submitted by Ray Lynn Lee, New Beginnings
Every day children are taken out of their homes and placed in state care because of neglect and abuse. Some of these children are placed with relatives or in a caring foster home. Others have nowhere to go. They end up moving from foster home to foster home or go into group homes.  Why? Because Kentucky has a shortage of foster homes for the over 8,000 children in state care.

New Beginnings Family Services, an agency that has just opened its doors in Glasgow, is covering Allen, Adair, Warren, Simpson, Monroe, Metcalfe, Edmonson, Casey, Russell, Cumberland, and Clinton counties.  They are working to change this statistic. As a therapeutic foster care agency, New Beginnings works to recruit and train foster and adoptive parents to get these children in safe and loving home environments.

Why therapeutic foster care though? The trauma of moving homes and leaving behind loved ones and the abuse and neglect they might have received causes children to develop emotional, behavioral, or developmental problems. New Beginnings provides regular therapy for these children as well as more agency support to the foster parents and children. They believe in a hands-on approach to match children with the right foster home for them, staying with them every step of the way to support and advocate with the child’s best interest in mind.

Want to get involved but don’t know how? New Beginnings is constantly searching for new foster parents in Glasgow and the surrounding areas. The agency provides all the necessary training to prepare you to open as a foster home. You must be 24 years of age, have adequate space for a child, reliable transportation, and a sufficient income.

Opening your heart and your home to one of the 8,000 children in need in Kentucky is truly a life changing experience for you and the children you could help. New Beginnings consistently holds interest meetings and would love to speak more with you about how you could be the difference in a child’s life.

If you have any questions feel free to visit www.KentuckyFosterCare.com or contact New Beginnings trainer Ray Lynn Lee 270-404-4229.

The following is an open thank you letter submitted by the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office:

"On behalf of the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, we would like to thank the following businesses and people for the amazing support shown in our efforts to obtain a K9 unit for our county.  Without the donations and support from everyone, this couldn't have become a reality.  We have already had success with Tango, and look forward to having more resources at our disposal when it comes to fighting drugs in Edmonson County."

Media Sponsor:  Edmonson Voice

Platinum Sponsors:  C&C Firearms and Josh Casey
                                       Anonymous donor

Gold Sponsors:    Alford's Pharmacy
                                R&R Heating and Cooling
                                Jones and Gravil Tax Service

Silver Sponsors:   Patton Funeral Home
                                Gravil Funeral Home
                                Midway Pharmacy
                                Bank of Edmonson County 
                              
Bronze Sponsors: Ricky and Arlene Skaggs
                                Diane Eakles
                                Farm Bureau
                                St. John's Thrift Store

"There were also several people that were involved with C&C Firearms and donated several raffle prizes.  These people were instrumental in helping C&C in the raffle.
From everyone at the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Thank you."
-Sheriff Shane A. Doyle

Members of Shadyland Church of Christ recently participated in a project where they handcrafted woven bed mats and donated them to the homeless in the Bowling Green area. 

Church members said the mats required plenty of hard work, but the experience was rewarding, especially during the holidays.

From: Edmonson County Archery
The Edmonson County Archery/Buffalo Wild Wings fundraiser will be December 21, 2016 from 11:00 AM till 10:59 PM.

Buffalo Wild Wings will donate 10% of the sales that day. Just tell your server that you want to donate to the Edmonson County Archery fundraiser. The proceeds will be greatly appreciated and will help the archery program keep expanding and growing into new heights. Please get the word out and start telling family, friends, and coworkers to come out that day for great food and fun.

No school will be in session that day so it's a perfect day to come out and support this awesome archery team and spread the holiday cheer! So don't forget to mark your calendar on December 21 and we want to say thank you to Buffalo Wild Wings, The Edmonson Voice, and to all of you for the support you have give the archery team.   Merry Christmas to all!

Special thanks to our great archery team members in our promo video:  Beau Kelley, Nate Wilson (team captain), Katie Vincent, Hunter Ashley, Adrianna Ray, and Jade Keltner. 

Thanks to the Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce, you can keep your Christmas shopping dollars right here in Edmonson County with the help of their brand new "Shop EC" Gift Certificate program. Support local businesses while staying clear of the shopping crowds in town. 

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS!

Edmonson Voice Staff Report
During his term as President of the Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky, Robbie Brantley and his wife, Andrea, have worked diligently with other funeral directors and affiliates across the state of Kentucky to raise $25,060 for Kosair Children’s Hospital and Kosair Charities.

​The Brantley family experienced a near death experience with their middle son, Ty. As an infant, he underwent heart surgery for coarctation repair of the aorta. While he was at Kosair Children's Hospital, they witnessed critically ill kids that never left the hospital. This life changing trial gave them a desire to help children that were fighting for their lives. 

Robbie and Andrea are both funeral directors at Patton Funeral Home. They reside in Chalybeate with their three sons.

​This Christmas Tree was sponsored by the Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky at the 27th annual Festival of Trees and Lights hosted by the Children’s Hospital Foundation. The trees are sold to raise money for the children’s hospital. This one was decorated to reflect the theme of the state convention-- "FDAK's Heart Beats For Kids".

Edmonson Voice Staff Report
Edmonson County currently has over 120 students that benefit from the Family Resource Center’s Backpack Program, a needed program that helps supply food to children every week and over school breaks.  Unfortunately, there is not always enough food to go around but after hearing about this need, Girl Scout Troop #313 began to help.

For the second straight year, the troop has collected food items for the Family Resource Center. According to the FRC's Lynette Saling, the food donated last year helped provide items for the remainder of the school year.  

"I am extremely proud of these girls and their selfless dedication to giving back to their community," said Troop Leader Melissa Johnson. "I want the girls to realize that although they are small, they make big impacts in the community."

Kyrock Elementary will present the musical "Annie" this Friday, December 16, 6PM at the ECHS auditorium. Check out this great promotional video produced by cast members:

Edmonson Voice Staff Report
The Kyrock Volunteer Fire Department is spreading cheer by giving back to the community this Christmas.

"We wanted to help more than normal this year, so we adopted several children off the angel tree at Kyrock Elementary," said Leslie Clubb. "It really enlightens all of us to be able to put a smile on child's face this Christmas. From all of at Kyrock Volunteer Fire Dept and our Families, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year." 

​Mrs. Penny said the Zoodles staff talked with students about these animals' habitats, diets, and survival strategies.  Some students took advantage of a photo op and an one-on-one animal encounter.  Mrs. Penny also got in on the fun by feeding the Joey her noon-time bottle.

​Do you know who to call if you face an emergency during a winter storm? The Edmonson County Healthy Communities Coalition's Winter Readiness Project has outlined some useful information in the event of a winter emergency. Check out the info below for who to call for emergency food, shelter, and medication if you find yourself in need during a winter emergency.

Enjoy these adorable videos made by Kyrock Elementary fourth grade students who worked very hard with Ms. Terri Stice, from GRECC to design media presentations to promote Kyrock's annual blood drive.

The drive is scheduled for this Thursday, Dec. 15 (9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.)  Donors may call the school for an appointment (270-286-4013) or walk-ins are welcome.

​Come and make an offer! Over 1800 sq ft 3 BR, 2 BA + BONUS ROOM!!! Tons of space for a growing family, large covered deck in back makes for overlooking an awesome view of the 2.5 acre property! Fenced backyard with fenced acreage for the horse or animal lover. This home has had too many updates to list! Call today! (270)991-4827

Property Details:
MLS #: 20162287
Address:  166 Poplar Springs Rd
Price: $130,000

​Fixer upper special!!! 3 BR 1 BA with bonus room, huge kitchen and living area on 2 acres featuring 32x50 garage and seperate barn, fenced lot, with great neighbors! Priced to sell even for the investor! (270)991-4827

Property Details:
MLS #: 20163819
Address:  1138 Poplar Springs Rd
Price: $64,900