MADISONVILLE-In the overall scheme of things it wasn't a huge amount of money, but $22,160 is now being used to help the less fortunate in Monroe County.

The money comes from the National Board, a body chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is designed to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high need areas around the country.

The Monroe County Shelter Board was tasked with distributing the money and decided to provide it all to Douglas Cherokee Economic Authority, a decision not as controversial as it might seem.

"There were other groups called," said Paulette Summey, assistant to County Mayor Tim Yates. "But when they heard Barbara at Douglas Cherokee was applying for it, they said to let her have it, that she does a wonderful job."

See full story in the Wednesday, Sept. 19, edition of The Advocate & Democrat.