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Triple fatality shut down Salt River Road
by Brittany Wise

Three Grayson County men were killed in a Salt River Road accident on Sunday afternoon, November 4.

According to Grayson County Sheriff Rick Clemons, a Dodge pick-up truck being driven by 23-year-old William Akridge, of Big Clifty, was travelling east on Salt River Road at around 1 p.m. when it ran off of the side of the road.

Akridge appeared to have overcorrected, according to Clemons, and then lost control of the vehicle as it crossed the westbound lane of traffic and struck a tree head-on.

While Akridge was wearing a seatbelt at the time of collision, according to Clemons, his two passengers, Stephen Drake, 28, of Leitchfield, and Jordan Higdon, 23, of Big Clifty, were not belted. All three men were killed.

Grayson County Deputy Coroner Larry Holeman said that the cause of death in each case was blunt force trauma.

Akridge, Drake and Higdon were pronounced dead at the scene in what Clemons called one of the worst accidents he has ever seen.

Leitchfield Volunteer Fire Department worked to extricate the men from the vehicle, which was smashed nearly beyond recognition, and Salt River Road was shut down for nearly two hours while Deputy Buck Meredith, of the Grayson County Sheriff’s Department investigated the scene.

Kentucky State Trooper Brad Riley and Grayson County Chief Deputy Tony Willen assisted with the investigation, and Grayson County EMS also responded.

Following the accident, Clemons said that while he has dealt with many things during his 26 years in law enforcement, it still hurts on a professional and personal level to see families devastated like this.

He added, “Our hearts and prayers go out to the family members who have lost a loved one.”

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Traffic accident and house fire send several to hospital
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Abney served as president of state-wide group
by Brittany Wise
Reporter
Jun 20, 2013 | 275 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 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 | 275 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 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 | 275 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 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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Local Features
Abney served as president of state-wide group
by Brittany Wise
Reporter
Jun 20, 2013 | 275 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 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 | 275 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 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 | 275 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 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.

Comments
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Comments-icon Post a Comment
No Comments Yet
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 | 275 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 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