Jimmy Fuson
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jimmy Fuson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
Born on March 24, 1953, in Bell County, Kentucky.
Jimmy departed this life on July 2, 2024 at the St. Joseph in London, Kentucky. He was a member of the House of Refugee Church of God.
Jimmy is survived by his wife, Bonnie (Lawson) Fuson; by her children, Jennie Fuson, Jerry Fuson, Jimmy Fuson, Eli Daniel Fuson (Danielle), and Barbie Smith (Jason); grandchildren, Summer Martin, Caleb Fuson, Brandi Smith, Brooklyn Fuson, Katelyn Fuson, Natalie Smith, Eli Fuson, Jacob Smith, and Daniel Ryan Richardson; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Sarah Lawson and Neva Gabbard; brother, Lonnie Fuson; sister-in-law, Thelma Fuson; nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends to mourn his passing.
A public viewing was held at Croley Funeral Home in Williamsburg, Kentucky, on July 5 to celebrate and reflect on Jimmy’s life.
Funeral service was conducted at Croley Funeral Home on July 6, with Rev. Mark Lawson officiating. He was laid to rest in the Lawson Cemetery on Seng Branch.
Jimmy was preceded in death by, Eli Fuson, Martha (Mosley) Fuson, Arvalie Fuson, Joe Fuson, Larry Fuson, Raymond Fuson, and Jean Fuson.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Rose Marie Hunter
Rose Marie Hunter was born on November 9, 1931, in Ypsilanti, MI. She peacefully departed from this world on July 2, 2024, at Pineville Community Hospital in Pineville, Kentucky.
She was a dedicated line worker at Ford Motor Company whose hard work and commitment left an indelible mark on those around her.
Rose is survived by her sons, James Dryer, Thomas Dryer (Jane), and Kenneth Dryer (Missy); grandchildren, Jamie Engle (Joshua), Tracie Rains, James Smith (LeAnn), Jessie Smith (Stephanie), James Dryer II, Kristil Dryer Brigman (Brian), Adam Dryer (Samantha), Gary Large (Jessica), and Tanner Rogers (Savannah); several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends to mourn her passing.
Funeral service to celebrate Rose’s life was held at Croley Funeral Home on July 5, with Rev. James Hodge and Rev. Gary Large officiating.
Following the service Rose was laid to rest at Candleridge Cemetery on Hwy 3437 in Gray, KY.
As we gather to honor and remember Rose Marie Hunter, let us reflect on her remarkable journey and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind. May her memory forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Steve Hunter; parents, Joseph Bishop and Mary Bishop; daughters, Kathy Smith and Peggy Wilson; and son, Johnny Dryer.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
University of Kentucky announces Spring 2024 Dean’s List
The University of Kentucky has released its Dean’s List for the Spring 2024 semester. A total of 8,580 students were recognized for their outstanding academic performance.
To make a Dean’s List in one of the UK colleges, a student must earn a grade-point average of 3.6 or higher and must have earned 12 credits or more that semester, excluding credits earned in pass-fail classes. Some UK colleges require a 3.5 GPA to make the Dean’s List.
Local students, who made the Dean’s List, include:
Corbin – Mantin Chen, Riley C. Childers, Dylan J. Day, Maren E. Hoskins, Victoria G. Johnson, Cierra G. Ledford, Mindy L. Lockhart, Allison P. Lundy, Khushi V. Patel, KayDee M. Pratt, Colton B. Shelton, Chloe E. Siler, Jacob J. Smith, Madison B. Thacker, Baleigh D. Walden, Kaiden M. Walden, McKenzie E. Walters and Courtney I. Wright
Gray – Callie R. Black and Lily K. Hubbs
Lily – Victoria L. Brashear and Jakob L. Combs
Williamsburg – Balaam A. Asher, Samuel J. Hudson, Naythan O. Jewell, Leslie D. Monhollen, Dhaval A. Patel and Connor D. Wilson
Shope announces her return for one more season as a softball Patriot
Sports fans in Whitley County have gotten to know the name of Lindsey Shope very well since she first arrived at Whitley County High School in 2018. As a sophomore and junior, she helped guide the Lady Colonels to new heights on the softball field, including a 50th District championship title in 2019. (more…)
Housing Insecurity: Executive directors discuss ways that housing authorities can better serve the local community
Corbin Housing Authority Maintenance Director Andrew Lee
At any given time, approximately 400 housing units are occupied between the Corbin and Williamsburg Housing Authorities. While many of these tenants may be individuals, many are also families, meaning the actual number of people residing in public housing is much greater. Not only that, but waitlists to get into one of these units are getting longer by the day. (more…)
4-H youth sewing club provides travel pillows to BHC patients
In its first year of existence, the Whitley County 4-H youth sewing club is already finding ways to make a positive difference in the community. Last week, club members made a special visit to Baptist Health Corbin (BHC) to donate travel pillows, each with a handmade cover, to patients there.
Teresa Lawson, who is serving as the leader of the sewing club, said that teaching sewing as part of Whitley County’s annual 4-H summer camp eventually led to the demand for a regular club. Currently, the club has five members – Abby Helton, Evelyn Kroetsch, Isabelle McGinley, Charlie Dengel and Molly Eversole.
“We meet once a month to go over the basics of sewing,” Lawson explained. “Some of the girls have had a little bit of experience with sewing, and some have had none.”
The donation of travel pillows to BHC patients marked the club’s first-ever community service project, with more special projects being planned for the future.
Club members received help with the project from a local homemakers group called Busy Bees. Colleen Brummett, who is a Busy Bees club member, said that the two groups collaborated to make close to 30 pillow cases featuring an assortment of different patterns.
Lawson said that BHC representative Debbie Hardin had informed the clubs that surgery patients would likely benefit from the donations the most.
For more information on the 4-H sewing club, as well as other clubs and special programs, contact the Whitley County Cooperative Extension Office in Goldbug by calling (606) 549-1430 or go online to www.whitley.ca.uky.edu.
Unemployment rates increase in Whitley, Laurel and Knox counties
Unemployment rates increased in Whitley, Laurel, Knox, Bell and McCreary counties between April 2024 and May 2024, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet.
Whitley County
Whitley County’s unemployment rate increased from 4.9 percent in April 2024 to 5.6 percent in May 2024. Whitley County’s May 2024 unemployment rate was 0.9 percent higher than the May 2023 unemployment rate.
Laurel County
Laurel County’s unemployment increased from 4.8 percent in April 2024 to 5.0 percent in May 2024. Laurel County’s May 2024 unemployment rate was 0.5 percent higher than the May 2023 unemployment rate.
Knox County
Knox County’s unemployment rate increased from 6.2 percent in April 2024 to 7.0 percent in May 2024. Knox County’s May 2024 unemployment rate was 1.2 percent higher than the May 2023 unemployment rate.
Bell County
Bell County’s unemployment rate increased from 5.7 percent in April 2024 to 5.8 percent in May 2024. Bell County’s May 2024 unemployment rate was 0.4 percent higher than the May 2023 unemployment rate.
McCreary County
McCreary County’s unemployment rate increased from 5.8 percent in April 2024 to 6.5 percent in May 2024. McCreary County’s May 2024 unemployment rate was 0.8 percent higher than the May 2023 unemployment rate.
Statewide unemployment
Kentucky’s unemployment rate increased from 4.4 percent in April 2024 to 4.5 percent in May 2024. Kentucky’s May 2024 unemployment rate was 0.4 percent higher than the May 2023 unemployment rate.
Unemployment rates rose in 109 counties between May 2023 and May 2024 and fell in six counties and remained the same in five counties, according to KYSTATS.
Cumberland and Washington counties recorded the lowest jobless rates in the commonwealth at 3.4 percent each. They were followed by Woodford County, 3.5 percent; Anderson, Marion, Shelby and Spencer counties, 3.6 percent each; and Carroll, Fayette and Oldham counties, 3.7 percent each.
Martin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 9.5 percent. It was followed by Magoffin County, 9.4 percent; Breathitt County, 8.4 percent; Leslie County, 7.8 percent; Carter County, 7.6 percent; Knott and Lewis counties, 7.5 percent each; and Clay, Elliott and Johnson counties, 7.3 percent each.
Kentucky’s county unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted because of small sample sizes.
The comparable, unadjusted unemployment rate for the state was 4.5 percent for May 2024, and 3.7 percent for the nation.
Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.
Whitley County has a civilian labor force of 13,872 people with 13,092 employed and 780 unemployed. Statewide, Kentucky has a civilian labor force of 2,056,778 people with 1,964,303 employed and 92,475 unemployed.
Learn more about Kentucky labor market information at https://kystats.ky.gov.
W’burg student-athlete recognized by National Society of HS Scholars
A Williamsburg High School student-athlete is being honored by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) for superior academic achievement.
The NSHSS has announced that soon-to-be junior HayLee Baird has been selected to become a member of the esteemed organization. The Society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment.
“On behalf of NSHSS and out co-founder, Claes Nobel, a member family that established the Nobel Prizes, I am honored to recognize the hard work, passion and commitment that HayLee has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence,” said NSHSS co-founder and President James W. Lewis. “HayLee is now a member of a unique community of scholars – a community that represents our very best hope for the future.”
NSHSS members automatically become lifetime members at the time of their initial membership. Each step along the way – from high school, to college, to career – the NSHSS connects outstanding young scholars with the resources that they need to develop their strengths and pursue their passions.
Baird played for the Williamsburg Lady Jackets softball team this past spring as a sophomore.
Deran Stiner
Deran Stiner, age 90, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Baptist Health Corbin.
She was born July 24, 1933 in Roane County, TN, to the late L.C. and Margaret Ann Houston Stiner. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Houston Stiner.
She is survived by her brother, John D. Stiner (Betty) of Williamsburg, KY; nephew, John Gregory Stiner (Danielle) of Southgate, KY; niece, Lisa Stiner Bielski (Doug) of West Milton, OH; and numerous great nieces, great nephews, and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her passing.
Graveside service will be 2:00 PM on Sunday, July 7, at the Pleasant View Cemetery Moses Addition with Rev. Bill Carpenter officiating.
Interment will follow directly after the graveside service in the Pleasant View Cemetery Moses Addition.
At the request of the family there will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers the family wishes contributions to your church or your favorite charity be made.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com.
Ellison Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Betty Lynn (Sapp) Kemplen
Betty Lynn (Sapp) Kemplen, age 75, of Clairfield, Tennessee passed away Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Beech Tree Manor. She was born April 5, 1949, in Frakes, Kentucky.
Betty is preceded in death by husband, Ralph Kemplen; granddaughter, Destiny Morris, father, Robert Sapp; mother, Ada (Wilder) Sapp; brothers, Jess Sapp, Roy Sapp; and sister, Pat Sapp.
She is survived by son, James Kemplen and Autumn; daughter, Tammy Rose and husband Brian; grandchildren, Sam Rose, Jessica Johnson and Doc, Caleb Rose, Harmony Terry, Robert Terry, Chloe Brown, Jaslin Chapman, Addison Terry, Austin Hicks, Katelyn Kemplen, Jessie Kemplen, Skyler Kemplen, Emerlynn Delk, and Jimison Kemplen; great-grandchildren, Grace Morris, Adalyn Terry, and Jackson Rose; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn her passing.
The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, July 5, at the Harp Funeral Home Chapel with funeral service starts at 8 p.m. with Rev. Kenneth Osborne officiating.
Burial will be at 11 am on Saturday, July 6, in the Kemplen Cemetery in Roses Creek.
Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.