MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky. December 30, 2020– Mammoth Cave National Park is near completion on several construction projects taking place at Green River Ferry. The Green River Ferry serves as a river crossing location, river access for canoes and kayaks, boat ramp for fishing boats, and parking area for trail and river users.  

Green River Ferry Ramp Reopening 
The Green River Ferry will resume vehicle shuttle operations starting on Sunday, January 3. The ferry will be open from 6 am to 10 pm but will be closed daily between 1:45 pm and 2:15 pm for cleaning and disinfection of the operating booth between shifts.  

The ferry service has been closed since early September to complete a vehicle ramp project to extend the access ramp by 30 feet into the Green River. The contractor for the project, Kovilic Construction Company, took advantage of lower than average water levels which allowed them to reach the lowest sections of the ramp where they needed to complete much of the work required for the project. Additional paving on the south ramp and coffer dam removal on the north ramp is still needed, though, so short-term closures can be expected in early spring/summer 2021.  

The ramp extension project is being coordinated by Federal Highway Administration Eastern Lands Highway Division with assistance from the park. For more information on the Green River Ferry operating status, please call the Green River Ferry Hotline at 270-758-2166 or follow MCNPRoadsFerry on Twitter.  

Canoe and Kayak Access Ramp Construction  
Work to install a new canoe and kayak access ramp at the Green River Ferry area has been suspended until late spring 2021 due to high water, but River access at both Green River Ferry and Dennison Ferry, 7.6 miles upstream from Green River Ferry, will reopen on Sunday, January 3. River users are permitted to use the Green River Ferry’s vehicle access ramp to reach the river until the canoe and kayak ramp is completed in mid-2021. 

Much of the project is finished, but the contractor still needs to complete work on the lower railing system. This work is expected to occur when water levels drop in late spring.   

The installation of a ramp dedicated to paddlers will improve river access, safety, and reduce congestion between paddlers and vehicles utilizing the ferry boat. Boaters and paddlers should be aware that winter often brings high fast moving water in the Green River and are advised to be familiar with the park’s river safety and regulations.   

Echo River Springs Accessible Trail and Bridge Installation 
The first half of the Echo River Springs Accessible trail is currently open to the public, and the installation of the pedestrian bridge over the Echo River will be completed on January 12 and 13. The installation will include a temporary closure of the Green River Ferry Road and Green River Ferry Service from 8 am to 4 pm each day.  

The new pedestrian bridge will span approximately 200 feet over the Echo River and will create an accessible loop trail that leads directly back to the Green River Ferry parking area. As a part of the trail project the existing accessible trail has been extended an additional 0.3 miles. Portions of the Echo River Springs Trail were rehabilitated in 2018 to improve accessibility and add tactile wayside interpretation stops along the route. The bridge project is the last step to complete the plan to improve Echo River Springs Trail.   

Edmonson County Youth League Basketball has cancelled their 2020-21 season due to obstacles as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their full announcement is listed below:

For more information, please contact their Facebook Page.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Local artist Parin Patel, a 9-year old third grade student at South Edmonson Elementary, has found another local cause to donate funds from his painting hobby. 

Patel, who is the son of Manish and Nisha Patel, owners of Chalybeate Food Mart, donated $1,111 to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office for their K9 fund today. Patel found a passion for painting earlier this year where the paintings began to stack up at their home. His father, Manish said after a family discussion, they decided the funds would be best used if they were invested back into the community.

Earlier this summer, Parin made a $1500 donation to the Edmonson County Community Education and the EC Family Resource/Youth Services Centers. All those funds came from the selling of his works, which are available in their store.

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​"We want to help with the K9 funding," said Mr. Patel. "We really appreciate the community that bought the paintings. That money is actually not mine, it belongs to the community so we just want to give it back."

Parin's mother, Nisha said the same. "We can do nothing without our community so that's why we want to always help our community," she added.

Patel said Parin has also recently taken up the piano as well as the guitar. When asked if we could expect Parin to be in concert anytime soon, the Patels laughed but didn't yet have an answer for that; however, if it's anything like his newfound painting talent, he just might be performing hit songs sooner rather than later.

He has sold over 150 paintings and his parents said as long as he wants to continue to paint, the store will continue to sell the artwork and donate the funding back to the community. 

Sheriff Shane Doyle and Deputy Jordan Jones, who is Edmonson County's K9 Officer, accepted the donation from Parin.

"This was a really awesome gift and we really appreciate Parin and the Patels for helping with our cause," said Jones, who lost his K9 partner, Tango earlier this year. 

Sheriff Doyle also thanked the Patels for their generosity.

"Thank you is not quite enough to say to this gesture," he said. "The Patels have proven to be wonderful community partners as they're no strangers to giving back to local causes. As we've said before, acquiring a qualified K9 Officer is a very expensive and detailed process. We are currently working to add another K9 as soon as possible and this donation helps tremendously."

Doyle said even with the proper funding, it's not as simple as just going to a trainer and purchasing a dog. 

"We have to make sure it's the right fit, the K9 is a good fit with our handler, who is Deputy Jones, as well as a good fit for our office. It's much more detailed than most would think, but hopefully we'll be able to add another K9 soon."

For more information about Parin's artwork, you can contact Chalybeate Food Mart or Manish Patel's Facebook page.

Mr. and Mrs. Kennith Childress of Mammoth Cave will mark their 60th wedding anniversary December 24th.  Childress and the former Nina Brooks were married December 24, 1960 at the home of Rev. Andrew Hester, who officiated the ceremony.

They have three daughters: Kim Ashley (Terry), and Melanie Vincent (Danny), both of Mammoth Cave, and Erin Childress of Connecticut.  They also have four granddaughters: Heather Jordan (Johnathan), Megan Wells (Ross), Sarah Vincent (fiancé Jamie Thomas), and Jill Stout (Adam).

They also have four great-grandchildren: Ashley and Allison Wells, Carter Wyatt Stout and Kayden Rhett Stout (due April 2021).

The gifts contained fruit baskets and personal items for the residents. 

We have received copies of this year's letters to Santa to publish from local elementary classes, just in case Santa needs to quickly check them from the Edmonson Voice while he's on the move. 

Enjoy these letters from students at Kyrock Elementary:

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Darren Doyle, story: photos, ECHS:
With high school basketball delayed this year, most teams are scrambling to prepare for the 2021 season that begins on January 4th. While Coach Mike McClintic and his staff have already hit the gym with their first official week of practice since the delay, he felt that the boys needed to up their game a bit, but without hitting the gym floor. 

Practice was cancelled on Friday, December 19th so that the team could help load food packages on school buses so they could be delivered to students and families all across the county.

Superintendent Brian Alexander said 8,290 meals were delivered on Friday across the county, thanks to the boys' team.

​"Each child received a treat bag with lots of fruit and cookies," he said. "All drivers and monitors received a fruit bag as well."

Coach Mac discussed how important it was for his team to offer help to school staff yesterday.

"I'm super proud of these boys for coming out on such a cold morning to load our buses," he said. "It truly shows the character of these young men. That's why it's such a privilege to have the opportunity to spend time with them and be their coach, both in and out of the gym."

by Senator Steve Meredith:
Another Christmas is upon us, and I extend my warmest wishes and a sincere hope that you and your loved ones are enjoying a holiday season in good health and full of happiness. 
 
This season, in particular, I can say that I look forward to just being home with my family to enjoy the holiday and spend more time with those who make life meaningful. Above all else, we should remember the true meaning of Christmas.
 
This time of year is particularly nostalgic for me.  I often reflect on childhood memories, family gatherings, and church services that are forever commemorated in my mind.  If you are like me, some of your happiest memories were created around the dinner table or the Christmas tree. Following this difficult year, it is a challenge to focus on anything but the present, as many of our families are dealing with fears and anxieties.  For that reason, it is essential to hold on to cherished memories and look forward to the creation of new ones in the future. The holiday season is supposed to be a joyous occasion. I encourage you to do your best to make it so, but there is no denying that this year has been challenging. Families are struggling right now. Loved ones have been lost. For those of you who have lost a friend or loved one or who have experienced financial or other hardships this year, please know you are in my prayers. 
 
As the General Assembly gears up for the 2021 Regular Session, I have heard from many constituents across the 5th State Senate District.  Some of our families have expressed their struggles to put food on the table and pay bills as a result of government mandates during this pandemic.  Suffice it to say that fellow lawmakers and I are eager to get to work on behalf of our constituents. We have heard you, and our efforts during the interim period have well prepared us to take appropriate legislative action in 2021. Help is on the way. 
 
If you are among the fortunate who have not been financially impacted by COVID-19, I encourage you to consider doing something kind for those who have been. Whether it is providing meals to families in need or delivering a gift to a child, there is much that we can do for each other to make the holidays brighter. 
 
Of course, Christmas is more than a time of gift-giving and watching Christmas classics. For Christians, it is about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is also about the love of family and friends. Do not forget there is "good news of great joy which shall be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born to you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Our salvation is also in God's plan for all of us if we recognize it and accept it.
 
It is my wish that everyone has a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year. Be well, and I look forward to hearing from and seeing everyone again in 2021.

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky., December 17, 2020: Bruce Powell, Deputy Superintendent of Mammoth Cave National Park, announces his retirement from the National Park Service (NPS) at the end of December 2020. Powell’s federal career began in 1984 and has taken him around the country for over 36 years of dedicated public service. 
 
“I loved the national parks well before I began my federal career,” said Powell. “I was able to achieve my career goal of working in a variety of national parks and have had the opportunity to see and care for these very special places. After working at fourteen NPS locations in ten states, I have had a very satisfying career and plan to finish out this month with a smile of contentment.” 
 
Powell started his work for the park service as an Editorial Clerk in the Southeast Regional Office in Atlanta, GA and then spent his next five years working in different roles in Administration at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. He then went to the Southwest Regional Office as a Management Analyst before serving as the Superintendent of Golden Spike National Historic Site in northern Utah for six years and earning a Superior Service Honor Award. During this part of his career, he served official details at Cumberland Island National Seashore and Chamizal National Memorial, and Powell also served as the Acting Utah State Coordinator, representing, and assisting 16 national park areas in the Beehive State.  
 
But after many career experiences and many moves, Mammoth Cave has been his primary home. Powell came to Mammoth Cave National Park in 2001, serving as its Deputy Superintendent, a position he and has filled for the last twenty years. 
 
“Bruce has completed a lot of major projects and witnessed many changes during his time with the park service,” said Barclay Trimble, Superintendent. “For the last twenty years at Mammoth Cave, he has been dependable, hardworking and his passion for his job truly shows in how much he cares for this park, its employees, and our many community partners. His institutional knowledge and dedication to the park have been amazing assets that we will definitely miss after he retires.” 
 
Powell advocated and initiated many critical projects at Mammoth Cave over the last 20 years, but is most proud of his work in supporting the achievement of the park’s mission for being established: to preserve the internationally famous Mammoth Cave while providing an opportunity for the public to enjoy it. He fulfilled this mission through projects focused on internal park operations, but also by actively coordinating with the park’s three counties, Edmonson, Hart and Barren, as well as the local communities’ organizations such as their chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus, Caveland Marketing Association, and the Mammoth Cave Biosphere Region. His work has strengthened and built upon these invaluable relationships that are critical to the success of the park and the businesses and organizations around the park. 
 
“Nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing park visitors get excited as they visit the park,” said Powell. “I likewise get great satisfaction in helping lead and support a superb group of highly dedicated park employees while working collaboratively with so many supportive park partners and community groups that surround Mammoth Cave National Park. I am very grateful for this opportunity.” 
 
For his retirement plans, Powell looks forward to more time with his wife Barbara at their home in Bowling Green, KY, and visits with their daughter Katrina who attends school in Louisville.  
 
A small private reception is being planned to celebrate Bruce’s achievements during the summer of 2021. Well wishes or cards are being collected in advance and may be sent to Mammoth Cave National Park, Attn: Powell Retirement, PO Box 7, Mammoth Cave, KY. Emails may be sent to [email protected]. 

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office has made the following announcement regarding holiday closing and end-of-year tax payment information:

Kyrock Volunteer Fire Department has issued a thank you announcement for the support of their recent "Pictures With Santa" event that benefitted the Edmonson County Affordable Christmas program. 

submitted flyer: 

Click the flyer to visit their Facebook Event:

by Meredith Stewart:
It’s that wondrous, magical time of year again. Not only when the TV channels begin playing marathons of your favorite Christmas movies, but also when people make a little more effort to show their love and appreciation for each other by exchanging gifts, visiting loved ones as often as possible, and by reaching out a little more charitably to their fellow man.

I think here in our community we are some of the best givers around. It’s part of our heritage. From a young age, most of us are taught it is better to give than to receive, and to be a joyful giver. One of my favorite memories as a child was going to visit my great-grandma Martin. She lived in a tiny house in Glasgow, and I knew exactly what I would receive every year for Christmas from Grandma (a box of chocolate covered cherry cordials), but it wasn’t the candy that mattered—it was the time spent with Grandma that was the real gift. She would never let you leave hungry. Grandma always had beans and fried potatoes to eat, and she would generously offer that humble fare to her company with a “it’s not much but it beats a snowball, honey.” I think even as a small child I somehow understood that I was giving her a little something back too just by being me and spending time visiting her, because Grandma’s face never stopped shining like a Christmas tree the whole time we were there.

So, if you’re having trouble coming up with perfect gift for someone or there just doesn’t seem to be enough money in your budget, I would encourage you not to overlook the value of a phone call to a loved one or even a hand-written letter. There are plenty of organizations that need volunteers this time of year as well.

​Yes, kids love to get toys, gift cards, or cash, but most of them appreciate spending time with their loved ones or a thoughtful homemade gift, too. The gift of our time is perhaps the best gift of all. 

​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 [email protected].

Click the ad to apply:

by Aimee Nielson, submitted by the Edmonson County Extension Office
An early blast of cold, snow and ice arrived in the Bluegrass, and that puts pressure on farmers to make sure their animals are ready for the winter assault.

“The combination of cold air and wind create windchills that cause dangerous and emergency-category periods of livestock cold stress,” said Matt Dixon, agricultural meteorologist for the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment's Ag Weather Center.

Livestock producers should make sure animals have adequate shelter, water, dry bedding and feed to make it through cold periods. Pet owners should bring pets indoors. Animals have a higher requirement for energy in the colder months, which means they need high-quality grains and forages.

“The average horse, with a lower activity level, should eat between 1.5 and 2 percent of its body weight in feed per day to maintain its weight,” said UK equine specialist Bob Coleman. “That feed requirement goes up in the winter, as horses use more calories to keep warm. He recommended providing extra hay and making sure horses have shelter to get out of windy, damp weather.”

 Horses must have access to clean, unfrozen water. Coleman said to check often to make sure water sources are open. A decrease in water intake affects dry matter intake.

Ambient temperatures can impact the amount of dry matter cattle eat, providing an opportunity to compensate for increased maintenance energy needs. Producers either need to increase their animals’ feed intake or increase the energy density of the diet by feeding higher quality hay or adding more grain or fat to the grain mix, UK beef specialist Jeff Lehmkuhler said.

Lehmkuhler recommended that producers continue to monitor cows during the wintertime and make sure to maintain the animals’ body condition.

“Poor quality hay may not provide adequate energy to maintain gestating cows that are entering the third trimester,” he said. “Consider having the hay tested to determine if you need to supplement during times of possible cold stress, especially for the enduring cold spells.”

Producers should consider separating younger and thinner cows that may not have the same internal insulation as conditioned older cows and supplement them accordingly or offer them higher quality forage if available. Coleman said equine owners can employ similar strategies and separate animals according to body condition score.

“Producers should move cows to fields with natural windbreaks or provide man-made windbreaks, which are not the same as a barn,” Lehmkuhler suggested. “Poorly managed barns combined with poor ventilation may actually hamper efforts to improve the environmental conditions.  Energy or calories are critical. If the protein level in the forage is adequate, do not make supplement decisions based on protein level; rather purchase the most affordable calories. Stay warm and keep the waterers flowing.”

The hair coat acts like home attic insulation—trapping air and enhancing the insulating value. Wet, muddy hair reduces insulating value and increases heat loss. As little as 0.1 inch of rain can immediately impact cold stress severity by matting the hair down reducing its insulating ability. Acclimation time, hide thickness, fat cover and other factors will also influence the degree of cold stress that animals experience.

The lower critical temperature (LCT) value for cattle is the lowest temperature or wind chill at which no additional energy is required to maintain core body temperature.

“As the temperature declines below this lower critical value, the maintenance energy value for the animal is increased to maintain core body temperature,” he said. “Animals maintain core body temperature by increasing their metabolism, resulting in greater heat production, as well as other heat conservation strategies, such as reducing blood flow to the extremities, shivering and increased intake.”

Lehmkuhler said both external and internal insulation influences the LCT.

External insulation is the depth and thickness of the hair coat, condition of the hair coat and thickness of the hide. Thin-hided breeds such as dairy breeds tend to have a lower insulating factor than thick-hided breeds like Herefords. The condition of the hair coat is extremely important as an external insulation barrier.

Dairy producers should make sure cows’ teats are dry before turning animals out when temperatures fall below 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

“If you turn out an animal with a wet udder or teats, frostbite is almost a certainty,” said Michelle Arnold, UK extension veterinarian. Treat signs of frostbite immediately, since damage to the teat ends can quickly lead to damage of the keratin seal and that can allow mastitis-causing bacteria to enter the udder.”

The key is to give animals a draft-free place to get out of the wind during extreme wind chill conditions.

“The challenge is to make that space available and still provide enough ventilation to allow fresh air to circulate,” she said.
Dry bedding is also very important. If cows, goats or sheep lie in wet bedding, frostbite is a big risk. Producers also need to make sure the animals’ hair coats are kept dry and as clean as possible.
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“Perhaps the most important thing producers can do is to take care of themselves in extreme cold,” Arnold said. “If you get into trouble, you can’t be the caregiver your livestock need Keep an extra set of clothes and a blanket in the truck. An extra pair of dry boots is a great plan as well.”

Brand new, custom grade home, located on Tony Houchins Road, (a dead end road) nestled in a quiet, country setting...what more could you want? In Edmonson County, but only minutes from Bowling Green and located in the South Edmonson School District, this location is ideal.

Builder would love to work with new owner for personalization; the sooner the purchase, the options available. Call today for more information, or just click the photo to see the full listing on Realtor.com!

26 Tony Houchins Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Alford's Pharmacy and Drive Thru is sponsoring a Christmas Giving event where you can nominate local families that need a little extra help this year. 

​Check out all the details below and contact the pharmacy to make your nominations. 

The office of County Attorney Greg Vincent has made the following announcement regarding in-person meetings: