submitted flyer:

Darren Doyle, story:
A county resident is in need after returning home from a care facility, according to Rocky Hill VFD Board Chairman Joe Carl Daugherty.

The resident is disabled and community members are organizing a cleanup at his house on Saturday, October 14th. The residence is overgrown and is in need of much yard work and other organization, Daugherty said.

Daugherty is asking anyone that wishes to volunteer to help cleanup the disabled resident's yard to meet at the Rocky Hill Fire Department on Saturday morning, October 14th at 7AM.

"We need all the help we can get," Daugherty said. "I don't think an ambulance could even get in there right now if they had to. It's our duty to try to help them."

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County resident Nadina Alexander was named principal at North Warren Elementary on Wednesday, September 13th.

Alexander, who just began her 19th year in education, started her career teaching 4th grade at North Butler Elementary. She later came to South Edmonson, teaching 3rd and 4th grade for three years, then taught 5th grade reading and writing at the Edmonson County 5/6 Center.

"I did that for two years until my dream teaching position came available and that was teaching American History," she said. "History has always been my favorite subject, and a true passion of mine so I was excited to teach students about our heritage.  I taught 5th grade social studies along with science for 8 years.  Every year I have worked in education has been special, but those 8 years are some of my absolute favorite memories."

From there, she said she was given the opportunity to work towards her administration certification through GRREC and WKU in a Learning to Lead grant. 

"In 2021, I started to look into some administration positions and noticed a Dean of Students position was open at Jennings Creek Elementary in Warren County," she said. "I didn't know much about the school, or the people there, but it felt right to apply.  I was offered the job and Jennings Creek became my second home.  Since last year, I have been the assistant principal at JCES."

She said Superintendent of Warren County Schools Rob Clayton called and offered her the job on September 12th, but it wasn't official until the next day. She said she is very excited to be in Smiths Grove at North Warren Elementary. 

"It's a little bittersweet because when you are with people for almost three years, and you go through so much (teacher turnover, sub shortage, tornado, COVID, etc.) you create a little family and you become attached to them," she said. "That, and my connections with the nearly 840 students is what makes the transition tough.  However, I am so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside some fabulous educators at North Warren and to see our Eagles soar to excellency."

Mrs. Alexander said she was grateful for all the educators from which she has learned, and says they are a big part of where she is today.

"I worked under principals that saw something in me that caused them to encourage me to pursue my administrator certificate, and for that I am thankful. I probably wouldn't have jumped at the Learning to Lead grant opportunity if it hadn't been for their encouraging words. I have always felt that creating and maintaining relationships (with students, parents, and staff) is critical for any educator.  Building positive relationships has always been a priority of mine.   I have always heard, "Choose a job that you love and you will never have to work a day in your life", and that is how I feel about education.  Not every day is easy, but every day is rewarding.  I also want to thank my family for being there with me.  They always pushed me, supported me, and encouraged me to continue to be the person that my students needed me to be. I am so blessed to live this life I live."

She lives with her husband Kevin, and three sons, Gavin, Nolan, and Cannon in the Big Reedy community. She will assume her full time role at North Warren upon the completion of fall break.

Darren Doyle, story:
AT&T celebrated a ribbon cutting today in Edmonson County, not only to highlight their working relationship with Edmonson EMS as a FirstNet customer, but also a new cell tower that has been constructed in the northern part of the county.

FirstNet is a network powered by AT&T that is exclusively for first responders and the new tower construction not only strengthens that network, but also AT&T customers in the area.

The event was held at Edmonson EMS were Michael Sanders, FirstNet Public Sector Consultant, described the importance of FirstNet.

"Simply put, FirstNet is the first cell phone network built specifically for first responders in the United States," he said. "AT&T has been contracted for a 25-year period to build, maintain, and support the network for the first responder community."

EMS Director Keith Sanders said FirstNet makes a big difference here at home by being able to connect a patient's vitals directly to the hospital, which saves valuable steps when time is needed most.

In addition to FirstNet, AT&T expanded its 5G network in Edmonson County, giving residents, businesses, and visitors a boost in their wireless connectivity.

This new site provides new coverage in Brownsville, west along State Route 655 toward Huff and north along State Route 259 to Lindseyville, as well as additional capacity in Lindseyville.

“As people rely on their smartphones to stay in touch with friends and family, connect to the Internet, and conduct business, a robust wireless network is vital,” said Kentucky state Rep. Michael Meredith. “In fact, it has an incredible impact on folks living in rural areas, providing a great benefit to both public safety and our overall quality of life. Projects like this are why I continually support investments that strengthen and expand connections for the community and first responders alike.”

In a released statement, AT&T also discussed other advantages to their investments in Edmonson County.

"These enhancements also bring Band 14 spectrum to the area. Band 14 is nationwide, highquality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet and is essentially public safety’s VIP lane. In an emergency, this band – or lane – can be cleared and locked just for FirstNet subscribers. When not in use by FirstNet subscribers, AT&T customers can enjoy Band 14’s added coverage and capacity," the statement said.

“We know how important it is for our customers to stay connected,” said Amanda Lich, Regional Director of External Affairs, AT&T Kentucky. “And AT&T 5G brings fast, reliable and secure connectivity to more than 290 million people in over 24,000 cities and towns nationwide. This helps Kentucky residents and businesses get the best possible experience over the AT&T network wherever they live, work and play.”

Lich thanked everyone for attending today's event, including Edmonson County Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey, District 3 Magistrate T.J. Massey, and Rep. Meredith, in addition to Chamber personnel and the first responders at Edmonson EMS.

AT&T is a Bronze Partner of the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce.

submitted flyer:

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County High School Marching Band placed first in a recent Class A competition, held at Russellville on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

The Wildcat Band competed against Dawson Springs High School from Hopkins County and won first place in addition to winning best percussion and best color guard in the class.

"Our show title this year is "Why So Serious?" --a fun take on the theme of the famous Batman villain The Joker and his loving sidekick Harley Quinn," said ECHS Band and Choir Director Patrick Sweazy.

The win was their second in as many weeks, with the first taking place at Franklin-Simpson High School.

"This Saturday, the 23rd, we will be heading to Logan County High School where we will be competing against Monroe County High School in Class A and looking to once again sweep the board and leave as a three week straight undefeated Class A marching band," Sweazy said.

Darren Doyle, story:
According to the Edmonson County Cattlemen's Association, which has been going strong for nearly 30 years, beef is still for dinner.

The local nonprofit organization made of local farmers is still making a difference for both beef consumers and producers. As the statewide agency, the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association, celebrates it's 50th year in 2023, local secretary and treasurer Scott Childress is reminding folks in Edmonson County of the benefits of supporting your local farmer.

"We currently have an all-time high of 204 members and we'd like to see that continue to grow," Childress said. "While we want to educate the beef consumer and producer, we want to help educate everyone. Contrary to what some people think, beef isn't bad and we work to protect our local farmers."

Childress said there are many benefits to becoming a member.

"We have a great working relationship with the Edmonson County Extension Office and the Edmonson County Conservation Office, and they have great programs. We also offer some important junior and youth programs that include a $1500 scholarship, leadership program, and a youth beef heifer initiative where a junior member can win $2000 towards the purchase of their own heifer."

The Cattlemen's Assc. meets on the second Tuesday each month at the public library and feature guest speakers on a range of subjects. The meetings also include the most important part of the organization...dinner.

"Our past speakers have spoken on things like animal nutrition and heath, forage and pasture management, as well as personal health and safety."

Childress said the group also works with legislators to do all they can to protect local farmers.

The group is currently administering the annual CAIP program, or the County Agricultural Investment Program, where local farmers have the opportunity to apply for assistance in making farm improvements.

For more information, visit their Facebook Page here or contact local president Sam Skaggs, 270-535-3523.

submitted flyer:

Darren Doyle, story:
All the winners have been announced for this year's 2023 Edmonson County Lions Club Fair exhibits, in conjunction with the Edmonson County Homemakers. 

This year's Grand Champion winner was Mrs. Ruby Pierce, who entered a cathedral window quilt she made for her granddaughter several years ago. She is 90 years old and made five quilts of the same type during the years 2008-2011.

The complete list of winners are published below:

Edmonson Voice Report:
The 2023 Edmonson County High School Football Homecoming is scheduled for this Friday, September 15th at 7PM at Wildcat Stadium vs. Ohio County.

The following ECHS students have been nominated for this year's homecoming court:

From L-R: Front Row: Freshman: Brooklyn Carroll, Kylee WIlliams, Layla-Kate Ellis, Shelby Sowders
Second Row: Sophomores: Jolee Vincent, Emma Lindsey, Sydney Blanton, Abigail Hogg
Third Row: Seniors: Chaney Browning, Carly Burris, Hannah Coogle, Chloe Pandolfi
Back Row: Juniors: Addison Browning, Kenadi Swihart, Lilly Parsley, Emma Beavers

Click the flyers for the full listing and individual photos:

Click the flyer for the full listing with photos and more info:

By: Katlyn Bullock, Technical & Digital Services Librarian | Library Marketing:
Are you and the kids going to be stuck at home for the week of Fall Break? Are you worried that you will run out of things to keep them busy and entertained? Don’t fret, your friends at the library have got your back!  We are planning a Fall Break Staycation the week of October 2nd – 6th with events starting at 10AM each day. It will be a week filled with lots of exciting programs and so much fun to be had for the whole family!

We are also planning a Library Harvest Celebration for Saturday, October 21st from 9AM-1PM. This event will feature many fall themed classic games, a Costume Contest for the youth, a Pumpkin Painting Contest for community business members to participate in, and a Scarecrow Making Contest for community members to bring in their best crow fighter! We will also have an inflatable corn maze, a photo booth for fall family portraits, free food and refreshments! Don’t miss out on this completely free fall family experience, be sure to save the date!

Want more Library blog articles? Learn something fun and new by clicking the green ad below!