Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Warm, sunny weather added a nice touch at today's Hickory Cabins Store and Lincoln Trail Outfitters grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony today, hosted by the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce.

Owners Frank Hayes of Stockholm and his son Richard Hayes of Morgantown, were all smiles today as the ribbon fell from the large pair of scissors in front of a nice applauding crowd. The facility is located at 8679 Nolin Dam Rd., at the corner of Ollie Rd and Nolin Dam Rd. 

Both men are outdoor enthusiasts and their business offers a line of outdoor products including kayak and bike rentals as well as Jackson fishing Kayaks that will available in the spring.  They also offer Innova Disc, Granite Gear, Kelty, and Mountain Hardwear gear.

Hickory Cabins Store is a food mart offering Hunt Brothers Pizza, chicken wings, wing-bites, hamburgers, chicken strips, fries, onion rings, tater tots, cheese sticks, fried mushrooms, and jalapeño pepper poppers.

Lincoln Trail Outfitters provides hiking, backpacking, camping, kayaking, and disk golf, in addition to their outdoor apparel, supplies, and accessories.  ​

"We wanted to bring a new business to this area," said Richard Hayes. "We want to see more tourism, kayaking, and fishing, and we also want to give locals more food options here."

Chamber Director Rhonda Clemmons said Frank Hayes serves as a member of the local Tourism Board and that the Chamber felt like the Hayes' would provide an outstanding effort to bring more folks to Edmonson County.

"We're always happy to welcome new businesses and entrepreneurs to Edmonson County," she said. "Hickory Cabins Store and Lincoln Trail Outfitters is a great fit for this community and we wish them well."

Regular business hours will be Monday through Saturday 10:30AM to 7:00PM.  Their store phone number is 270-286-0358.

"We want to promote camping and hiking in the area," said Richard. "We'd like to help fill a need here and do our part to promote the county and the Mammoth Cave area."

Check out this great opportunity for a unique property. Click the flyer to visit the auction site from Heartland Realty and Auction.

Amberly Alexander, story and photos:
Eighth grade students at Edmonson County Middle School attended the SCK Launch Experience on Thursday, November 16th, in Bowling Green, Kentucky.  Over 3,000 students throughout the region were also present for this event.  This was the first year that the school was invited to take part in this hands-on career experience.  Students were able to interact with everything from police dogs to robots.  They also received many promotional items from the businesses that were represented.  ​

The Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce has announced that Hickory Cabins Store & Lincoln Trail Outfitters will hold a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 1pm. The facility is located at 8679 Nolin Dam Rd., at the corner of Ollie Rd and Nolin Dam Rd.

Hickory Cabins Store is a food mart offering Hunt Brothers Pizza, chicken wings, wingbites, hamburgers, chicken strips, fries, onion rings, tater tots, cheese sticks, fried mushrooms, jalapeño pepper poppers

Lincoln Trail Outfitters provides hiking, backpacking, camping, kayaking, disk golf, outdoor apparel, supplies and accessories.  In the spring they will have Kayak and bike rentals as well as selling Jackson fishing Kayaks.  They are the proud dealers of Innova Disc, Granite Gear, Kelty, and Mountain Hardwear.

Hickory Cabins is a family business owned and operated by Frank & Glenda Hayes of Mammoth Cave and Richard & Nickie Hayes of Morgantown.  

They will be open Monday through Saturday 10:30AM to 7:00PM.  Their store phone number is 270-286-0358.

“All are welcome to come out and celebrate this great day”. “We ask that friends, neighbors, and outdoor enthusiast come join us” said Rhonda Clemmons, Chamber Director.  

Kyrock Elementary students have once again collected thousands of aluminum can pull-tabs to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities. The tabs, collected by students and community members, were combined, weighed, and dropped off at a Bowling Green McDonald's. The tabs were then sent to Nashville for the large weigh-in. Kyrock alone collected nearly 100 pounds of pull-tabs.

The tabs will be recycled and all money will benefit the charity, which allows families of critically ill children in Nashville area hospitals to experience a "home away from home" atmosphere.

A number of Edmonson County families have benefited from the comforts provided by the charity.

Collection of the tabs continue year-round as Kyrock joins schools from middle Tennessee, southern KY, and northern Alabama in the annual recycling and giving event. Kyrock encourages the community to continue support of this worthy cause by collecting your pull-tabs and donating to the school.

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky., November 17, 2017 – The end of November marks the end of the season for certain services at Mammoth Cave National Park, including the picnic area and campgrounds.
 
The picnic area, Maple Springs Group Campground and Mammoth Cave Campground (near the visitor center) will be closed December 1, 2017, through February 28, 2018.  
 
The Cavers Campstore, showers, laundry, and the Historic Cottages, operated by the Lodge at Mammoth Cave, will close for the same period.  Sunset Terrace rooms, food service and the gift shops in the Lodge will remain open through the winter.
 
Houchin Ferry campground will remain open through the winter.  Backcountry campsites on the north side of Green River are available year round.

​Cave Sing, Santa and Friends on December 3
 
MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky. November 15, 2017 – The 38th annual Cave Sing, is scheduled for Sunday, December 3, 2017.  Participants will depart from the visitor center at 2:00 p.m. for this free event.  The annual meeting of the Friends of Mammoth Cave will follow at the Lodge at Mammoth Cave.
 
“Visitors and park neighbors will enjoy the sounds and sights of Mammoth Cave at the Cave Sing on December 3,” said Superintendent Barclay Trimble.  “Music has a distinctive quality inside the cave. This year, the Spirit of the Commonwealth chorus will perform in Rafinesque Hall. Please come join us for the holiday tradition.”
 
The idea for the Cave Sing dates back to 1883, when residents held a Christmas celebration inside Mammoth Cave.  An article about the event stated, "the halls of the cave ring with joyous carols and the laughter of happy children."  The park hosted the first Cave Sing in 1980.
 
Enjoy a musical warm up in the visitor center at 1:00 p.m. with Janet Bass Smith, former cave guide and master of the keyboard.
 
Cave Sing, depart from the visitor center at 2:00 p.m.
Meet your guide at Shelter A behind the visitor center at 2:00 to walk down the hill and into the cave. Once underground, the musical performance of the Spirit of the Commonwealth Chorus (formerly the Caveman Chorus) will ring out in Rafinesque Hall. Complimentary refreshments will be served at the Lodge at Mammoth Cave upon returning to the surface; watch for Santa at the Lodge!
 
Friends of Mammoth Cave annual meeting, 3:30 p.m.
The Friends will hold their annual meeting at 3:30 p.m. at the Lodge at Mammoth Cave.  Stop by to learn about the important work of the Friends to Protect-Connect-Inspire.  Open to the public.
 
Please remember, Cave Sing requires walking up and down a steep hill and climbing steps.  Participants should dress warmly in layers and wear comfortable shoes or boots.  Even though the cave air stays at a constant 54 degrees Fahrenheit, wind chills in the entrance are much cooler.
 
For further information, call 270-758-2180.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report: photos courtesy of ECBOE,
Newly appointed Edmonson County Board of Education member Keith LaMastus was officially sworn in at the November 13, 2017 board meeting at ECHS.​ Mr. Lamastus was chosen by the KY Dept. of Education to fill the remainder of Mr. Gary Bagshaw's term as the District 5 representative. Bagshaw stepped down from his role after his son became an employee of the school system, in accordance with conflict of interest regulations.

​​Following the swearing in ceremony, Kyrock Elementary Principal Shaun Stice recognized several Blackhawk students for scoring Distinguished in Reading and Math on the 3rd grade KPREP Assessment. Awards were also given to two staff members who were voted to receive recognition by their fellow Kyrock employees.  These awards went to Mrs. Marissa Graham and Mrs. Pearl Logsdon.

Wondering how you're going to feed your bunch this Thanksgiving? It's as easy as calling Laura's Hilltop Restaurant. Check out all the details below.