Madison Doyle, story and photos:
Honeybee Baked Goods celebrated it's grand opening ribbon cutting today, September 9, 2022 at the Byrd Center, hosted by the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce.

The bakery offers a variety of goods, including breakfast items, lunch, and sweets for anytime.

Owner Angie Wingfield addressed the crowd that came today. "Thank you all so much for coming," she said.

"I am so excited for this experience and opportunity,” she also told the Edmonson Voice. “I love sharing my passion for food and everything sweet. I can't wait to serve this sweet community and make Honeybee Baked Goods a hometown favorite."

Honeybee Baked Goods is located at the back of the Byrd Center building where entrance is through the very last door on the right, facing the building. The Byrd Center is located at 3340 S Chalybeate Rd, Smiths Grove, KY 42171.

The bakery has two indoor dining areas, and a covered patio dining area that features a nice outdoor view which overlooks the pond at the Byrd Center.

They are open Tuesday through Friday from 7 am to 5:30 pm, and Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm.

Chamber President Darren Doyle welcomed the new business into the local business community.

"It was a great crowd at Honeybee Baked Goods today," he said. "The mission of our Chamber is to promote our local business community and we were honored that Angie and her family wanted to be part of our organization. By allowing us to help promote their business, many showed up here today to support them. I'm pretty sure that all our chamber board members that were here today left with plenty to eat, although a cupcake or three may have disappeared from my bag before I got back to the office. But in all seriousness, we are thrilled that another local business is off to a good start in Edmonson County."

In addition to Doyle, the remaining chamber board members are Josh Casey (Vice President), Daniel Bolton (Treasurer), Scott Skaggs, Mark Wardlow, Patrick Merritt, Scott Lindsey, and Mike Stoyonovich.

Honeybee Baked Goods can be contacted through their Facebook page, Honeybee Baked Goods and Bookkeeping.

To find out more about becoming a member of the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce, visit EdmonsonChamber.com or visit their Facebook Page.

by Tommy Bolton, guest author:
As you drive through Mammoth Cave National Park on HWY 70, I'm sure you have noticed the old white church called Joppa.

This church, established in 1861, (although the sign on the church says otherwise) was a major part of a community called Elko. Eligh Parsley owned a general store and there were schools and several houses. It was a thriving community until the park moved everyone away by 1945.

Joppa Missionary Baptist Church continued to have regular services until the early 1970s, with Brother Curtis Wilson of Chalybeate serving as its last pastor. An occasional revival was held in the building, which has no electricity or water. The inside would be lighted by Coleman lanterns hanging from the ceiling and heat was provided by a pot-bellied stove in the center of the house.

About 20 years ago, Brothers Curtis Wilson and Rayburn Parker decided to have a homecoming at Joppa before all the old passed away. It was a very successful day and has continued until now, where annual meetings are held on the second Sunday in September at 11AM each year. This year's service is this Sunday, September 11th. Brother Steve Gipson will conduct a full worship service followed by a potluck dinner in the yard.

The most recent revival held in the church was on September 26, 2010, and was held by Bro. Kenny Decker, Bro. Steve Gipson, and Bro. Bobby Joe Meredith, where three souls were saved.

One of the best known families of Edmonson County, the Parkers, was raised on a farm behind Joppa Church. They have attended this annual homecoming faithfully, passing one by one until the last, Bro. Mendel Parker, is the last living. He last preached at the gathering in 2017 and was greatly blessed. A large crowd was there, including people like Waneta Borden, widow of Bro. Buddy Border, who had preached there many times.

Again, the service is scheduled for this Sunday, September 11, 2022 and everyone is welcome.

If you're looking for your very own, truly private, rustic estate nestled within the rolling Kentucky hillside, AND still within minutes of city life ...then look no further. This 4 bedroom modern cabin hosts a den, TV Room, and family room, providing plenty of space for everyone.

Recently updated and move in ready, with granite, tile, paint, and new fixtures throughout, all it needs is your furniture. Outdoors is a true nature lover's paradise featuring partially fenced pastures, an orchard, 4 ponds, a creek with your very own waterfall, and adjoining woods with mature timber and an abundance of wildlife. This farm has it all! You have to view to truly appreciate; contact listing agent today for your private tour.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE FULL LISTING WITH DOZENS MORE PHOTOS!

Darren Doyle, story:
South Edmonson Elementary School has created a new mentoring program for their students and is currently seeking volunteers.

Alicia Edwards, Family Resource Center Coordinator for SEES discussed the nature of the program.

"It's our pilot year and we're looking for adults who have a flexible schedule that could commit to at least two to three lunches a month, preferably one per week," she said. "The adult would be assigned to a child at SEE and would be their mentor or friend for the school year. This is a great way to give back and in return make a friend for life, and it's only 30 minutes per week."

Volunteers will need to choose one of two training sessions, which are scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 6th. The first one is at 8:30AM with the other set for 4PM.

For more information, contact Mrs. Edwards at [email protected] or call 270-597-2379.

The Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a ribbon cutting for one of the county's newest businesses, Honeybee Baked Goods, located at the Byrd Center, 3340 Chalybeate Road, Smiths Grove, KY 42171.

The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 9th at 11AM.

The business is owned and operated by Angie Wingfield. The public is welcome to attend.

For more information on the benefits of joining the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce, please visit EdmonsonChamber.com.