Another Trip Around the Sun
Pictured with the statue is renowned sculptor Amanda Matthews, who created the statue of Tom Emberton. Photo | PJ Martin
By PJ Martin
Editor
The Herald-News
As with each year, a lot of events have occurred, and we will touch on just a few of those as we look back at another trip around the sun in 2025.
After Beth Wilson’s retirement as Director of the 911 Dispatch in Edmonton, Jordan Crump was chosen as the Interim Director, and the plans began for the City of Edmonton to add the 911 Dispatchers to their payroll, with half the money coming from the county. This allowed the Dispatchers to have benefits for the first time.
January brought loss as a very well-known lady, Lucy Belle Brent Forbes, passed away. She began work with the Soil Conservation District and transitioned to Home Economics and Consumer Sciences. She spent five decades with the University of Kentucky as a Home Economist, educating citizens of the county.
Metcalfe County lost another well-known resident, just 44 days short of her 104th birthday, one of its oldest residents, Marguerite Reece Sullivan, passed away on January 25th. She taught in several of the counties’ one-room schoolhouses and at Edmonton Elementary.
The Lady Hornets Basketball team captured the All-A Classic Championship with a 55-48 victory against the Lady Rebels of Todd County.
Jobe Publishing, Inc. walked away from the Kentucky Press Association’s Winter Convention with a total of 47 awards, with 2 of those going to The Herald-News.
On February 10th, the Metcalfe Family Medical Center opened for business in the building formerly housing Walgreens, with Dr. Sherry Jones and APRN Chasity Brown. The center is part of Cumberland Family Medical Center, Inc., which also manages Promise Community Health Care in Edmonton.
February ended with a bit of snow for the children to enjoy playing in and sledding, while leaving most adults dreading going outside.
Community Action of Southern Kentucky celebrated 60 years of helping people in March at the Metcalfe County location with a celebration. Each location celebrated the individual milestone with local officials present.
In March, the Lady Hornets took the District Tournament and became the five-time District Champions. They went on to compete in the 4th Region Girls Basketball Tournament, and for the first time in 33 years, the Lady Hornets were runners-up in the 4th Region. Metcalfe defeated Warren East 45-44 in the quarterfinals and Bowling Green 40-30 in the semifinals. They sadly fell to the Lady Wildcats of Franklin -Simpson.
The Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Ordinance in Edmonton was updated to allow the use of signage and advertising as specified by the state.
The Edmonton Metcalfe Chamber of Commerce held the spring breakfast with a sold-out crowd. The business of the quarter was awarded to The Lighthouse Restaurant, owned and operated by Rodney and Tammy Deckard.
In April, Metcalfe lost a well-known teacher, coach, and minister, Gary Richardson. He was the first girls’ basketball coach in 1974 and also an assistant coach for boys’ basketball. He held the positions of Athletic Director, Metcalfe Principal, and Superintendent during his career.
The Edmonton Metcalfe Chamber of Commerce 2025 Educator Idol of the Year was presented to Bonnie Shaw, and the Educator of the Year was presented to Bryant Stockton. Two of the wonderful educators in Metcalfe County.
May 3rd was the date of the 8th Annual Founders Day in Summer Shade, and the newly elected honorary mayor chosen was Mr. Morris Dodson.
The remodeled Edmonton Senior Center reopened on May 16th with a new manager, Debbie Holley, and new hours. The Edmonton location was the first senior center to open under BRADD’s responsibility and leadership in the 10-county area.
In June, we lost another well-known educator, Margaret Thompson Cowan, who devoted 29 years to teaching students at the Metcalfe County High School.
The Edmonton Metcalfe Chamber of Commerce held its summer breakfast and recognized Burkmann Feeds of Edmonton as the business of the quarter. The award was presented to Russell Hernandez and Riley Wisdom. Burkmann’s has been in business in Edmonton since 1999.
The long-awaited groundbreaking for the permanent stage in the courthouse yard was held on June 22nd. Although rain drove the celebration indoors, it did not dampen the excitement for the construction to begin.
Two young ladies were chosen to represent Metcalfe County with Kentucky Musicians Abroad. Shayla Garmon and Ava Ballard performed in London and over a two-week toured the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands.
August saw the loss of yet another well-known and beloved teacher, Susan Shirley Chambers. Many residents were once her students, and she was well-loved and fondly remembered.
Clearly, 2025 was a sad year for educators as another well-known teacher passed away in August, William Robert Druen, who taught students at the elementary school. He later became the principal at the middle school. He was also a well-loved and fondly remembered by many.
The Edmonton Metcalfe Chamber of Commerce was congratulated on its 30th anniversary in September at the fall breakfast. It truly is “The biggest little Chamber in the Commonwealth,” with over 400 members.
On August 25th, it was announced that the Edmonton IGA would close, and sales began to clear out stock. The store had been a fixture in Edmonton for many years, and its closing has left residents with only the Dollar General Market for grocery shopping.
After the Metcalfe County Fiscal Court held a meeting on August 28th, it was announced that the Metcalfe County Healthcare Center was for sale. Bids were taken and opened. Then at the September 11th meeting, the motion was approved to accept the bid by Topaz Financial Services of New York for ($11,150,000) 11 million, one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
In September, Jobe Publishing, Inc. congratulated the managing editor of the Barren County Progress, Allyson Dix, as the recipient of the Microgrant from Reporting on Addiction. The grant supports journalist investigating opioid settlement funds and their use.
September saw the opening of The Village Cache in Sulphur Well. The store is located in a large building with a walk-in cooler. They carry items for purchase in bulk or individually, deli items, and a large selection of spices and food staples.
Metcalfe County Elementary School principal Michael Gill announced his retirement on September 30th. In 2014, Mr. Gill came to Metcalfe County as the first principal of the newly merged elementary school.
September saw the opening game for the Hornets at the new football field and facilities built on the grounds of the middle and high school. The state-of-the-art facility includes weight and locker rooms.
The Metcalfe County Middle School Lady Hornets are the 2025 16th District Softball Champions. Photo | Metcalfe County Schools
Yet, another group of lady Hornets reached for and won the Championship. The Metcalfe Middle School Lady Hornet softball team defeated Clinton County to win the 2025 16th District Softball Championship.
For the first time in school history, the Lady Hornet Volleyball team won the 4th Region All A Classic Championship! They defeated Monroe County 2-0 in the championship, FCA 2-0 in the semifinals, and Cumberland County 2-0 in the first round.
The Edmonton Metcalfe Chamber of Commerce held its fall breakfast and recognized Cindy’s Center Grill as the business of the quarter. Chamber president Daniel Bragg and Director Anne Devore-Birge traveled to the Grill and presented the award to Cindy Herrington, who owns and operates the restaurant.
It was announced that Jamie Howard would be the interim principal at the Metcalfe County Elementary School. Howard served as principal of the elementary school for four years prior to working at the district’s central office and retiring.
The 43rd Pumpkin Festival was held with the annual 5K, 4-H competitions, and live music. Making a comeback was the outhouse race.
In October, Jobe Publishing, Inc. added the Ohio County Times-News to its list of county newspapers. The company now has nine newspapers and a full printing facility in Horse Cave.
The VFW Post 6281 and American Legion Post 65 are teaming up to begin work on the beginning of what they hope will be a new tradition of holding a parade on July 4th.
November 2nd was a first in Metcalfe County history as the statue of the late Judge Thomas Emberton was unveiled by his grandchildren at the courthouse. A large crowd gathered for the event, which included speeches by US Senator Mitch McConnell, US Congressman James Comer, and former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Lawrence VanMeter.
Amanda Matthews, the sculptor of the statue, was also in attendance along with the Emberton family members. Miss Kentucky Chapel Tinius played the bluegrass version of My Old Kentucky Home just for “Big Tom” on her violin. It was a special celebration in Edmonton.
There was a packed crowd at Edmonton City Hall for the Council meeting on November 3rd, as everyone wanted to hear what Tracy Worley of Houchens Food Group had to say about the possibility of getting a grocery store in Edmonton. The answer to whether we will or won’t get a grocery store is still in question.
In its 6th year, the Quilts for Heroes presented 18 quilts to Veterans in Metcalfe County. The quilts are all made by members of Piecemakers Quilt Guild.
The Metcalfe Shoebox Mission was a success again in 2025, as boxes were packed by students, clothing and bears were sewn by individuals, and the ladies at the nursing home stuffed hundreds of the bears.
The Edmonton Metcalfe Chamber of Commerce held its Christmas Banquet with over 200 attending (a record). The 2025 Jim C. Coleman award was presented to Mrs. Carol Perkins, who heads the Shoebox Mission, retired from teaching at the high school, authored several books, and had a radio show with the late Susan Chambers.
Hometown Holidays was held again this year with carolers, a 5K, a petting zoo, contests, booths, music, Santa Claus, and the City Christmas Tree lighting. The weather was much better than the previous year, and the event was well attended.
The Christmas Parade filled the streets on December 13th with a greater number of floats and vehicles. Once again, the parade was held at night, and the general consensus from the crowd was one of enjoyment despite the cold.
To our subscribers, we wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year!
For the first time in school history, the Lady Hornet Volleyball team won the 4th Region All A Classic Championship. Photo | Metcalfe County Schools
