December: Goodbye: To Buford Abner and Jackie Wilburn. Mr. Abner was the last remaining original member od the Swanee River Boys. He had recently celebrated his 94th birthday. Mr Wiburn was the patriarch of the Wilburns, the Father of Jonathon Wilburn and grandfather of Jordan Wilburn, both of Wilburn & Wilburn. The Kingsmen: A roller coaster ride this past month. Bass and owner, Ray Reese had surgery to remove his prostate. Randy Crawford, baritone had surgery to repair a heart valve. Lead singer Brian Hudson left to join the Soul'd Out Quartet, and Bob Seller moved in to replace him. I'm sure they would appreciate your prayers. Another Number one for KPNR: Karen Peck and New River hit the top of the singing News chart with "On The Banks Of The Promised Land." Honors: Brian Lester has received a Lifetime achievement award from the Mid-American Gospel Music Association. Brian is the third member of the Lesters to receive the award. Liberty Quartet: Dan Gilbert has left the group, and Doug Wiley will become the new lead singer for the Boise, Idaho based group.

November: New number one: After collecting a ton of Singing News Fan Awards, The Triumphant Quartet has clamed the number obe spot on the Singing News Chart with their song, Save By Grace. McKameys honored: The State of Tennessee has awarded the group A lifetime achievement award for their 31 years of musical ministry. Pray for: Jack Laws, former Inspiraton and current member of Smoky Mountain Reunion. The "old bear hunter" had extensive heart and oral surgery. Pray for a complete recovery. Back on the bus: Former bass for the Blackwood Brothers, Ken Turner has joined Valor III. They'll now be known as Ken Turner and Valor III. New trio: After two decades at the piano bench for the Dixie Melody Boys and the Whisnants, Eric Ollis will be joined by his wife Laura and son Payton to travel as the Eric Ollis family.