Darren Doyle, story:
Two local groups stepped up with their own individual campaigns to help a worthy cause this week by collecting and delivering aid to flood victims in Eastern Kentucky.

Brownsville VFW Post 6937 Post Commander Gerald Carroll presented a $2100 Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief check to Department of Kentucky VFW representative Calvin Shaak earlier this week in Louisville.  On Friday afternoon, the VFW will be collecting flood relief supplies and donations at the Edmonson County Public Library. 

In addition to the efforts of the local VFW, Edmonson County High School basketball raised over $1,000 in cash and a trailer full on supplies for flood victims, Coach Brad Johnson said.

"We were blown away by the generosity of the Edmonson County community," said Johnson. "The crew that received us at the Appalachian Healthcare Center was very excited because we were able to take the supplies that were much needed."

ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams, who also made the trip, discussed how proud he was of the team's efforts.

"The people of Eastern Kentucky have suffered tremendously and I couldn't be prouder that our coaching staff, kids, and the people of our county that mobilized so quickly to respond to this disaster," he said. "People in Edmonson County and also around the Commonwealth are very generous when our own are in need and that's been evident. I had the privilege to go with the coaches to deliver the supplies, and the folks working up there were truly thankful. I also want to thank Kyle Cassady for letting us use his covered trailer to haul the supplies at no cost."

School personnel made the drive to Lexington, a central drop off point for relief efforts.

"I think it's great for our boys to see and participate in things like this," Coach Johnson said. "Thank you, and God bless to all."

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Darren Doyle, story:
Edd Williams, local artist and retired teacher has been honored by having one of his paintings featured at the state capitol building for the fall exhibition of the Governor Andy Beshear's Team Kentucky Gallery. All art on display features Kentucky art by Kentucky artists.

This painting is of the Sweeden community in Edmonson County where a cabin in the painting was the home of the Erlandson family, who settled Sweeden when they came here from their home country of Sweden.

"This family started the Sweeden Sunday School in the old schoolhouse until the church in the painting was built," read a statement from the Team Kentucky website. "The man, woman, and children in the painting are the artist’s family, whose ancestors were charter members of the church when it was organized in 1897. Today, a church that was built in 1972 has replaced the old one, and the Erandson cabin is gone; however, the community is still home to around 250 people."

Mr. Williams said it is an honor for his painting to be chosen as one of the entries on display in the capitol.

"I love my community and our county and am pleased to have a little of our history displayed for others across the state to see and read about," he added. "I’ve been doing art work for most of my life, but I have focused more on painting in the last 20 years. I have my studio in the old Lane’s Store building in Sweeden which has been in the community for well over 100 years. I love the challenge of painting and hope to complete many more pieces from places around Edmonson County.”
 
Exhibits run in six-month cycles and the first exhibit debuted on July 1, 2021. The current exhibit was put on display on July 1st and will run from now until until December 31​​, 2022. The entire digital gallery can be viewed here.

Local friends and family are coming together with hopes of not only raising money for a loved one's illness, they are seeking a possible donor for a much needed bone marrow transplant for Robin Gibson from the Mammoth Cave community.

Robin, age 54, is a mother, aunt, sister, cousin, daughter, and friend. She is a local native, born and raised with five sisters, in Edmonson/Grayson County Kentucky. She has spent the last 25 years working at a store built by her father (Dennie Gipson), the Second Chance Consignment and Variety on Nolin Dam Road.

"The shop has been a place where Robin serves her community," as stated in Robin's bio that is currently being shared by her friends. "She offers goods at reasonable prices, she gives to families in need, and donates to local causes. Robin is known by many for her hard work. kind heart, and giving soul. In 2013, the shop caught fire and partially burned down. Robin could have walked away but instead she kept her commitment to the community and rebuilt."

"Despite all the good in her heart, unfortunately Robin was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome in 2021, a bone marrow failure disorder. It stops normal production of bone marrow and causes red blood cells to destroy white blood cells. The news was heavy and what happened next, no one saw coming. Less than a year later, Robin was also diagnosed with Neoplasms and learned it caused cancer in her spleen. In efforts to keep the cancer from spreading. she is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant."

According to those who are currently organizing an upcoming fundraising event, she has been on the transplant list for almost 2 months and still waiting for a match. "Statistically only 30% of people ever find a match," the bio said. "We have partnered with DKMS and will be hosting Match Party in hopes of giving Robin her very own second chance. A Match Party tent will be set up for testing from 9am till close. DKMS will perform a simple cheek swab at no cost to you or you may request a kit free of charge from the DKMS website."

More updates and event info will be available on an event Facebook Page, which will be announced soon.

"Our goal is to find Robin's match and raise money to supply the treatment and care she is in desperate need of. Her Match Party/Benefit Fundraiser is planned for Saturday August 20th at the Brownsville Community Center," the group said.