column and photo by Josh Boyd:
September is among one of the most exciting months of the year for hunters in Kentucky. As summer begins to slowly loosen its grip on the bluegrass, an abundance of seasons for various game begin to open. After an extended period of time, with few species in season, it is time for many hunters across south central Kentucky to go back afield.

For many hunters, September brings to mind dove fields, deer stands, or squirrel inhabited woodlots. However, for those with a waterfowl hunting itch to scratch, September can easily be just what the doctor ordered. Why wait until the dead of winter to venture to the duck blind when you can do so now?

Kentucky's early goose season runs from September 16th through September 30th. In conjunction with early goose season, early wood duck and teal season runs from September 21st through September 25th. Due to the period of overlap between these seasons, the potential exists to bag both geese and ducks in a single outing.​

​Early season wood duck hunting also makes for exceptionally enjoyable outings. Much like teal and geese, scouting prior to hunting is key. Wood ducks typically have a designated roost pond or area that they use repeatedly. If you discover the location of such a roost site, hunting can be conducted a short distance away as to catch incoming and outgoing flights of wood ducks. However, care should be taken to avoid disturbing actual roost sites, as this could cause wood ducks to vacate the area.

Areas of shallow water that are found in close relation to wooded or brushy areas are among some of the most highly favored wood duck habitat. Fingers of ponds or small lakes that extend into a neighboring tree line or wooded creeks are excellent locations to focus your scouting efforts. It also can be of benefit to sit quietly in likely areas, and listen for the high pitched squeal of a wood duck in order to pinpoint their whereabouts.

For waterfowl hunters, the presence of Kentucky's early seasons signal a worthwhile opportunity to venture out onto the water, all the while brushing up on their marksmanship for the later season. Geese, teal, and wood ducks all provide a rewarding pursuit and quality table fare. With a little scouting, a pocket full of shells, and a trusty shotgun, hours of fun can be had by all who seek to experience it.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Many folks are able to turn their hobbies into opportunities for extra cash--some even turn them into careers. Few take those hobbies and go out of their way to raise money for a cause, but one Chalybeate man has done just that with the creation of a photo feature calendar of his own pics that is benefiting needy Edmonson County kids.

Local man Paul Blanton has a passion for the outdoors, his hometown, and photography, and for those that know him, they know he's one of the first guys around that's willing to lend a helping hand with about anything. Paul has helped countless people with projects, an extra hand here or there, and sometimes simply offering encouragement or prayer. He's taken his interests, his kindness, and his helping nature, and created a 2020 calendar featuring his own Edmonson County outdoor photos that benefits the local backpack food program for Edmonson County schools.

"I love spending time outdoors and taking photos of our beautiful scenery here in Edmonson County," he said. "I had the idea to make a calendar a couple years ago but never followed through with it. After some friends and family encouraged me to do it, I thought it might be a good way to help a very good cause right here at home."

Blanton said he regularly posts his nature photos on Facebook and the response is always good. One of his photos was also chosen to be the cover pic of the official Edmonson County Tourism brochure two years ago, which is still being used today. After a recent post on Facebook, he began getting comments and messages from friends who suggested a calendar. When some offered to pledge money towards such a project, he saw the opportunity to help others.

"The backpack program is such a needed program," he said. "We have 140 local students that depend on this program to supply food for them over the weekend. So many kids are hungry when they're not in school and the backpack program is crucial to them. For some, it's all they have to eat once they leave school."

Without much advertising, Blanton's friends and local businesses heard about his plan and began donating money toward the costs. He had enough in just a few days to cover the cost of 500 calendars, which have all been sold in less than two weeks. Proceeds from the project have already raised nearly $2500 for the local program.

Blanton's family is also heavily involved with local causes and volunteer work. He has two sisters, Melissa Meinhardt who works at South Edmonson Elementary and has first-hand knowledge of some student needs, and Michelle McCoy, who is a volunteer representative for the Edmonson County Backpack Program through Feeding America. His father, Mike Blanton is also no stranger to local causes. He's been a member of the Lions Club for decades and puts in countless volunteer hours across the county all year long.

Paul says that if you missed out on the first order of calendars, not to worry, as another shipment has been ordered. He hopes they will be available in time for the fair, where he plans to offer them to the public there for only $10 each. All proceeds will benefit the local program and 100% of those profits will stay in Edmonson County.

"I sure didn't do this to make the news," he said, "but we'd obviously like to tell as many people as possible so that all the kids in the backpack program can be helped. If all goes well, hopefully we can do this each year."

To purchase your calendar, you can call or text Paul directly at 270-597-7799 or through his Facebook pages: Paul Blanton and EC Calendar Fundraiser. Blanton said the calendars will also be available at the following businesses in a couple weeks:

• Creekside Garden & Nursery
• Alford's Pharmacy
• The Springs Salon
• Edmonson Drug
• All About Hair
• Kentucky Farm Bureau (Brownsville)
• Madison's Flowers
• Sun Valley Feed Mill
• Saling's Grocery (Wingfield)
• Creations (former Webb-Co building)
• Mammoth Cave Transplants

​

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Retirement for most usually results in fishing, golf, joining clubs and other leisure activities, but for one local retired KSP Trooper, Scott Skaggs is busier now than he's ever been, overseeing his wedding and event venue: The Hidden Homestead.

Built on property where he grew up and currently resides in Chalybeate, the impressive structure and grounds have the rustic look of a southern barn with the amenities of a modern-day venue.

He discussed when he first approached his parents, Wavie and Lynn Skaggs, about purchasing the property from them for his venue idea.

"Dad knew I didn't have any interest in farming, so he was confused as to why I'd want it," he said. "When I told him I wanted to build a wedding barn, he was even more confused. He said 'who'd want to get married in a barn?'"

Apparently lots of folks, according to the booking schedule of the facility. Skaggs said when he first designed the project about 5 years ago, he estimated that it would work as long as he could book 20 weddings per year. He said he had already booked three of them before the structure was even built and he's currently booking about 40 weddings and events each year.

In addition to being a State Trooper, he also has 15 years experience as a wedding photographer. That experience is what brought on the idea and design of the HH.

"Everything about The Hidden Homestead is designed for the purpose of the perfect wedding," he said. "Over the years of taking wedding pictures, I've seen a lot of venues for weddings and saw what worked and didn't work. The property is designed to help enhance wedding photography, which is a huge part of the wedding process. During the design and planning stage, I contacted countless brides about what would've made their special day even better. I took their advice and I think I've incorporated a little bit of all those suggestions into this place." 

So what is this place and what can one find here? Obviously the barn itself is the center focus of the property, which Skaggs says can comfortably accommodate anywhere from 275 to 300 people. It's a two-story building with tables and chairs on both levels. Both the front and back entrances feature huge, swing-away doors with the back doors opening up to a gorgeous view of the rest of the property.

From the rear of the building is an outdoor chapel-like area with pews, a custom fire pit, additional outdoor seating, a gazebo, and a large pond with fountain and dock. 

The property is a family affair on multiple fronts. The land obviously came from the family, "the homestead," and his wife Michelle, and sons help work there during events and regular maintenance. Other family members help out during busy times and his brothers also had large roles in the building of the property: Steve Skaggs, owner of C&S Real Estate Management, served as general contractor for the project, and Eric Skaggs, retired cabinet and custom wood man, helped complete several custom projects on the property.

Skaggs says his property is different from other venues because the pricing at The Hidden Homestead is all-inclusive. 

"We have three or four completely separate areas that can used on the property. We include all the tables, chairs, and table linens. We have a complete kitchen, thousands of dollars worth of decorations that can be used, and dressing rooms that can also be used as bedrooms if you need to stay the night before. Some places charge you separately for all these things, but we include the entire experience," he said. 

Skaggs also added that he enjoys what the facility has brought to the local community and the opportunities it's created for the venue to give back to the county.

"When people have weddings here, they're also making trips to the local Dollar Store, the food mart, the gas station. It's made an impact here locally. We've also been able to give back to local sports and other programs, too."

​The Hidden Homestead recently partnered with Bank of Edmonson County to provide a new scoreboard at the ECHS Baseball Field in Brownsville.

Skaggs also noted that most weddings are booked by those coming from out-of-town, which is something he'd like to see changed.

"About 60% of our weddings are by people that are driving from elsewhere," he said. We're staying busy but we'd like to see more of our own residents here. We've been here for 4 years and there are still tons of people in Edmonson County that don't know we're here."

The facility has already undergone a few different additions to accommodate growth and a new entrance is still under construction. Skaggs says weddings are not the only events booked there. ECHS held the 2018 prom at the facilty, and it was even used for a Dierks Bentley video, "You Can't Bring Me Down."

​"We've hosted proms, family reunions, baby showers, Christmas parties, and other corporate events," he said. "We can handle just about any type of gathering."

To book an event or to make an appointment to see the property, you can call 270-597-2598, or visit their Facebook Page here. You can also visit their website here.

The property is located at 56 Chapel Center Lane, Smiths Grove, KY 42171 in the Chalybeate community.
​

Local business features are offered by The Edmonson Voice. To find out more about a feature for your business, please contact the Edmonson Voice office at 270-597-6550 or email [email protected].

by: Senator Steve Meredith
Several months have passed since the conclusion of the 2019 Regular Session, but my work as your Senator has not slowed. Between answering your questions, concerns, letters or phone calls, I have been meeting with constituents throughout our district in preparation for the Interim and the 2020 Regular Session.
 
The Interim period is a time where we address a variety of things, many of which are issues left unaddressed at the end of the Regular Session. This is an opportunity to have a more in-depth discussion on policy matters. Committees called Interim joint committees (IJC) are standing committees that meet when session is adjourned. These groups include members from both the House of Representatives and the Senate. According to the Legislative Research Commission (LRC), there are two types of Interim committees:

1. Interim joint committees are formed from the standing committees of both chambers. For instance, the Education Committee of the Senate and the Education Committee of the House become the Interim Joint Committee on Education following the Regular Session.
2. Special committees, are appointed by the LRC and function primarily during the Interim, usually to study a specific topic. Examples include the Mileage Based Transportation Funding Task Force and the Kentucky Career and Technical Education Task Force.

 
With county fairs, horse shows, and other summer activities, the Interim is also a great opportunity for Legislators to visit and be present within their districts and throughout the state.  On Thursday, we had a change of scenery and conducted committee business at the Kentucky State Fair. As one of the oldest state fairs in the country, the Kentucky State Fair offers a beautiful collaboration of counties and associations each representing a unique facet of Kentucky’s rich tradition and heritage. I am proud of Kentucky agriculture and the influence it has on the national market. Agriculture also offers many educational opportunities for our students. No matter where you live, I encourage you to take advantage of the wonderful summer events within your district.
 
Lastly, I would like to note that all committees during the Interim are open, and both the public and the press are encouraged to attend. These committees are in place to widen the window of opportunity to forward policy recommendations to the General Assembly and to the Legislative Research Commission.
 
As we finish out these final weeks of summer, I wish all of our parents and students a happy and healthy school year. It is an honor to serve you in Frankfort.
 
If you have any questions or comments about the issues or any other public policy issue, please 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.

The third annual Santa's Helping Hands benefit golf scramble, held at Shady Hollow Golf Club on Saturday, August 24, 2019 raised more than $10,000 for the local charity. Proceeds from the scramble in addition to the revenue raised from the golf cart giveaway were added together at the event. 

Chances for the golf cart, a 2019 Club Car Precedent EFI, valued at more than $7500, were sold at $25 each. The live drawing was held just before the event start. Shady Hollow owner J.C. Ramsey drew the winning ticket, which belonged to Mrs. Lori Duvall of Bee Spring. "If I draw your name out of here, you owe me a $100," said Ramsey as the large crowd laughed. There has been no word on whether or not Mrs. Duvall honored the request...

A total of 32, four-man teams participated in the event. Over $1000 in Rafferty's gift cards were presented as prizes. The winning team consisted of Darrell Cassady, Ryan Stice, Shaun Stice, and Jeff Stice, who finished in a three-way tie for first with a score of 17 under par; however, a sudden-death playoff--which consisted of a closest-to-the-pin shot on hole 18--was won by the Stice-Cassady team.

"It was another great event backed by our own community," said charity board member Mark Wardlow. "We want to thank all our golfers, our sponsors, Eric Decker, who donated BBQ for all the participants, Shady Hollow Golf Club, and all the other wonderful volunteers that made this happen."

The event has grown consistently over the past three years, along with the charity overall, which provides not only Christmas gifts to needy Edmonson County children and senior citizens, but also local fire and disaster victims.

The 2019 Annual SHH, Inc. charity auction is scheduled for November 9th.

"It's truly a win for our entire community," Wardlow added. "I know I've said this so many times before, but it's true: we're very grateful. Saying 'thanks' just isn't enough." 

Edmonson Voice Staff Report: 
After 22 years of exhibit booth-building at the Kentucky State Fair, Edmonson County was presented the Best Exhibit Award for 2019 earlier this week at the fair.

This year's theme was "Bushels of Outdoor Family Fun," with brochures and other materials relevant to Edmonson County's outdoor attractions placed in bushel baskets and similar decor. Each year the booth is designed and constructed by volunteers, under the leadership of Edmonson County Chamber and Tourism Director Rhonda Clemmons.

She said she and dozens of other volunteers over the years have always tried their best to put a booth together that would both grab fair goers' attentions and well represent the county.

"I couldn't have done it without the support and help of our Board of Directors and the great volunteers of Edmonson County," she added.

The award was presented by Kentucky Farm Bureau representatives, who sponsors the award,  to former Edmonson County Judge Executive N.E. Reed, who happened to be volunteering in the booth on the day the awards were presented.

"I'd like to dedicate the award to my son Zac Mello, who assisted me for 10 years of building the booth," she said. "It's truly an award won by our entire community."

Submitted by: Dr. Megan C. Romano, Veterinary Toxicology Resident, University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria, are microscopic organisms normally present in aquatic ecosystems, including lakes and ponds. Thousands of species of blue-green algae have been identified; at least 80 are known to produce toxins that can cause illness and death in animals as well as humans. Heavy growth of these toxin-producing algae (“blooms”) can cause high concentrations of toxins in the water. In North America, Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, Oscillatoria, and Microcystis are the species of blue-green algae most commonly associated with poisoning.

In central Kentucky, blooms are most common in late summer and early fall, during hot, sunny weather. Contamination of water with excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, further encourages algal growth. Common sources of excess nutrients include fertilizer runoff from fields, lawns, and gardens, and direct manure and urine contamination from livestock.
Blooms can produce a blue-green sheen on the water surface, or they can be pea-green and thick, like spilled paint. In addition to blue and green, blooms can also be brown or white. They can form scums, slimes, or mats. It is impossible to tell if a bloom is toxic just by its appearance – ALL blooms should be considered potentially toxic.

Blue-green algae can produce neurotoxins (affecting the nervous system) or hepatotoxins (causing liver damage), and some species can produce both types. Neurotoxins can cause muscle tremors, seizures, excessive salivation, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and death within hours or even minutes of exposure. Hepatotoxins cause vomiting, diarrhea, bloody or dark stool, and pale or jaundiced (yellow) mucus membranes. Animals can die quickly, or they can develop liver failure over several days. 

There are no antidotes for blue-green algae toxins, so early decontamination and supportive care can mean the difference between life and death for an exposed animal. If your pet develops these or any other signs after a recent exposure to water, seek immediate veterinary care. It is important to note that this includes exposure to water with no obvious algal bloom. Toxins can persist in the water for a week or longer after the bloom itself has collapsed.

Preventing blue-green algae poisoning in pets and livestock:

• Provide plentiful clean, clear, fresh water for your animals. Keep water bowls, buckets, and troughs clean and well-maintained. 
• NEVER let your pets (or children) swim in, play in, or drink water that is discolored, slimy, scummy, or otherwise suspicious. Assume any bloom is toxic.
• Pay attention to local health and water advisories and respect any water body closures. Water that appears clean can still contain high concentrations of toxins.
• Fence off farm ponds, creeks, and other natural water sources to prevent livestock from contaminating them as well as drinking from them.
• Fence off backyard ponds and other natural water sources to keep pets from accessing them.
• Prevent fertilizer and/or manure from running off into water sources.
• If your pet does access suspicious water, thoroughly wash them with clean, fresh water and prevent them from licking their fur. Wash your own hands and arms after washing your pet, as exposure to blue-green algae can cause skin, eye, nose, and throat irritations in humans.
• If animals become ill after exposure to a pond, lake, or other natural water source, seek immediate veterinary care – even if the water appeared clean, toxins can still be present. Be sure to tell your veterinarian if your animal might have been exposed to blue-green algae. This can help direct treatment, as many other illnesses can have similar signs.

​Perhaps the greatest appeal to fall squirrel hunting is its all inclusive nature. Squirrel hunting allows for the perfect opportunity to introduce young sportsmen and women to the outdoors. The season often contains a relatively lengthy period of mild weather, steady action is usually standard, and small caliber weapons easily managed and handled by youth hunters, are the preferred choice of most. 

​The fall season is also ideal for elderly hunters who are no longer active in activities such as deer hunting due to limited mobility to climb stands or walk long distances to and from their hunting areas. Fantastic squirrel hunting is frequently found no further than the closest grove of oak trees.

As the final heat waves of summer come and go, and the chilly breeze of autumn brings multi-colored leaves falling to the woodland floor, take the time to head afield in pursuit of one of the nation's most popular small game species. Squirrel hunting is truly an experience that excludes no one in the enjoyment that it offers. With every memory made, the value of the hunt significantly grows.

​Click on the flyer to register.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Fast machines and an assortment of activities helped draw a huge crowd at the annual Chalybeate Volunteer Fire Department  for one of their biggest events ever.

"Hazzard Life," a Tennessee-based company that specializes in replicas of the famous cars from the iconic 80s TV show, "The Dukes of Hazzard" brought out versions of The General Lee, Roscoe's patrol car, and Daisy's Roadrunner. 

Vendors were set up in several booths inside while attendees took photos with the cars.

A benefit auction was held, followed by a staged car chase between the General Lee and Roscoe. 

"CVFD would like to personally thank the Edmonson County Sheriff's Department for helping shut down the road for the chase to occur," said Fire Chief Daniel Johnson. 

Air Methods Air Transport grabbed everyone's attention as they landed their medical helicopter in the open lot behind the firehouse. Helicopter staff then gave everyone a complete tour of the aircraft, let kids climb inside, and answered questions from the crowd.

Pelican's Snoballs were onsite with their ice cold treats and they donated a portion of their proceeds to the fire dept.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Free food and fun brought hundreds out to the Main Street Center on Saturday for the Alford's Pharmacy and Drive Thru Ten-Year Anniversary celebration event, but it wasn't just the treats that drew the crowd. Most that attended the event were there to shake hands and visit with team members of the pharmacy.

Owner Kasey Alford, discussed the importance of the family atmosphere at his business, and how it feels like more of an extension of his own family.

"My wife and I had been married less than one year when we opened the pharmacy," he said. "We had our first daughter, Marlee, two years later, then our second daughter, Amelia, two years after that, and now we have a boy on the way.  Our family has literally come to life around the pharmacy, all thanks to our patients, employees, and God's grace." 

Alford said that the success his pharmacy has been extremely humbling and should be credited to God, the trust and support of their patients and community, and the hard work and dedication of almost 20 team members employed by Alford's.

"To me, that's our single greatest achievement in 10 years: providing good jobs here at home," he added.

Board members of the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce were also in attendance to help celebrate.

"On behalf of the Chamber, we want to congratulate all the members of Alford's Pharmacy for their success over the last decade," said Chamber Director Rhonda Clemmons. "Ten years is amazing feat for a business and we're proud to say Alford's Pharmacy and Drive-Thru is part of the Edmonson Chamber family. 

Drawings were held for over $1500 in prizes, ranging from kitchen ware to a gas grill. Nearly 300 BBQ sandwiches were served, and dozens stood in line for snow cones. When asked about the future, Alford's had a definitive answer.

"We feel like we've done a lot of good things in 10 years, but I sincerely feel much more is on the way.  And, if all we ever do is provide medication to people, then we have failed our purpose.  Our purpose is to love and serve others, however that may be."

EV Staff Report:
Mammoth Cave National Park invites the public to join a nationwide commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the first landing of enslaved Africans in English-occupied North America at Point Comfort in Hampton, VA, now known as Fort Monroe National Monument, through special ranger led activities on Sunday, August 25. The park will conduct several Heritage Trail Walks and Porch Talks that highlight African Americans and their legacy at Mammoth Cave National Park, and will participate in a Nationwide Bell Ringing Ceremony which will begin at 2:00 pm CST at the park visitor center.
 
Since its establishment on August 25, 1916, the National Park Service has cared for extraordinary historic and cultural sites that are pivotal parts of the American narrative. African Americans played a key role in Mammoth Cave’s history as they served as some of the first guides and explorers of the Mammoth Cave system. The nationwide bell-ringing event is a symbolic gesture to enable Americans from all walks of life to participate in this historic moment to capture the spirit of healing and reconciliation while honoring the significance of 400 years of African American history and culture.
 
The Nationwide Bell Ringing Ceremony is a free event being held at national park units across the country. The Mammoth Cave ceremony will begin at the bridge behind the park’s visitor center. Participants should be onsite by 1:50 pm CST where a park ranger will lead the group as they ring bells along the accessible Heritage Trail for approximately 0.25 miles to the Old Guide's Cemetery. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own bell to join in the commemoration.
 
In addition to the Nationwide Bell Ringing Ceremony, park staff will lead several walks and talks which will start at the park visitor center. All activities are free and open to the public with no reservations required. Ranger led Heritage Trail Walks will take place at 9:15 am, 12:30 pm, and 4 pm, and Porch Talks will be held at 10 am and 1 pm. 

EV Staff Report: ​ 
Mammoth Cave National Park is celebrating the 103rd birthday of the National Park Service (NPS) by offering a free Discovery Cave Tour ​from 10 am to 3 pm on Sunday, August 25. The birthday marks the day in 1916 when President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service Act to consolidate management of America’s federal parklands under one agency.
 
When it was first established, the NPS was responsible for managing 35 national parks and monuments which were mostly located on the federal lands of the West. Now the National Park System comprises of 418 sites, including national parks, national historical parks, national monuments, national recreation areas, national battlefields, and national seashores. These sites can be found in 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Saipan, and the Virgin Islands.
 
The free Discovery cave tour is a self-guided tour which runs approximately ¾-mile through one of Mammoth Cave’s largest rooms, the Rotunda, and explores the history and geologic origins of the Mammoth Cave system. Visitors must pick up their tickets in the park’s visitor center before starting the tour at the Historic Entrance. Tour participants are required to walk down and up a steep hill as well as navigate 160 steps along the tour.