Source: Rachel Noble, 4-H youth development specialist:
​​COVID-19 has changed the way some 4-H programs are delivered, but it has not changed 4-H’s commitment to developing the leaders of tomorrow. With online opportunities, 4-H is meeting young people where they are and helping them gain the skills to become productive adults.

Kentucky 4-H is offering two virtual experiences each week, and any young person can participate. Kentucky 4-H state specialists have produced video lessons that are focused around traditional 4-H areas. Topics will rotate monthly. For example in November, young people can learn about leadership and citizenship, and in January, our youngest 4-H’ers can learn about Cloverbud opportunities. Many of the lessons offer hands-on opportunities for youth to complete projects. These projects require minimal materials that are commonly available in most homes. The goal is to guide 4-H members through project areas.

By participating in virtual 4-H activities, youth can take advantage of many of the aspects they have come to know and enjoy about 4-H. Clubs are still led by caring adults, and the online programs are designed to help young people develop a sense of independence, gain mastery over a particular skill and provide opportunities to give back to their communities. These opportunities also enhance topics that youth are learning in school and offer fun enrichment activities. These twice-weekly experiences will continue until at least July 2021.

Youth can view the videos on Kentucky 4-H’s Facebook (www.facebook.com/kentucky4h)  and Instagram pages and YouTube channel @kentucky4h. Kentucky 4-H will offer specialized virtual programs at various times throughout the year.

In addition, Edmonson County 4-H will also offer virtual opportunities. A free Cloverbud Cooking Club for ages 8 and under will begin in November. You can sign up here ( https://bit.ly/35Jm3CZ). Additional virtual clubs will be offered based on community request. Online enrollment is open and available for any Edmonson County Youth. For more information about enrolling contact the Edmonson County Extension Office at 270-597-3628, e-mail [email protected], or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/edmonsoncountyextension.

​*All political ads are paid advertisements. The Edmonson Voice does not endorse any political candidates.

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce has announced Greg Hudson as their new Chamber Director.

Hudson is a former program administrator of Edmonson County Parks and Rec and a former Leitchfield Park Director.

Maegan Hance, Chamber President, said the board of directors was happy to make the announcement today.  

"We are looking forward to the exciting new ideas and benefits Greg and our Chamber will bring to our local community," she added.

Hudson is no stranger to Edmonson County programs. In addition to Parks and Rec, he was also an integral part of several youth league sports and served many years as a youth league official. He also currently serves as a volunteer staff member for Edmonson County High School Football.

"I'm excited to start the job and I look forward to meeting all the businesses that are Chamber members," he said.

​*All political ads are paid advertisements. The Edmonson Voice does not endorse any political candidates.

Edmonson Voice Report:
An Edmonson County High School sophomore has achieved a perfect score of 36 on his ACT, or American College Testing exam, which is the national standard for college admissions in the United States.

Brody Johnson has achieved the feat after scoring a near-perfect 35 as a seventh grade student at ECMS in 2018. 

The ACT is scored on a scale of 1–36, and the average ACT score for the class of 2017 is 21. There are 4 sections on the ACT: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each section is scored out of 36 points. A composite ACT score is an average of one's four section scores.

Brody was a member of the ECMS 3-Time National Championship Academic Teams and was MVP of last year's national tournament. 

He is the son of Brad and Jodi Johnson of Bee Spring.

​*All political ads are paid advertisements. The Edmonson Voice does not endorse any political candidates.

The 2020 Santa's Helping Hands Benefit Auction is set for Saturday, November 7th at noon at the Edmonson County Community Center.

​This year's event features multiple vacations, a zero-turn mower, kayaks, leather sofa and loveseat, and tons of other valuable items and gifts. 

SHH, INC. representatives say they're taking safety precautions to have a safe event during the virus pandemic. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available at the event.

All proceeds from SHH, INC., go to serve needy Edmonson County seniors and children during the holiday season. 

Darren Doyle, story:
Chalybeate Volunteer Fire Department completed the installation of a new concrete predesignated landing zone today for medical helicopters thanks to donated material and volunteer labor from firefighters and community members.

Fire Chief Daniel Johnson said the project has been in the works since 2019 but just now came to fruition. Each fire department has a designated landing zone for helicopters, Johnson said, where a chopper can land in the vicinity of an emergency and an ambulance can transport a patient from the scene to the helicopter. Chalybeate has a large flat area behind the firehouse, but it was sometimes difficult to move a stretcher across the ground, which is oft times wet and soft.

"This concrete area will allow a medical helicopter to see the zone much better from the air and the sidewalk from the firehouse will make it much easier for medical personnel to get a stretcher to the helicopter," he said.  

Johnson said over 13 yards of concrete were donated by Garrott Brothers Ready Mix and all the labor was provided by volunteers.

"We want to thank Garrott Brothers for their generous donation and for Joey Moon for helping form and pour the concrete," Johnson said. "We also want to thank David Lindsey and Simp Duncan for donating their labor, too, along with our firefighters. It's just another way we can give back to our community."

Darren Doyle, story: 
​Bare Beauty Aesthetics, Brownsville's newest medspa, celebrated it's grand opening and ribbon cutting on Saturday, October 17, 2020.

The facility, located at 135 South Main in Brownsville, offers Botox, dermal fillers, micro-needling, derma-planing, fibroblast skin tightening, and professional teeth whitening. 

All services are provided in a high end spa setting by certified specialists, owned by Stephanie Saling-APRN-BC, and Michaela Carnes-Expanded Duties Dental Assistant.

They are open by appointment only and can be reached at 270-597-2040, or you can visit their Facebook Page by clicking here, or their website, https://www.bbmedaesthetics.com/

Jeff and Cindy Rich, owners of Cee Bee Food Store since 2007 also received a PEP Beautification award after recently completing a major remodel.

"Jeff had been a butcher and taking over the food store seemed like a natural fit for Jeff and Cindy," PEP said.

Cee Bee sponsors a weekly recipe with the Edmonson Voice and they offer a full line of meats, produce, and a small deli including rotisserie. PEP also said that Jeff is proud to point out that they “still carry out the groceries.”

Preserving Edmonson Pride (PEP), is a non–profit organization, formed to improve the appearance of our community, preserve our history and promote economic development. PEP recently initiated a program to recognize businesses or properties that have made improvements that support awareness to PEP efforts. 

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Several gathered today to help G3 Fitness facility in Chalybeate celebrate their ribbon cutting. Located at 1846 Chalybeate Road in the old Chalybeate Fire Department building, the facility is geared toward high intensity workout classes in scheduled intervals throughout the week.

John and Katie Chidester, Brownsville residents, are the owners and each help instruct the classes.

"We focus on high intensity intervals where we have different stations," Katie said. "You work as hard as you can for one minute, then get a 15 second rest while you move to your next station. We'll do 3 to 4 rounds of that and the classes are about an hour long. The classes are a great way to shred fat and gain a little muscle along the way."

Classes are offered Mondays & Fridays at 5AM and 4PM, on Wednesdays at 5AM, on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 4PM, 6PM, and 7PM, and on Saturdays 8AM and 9:30AM. Personal training sessions are also available. Classes are only $5 each or $50 for a monthly membership.

John said it's important to note that all classes offered are "go-at-your-own pace," and are designed for any fitness level. Each station can be changed to meet the needs of each individual.

The name "G3" originated from God, goals, and gains, Katie said.

Chamber board member Maegan Hance said despite the COVID pandemic, businesses are still opening in the county.

"Things at the Chamber were very quiet for a long time but we're seeing new opportunities here locally," she said. "Seeing a new fitness center open in an unused building is very exciting and G3 is already helping people live healthier lifestyles."

You can follow G3 on Facebook by clicking here to stay connected to their facility.