this testimonial of honor."

Due to storms in the area the Edmonson Center has postponed their annual benefit car show. A rain date is still being determined at this time. 

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Santa’s Helping Hands INC received a donation of $2,019 from Bluegrass Supply Chain Services of Bowling Green.

Every year during derby week, Bluegrass Supply picks a nonprofit organization to raise money for and chose Santa’s Helping Hands INC to be the recipient this year.

Anessia Stewart, a Bee Spring resident who is employed at Bluegrass Supply Chain, presented the check to SHH, Inc’s founding member, Mark Wardlow last week.

The local non-profit has grown substantially over the past few years and helps needy Edmonson County seniors and children mostly at Christmas, but year-round as well.

 Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Academic Team members Brody Johnson, Jonas Miller, Evy Bolton, & Emma Sackett represented ECMS this past weekend at the Junior National Beta Convention in Oklahoma City.

The four students took a written test and the top eight teams qualified to compete in an oral quiz bowl.

During the Quarterfinals Edmonson County defeated Most Blessed Sacrament, from Louisiana 380-20. In the Semi-finals EC defeated Maiden Middle School, North Carolina, 290-110 and in the finals defeated Prattville Middle School, Alabama, 380-120.

This is the first time in the school’s history to earn a state and national Beta Quiz Bowl Championship.

In the national individual written testing Brody received third in Language Arts, Jonas received second in Social Studies, and Emma received second in Poetry.

​This was the last middle school competition for Brody and Jonas.

Download the application and click the flyer to email directly:

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Edmonson County Judge Executive Wil Cannon signed a proclamation on June 14, 2019 that declared June "Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month" in Edmonson County.

He was joined with several members from the local Alzheimer's Association.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:​
Bowling Green Athletic Club presents the 4th Annual Stuff the Bus Family Fun Run this Saturday (June 15th)  at Chaney’s Dairy Barn on Nashville Road in Bowling Green as a kickoff event for the 2019 Stuff the Bus Supply Drive. This year the family centered Fun Run takes place under the stars as runners, walkers, and children of all ages will take to the course at 7:30pm on the grounds of the historic Chaney’s Dairy Barn. 


“We love to partner with the Stuff the Bus Foundation and have this wonderful non-competitive family run event to help jumpstart another successful Stuff the Bus season” said Christina Caron, of Bowling Green Athletic Club.  “We love what Stuff the Bus stands for and to have an event where families can come out and be physically active together while raising awareness for the needs of children less fortunate makes our involvement a no-brainer.”


Since 2005, Stuff the Bus has positively impacted the lives of children and families throughout Warren County and South-Central Kentucky through their annual school supply drive. The Stuff the Bus Live Event and supply drive will take place July 27th at Bluegrass Cellular on Campbell Lane. During the supply drive, community members are encouraged to donate school supplies. 

“The Stuff the Bus Family Fun Run serves as one of our signature kickoff events for collecting funds for our July drive.” said Travis Norton, of the Stuff the Bus Foundation. “We want to see everyone come out this Saturday and spend a perfect evening under the stars with us at Chaney’s Dairy Barn on Nashville Road.”

This year the event has added in the 1K Kids (13 and under) Glimmer Gallop that will take place after the adult 5K Fun Run. 

Signups are underway online thru Friday at 12:00PM at www.StuffTheBusKY.com  Racers can also sign up at Chaney’s Dairy Barn on Saturday evening starting at 6:20pm. The race begins at 7:30pm. 

Learn more about Stuff the Bus at: https://www.stuffthebusky.com. Organizations interested in fundraising with the Stuff the Bus Foundation can reach out there as well. 100% of funds collected stay LOCAL in Southern Kentucky. 

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Keely Doyle is the recipient of this year’s Edmonson County Homemaker Scholarship. She is the daughter of Jeff and Holli Doyle of the Cedar Springs Community.

She graduated from Edmonson County High School with a 3.8 grade point average.  

Her school and club activities include:
• SADD  
• Beta
• Pep (officer for two years)
• FBLA  
• DECA
• Class Sergeant of Arms for three years
• Girls Basketball three years
• Softball 1 year
• Track 1 year

Her community involvement includes:
• She Belongs to Cedar Springs United Baptist Church.
• She volunteers at the Warren County Humane Society.
• She donates to the EC nursing home, the military, the American Red Cross and can food drive.
• She also goes Christmas Caroling annually with her church.

Keely plans to attend SKYCTC and then WKU to study Nursing.  "Keely will represent Edmonson County well," said the Edmonson County Homemakers in a statement. "She will be a very compassionate nurse because of her willingness and desire to help others."

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The following were recognized at the June Board of Education Meeting on Monday, June 10, 2019. 

The 2018-19 honored Retirees are: Eva Lynch 27 years, Barbara Webb 28 years, Janice Basham 29 years, Rita Meredith 18 years, Sandra Stice 26 years, Greg Grey 31 years, Lori Duvall 28 years, Sheila Durbin 23 years, and Brenda Hogan 15 years. 

Amanda Davis and Nick Skaggs were recognized ​2018-19 National Board Certified Teachers.

Josh Boyd, column and photos: 
With archery season a mere three months away, a substantial number of hunters across the bluegrass state have already begun to diligently prepare for fall's emergence. Impromptu backyard archery ranges and the afternoon shooting sessions that they facilitate become common place as hunters labor in earnest to hone their abilities. For many bow hunters, this scenario has become a yearly ritual fueled at a feverish pitch by the anticipation of opening day that is firmly situated on the horizon. For others however, their foray into archery is just beginning.
 
Every year, a vast quantity of outdoorsmen and women join the ranks of our nation's bow hunters and choose to pursue their quarry by means of bow and arrow in the ultimate test of their woodsmanship. For many hunters new to archery in general, the process of knowing where to start can be quite daunting. With an endless array of bows, accessories to outfit your chosen bow, arrows to shoot, and release aid configurations to consider, the road ahead for a new archer can be somewhat intimidating. As mind numbing as some of archery's initial considerations might seem, the answer to the majority of your questions can be found no further than your local archery pro shop.
 
Sanders Archery of Bee Springs is in it's 25th year of operation and owners Hulen and Ronna Sanders have assisted countless fledgling archers as they have begun their bow hunting endeavors. "I always tell individuals who are new to archery that it is very important to be selective about the shop that you choose to assist you in getting started. Having a technician that has a proper working knowledge of how to set your bow up correctly can make all of the difference in the world in getting you on the road to success," says Hulen Sanders.

"The choice of which bow to purchase depends directly upon the needs of the individual. A youth shooter has many options these days that allow them to not only purchase a quality bow, but one that because of adjustment options in draw length and draw weight, can be suited to meet their needs as they age," Sanders says. "For a first-time adult shooter, I usually advise buying the highest quality bow that a person can afford because a bow is an investment and as price points increase so do the options that are offered," Sanders adds.
 
Mr. Sanders also has words of wisdom that he steadfastly offers to new and aspiring archers in regards to practice regimen. "I always recommend starting out shooting at short distances of no more than five to ten yards. Once a shooter can place thirty consecutive arrows in a small circular dot on their target without a miss, then they are to increase their distance by five yards and repeat the process. This is done until the shooter extends their capabilities to their desired range." This process allows a shooter to become comfortable in each step of their progression, as often times confidence is a key factor in an archer's consistency.
 
With the exceptional length of Kentucky's bow season, it is easy to comprehend the booming recruitment rate of outdoorsmen and women into archery. Few could summarize the allure of bow hunting quite as well as Hulen Sanders. "Anyone who has experienced bow hunting knows and understands the enjoyment that it brings. Archery gives you the opportunity to extend your season, which in turn allows you that much more time to enjoy the best that nature has to offer and all that God has created." If archery has piqued your curiosity, let not another fall pass you by. Take a proactive approach in seeking out the answers to questions that you might have and find out firsthand the joys that archery can bring. ​

Randall and Willadean Logsdon of Sonora recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to Springfield, Illinois.  They were married May 23, 1969, by Bro. Clifford Ward at the home of the bride's parents near White Mills.

Mr. Logsdon is the son of the late Lee and Velma Logsdon.  He served two years in the U. S. Army, with one year in Vietnam.  He was a self-employed brick mason for 20 years along with being a lifelong farmer.

Mrs. Logsdon is the daughter of Wilella Copelin of Sonora and the late Edward Copelin.  She was a clerk-stenographer at Time Finance Co. in Elizabethtown during their early marriage.  Besides being a farm wife, her interests are the piano, geneology, and quilt-making.

They are members of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

​Their children are Melissa (Craig) Woosley of Shrewsbury, Neil (Chasity) Logsdon of Sonora, and Allison (Jeramy) Vincent, also of Sonora.  They have ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

by VFW Post 6937 Commander Floyd Houston, story and photos:
Excitement dominated the VFW Department of Kentucky State Convention in Louisville this past weekend.  The Department bid farewell to outgoing 2018-2019 State Commander “Doc” Daugherty, and the incoming Commander, Bruce Unland, a thrice wounded Vietnam veteran was sworn in by past National Commander in Chief John Stroud. Throughout the weekend, Past Commander Stroud reminded the crowd that this year was the VFW’s best in 27 years for retention, recruiting, helping veterans in need, remembering our nation’s fallen, and doing good works in the communities.

​Next, former Brownsville VFW Post 6937 Commander, Edwin Vincent was sworn in to the office of State Junior Vice Commander, meaning that in two more years he will become the State Commander.  Following Edwin’s example, Brownsville VFW Post 6937’s Senior Vice Commander Kevin Engel, a wounded Army veteran of the Iraq conflict, was sworn in to simultaneously serve as the 5th VFW District Commander, in charge of all the VFW Posts in our surrounding counties.  Finally, Floyd Houston and Donna Engel, Brownsville VFW Post 6937’s Commander and Quartermaster were awarded All-State honors for the Post’s excellent work this past year.  Judging for the National level award of All American will take place early next month and our Post is in the running again for this year, stay tuned!