West Knox FD needs to replace $30,000 of gear

Officials say nothing toxic was released into the community following multiple explosions and a fire at Safeco in Gray last Monday night, but the fire has had a significant impact on the West Knox Fire Department, which is scrambling to replace 12 sets of turnout gear and nine sections of hose.
Chief Daryl Baker said in the course of fighting the fire at the tire recycling center on Ky. 233, turnout gear and nine sections of hose became soaked in oil and diesel fuel.
“We tried to wash them (the gear and hoses) but it won’t come out,” Baker said, noting the cost of replacing the gear and hoses is estimated at $25,000 to $30,000.
The bill Safeco will receive will include the cost to replace the damaged gear and hoses.
“We have 38 volunteers and 12 of them don’t have gear,” Baker said.
After speaking with officials at neighboring Woodbine and Keavy volunteer fire departments, Baker said those departments have agreed to loan West Knox some of the extra gear they have on hand. Baker estimated that could temporarily replace as many as eight sets of gear.
In addition, Baker said he and some of the other firefighters can leave their gear at the station with the trucks for use by the responding firefighters.
However, turnout gear is not one-size-fits-all and a new set takes up to two months to come in after it is ordered.
“It still depends on the size of the gear and the firefighters who need it,” Baker said.
Baker said a new set of turnout gear has a 10-year lifespan, after which it must be replaced.
The department has a rotation process ongoing whereby three sets of gear are replaced, annually.
Baker said members of the community are more than welcome to contribute toward the purchase of the new gear, noting any donations are very much appreciated.
Anyone that like to help may contact the fire department at 528-1700 or come by station one next to the old Lynn Camp School after 6 p.m. on Monday.
“There is no option not to replace it,” Baker said. “We have got to come up with the money.”
Firefighters were called to the scene about 9:20 p.m. following reports of multiple explosions in the area.
Baker said the explosions were propane tanks inside the plant where tires are shredded and oil is extracted from the remains.
Knox County Emergency Management Director Mike Mitchell said there was approximately 300 to 350 gallons of oil at the plant when the explosion occurred.
Firefighters were on scene until after midnight battling the blaze.
No one was injured in the explosion or the fire.

Whitley County Public Health Inspections

As part of its duties, the Whitley County Health Department conducts routine public health inspections of various entities, including restaurants, stores, schools, mobile home parks, swimming pools, etc.

Leadership Kentucky announces 2024 BRIGHT Kentucky Class

Leadership Kentucky has announced members of the BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2024, including representatives from Whitley, Knox, Laurel and Bell counties.

BRIGHT Kentucky, which began in 2019, engages bright, entrepreneurial minds from various occupational sectors to offer non-partisan, ethical leadership training, expanded networks, and mentors designed especially for residents of the 54 Kentucky counties of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The program is made possible by an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant and private funding from the Whitaker Foundation, AEP Foundation/Kentucky Power, and other generous donors.

BRIGHT Kentucky consists of five, three-day sessions where the primary goal is to help participants fully understand the local economic context and to build robust skill sets in communication, collaboration, consensus building, visioning and community engagement.

The program, which runs July through November, will take participants across Eastern Kentucky: Berea/Frankfort in July, Columbia in August, London in September, Pikeville in October, and Morehead in November. The program kicked off on July 10 with an engaging session on understanding and maximizing the participants’ leadership style.

This year’s class includes 35 participants from 20 ARC counties representing a variety of public and private sectors, including the following individuals from either Bell, Knox, Whitley or Laurel counties.

• Boone Bowling (Bell County) – City of Middlesboro
• Josey Cruse (Knox County) – Operation UNITE
• Connor Holland (Knox County) – Cumberland Valley Area Development District
• Jennifer Lambert (Whitley County) – RRJ Solutions
• Don Morring (Laurel County) – Kentucky One Health/Common Spirit
• Candace Tingen (Bell County) – Self Employed

Jones focused on establishing ‘values-driven program’ as new CHS volleyball head coach

After a frustrating 2023 campaign that saw the team come up short in both the 50th District and 13th Region championship tournaments, the Corbin High School volleyball Hounds are eager to right the ship and get back on top under the guidance of first-year Head Coach Krystal Jones. (more…)

‘24 Whitley Co. Fair farm, home exhibit winners announced

Bragging rights have been determined for best quilt, nature craft, woodcraft, painting, photography, etc. in the annual 2024 Whitley County Fair Farm and Home Exhibits competitions.

The competition was judged separately for adult and youth entries.

Adult Entries:

Food and Food Preservation

• Plate of 5 Biscuits – first place Kirby Lewis
• Plate of 5 Muffins – first place Kirby Lewis
• Half Loaf of 5 Yeast Bread – first Place Kirby Lewis
• Half Loaf of any Quick Bread – first place Kirby Lewis
• 1 Jar of Blackberry Jelly – first place Kathy Lay
• 1 Jar of Blackberry Jam – first place Donna R. Rains
• 1 Jar Miscellaneous Jam/Jelly ­– first place Audrey Stewart
• 1 Jar of Miscellaneous – first place Audrey Stewart, second place Donna R. Rains

Handicrafts

• Embroidered Article – first place Audrey Stewart
• Quilt (machine applique) – first place Judy Heamstead
• Quilt (machine pieced and quilted) – first place Carolyn Falin, second place David Heamstead
• Quilt (baby or lap) – first place Emily Meadors
• Quilt (technology based) – first place Judy Heamstead, second place David Heamstead
• Quilt (miscellaneous) – first place Emily Meadors

Arts and Crafts

• Manipulated Fiber – first place Dawn Parente
• Nature Craft – first place Brian Davidson, second place Kathy Lay
• Painted/Decorated Shirt – Sage Wilson
• Handmade Jewelry – first place Kathy Lay
• Woodcraft – first place Brian Davidson, second place Kathy Lay
• Painting (acrylic on canvas) – first place Kathy Lay, second place Linda Davis, third place Sara Kroetsch
• Water Color – first place Kathy Lay
• Drawing (color) – first place Kathy Lay
• Recycled Article – first place Kathy Lay
• Weaving – first place Kathy Lay
• Ceramics (hand formed) – first place Kathy Lay
• Photography Color – first place Kathy Lay, second place Cleda Holt
• Photography Black and White – first place Kathy Lay
• Miscellaneous – first place Kathy Lay

Crops and Horticulture

• White Potatoes – first place Cadence Llywellyn
• Green Beans – first place Kirby Lewis, second place Donna R. Rains, third place Kathy Lay
• Red Tomatoes – first place Donna R. Rains, second place Dennis Eversole, third place Kirby Lewis
• Sweet Corn – first place Brynn Prewitt, second place Beckett Prewitt
• Best 3 Cucumbers – first place Dennis Eversole
• Best 3 Green Bell Pepper – first place Donna R. Rains
• Banana Peppers – first place Donna R. Rains, second place Dennis Eversole
• Jalapeño – first place Kathy Lay
• Hot Peppers – first place Kathy Lay
• Okra – first place Donna R. Rains
• Onion – first place Donna R. Rains
• Flower Arrangement: Fresh – first place Kirby Lewis (Grand Champion), second place Kathy Lay

Youth Entries:
4-H Wood Science

• Level I, NOT from a Kit – first place Charlie Dengel

4-H Needlework

• Free Embroidery – first place Della Stewart

4-H Arts

• Senior Acrylic Painting – first place Rachael Moses, second place Zoe Dibble
• Senior Sketch with Black Pencil – first place Rachael Moses
• Senior Sketch with Colored Pencils – first place Rachael Moses
• Junior Sculpting – first place Charlie Dengel
• Senior Art Trends – first place Isabella Smith (Grand Champion)
• Senior Upcycle Project – first place Zoe Dibble

4-H, Photography

• Forest – first place Isaiah Rickett, second place Hailey Adkins, third place Brynn Prewitt
• Water – first place Brynn Prewitt, second place Aidan Bennett, third place Isabella Abner
• Wildlife – first place Connor Lunsford
• Natural Scenic – first place Isabella Abner, second place Isaiah Rickett, third place Hailey Adkins
• Native Plants – first place Isabella Abner, second place Connor Lunsford
• Insect – first place Connor Lunsford (Grand Champion), second place Isabella Abner
• Livestock – first place Kayleigh Hicks, second place Kiptyn Holt, third place Brynn Prewitt
• Crops – first place Brynn Prewitt
• Agriculture Scenic – first place Kayleigh Hicks, second place Eli Robidoux, third place Hailey Adkins
• Farm Equipment – first place Nathanael Rickett, second place Hailey Adkins, third place Eli Robidoux
• Companion Animal – first place Isaiah Rickett, second place Kayleigh Hicks, third place Eli Robidoux
• Formal/Candid Portrait – first place Titus Robidoux
• Family Candid Photograph – first place Hailey Adkins
• Patterns/Design – first place Kayleigh Hicks, second place Kiptyn Holt
• Architecture – first place Aidan Bennett
• Movement – first place Hailey Adkins, second place Aidan Bennett
• Physical Activity – first place Titus Robidoux, second place Aidan Bennett
• Healthy Foods – first place Titus Robidoux
• Dealing with Stress – first place Titus Robidoux, second place Isabella Abner
• Horticulture Color – first place Nathanael Rickett, second place Brynn Prewitt, third place Connor Lunsford

Soccer coaches encouraged after ‘Brazilian Way Soccer Camp’ experiences

Between July 10-13, about 400 high school student-athletes from across the state converged on the campus of Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Ky. for Coach Paulo Neto’s Brazilian Way Soccer Camp. Included on the list participating programs were the Corbin and Whitley County boys teams, both of whom are hopeful for a strong showing in the upcoming 2024 season. (more…)

Ready Fest, blood drive coming to Whitley Central Intermediate School Monday (July 29)

Local residents will have the chance to donate blood and possibly pick up some free school supplies during a pair of events taking place at Whitley Central Intermediate School Monday.

The blood drive will only take place that morning, while the 2024 Whitley County School District Ready Fest will take place at Whitley Central Intermediate School from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The ready fest will feature DIAL-4 screenings for preschool students, vision and hearing screenings, and speech/language screenings.

In addition, several groups will also be there to hand out information and possibly some goodies, including: McKinney-Vento, Save the Children, Early Steps to Success, First Steps Early Intervention Agency, Kindergarten Readiness Play and Learn Group, Whitley County Health Department, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension/4-H, Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency, Cumberland River Behavioral Health, AHEC (Area Health Education Center), Whitley County Public Library, and RECC Green Initiative.

There will also be hair cuts for children, and your choice of a free lunch of pizza or a hot dog, which will be provided by the Whitley County School Nutrition Summer Feeding Program. There will be one gift bag handed out per household, which will include health and beauty aids.

In addition, there will be opportunities for GED enrollment/community education enrollment.

The event is sponsored by the Whitley County School District, Whitley County Family Resource/Youth Service Centers and Save the Children.

There will also be registration for Whitley County’s preschool program and Bell Whitley Head Start that day. Parents or guardians should bring proof of birth and proof of income when registering.

KBC Blood Drive

The Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) Bloodmobile will be at Whitley County Intermediate School on Monday from 9 a.m. – noon. The school is located at 2940 N. US25W, Williamsburg.

While supplies last, all donors at this drive will receive a $15 Walmart gift card as a thank you for boosting the summer blood supply.

KBC officials warn that blood donations tend to decrease over the summer while summer activities often lead to an increase in accidents and traumas and a spike in blood transfusions.

Blood collected at this drive will save the lives of patients in Kentucky, who require products for surgeries, diseases like cancer, traumas, organ transplants, premature births and more.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health, show a photo I.D. and meet additional requirements. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental permission slip, which can be found at kybloodcenter.org.

Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule a donation, visit kybloodcenter.org or call (800) 775-2522.

KBC is the largest independent, full-service, nonprofit blood center in Kentucky, and has been saving local lives since 1968. KBC provides services in 90 Kentucky counties and has donor centers in Lexington, Louisville, Frankfort, Pikeville, Somerset and the Tri-County area (Corbin).

Diane Mitchell set an example for all of us in community involvement

It is hard to find adequate words to express the loss to family, friends and the City of Corbin with the passing of Diane Mitchell last week. She was a rare individual that took on tasks in our community that very few are available or willing to do. She will be greatly missed.

Don Estep is publisher of the News Journal.

She was active in several organizations including the Ossoli Club, the Carnegie Center, the Corbin Public Library Board, and Friends of the Library. She served in the food pantry of the Corbin Presbyterian Church for many years.

Diane and I had a lot in common in that she taught journalism, along with French at Corbin High School. She created “The Paw’s Print” student newspaper and the “Pegasus” student literary magazine and coached her students in publication of the national “Foxfire” series.

However, it was her interest in the history of Corbin that recently brought us together. Diane worked in developing a Corbin history room at the library. She held “memory meetings” at the library for the community to share experiences.

She and her brother Robert had pictures, maps and written history that I had never seen before. In our first group session Paul Jones, who at 101 years of age, told about people, buildings and events that few knew about.

The session went so well that Diane scheduled more meetings that allowed each individual to talk about how things were when they were growing up. I enjoyed these meetings and wrote about them several times in this space.

She and the “Friends of the Library” of which she was a member, were in the process of having old photos and records digitized so they could be accessed electronically.

Another personal experience that Diane involved me in was the 75th anniversary of the May Day Festival at the Corbin Arena. She asked me to be the MC for the event.

Prior to the festival she and Robert made a video of our experiences which several of us participated in as youngsters when we were in the festival.

I believe the festival had been started about three years before I entered the first grade. My mother made my outfit. She saved part of it and it hangs in my closet now as a memory of that event.

I am glad that I had the opportunity to share these experiences with Diane. As Trevor Sherman wrote in a story in this newspaper about her, “She worked hard to ensure that future generations will not forget important chapters in the storied history of this community.”

For years Diane and others  have been working to restore the old Carnegie Library, located on Roy Kidd Avenue.  It is one of the few historical building left in the City of Corbin. The family has requested that donations in memory of Diane be made to the Carnegie Center of Corbin. P.O. Box 114, Corbin, Ky. 40702.

People like Diane and Ann Hoskins, who also was involved with the library and Fine Arts before her death, will be hard to replace.

When you think of volunteers like the late Betty Hamilton and Betty Comer, who has retired from the leadership of the Fine Arts Association of Southeastern Kentucky, it makes you wonder if there will be people like them to step up and carry on the outstanding programs that are dependent on community involvement.

There are many other volunteer programs in the community, like the Back Pack program that was started by Doris Moore and she is still involved with it, that depend on your support.

To Diane and the many others who have made this community a better place to live, we owe them a debt of gratitude. Again to Diane, thanks for all you did.

Bryn Kay (Day) Norman

Bryn Kay (Day) Norman, age 72, of Elk Valley, Pioneer, Tennessee, passed away Monday, July 22, 2024, at the Lafollette Medical Center. She was born October 31, 1951, in Scott County, Tennessee.
Bryn is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Harold “Pete” Norman; father, Mitt Melton Day; mother, Tempa (Harness) Day; brother, Donald Ray Day; sisters, Debbie Phillips, and Frances Tussing.
She is survived by son, Rev. Danny Ray Norman and wife Peggy; grandchildren, Dakota, Kaleigh and Gracie; brothers, Ralph Day and wife Penny, Jackie Day and wife Flo; special sister-in-law, Cynthia Jones and husband Rick; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn her passing.
Funeral service was Wednesday, July 24, at the Lick Fork Baptist Church with Rev. Rhondy Mason and Rev. Randall Mason officiating.
Burial was Thursday, July 25, in the Lick Fork Baptist Church Cemetery.
Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

Ella Mae (Lewallen) Bridges

Ella Mae (Lewallen) Bridges, age 74, of Pioneer, Tennessee passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at her home. She was born August 10, 1949, in Jellico, Tennessee.
Ella is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Bridges, father, Doc Lewallen; mother, Mary Vandlee (Wallace) Lewallen; brothers, Lee, Silas and Calvin Lewallen; sister, Bertie Rose Curry; and sister-in-law, Bobbie (Ivey) Lewallen.
She is survived by daughters, Sheila Price and husband Johnny, Shari Manis and husband Steve; grandchildren, Ashley Bridges, Stephanie Ivey and husband Shawn, Josh Price and wife Mashell, and Chris Price; great-grandchildren, Jeremiah, Noah and Zeke Ivey, Wylee and Aurora Price; brothers, J.M., Henry and Arvil Lewallen; sister, Arbutus Dilbeck; sister-in-law, Kathy Lewallen; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn her passing.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Saturday, July 27, at the Harp Funeral Home Chapel with funeral services starting at 8 p.m with Rev. Shawn Ivey and Rev. Randall Mason officiating.
Burial will be at 2 pm on Sunday, July 28, in the Warren Memorial Garden
Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

Mattie Retha Kidd (Keaton) Childress

Mattie Retha Kidd (Keaton) Childress, 76, of Chattaroy, WV, died peacefully July 19, 2024, at the Tug Valley Regional Medical Center, South Williamson, KY.
Mattie was born January 11, 1948, in Jellico, TN, the daughter of the late Leslie Kidd and Lena Privitt Kidd.
She was also preceded in death by her first husband, James Russell Keaton, and her second husband, Danny Joe Childress; brother, William Martin (W.M.) Kidd and sisters, Barbara Louise Bowling, and Mary Ruth Cooper.
Survivors include her daughter, Karen Mae Keaton; granddaughters, Ashley Dawn Keaton (Imogene), and Briana Suzanne Bentley (Danny); great-granddaughters, Kendall Grace, Kali Mae, Kenzi Jo, and Addileigh Bree; brothers, Leslie Edward “L.E.” Kidd, Hubert Ray Kidd (Alene), Lloyd Omar Kidd (Lois), and a host of other loving family and friends.
Mattie’s visitation was held on Monday, July 22nd at the Huntleyville Gospel Revelation Church, with Gary Dove officiating.
Her funeral was held on Tuesday, July 23rd at the church with Harrison Baisden officiating.
Burial followed at Mountain View Memory Gardens, Maher, WV, with her family and friends serving as pallbearers.
R. E. Rogers Funeral Home of Belfry, KY, in charge of arrangements.