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submitted by Edmonson County Tourism:
The Edmonson County Tourism Commission wrote these lyrics to showcase the adventures and activities that await locals and visitors in Edmonson County, KY. The highly talented local residents of the Caveland Quartet graciously tackled the request to bring these lyrics to life, which only further celebrates what our county offers.

From our crisp waterways beckoning for a float, to our beautiful horses, over to our natural terrain perfect for hiking, biking, and golfing, through the world's longest cave system, playing in our local parks and to our abundance of vacation rental homes waiting to host you, we wish you a very Merry Christmas from #thenaturalplacetobe!

The Caveland Quartet consists of Lonnie Miller, Lead; Hoyt Webb, Jr., Baritone; Bro. Jerry Patton, Bass; Joey Webb, Tenor

For more information on the exiting adventures awaiting you in #edmonsoncounty, visit our web site www.cavesandlakes.com.

submitted by Edmonson County Tourism and Cave Country Trails:
On a brisk December day, Cave Country Trails (CCTI) partners and friends gathered on the banks of the Nolin River to honor Junior Duvall as their very first Trail User of the Year. He was presented a vintage oar with a plaque that read: Junior Duvall - 2021 Trail User of the Year - in recognition of his undeniable passion for the outdoors and inspirational calls for others to join him on trails throughout our region.

“This award was created to recognize community members who are models of dedication to outdoor adventure,” said Rachelle Wright, CCTI Project Director. “Our board of directors enthusiastically supported honoring Duvall with the inaugural award for his enthusiasm and willingness to share that and his talents with his community.”

Joseph Senate Duvall, Jr., better known to locals as Junior, is a lifelong resident of Edmonson County, born and raised in the Sunfish community to a hardworking family of farmers. Spending his childhood on the farm sparked Junior’s appreciation and adventurous love of the outdoors. When not hard at work sowing the ground, he found himself riding ponies, zooming around on his dirt bike, hunting, and exploring the abundant creeks and fields peppered throughout the county.

Junior worked for 25 years as a sales rep for welding equipment and safety supplies, but the lure of farming couldn’t keep him away. He married his partner-in-adventure, Kim Johnson Duvall, in 2003 and became a fantastic Dad to their two children, Ben Owens and Emalee Duvall.

After officially retiring and finding himself with some free time, Junior started to trail hike, which reignited his appreciation for the great outdoors. Hiking led to biking, which led to kayaking and Junior was instantly hooked; he bought two kayaks and never looked back. The waters call to him like a siren song and you will find Junior, and his camera, on the trails through all four seasons. While he and Kim paddle and hike in multiple locations, the local trails offered in the Cave Country Trails region are his playground.

Sharing the rivers with local paddlers allowed Junior to learn about hidden natural gems off the beaten path, which he would take upon himself to research, explore, and share on his social media and with the Cave Country Trails audience. Junior once wrote “People you meet on the water seem to always flow the right way in life.”

His passion for outdoor adventures, especially kayaking, is evident when describing a trip down the river. According to his wife Kim, “Kayaking has become his passion. The rivers are different from day to day. He loves helping others see the beauty in what is around us every day that some may never get the chance to see. He has always had a kind and helping heart.”

“Junior knows these rivers better than most and we can always depend on him to encourage others to get out, paddle, and see how wonderful they are for themselves. Plus if we ever need him, he’s just a phone call away.” said Joel Davis, CCTI board member and owner of Green River Canoeing and Kayak.

“We thank Junior for all he does to promote trail use, and we look forward to honoring other trail users in years to come,” added Wright.

Cave Country Trails focuses on creating a regional network of biking, hiking, equestrian, and water trails to connect communities and make the Mammoth Cave Area and South Central Kentucky a more attractive outdoor destination and place to live. This initiative promotes healthy lifestyles while attracting visitors and new businesses, managed with local flavor, resulting in regional economic growth. The counties involved in Cave County Trails are Barren, Edmonson, Hart and Warren, including the Trail Towns of Munfordville, Park City, Cave City/Horse Cave and Brownsville. To learn more, visit cavecountrytrails.com

Edmonson Voice Report:
"Shelby Claus," one of Santa's helpers, was spotted in Brownsville today on his bike at the Brownsville Post Office. Shelby Duvall, one of Edmonson County's favorite residents, was out and about today spreading some Christmas cheer.

"I'm out here helping Santa Claus keep a watch on everybody," Shelby said.

He was greeting post office customers today and wishing them Merry Christmas. He was also happy to stop for a photo opportunity.

Edmonson Voice Report:
The Edmonson County Board of Education recognized several students and staff members at the November, 2021 Board of Education Meeting at Kyrock Elementary.

Kyrock students Jeremy Minton, Jones Young, McKenna Browning, Charly Beville, and Brody Hyman were all recognized for their outstanding achievements. The Pledge of Allegiance was also by Jeremy Minton.

Kyrock staff members Julie Harp and Ashley Haynes were also recognized for their recent efforts.

More staff members were recognized at the December 13, 2021 Board meeting held at South Edmonson Elementary, which were Hannah Potter and Shannon Lowe.

By Senator Steve Meredith:

In light of the tragic aftermath of the severe weather that swept across the Commonwealth last weekend, instead of delivering season's greetings and wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas, my message takes a different tone. I pray that your Christmas season is filled with love and blessings, and you will remember the reason for the season. However, as we all know, many of our fellow Kentuckians are facing unimaginable pain, grief, and loss.
 
For many, the seasonal festivities that make Christmas so joyful will not be their experience this year. The days, weeks, and months ahead will prove difficult in ways most can never imagine.  That is why we must unite as one Kentucky and work to bring hope, love, and peace to those who lost so much in a matter of hours. For a great example of our state's united response, look to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, which has received millions in contributions to help Kentuckians impacted by severe weather. All donations to the fund are tax-deductible. 
 
Coming off the heels of the pandemic, many who have been personally impacted are understandably facing challenging times. We can do much as a community to ease the pain of the losses suffered. Lend a helping hand at your local shelter or supply distribution center.  Consider donating to Toys for Tots to provide Christmas to a child who has been forever affected by this tragedy. Donate blood if you are able and lift your neighbors in prayer.
 
The devastation experienced in our communities impacted by this natural disaster will weigh heavily on all of us this holiday season. Let us be grateful for the blessings in our lives, including those who are there for us in moments of need —be it family, friends, neighbors, or strangers offering a helping hand. We cannot undo the tragedies across the Commonwealth; we can choose to be a positive force for recovery as a united Kentucky.
 
 
Note:  Senator Stephen Meredith (R-Leitchfield) represents the 5th Senate District, which includes Breckinridge, Edmonson, Grayson, Hart, LaRue, and Meade Counties. He serves as chair of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Human Resources and vice-chair of the Senate Standing Committees on Health and Welfare and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection. Senator Meredith also serves as co-chair of the Government Contract Review Committee and Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Committee. Finally, he is a member of the Senate Standing Committees on Education and Appropriations and Revenue. For a high-resolution .jpeg of Senator Meredith, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate105.jpg

Some classes from both South Edmonson Elementary and Kyrock Elementary Schools have submitted their letters to the North Pole with hopes that St. Nicholas soon will be here. 

The Edmonson Voice has received copies of the letters for publishing just in case they get lost in the mail, as Santa checks the Edmonson Voice everyday.

Mrs. Amber Priddy's Class, SEES:
Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time. What I would like most this Christmas is a Barbie and a LOL Doll. And I promise to leave out cookies for you! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Ellington McReynolds P.S. Please say “Hi” to the baby elves for me!

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time. What I would like most this Christmas is a Sonic and Sonic and his wheel. And I promise to leave out cookies for you! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Abel Constant P.S. Please say “Hi” to me for me!

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 6 years old. This year, I have been good some of the time. What I would like most this Christmas is a toy dog and a doll. And I promise to leave out cookies for you! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Ava Joy P.S. Please say “Hi” to the elves for me!

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time. What I would like most this Christmas is a stuffed animal and a pop it. And I promise to leave out a note for you! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Colton Burnley P.S. Please say “Hi” to Rudolph for me!

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 6 years old. This year, I have been good some of the time. What I would like most this Christmas is a puppy toy and a cat toy. And I promise to leave out a new hat for you! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Raeleigh Atwood P.S. Please say “Hi” to the elves for me!

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time. What I would like most this Christmas is a Magic Mixie and Olaf. And I promise to leave out candy for you! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Ava Kemble P.S. Please say “Hi” to Ava for me!

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 6 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time. What I would like most this Christmas is a Venom Plushie and a Hulk Plushie. And I promise to leave out cookies for you! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Gunner Lee P.S. Please say “Hi” to the reindeer for me!

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 6 years old. This year, I have been good some of the time. What I would like most this Christmas is a picture of God and squishies. And I promise to leave out a cup and cookies for you! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Addyson Baker

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good some of the time. What I would like most this Christmas is a unicorn circle pillow and a real phone. And I promise to leave out cookies for you! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Demi Lindsey P.S. Please say “Hi” to my toys for me!

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good some of the time. What I would like most this Christmas is kinetic sand and a Barbie. And I promise to leave out cookies for you! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Amelia Johnson P.S. Please say “Hi” to the elves for me!

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time. What I would like most this Christmas is wrapping presents for others and a Barbie house. And I promise to leave out a letter for you! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Blakely Kessinger P.S. Please say “Hi” to the elves for me!

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time. What I would like most this Christmas is an eagle car and a bat bot. And I promise to leave out cookies and milk for you! And carrots for the reindeer. Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Harrison Baker P.S. Please say “Hi” to the elves for me!

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 6 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time (because my elf said I am)! What I would like most this Christmas is a chair that looks like an egg and a watch to play games. And I promise to leave out cookies and milk for you! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Isla Childress P.S. Please say “Hi” to Rudolph for me!

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time. What I would like most this Christmas is LOL toys and snowballs. And I promise to leave out a gun for you! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Charlotte Keown P.S. Please say “Hi” to Rudolph for me!

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 6 years old. This year, I have been good some of the time. What I would like most this Christmas is a doll with rainbow hair and a baby doll. And I promise to leave out cookies and milk for you! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Hayden Estes P.S. Please say “Hi” to the elves for me!

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time. What I would like most this Christmas is a PS5 and a camo hoverboard. And I promise to leave out cookies for you! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Keaton Lamastus P.S. Please say “Hi” to Rudolph for me!

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 6 years old. This year, I have been good some of the time. What I would like most this Christmas is a racecar and a boat. And I promise to leave out chocolate cookies and milk for you! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Charlie Horton P.S. Please say “Hi” to Rudolph for me!

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good this year. What I would like most this Christmas is a football/ And I promise to leave out cookie for you! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Gracie Gaine

Dear Santa, This Christmas, I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time. What I would like most this Christmas is a Paw Patrol Vehicle and a Paw Patrol Tent. And I promise to leave out cookies for you! Merry Christmas, Santa! Love, Gabriel Doerr

Mrs. Stephanie Bullard's Class, SEES:
Dear Santa,
I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good some of the time.  I would really like to have_LOL’sand a cat for Christmas.
Merry Christmas,
Love, Freya

Dear Santa,
I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good some of the time. I would really like to have a new Iphone and a makeup table for Christmas.
Merry Christmas,
Love, Allison

Dear Santa,
I am 6 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time. I would really like to have a LOL doll and a Barbie doll for Christmas.
Merry Christmas,
Love, Lily

Dear Santa,
I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time.   I would really like to have a Pikachu toy and a Pokemon bed for Christmas.
Merry Christmas,
Love, Harrison

Dear Santa,
I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time. I would really like to have a toy truck and a tractor for Christmas.
Merry Christmas,
Love, Gavin

Dear Santa,
I am 6 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time.  I would really like to have Barbie dolls and Paw Patrol toys for Christmas.
Merry Christmas,
Love, Aubriella

Dear Santa,
 I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good some of the time. I would really like to have new clothes and Nerf guns for Christmas.
Merry Christmas,
Love, Salem

Dear Santa,
 I am 6 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time.  I would really like to have Barbies and a Barbie dollhouse for Christmas.
Merry Christmas,
Love, Emilia 

Dear Santa,
I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good some of the time. I would really like to have Army toys and a bucket of soldiers for Christmas.
Merry Christmas,
Love, Brantley 

Dear Santa,
 I am 6 years old. This year, I have been good some of the time. I would really like to have Minecraft pajamas and a MInecraft coat for Christmas.
Merry Christmas,
Love, David

Dear Santa,
I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time. I would really like to have a mermaid doll and mermaid costume for Christmas.
Merry Christmas,
Love, Rosa

Dear Santa,
I am 5 years old. This year, I have been good all of the time.  I would really like to have a scooter and a bike for Christmas.
Merry Christmas,
Love, Ryker 

Dear Santa,
I am 6 years old. This year, I have good some of the time
I would really like to have a Husky puppy and a kitten for Christmas.
Merry Christmas,
Love, Nova

Dear Santa, 
I am 5 years old.  This year, I have been good some of the time.  I would really like to have a bouncy ball and a lizard for Christmas.  
Merry Christmas, 
Love, Ivan

Dear Santa, 
I am 5 years old.  This year, I have been good some of the time.  I would really like to have a Barbie camper and a Barbie dreamhouse.
Merry Christmas,
Love, Abigail

Dear Santa,
 I am 6 years old. This year, I have been good some of the time.  I would really like to have Rainbow High dolls and a LOL setup.
Merry Christmas!
Love, Kinley

Dear Santa, 
I am 5 years old.  This year, I have been good some of the time.  I would really like to have a Monster truck and a car.
Merry Christmas!
Love, Jacob

Mrs. Karen Jackson's Preschool Class SEES:
 
"Can I please see you Santa? I want a a real live unicorn and that's it! "   -Rylie
 
"Santa I want a doll and a stuffed animal." - Lucy
 
"I watns some barbies and dolls, that's all I need."        -Thea
 
"Santa I need a new kitchen because my other one is dirty. I want a bunk bed
and lots of new toys."    -Zaylee
 
"Santa I want a Goo Jit Zu. It's super stretchy and have minis and they have feelings inside of them."    -Andrew
 
"Santa I lovc you. Will you please bring me a live unicorn so I can ride it?"       -Maci Kate
 
"I want you to bring me a stuffed animal kitty cat because I like cats. Just a cat that's all!"          -Scarlett
 
"I want a sleigh so I can go down the hill when it snows. I will have lots of fun!"        -Claire
 
"I want you to bring me a new stove and a baby."        -Tinsley
 
"I want a shape pop it and a pink car like Jojo." -Zinna
 
"I really want a pot that makes magical toys, it has a wand and you say the magic work and BOOM it makes a toy!"    -Catherine
 
"I want a Barbie house!"         -Penny Jeanne
 
"I want a slinky because my other one is broken and I also want a trampoline!" -Charrlotte
 
"Santa I want two little ponies, white and pink." -Brooklyn
 
"I want a bunch of presents and a comfy chair!" -Brantley
 
"Santa I want a Paw Patrol you have to push it. I am going to have fun playing with it!"           -Maggie
 
"I want a monster truck you are suppose to have a remote with it, you press the button and it goes around and around."       -JT
 
"Santa will you bring me a batman robot?"         -Elliott
 
'Santa I hope you give me lots of presents. I want a tiger and a rocketship!"      -Hayden
 
"I want Santa to bring me a moster truck and a dog!"   Rylan
 
"I want an LOL that's alive and talks and a blue glitter baby and some toy cats!"                  -Maddie
 
"I want Santa to bring me King Kong, Godzilla, and dinosaurs!"              -Dean
 
"I want a Minecraft sword and a teddy bear."      -Evan
 
"I want Santa to bring a doll!" -Chloe
 
"I want Santa to bring me a real kitten!"    -Lyla Jane
 
"I want Santa to bring me a Ken doll and a new teddy!"         -Ella Ruth
 
"I want Santa to bring me a LOL doll!"      -Raelee
 
"I want Santa to bring me a dollhouse, a garden, a garage, and a swimming pool!"      -Cora
 
"I want Santa to bring me a skateboard and a race car!"         -Isaiah

Madison Doyle, story and photos:
What was formerly known as The Bee Spring Restaurant was reopened as The Bee at a ribbon cutting ceremony on December 14, 2021, hosted by the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce. Owner Valina Page has worked for more than one owner at the restaurant as a cook since 2017, and says she is very excited to be reopening it as her own. 

"I have always had the love and passion for this job, the customers, and the restaurant. I have always taken care of it as my own." She continued, "I opened The Bee as my own with the love and support from my husband, family, friends, and (former owner) Scott (Brooks)."

Page said she could not have done this without the support of her family, customers, and community. 

Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce Director Greg Hudson encouraged the new owners of The Bee in their new endeavor and encouraged the community to help support it.

"The goal of the Chamber is to promote our local business community and we are proud to welcome another member into that," he said. "While this establishment has been here for many years, we are excited for the new owners and wish them the best in the direction they take this restaurant."

The restaurant, located at 7879 HWY 259N, in Bee Spring, is open daily and offers breakfast until 10:30am each day along with daily specials. They can be reached at 270-286-0222 and by their Facebook Page link here.

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Edmonson Voice Report:
Through the combined efforts of REALTORS® Hope for Hunger and Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland (FAKH), a total of 8,708 servings of food have been distributed to families in need in Edmonson County Schools.

REALTORS® Hope for Hunger is a fundraiser conducted twice a year, with spring and fall campaigns. The cumulative efforts of those campaigns have resulted in a total of 787,893 servings in 2021. Now in its tenth year, the REALTORS® Hope for Hunger efforts have donated nearly 4 million servings of food to local area school districts.

The Realtors® Hope for Hunger, led by members of REALTORS® Association of Southern Kentucky, collects money to purchase food to be distributed throughout southern Kentucky in partnership with FAKH. This fall, more than $20,000 was raised and FAKH provided another $10,000 in food to assist families in need. Together, creating a total impact of 174,168 servings of food that was distributed throughout Edmonson and surrounding counties.

Family Resource Center Coordinator for South Edmonson and Kyrock Elementary Schools discussed how the food would be distributed.

"A portion of the food will be used for families that will be picking up Toys for Tots assistance," she said. "The rest will be distributed to each center to be given out as emergency food baskets for the families we serve. We appreciate our partnership with the Realtors Association and Feeding America.  Both help provide so much throughout the year for families who are in need of a little extra help."

FAKH Executive Director Jamie Sizemore said “With rising grocery and fuel prices eating into family budgets, parents are faced with tough choices. This food donation should ease the burden on families as they go into the holiday break. Again, Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland is proud to be a partner with the REALTORS® Hope for Hunger project.”

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Darren Doyle, story:
Many of today's second graders stay busy with video games, toys, and electronic devices, but one local girl is spending her time a little differently these days as she continues multiple efforts to help others in her community.

Blair Yoakem, age 8, along with some other volunteers, has created what's known as a "blessing box," which is an outside cabinet filled with non-perishable food items, toiletries, or any other item that someone in need may find as a blessing.

Blair's mother, Heather Yoakem said the box is intended to serve anyone that needs the items and anyone can donate to them.

"It’s a way for the community to band together and help others in need," Heather said. "It’s different than many food pantries because items can be anonymously received."

The Blair Cares Blessing Box is located at the NE Reed Complex between the Edmonson County Library and Senior Center and was built by the ECHS Woodworking Class. 

Heather said that Blair developed her own community platform this year, named "Blair Cares," with a goal of spreading kindness throughout her community by giving back, volunteering, and most importantly, being kind.

The Kyrock Elementary student, who is in Ms. Mindy Vincent's class, is also heavily involved in pageants. She is the current Petite Lil' Miss Kentucky Princess and a 2021 Christmas Queen. Heather said Blair had the idea of her own blessing box when she noticed some of her older sister pageant queens had blessing boxes in their communities.

"She decided she had to open one in Edmonson County," Heather said. "She makes and sells Blair Cares Gummy Bear earrings to raise the money for her platform donations. She made and sold earrings all summer to raise the money for the Blessing Box. She then partnered with Ms. Minks ECHS Woodworking class to help build the Blessing Box. She hopes to open another one in the community at the first of the year."

She is the daughter of Brian and Heather Yoakem of Sunfish.

You can visit her "Blair Cares" Facebook Page by clicking here.

​Kyrock Fire Department host Pictures with Santa this year with two dates for your convenience. Come out and bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate and that will get you a picture with Santa. All toys that are donated will be taken to Toys For Tots.

Join us and have a talk with Santa for a great cause.  First date is Saturday, December 4th from 9am-11am, second date is Saturday, December 18th from 9am-11am. Hope to see everyone out at the 2nd annual Pictures with Santa at Kyrock Volunteer Fire Department 4801 Hwy 259 N, Sweeden, Ky 42285.

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