​Editor's Note: We are welcoming a new guest columnist to the Edmonson Voice, Mrs. Meredith Stewart. She will be writing columns on a range of subjects and we welcome her addition to our publication. ​

by Meredith Stewart:
More and more Americans seem to be eating healthier, trying to eat healthier, or at least thinking about eating healthier. With the holiday season fast approaching, it seems like an even trickier challenge to navigate healthy food choices. Now, I don’t know about you, but I like to eat delicious food. However, with my family’s history of heart disease and diabetes, eating right is a must for me too. 

There are those naysayers out there who don’t believe you can have your cake and eat it too. Even some physicians joke about the paradox of cuisine that is both nutritious and yummy. I remember not long after one of my dad’s heart attacks his physician told him, “if you take a bite of food and it tastes good—spit it out!” Thankfully, his doctor was just kidding, but it did help our family realize we needed to make some changes to our diet. If you can start making small changes, a little here and there, they will add up and you probably won’t find yourself in the hospital like my dad; a seemingly healthy, fit man in his 50s. 

So what are some of the ways experts agree you can strike a healthy, realistic balance with food? First of all, ALWAYS check with your physician before starting a new diet and a yearly physical is definitely a good idea.  Secondly, don’t try to change everything about the way you eat all at once. For most people this is a recipe (pardon the pun) for failure. Thirdly, aim for more real, unprocessed foods in your diet. Think deer meat and veggies from your garden if you can get them.

Another great way to make sure your diet stays in check is to keep a food journal. My personal favorite is an app you can get on your smartphone called MyFitnessPal. If you don’t want to use a smartphone or an app, you can write it down in a little notebook if that works better for you.

Finally, if you find yourself really craving that piece of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving—have a slice. Notice I said a slice. Don’t eat the whole pie. Fun fact, pumpkin pie is a better choice for you around the holidays than pecan pie. So remember, baby steps. Life is a marathon, not a sprint; if you swap out those fried foods for the occasional salad, your britches (and your family) will thank you.

Meredith has strong family ties to Edmonson County and she and her family live in the Smiths Grove area. They belong to and faithfully attend church at Pleasant Union Baptist Church (Steep Hollow). When she's not writing, she enjoys embarrassing her kids by breaking out in random song and dance moves in various stores throughout our community. Someday she hopes to check surfing and learning to play the mandolin off her bucket list. You can email her at meredith.stewart.phone@gmail.com.
​

By 5th District Senator Steve Meredith:
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is well underway, but it will undoubtedly look different for all of us this year. However, we in the Kentucky General Assembly are doing our best to safely continue legislative business in Frankfort to prepare for the upcoming 2021 Regular Session.

Thankfully, election season is behind us, and we can shift our focus to what this time of year is about — family, friends, and our communities. Each Thanksgiving, I look forward to being home in my district, hearing from constituents, and spending time with loved ones. Still, we must do our best to adapt to these unprecedented times and use an abundance of caution when planning our holiday gatherings.

In the spirit of the season of giving, let’s remember those in need as we prepare our Thanksgiving meals.  I encourage you and your families to consider reaching out to a community food bank, church, or local charity to help ensure that the homeless are sheltered and the hungry are fed, especially during these colder fall and winter months. We have so much to be thankful for this holiday season, and volunteering time and resources can make an incredible difference in our less fortunate neighbors’ lives.

We must also remember our service members, many of whom will be without their families, this Thanksgiving as they are away serving our country. It is essential that we honor these individuals and our veterans, as we give thanks for the many blessings and freedoms we have here in the United States because of their sacrifices.

This time of year is also an excellent opportunity to support local businesses within the community, as they need our support now more than ever  Please consider your locally-owned stores as you prepare your holiday shopping lists — small businesses bolster our community and drive our local economy.

This Thanksgiving, I am incredibly proud of the Republican-led legislature and the many successes we have had over the last few years. We in the Senate majority are pleased to welcome four new members to our caucus, representing a variety of regions stretching from eastern to western Kentucky. They are:

Senator-Elect Jason Howell, Senate District 1
Senator-elect Brandon Storm, Senate District 21
Senator-elect Adrienne Southworth, Senate District 7
Senator-elect Johnnie L. Turner, Senate District 29
 
As we look forward to the 2021 Regular Session, I welcome your thoughts, questions, and concerns. Please reach out to my office at Steve.Meredith@lrc.ky.gov. It is an honor to represent you in Frankfort. 

Whether it is with food, football, or family, I encourage you to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with loved ones safely. Even amid a pandemic, God is still great.

The Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce has announced that the annual Chamber dinner has been postponed indefinitely for 2020, in compliance with the governor's recent orders. 

The Chamber said they would like to plan for some spring events but that is unknown for now due to the current health concerns. 

To stay updated on Chamber events, visit edmonsonchamber.com.

​Two bedroom four-plex apartment for rent: very recently built. Appliances provided (refrigerator, stove, microwave & dishwasher). Two units are handicap accessible. Units include community picnic area with fire pit and creek surroundings.

Special through December: Sign a lease now and get 50% off your first month's rent!

Located in Chalybeate on Veterans Memorial Highway.

Ceiling fans in bedrooms, tray ceiling in main bedroom, tile bathroom floors. 

Absolutely no pets, no smoking inside residence. Three units are available now. $750 per month with a $750 deposit. Call or text 270-792-5257 for application, or email turleylox@aol.com.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Edmonson County Judge Executive Wil Cannon signed a proclamation on November 18, 2020, declaring November as Adoption Awareness Month in Edmonson County and the City of Brownsville.

A portion of the proclamation stated, "We encourage all citizens to observe this month by answering the call to find a permanent and caring family for every child in need, and by supporting the families who care for them."

The proclamation was signed alongside personnel from the local Office of Social Services, Mary Brooks and Joyce Sharpensteen.

Bank of Edmonson County is still recognizing "Customer Appreciation Week," despite the COVID pandemic. In a statement, the bank said,

"Since our lobby is not open at this time, we are not having our typical Farm Days / Appreciation this year, but do have a small gift and also calendars to give to everyone."

paid advertisement: 

​Click the ad to view the full listing:

New and improved price on this updated and adorable 3 bed, 2 bath home within minutes of Bowling Green! Outside features a new deck spanning the length of the home and over looks the sprawling backyard, w/ simple & tasteful landscaping, and a 2 bay detached garage. Sellers are motivated and are also offering a one year home warranty. Call today for your private showing!

$159,900

• 3bed
• 2bath
• 1,500sqft
• 0.68acre lot

3652 Chalybeate Rd, Smiths Grove, KY, 42171

By Meredith Stewart:
The year 2020 has been chock-full of unusual, often scary, events. Like many others, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve thought, “surely things can’t get any weirder” only to find myself proven wrong in a matter of weeks, if not days. In all fairness, though, there have been plenty of wonderful occurrences this year, too; not least of which was more time spent outdoors. For example, my family hunkered down during the pandemic this summer and began planting and tending our first vegetable garden.

Then there’s been this fall. In my opinion, this has been one of the most beautiful falls we’ve had here in Edmonson County in decades. Maybe there have been prettier ones, and perhaps my family was just too caught up in our busy, always-on-the-go lifestyle to take time to truly stop and appreciate the beauty of falls past. Nonetheless, this year it seemed that Mother Nature really dressed up and put on a show for us. 

Still, this beautiful fall coupled with the uncertainty of 2020 got me wondering about stories from years past and some of the stranger weather-related or nature events that have occurred locally. For instance, my dad recalled that in April of 1983, parts of Edmonson County and the surrounding area received up to three inches of snow that Easter. Another local I spoke with mentioned a wolf sighting in Mammoth Cave National Park several years ago. Yet another local, a farmer, recalled that several years ago they looked out to see their livestock acting strangely. Before long, the strange behavior of their animals became apparent when a thundersnow storm occurred.

So while 2020, with its super-sized alligator appearances down in Florida and its escaped tiger down in Tennessee, wins first place for most unusual happenings in a single year, to be honest, Mother Nature has always had plenty of surprises and tricks up her sleeve. 

As my Mamaw Effie used to say, “time and tide wait for no man.” So I don’t know about y’all, but while I have good health - and the weather is still nice - I think I will get out and enjoy nature as often as I can! 

Darren Doyle, story:
The coronavirus has rained on yet another parade in Edmonson County for 2020; this time, it's the annual Christmas Parade.

The Edmonson County Lions Club told the Edmonson Voice that they have made the decision to cancel the 2020 Christmas Parade due to rising COVID cases.

"As bad as we hate to do it, we feel that it's the right thing to do," said Lions Club President Jimmie Duvall. "The surrounding counties have also decided to do the same and we'd hate to take a risk on spreading sickness. Hopefully things will be better next year."

Cases in Edmonson County saw a slight rise last week and in-person classes at Edmonson County Schools will be suspended beginning Wednesday. Several churches in the county have also begun postponing services due to cases.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
As the holiday season begins around the area, it will be difficult to drive through Chalybeate at night without seeing the community's newest attraction; a 30 foot Christmas tree, constructed by stacking barrels in a pyramid shape.

Local resident Cody Vincent, along with his brother, Jon, has been buying and selling bourbon barrels for decoration, farm and home use, and crafts for sometime now. He decided it was time that Chalybeate had a tourist attraction.

"I was thinking, there's never been nothing like this in Chalybeate so why not?" he said as he stood on top of the display during it's construction earlier this week. 

The display consists of nearly 200 standard bourbon barrels that weigh around 130lbs each. Vincent first laid a gravel foundation and then begin to move the barrels into place by hand, with the help of his stepmother Jan Vincent. Each barrel was rolled off a trailer, hand packed into place and steadied until they got to the fifth layer. That's where Cody's brother-in-law, Caleb Renfro, helped with the use of a tractor with a boom lift to help place the remaining barrels.

The display is located at his wife's (Emily Vincent) hair salon, New Reflections, 2326 Chalybeate Rd, Smiths Grove, 42171, at the junction of Chalybeate Rd and HWY 3611 (old Chalybeate loop). Construction began earlier in the week and decorations began yesterday. Tonight was the first time the barrels were lit up, as family and friends joined them for the fun.

Topping the tree is a 5 foot lighted angel, and the tree can be seen nearly a mile away as you head south on Chalybeate stretch.

"We just wanted to do something fun for the community," Cody said. "We've got a place to sit in front of the tree for pictures and it's free to the public. We just ask that you don't climb on it," he said.

Someone asked him what would happen if the barrels fell.

"I guess we all better run," he said as someone then made a Donkey Kong joke.

Vincent assured everyone that the barrels were safely connected to each other with a selection of various brackets and other hardware in order to make the structure solid.

The Vincents are welcoming everyone to stop by and take a look through their one-way drive at the salon with an entrance on Chalybeate Rd and exit on the other side at the old loop.

The barrels will also be for sale after Christmas, with prices ranging from $50 to $140 each, depending on the size and condition of each one. For more information, you can find them on Facebook, The Bourbon Brothers Barrels, or call Cody at 270-246-2423, or his brother Jon, 270-246-0819. They also sell barrel heads and other barrel parts.

Edmonson Voice Report: photos submitted
A local artist has recently left her mark again in Edmonson County, in two different places.

Kelsey Janes, who is no stranger to those in the area that appreciate art, has recently presented her work in both the Brownsville Post Office, and the new helicopter landing area at Chalybeate Volunteer Fire Department.

The piece displayed in the post office, "Flying Freedom," also went on a Veterans Tour with the Kentucky Veterans Project Exhibit all around the state of Kentucky, which consisted of 44 pieces created by veterans and their family members, according to a release from the post office. In a statement, it said she painted this in honor of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and to honor her father who served. Her father Glenn Janes is a city carrier in Glasgow and her mother is a PTF clerk in Brownsville. Postal officials said she dedicated this piece to be showcased here in the Brownsville office, which is her hometown.

​In 2016, her artwork was displayed at the U.S. Capitol in Congressman Brett Guthrie's office as part of Guthrie's annual art contest. 
 
"My piece, “Flying Freedom,” signifies the sacrifices made everyday by brave men and women fighting for our country," Kelsey said in a statement. "The eagle is silent, representing the silent prayers made by troops and their loved ones. The flag is flying in the background, representing the never-ending watch day and night. Those who live in freedom will always be grateful to those who helped preserve it."
 
"This piece is dedicated to the Brownsville Post Office. This piece is hung in honor of my father, Glenn Janes, for his service, and in memory of the many sacrifices made for this country."

The new landing area at the Chalybeate Fire Department got a facelift, too, thanks to Kelsey. She hand-painted the fire department's logo onto the concrete pad with some help from others who helped roll on red paint from her design. A trial run is scheduled later for a medical helicopter to test the landing area within the next several days.

Local Realtor Shauna Gravil has just become the newest sponsor of the Edmonson Voice Network.

Shauna is part of the Keller Williams First Choice Realty Group, Luke Williams, Broker, which she said was recently voted the #1 real estate company in Bowling Green and the surrounding area. She is married to Wymon Gravil, a local business owner and they reside in Edmonson County.

Shauna says her brand new office will be opening soon in the heart of Brownsville but she's already been working hard for this community for the past two years. 

"I’ve been licensed for over two years now, and am a multi-million listing and sales agent," she said. "I’ve also been a nurse for nearly 20 years, and decided to make a career change because this is something I’ve always wanted to do. There seemed to be a real need for an honest, trustworthy, and consistent Realtor that truly knows the market here." 

Shauna said she believes in giving back to the local community and becoming an Edmonson Voice sponsor is just one of the many ways to do that. Sponsors and advertisers allow us to bring our network to the public with no subscription fee.

Give Shauna a call, or send a text to 270-246-1658 to find out how a local Realtor can help you find what you need when buying or selling real estate. You can also find her on Facebook by clicking here.

​Edmonson Voice Report: 
The Edmonson County Family Resource/Youth Services Center and Community Education are gearing up for this year's Affordable Christmas events that are scheduled to kick off in a couple weeks.

Affordable Christmas is a new and improved version of the county's popular "Angel Tree" program that benefits dozens of Edmonson County students during the Christmas season. The program allows parents and guardians that need a helping hand during the holidays to purchase gifts and necessities for their children.

The first event "Stuff The Sleigh," is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 13th, at the old Sportsman's Grill location on Main Street in Brownsville, and it set to run from 9AM to 4PM. It's designed to work similarly to the annual "Cram the Cruiser" events the organizations hold. It's purpose is to get a jump start on their much-needed items.

"Someone came up with this great idea at a recent leadership meeting," said Alicia Edwards, Family Resource Center Coordinator for Kyrock and South Edmonson Elementary Schools. "This will be a drive-thru event where we'll have a big sleigh there to put all of the donations we receive and hopefully overload it!" 

The annual Affordable Christmas shopping event is scheduled for Saturday, December 5th. It will work much like last year's event with safety measures put in place as a result of COVID. 

"While we already have a few items in surplus from last year we will need quite a lot to make it happen again," Edwards said. "We will be serving 150-175 kids, ages 0 to 18. We need gifts in the 10 to 30 dollar range. Donations can be an item or monetary. 

The group has started an Amazon wish list where donors can simply choose and purchase items directly from Amazon that can be shipped to the organization which can be found here.

​The Pie Queen of BG will be set up during the event as well.

"​The Pie Queen of BG is bringing her Cutie Pie Wagon to Brownsville on Friday November 13th during our Stuff Santa’s Sleigh event," said Edwards. "She will be set up at the parking lot in front of C&C Firearms from 10-2. She sells mini pies, homemade pop tarts and sammies, which is icing sandwiched between 2 cookies." 

Darren Doyle, story:
The annual Santa's Helping Hands, INC. benefit auction looked quite a bit different in 2020 than in years past as the difficulties have mounted for hosting large gatherings; however, this year's event brought in an impressive $44,000 for local families who need it most.

SHH co-founder and board member Mark Wardlow said the decision was made to change locations for the first time in history for the auction to ECHS to allow better distancing and safer accommodations. While the crowd was somewhat smaller in years past and some of the higher ticket items like premium UK basketball game packages were not available, the haul for this year's event was impressive.

"We at SHH want to send out a huge thank you to everyone that showed up for our 16th annual benefit auction," Wardlow said. "This year we were at a new location thanks to ECHS Principle Jonathan Williams and Superintendent of Schools Brian Alexander. Due to the current situation, we were concerned about our crowd, but as always, the people of Edmonson County did not disappoint."

Wardlow said ECHS has agreed to allow SHH to also use the gym for their future auctions.

Social distancing was practiced and masks were worn throughout the event. Temperatures were also taken upon entry and hand sanitizer was readily available. ​

Wardlow said the annual event isn't something that's simply put together a few days beforehand, but it's something that volunteers work to achieve all year long.

"This would not be possible without all the volunteers that work tirelessly year round, all the businesses and individuals that generously donate each year, and our amazing community members that come out and bid on items that provide continuous support."  ​

Not only is SHH, INC., a non-profit organization, but also none of the board members or staff receive any type of pay and 100% of the organization's funding goes to provide assistance to Edmonson County families.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Bee Spring Lumber and Supplies is getting a new look on the side of their building today as locals are working together to paint a giant bee along with the name of the store.

Melissa Culbreth said she and Sharon Decker have been working today to paint the giant letters and the bee on the side of the building, which measures 14ft high and 80ft long. 

The bee was painted free-handed by Melissa while Sharon helped stencil the letters with large poster boards. 

Granddaughter of Melissa, Emma Price, helped with the project as well. The folks working on the mural are asking folks to honk their horn as you go by.

"Honk if you’re happy with the job we are doing!" they said.