On Sept. 21, Sebring Elks Lodge #1529 used funds available to them from the Florida State Elks’ Army of Hope program to help a local veteran. Through the lodge’s association with the Highlands County Veterans Services and the Veterans Council of Highlands County, they helped this veteran by paying part of his past-due electric bill so the electricity wouldn’t be shut off. Along with the $350, the lodge sent a $1,400 check from the charity account to Duke Energy, which they later requested to be reimbursed by the Army of Hope.