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Community donates 900 shoeboxes of gifts
by Rebecca Morris
Reporter

Volunteers Monday put the finishing touches on an effort to help children around the world share in the joys of Christmas.

First Baptist Church in Leitchfield served as a drop-off spot for boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Individuals, schools, businesses and churches were asked to fill empty shoe boxes with toys, school supplies and other items for needy children in other countries.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of international Christian relief and evangelism organization Samaritan’s Purse, headed by Franklin Graham. It is designed to let children know — through the power of a simple gift and the message of hope through Jesus Christ — that they are loved and not forgotten.

Stephanie Zurmehly, who coordinates the local drive, said more than 900 boxes were collected locally this year, up from 700 in 2011.

Participants are asked to pack a box with age- and gender-appropriate items for kids in three age categories: 2 to 4, 5 to 9, and 10 to 14. They’re also asked to donate $7 to help cover the cost of shipping the boxes.

People started dropping off boxes Nov. 12, Zurmehly said. On Monday afternoon, they were picked up and taken via truck to Bowling Green. From there they’ll be shipped to Atlanta, where they will be checked to make sure their contents are safe and age appropriate.

The boxes will be repackaged and sent for distribution to children in more than 100 countries, using whatever means necessary—trains, airplanes, boats, bikes and even elephants— to get them into the kids’ hands. A story about the life of Jesus — writen in the child’s native language — is included in each box, Zurmehly said.

“Leitchfield residents should know they really can change the lives of children around the world with a simple gift,” said Amy Johnson, Mid-South regional director for Operation Christmas Child. “For children living in extreme conditions, these boxes let them know that they are loved and not forgotten and that there is hope for their situation.”

In 2012, Operation Christmas Child expects to reach a milestone—collecting and delivering shoe boxes to more than 100 million children since the project began in 1993.

Zurmehly said the local project, which she’s headed for six years, is “a lot of work.”

“Our job is to make sure the boxes are packed properly for shipment,” she said, explaining each individual shoebox must be secured that then packed into shipping boxes.

While donations for this year’s Operation Christmas Child have wrapped up, people can still volunteer for prayer mobilization and other activites to support the program. For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child call (615) 778-0046 or visit www.SamaritansPurse.org/OCC. Collecting for the 2013 shipments will begin in late October and early November 2013.

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Abney served as president of state-wide group
by Brittany Wise
Reporter
Jun 20, 2013 | 349 views | 0 0 comments | 15 15 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Dr. Brett Abney, a local optometrist and owner of Abney Eye Centers in Leitchfield and Brownsville, recently completed a one-year term as President of the Kentucky Optometric Association (KOA).

Abney was nominated for the position and elected President by the group’s 475 members statewide, and served as head of the association’s governing body from April 2012 until April 2013.

During his term, Abney said he made stops in various regions across the state to educate members and also spent time in both Frankfort and Washington D.C. throughout the year to advocate for KOA members as well as their patients.

Approximately eighty percent of optometrist state-wide are members of the organization, according to Abney, who himself has been a member for the past eighteen years.

Of his time as president, he said, “It does take time away from patients,” though he added that he was thankful that the patients at his clinics were understanding of this.

One of the biggest benefits during that time, he explained, was gaining in-depth knowledge of current issues that could potentially affect his patients.

Abney explained that “the biggest thing we dealt with was ensuring access for our patients to have adequate eye care. It’s an essential benefit in health coverage.”

Abney was pleased with the progress the group made during his time as President, but is also happy to pass the torch along to those who will follow after him and continue to serve the group.

Abney currently serves as owner and clinical director of Abney Eye Center where he practices comprehensive eye care for both children and adults. He also provides eye care to several area nursing homes.

In addition to his involvement with the KOA, Abney is also involved in a number of local organizations including the Leitchfield Lions Club, Grayson County Chamber of Commerce, Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center Board of Directors, and Leitchfield Planning and Zoning Board of Directors.

Abney resides in Leitchfield with his wife, Dana, and their two daughters, Paige and Payton.

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Matt Lasley | News-Gazette
More than 600 unserviceable American flags were placed in the American Legion Post 81's fire pit to be burned during its annual Flag Day Ceremony on Friday, June 14.
Matt Lasley | News-Gazette More than 600 unserviceable American flags were placed in the American Legion Post 81's fire pit to be burned during its annual Flag Day Ceremony on Friday, June 14.
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Brittany Wise | News-Gazette
Remodeling is well underway at H. W. Wilkey Elementary school, one of two schools receiving a much-needed plumbing make-over during the summer break.
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette Remodeling is well underway at H. W. Wilkey Elementary school, one of two schools receiving a much-needed plumbing make-over during the summer break.
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Brittany Wise | News-Gazette
Samuel Gaither, Grayson County's Camper of the Week, shows off his new bicycle along with Sheriff Rick Clemons.
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette Samuel Gaither, Grayson County's Camper of the Week, shows off his new bicycle along with Sheriff Rick Clemons.
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Abney served as president of state-wide group
by Brittany Wise
Reporter
Jun 20, 2013 | 349 views | 0 0 comments | 15 15 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Dr. Brett Abney, a local optometrist and owner of Abney Eye Centers in Leitchfield and Brownsville, recently completed a one-year term as President of the Kentucky Optometric Association (KOA).

Abney was nominated for the position and elected President by the group’s 475 members statewide, and served as head of the association’s governing body from April 2012 until April 2013.

During his term, Abney said he made stops in various regions across the state to educate members and also spent time in both Frankfort and Washington D.C. throughout the year to advocate for KOA members as well as their patients.

Approximately eighty percent of optometrist state-wide are members of the organization, according to Abney, who himself has been a member for the past eighteen years.

Of his time as president, he said, “It does take time away from patients,” though he added that he was thankful that the patients at his clinics were understanding of this.

One of the biggest benefits during that time, he explained, was gaining in-depth knowledge of current issues that could potentially affect his patients.

Abney explained that “the biggest thing we dealt with was ensuring access for our patients to have adequate eye care. It’s an essential benefit in health coverage.”

Abney was pleased with the progress the group made during his time as President, but is also happy to pass the torch along to those who will follow after him and continue to serve the group.

Abney currently serves as owner and clinical director of Abney Eye Center where he practices comprehensive eye care for both children and adults. He also provides eye care to several area nursing homes.

In addition to his involvement with the KOA, Abney is also involved in a number of local organizations including the Leitchfield Lions Club, Grayson County Chamber of Commerce, Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center Board of Directors, and Leitchfield Planning and Zoning Board of Directors.

Abney resides in Leitchfield with his wife, Dana, and their two daughters, Paige and Payton.

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Matt Lasley | News-Gazette
More than 600 unserviceable American flags were placed in the American Legion Post 81's fire pit to be burned during its annual Flag Day Ceremony on Friday, June 14.
Matt Lasley | News-Gazette More than 600 unserviceable American flags were placed in the American Legion Post 81's fire pit to be burned during its annual Flag Day Ceremony on Friday, June 14.
slideshow
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette
Remodeling is well underway at H. W. Wilkey Elementary school, one of two schools receiving a much-needed plumbing make-over during the summer break.
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette Remodeling is well underway at H. W. Wilkey Elementary school, one of two schools receiving a much-needed plumbing make-over during the summer break.
slideshow
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette
Samuel Gaither, Grayson County's Camper of the Week, shows off his new bicycle along with Sheriff Rick Clemons.
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette Samuel Gaither, Grayson County's Camper of the Week, shows off his new bicycle along with Sheriff Rick Clemons.
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Opinion
Abney served as president of state-wide group
by Brittany Wise
Reporter
Jun 20, 2013 | 349 views | 0 0 comments | 15 15 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Dr. Brett Abney, a local optometrist and owner of Abney Eye Centers in Leitchfield and Brownsville, recently completed a one-year term as President of the Kentucky Optometric Association (KOA).

Abney was nominated for the position and elected President by the group’s 475 members statewide, and served as head of the association’s governing body from April 2012 until April 2013.

During his term, Abney said he made stops in various regions across the state to educate members and also spent time in both Frankfort and Washington D.C. throughout the year to advocate for KOA members as well as their patients.

Approximately eighty percent of optometrist state-wide are members of the organization, according to Abney, who himself has been a member for the past eighteen years.

Of his time as president, he said, “It does take time away from patients,” though he added that he was thankful that the patients at his clinics were understanding of this.

One of the biggest benefits during that time, he explained, was gaining in-depth knowledge of current issues that could potentially affect his patients.

Abney explained that “the biggest thing we dealt with was ensuring access for our patients to have adequate eye care. It’s an essential benefit in health coverage.”

Abney was pleased with the progress the group made during his time as President, but is also happy to pass the torch along to those who will follow after him and continue to serve the group.

Abney currently serves as owner and clinical director of Abney Eye Center where he practices comprehensive eye care for both children and adults. He also provides eye care to several area nursing homes.

In addition to his involvement with the KOA, Abney is also involved in a number of local organizations including the Leitchfield Lions Club, Grayson County Chamber of Commerce, Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center Board of Directors, and Leitchfield Planning and Zoning Board of Directors.

Abney resides in Leitchfield with his wife, Dana, and their two daughters, Paige and Payton.

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Matt Lasley | News-Gazette
More than 600 unserviceable American flags were placed in the American Legion Post 81's fire pit to be burned during its annual Flag Day Ceremony on Friday, June 14.
Matt Lasley | News-Gazette More than 600 unserviceable American flags were placed in the American Legion Post 81's fire pit to be burned during its annual Flag Day Ceremony on Friday, June 14.
slideshow
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette
Remodeling is well underway at H. W. Wilkey Elementary school, one of two schools receiving a much-needed plumbing make-over during the summer break.
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette Remodeling is well underway at H. W. Wilkey Elementary school, one of two schools receiving a much-needed plumbing make-over during the summer break.
slideshow
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette
Samuel Gaither, Grayson County's Camper of the Week, shows off his new bicycle along with Sheriff Rick Clemons.
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette Samuel Gaither, Grayson County's Camper of the Week, shows off his new bicycle along with Sheriff Rick Clemons.
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Abney served as president of state-wide group
by Brittany Wise
Reporter
Jun 20, 2013 | 349 views | 0 0 comments | 15 15 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Dr. Brett Abney, a local optometrist and owner of Abney Eye Centers in Leitchfield and Brownsville, recently completed a one-year term as President of the Kentucky Optometric Association (KOA).

Abney was nominated for the position and elected President by the group’s 475 members statewide, and served as head of the association’s governing body from April 2012 until April 2013.

During his term, Abney said he made stops in various regions across the state to educate members and also spent time in both Frankfort and Washington D.C. throughout the year to advocate for KOA members as well as their patients.

Approximately eighty percent of optometrist state-wide are members of the organization, according to Abney, who himself has been a member for the past eighteen years.

Of his time as president, he said, “It does take time away from patients,” though he added that he was thankful that the patients at his clinics were understanding of this.

One of the biggest benefits during that time, he explained, was gaining in-depth knowledge of current issues that could potentially affect his patients.

Abney explained that “the biggest thing we dealt with was ensuring access for our patients to have adequate eye care. It’s an essential benefit in health coverage.”

Abney was pleased with the progress the group made during his time as President, but is also happy to pass the torch along to those who will follow after him and continue to serve the group.

Abney currently serves as owner and clinical director of Abney Eye Center where he practices comprehensive eye care for both children and adults. He also provides eye care to several area nursing homes.

In addition to his involvement with the KOA, Abney is also involved in a number of local organizations including the Leitchfield Lions Club, Grayson County Chamber of Commerce, Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center Board of Directors, and Leitchfield Planning and Zoning Board of Directors.

Abney resides in Leitchfield with his wife, Dana, and their two daughters, Paige and Payton.

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Matt Lasley | News-Gazette
More than 600 unserviceable American flags were placed in the American Legion Post 81's fire pit to be burned during its annual Flag Day Ceremony on Friday, June 14.
Matt Lasley | News-Gazette More than 600 unserviceable American flags were placed in the American Legion Post 81's fire pit to be burned during its annual Flag Day Ceremony on Friday, June 14.
slideshow
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette
Remodeling is well underway at H. W. Wilkey Elementary school, one of two schools receiving a much-needed plumbing make-over during the summer break.
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette Remodeling is well underway at H. W. Wilkey Elementary school, one of two schools receiving a much-needed plumbing make-over during the summer break.
slideshow
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette
Samuel Gaither, Grayson County's Camper of the Week, shows off his new bicycle along with Sheriff Rick Clemons.
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette Samuel Gaither, Grayson County's Camper of the Week, shows off his new bicycle along with Sheriff Rick Clemons.
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Abney served as president of state-wide group
by Brittany Wise
Reporter
Jun 20, 2013 | 349 views | 0 0 comments | 15 15 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Dr. Brett Abney, a local optometrist and owner of Abney Eye Centers in Leitchfield and Brownsville, recently completed a one-year term as President of the Kentucky Optometric Association (KOA).

Abney was nominated for the position and elected President by the group’s 475 members statewide, and served as head of the association’s governing body from April 2012 until April 2013.

During his term, Abney said he made stops in various regions across the state to educate members and also spent time in both Frankfort and Washington D.C. throughout the year to advocate for KOA members as well as their patients.

Approximately eighty percent of optometrist state-wide are members of the organization, according to Abney, who himself has been a member for the past eighteen years.

Of his time as president, he said, “It does take time away from patients,” though he added that he was thankful that the patients at his clinics were understanding of this.

One of the biggest benefits during that time, he explained, was gaining in-depth knowledge of current issues that could potentially affect his patients.

Abney explained that “the biggest thing we dealt with was ensuring access for our patients to have adequate eye care. It’s an essential benefit in health coverage.”

Abney was pleased with the progress the group made during his time as President, but is also happy to pass the torch along to those who will follow after him and continue to serve the group.

Abney currently serves as owner and clinical director of Abney Eye Center where he practices comprehensive eye care for both children and adults. He also provides eye care to several area nursing homes.

In addition to his involvement with the KOA, Abney is also involved in a number of local organizations including the Leitchfield Lions Club, Grayson County Chamber of Commerce, Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center Board of Directors, and Leitchfield Planning and Zoning Board of Directors.

Abney resides in Leitchfield with his wife, Dana, and their two daughters, Paige and Payton.

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Matt Lasley | News-Gazette
More than 600 unserviceable American flags were placed in the American Legion Post 81's fire pit to be burned during its annual Flag Day Ceremony on Friday, June 14.
Matt Lasley | News-Gazette More than 600 unserviceable American flags were placed in the American Legion Post 81's fire pit to be burned during its annual Flag Day Ceremony on Friday, June 14.
slideshow
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette
Remodeling is well underway at H. W. Wilkey Elementary school, one of two schools receiving a much-needed plumbing make-over during the summer break.
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette Remodeling is well underway at H. W. Wilkey Elementary school, one of two schools receiving a much-needed plumbing make-over during the summer break.
slideshow
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette
Samuel Gaither, Grayson County's Camper of the Week, shows off his new bicycle along with Sheriff Rick Clemons.
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette Samuel Gaither, Grayson County's Camper of the Week, shows off his new bicycle along with Sheriff Rick Clemons.
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Abney served as president of state-wide group
by Brittany Wise
Reporter
Jun 20, 2013 | 349 views | 0 0 comments | 15 15 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Dr. Brett Abney, a local optometrist and owner of Abney Eye Centers in Leitchfield and Brownsville, recently completed a one-year term as President of the Kentucky Optometric Association (KOA).

Abney was nominated for the position and elected President by the group’s 475 members statewide, and served as head of the association’s governing body from April 2012 until April 2013.

During his term, Abney said he made stops in various regions across the state to educate members and also spent time in both Frankfort and Washington D.C. throughout the year to advocate for KOA members as well as their patients.

Approximately eighty percent of optometrist state-wide are members of the organization, according to Abney, who himself has been a member for the past eighteen years.

Of his time as president, he said, “It does take time away from patients,” though he added that he was thankful that the patients at his clinics were understanding of this.

One of the biggest benefits during that time, he explained, was gaining in-depth knowledge of current issues that could potentially affect his patients.

Abney explained that “the biggest thing we dealt with was ensuring access for our patients to have adequate eye care. It’s an essential benefit in health coverage.”

Abney was pleased with the progress the group made during his time as President, but is also happy to pass the torch along to those who will follow after him and continue to serve the group.

Abney currently serves as owner and clinical director of Abney Eye Center where he practices comprehensive eye care for both children and adults. He also provides eye care to several area nursing homes.

In addition to his involvement with the KOA, Abney is also involved in a number of local organizations including the Leitchfield Lions Club, Grayson County Chamber of Commerce, Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center Board of Directors, and Leitchfield Planning and Zoning Board of Directors.

Abney resides in Leitchfield with his wife, Dana, and their two daughters, Paige and Payton.

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Matt Lasley | News-Gazette
More than 600 unserviceable American flags were placed in the American Legion Post 81's fire pit to be burned during its annual Flag Day Ceremony on Friday, June 14.
Matt Lasley | News-Gazette More than 600 unserviceable American flags were placed in the American Legion Post 81's fire pit to be burned during its annual Flag Day Ceremony on Friday, June 14.
slideshow
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette
Remodeling is well underway at H. W. Wilkey Elementary school, one of two schools receiving a much-needed plumbing make-over during the summer break.
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette Remodeling is well underway at H. W. Wilkey Elementary school, one of two schools receiving a much-needed plumbing make-over during the summer break.
slideshow
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette
Samuel Gaither, Grayson County's Camper of the Week, shows off his new bicycle along with Sheriff Rick Clemons.
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette Samuel Gaither, Grayson County's Camper of the Week, shows off his new bicycle along with Sheriff Rick Clemons.
slideshow
Abney served as president of state-wide group
by Brittany Wise
Reporter
Jun 20, 2013 | 349 views | 0 0 comments | 15 15 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Dr. Brett Abney, a local optometrist and owner of Abney Eye Centers in Leitchfield and Brownsville, recently completed a one-year term as President of the Kentucky Optometric Association (KOA).

Abney was nominated for the position and elected President by the group’s 475 members statewide, and served as head of the association’s governing body from April 2012 until April 2013.

During his term, Abney said he made stops in various regions across the state to educate members and also spent time in both Frankfort and Washington D.C. throughout the year to advocate for KOA members as well as their patients.

Approximately eighty percent of optometrist state-wide are members of the organization, according to Abney, who himself has been a member for the past eighteen years.

Of his time as president, he said, “It does take time away from patients,” though he added that he was thankful that the patients at his clinics were understanding of this.

One of the biggest benefits during that time, he explained, was gaining in-depth knowledge of current issues that could potentially affect his patients.

Abney explained that “the biggest thing we dealt with was ensuring access for our patients to have adequate eye care. It’s an essential benefit in health coverage.”

Abney was pleased with the progress the group made during his time as President, but is also happy to pass the torch along to those who will follow after him and continue to serve the group.

Abney currently serves as owner and clinical director of Abney Eye Center where he practices comprehensive eye care for both children and adults. He also provides eye care to several area nursing homes.

In addition to his involvement with the KOA, Abney is also involved in a number of local organizations including the Leitchfield Lions Club, Grayson County Chamber of Commerce, Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center Board of Directors, and Leitchfield Planning and Zoning Board of Directors.

Abney resides in Leitchfield with his wife, Dana, and their two daughters, Paige and Payton.

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Matt Lasley | News-Gazette
More than 600 unserviceable American flags were placed in the American Legion Post 81's fire pit to be burned during its annual Flag Day Ceremony on Friday, June 14.
Matt Lasley | News-Gazette More than 600 unserviceable American flags were placed in the American Legion Post 81's fire pit to be burned during its annual Flag Day Ceremony on Friday, June 14.
slideshow
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette
Remodeling is well underway at H. W. Wilkey Elementary school, one of two schools receiving a much-needed plumbing make-over during the summer break.
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette Remodeling is well underway at H. W. Wilkey Elementary school, one of two schools receiving a much-needed plumbing make-over during the summer break.
slideshow
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette
Samuel Gaither, Grayson County's Camper of the Week, shows off his new bicycle along with Sheriff Rick Clemons.
Brittany Wise | News-Gazette Samuel Gaither, Grayson County's Camper of the Week, shows off his new bicycle along with Sheriff Rick Clemons.
slideshow