Friends in Need: Friends of the Corbin Public Library asking for more help and input in the New Year
The Corbin Public Library, located at 215 Roy Kidd Ave., serves as a hub of activity for the local community, offering visitors a wide range of print and digital resources, as well as regular special events and educational opportunities. Of course, all of this could not happen without the necessary funding and manpower. Enter the Friends of the Corbin Public Library. (more…)
Goodwill’s Senior Community Service Employment Program helping people to stay active in the workforce
Many times, folks will discover that retirement doesn’t quite suit them. At the end of a long professional career, simply calling it quits and heading home may end up not being the best option after all. For anyone currently in that position, the local Goodwill Opportunity Center, located at 37 South Park Center Drive in Corbin, could help you to get back into the workforce through their Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). (more…)
Rogers re-introduces black lung bill named for Whitley Co. miner
A piece of bipartisan legislation bearing the name of a Whitley County native has been reintroduced to help expedite benefits for coal miners with black lung disease.
U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY) and U.S. Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) reintroduced the John “J.L.” White Ensuring Timely Black Lung Benefits Acts last week. White was a former Williamsburg coal miner who passed away while waiting for his benefits to be approved.
According to a release from Rogers’ office, the bill would ensure former coal miners who have met the Department of Labor’s (DoL) medical eligibility requirements can begin receiving payments from the trust fund 60 days after approval. Approved benefits will be paid for through the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, which will be reimbursed once a liable company is determined by the DoL.
“Mr. White’s story is far too common. Fighting black lung disease can be a costly burden after many years of hard work, and our coal miners shouldn’t have to fight through red tape while fighting for their lives,” said Rogers in the release.
White is the late uncle of Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White, Jr. According to Pat White, J.L. was not only his uncle, but one of his “closest friends,” and he felt it was an honor to see his uncle’s work acknowledged with the legislation.
“I think my uncle would be proud to see this bill named after him. He spent his life as a hard-working man and to leave this as part of his legacy in helping other working-class people would please him greatly,” said White.
Since 1973, the Department of Labor has received more than 119,000 black lung claims in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, which is the third highest in the country.
Christmas decorating contest, parade float contest winners announced
Bragging rights for who has the best Christmas decorations in Williamsburg have been determined, and for the third time in three years there is a new best decorated neighborhood in Williamsburg.
On Saturday night after the Feels Like Home Christmas Parade, Mayor Roddy Harrison announced the winners of the 19th Annual Williamsburg Christmas Decorating Contest.
“I want to thank everyone who participated in the Christmas decorating contest and/or parade. It sounds cliché, but all the judges had a very hard job this year. I sincerely believe there was an explosion of effort in the contests, and I truly hope we do this every year. You all are the reason Williamsburg Feels Like Home!” Harrison wrote in a Facebook post. “Thank you to all the judges as well … You all had your hands full, but the hard decisions have been made.”
Decorating Contest
In the residential division, the Denham Addition, which includes Ridge Avenue, Pine Street, South Third Street and South Fifth Street, took home the best decorated residential neighborhood award.
This is the third time in five years that the Denham Addition has won the award.
Sunshine Valley took the title for best decorated neighborhood in 2022. Moore Lane won the category in 2021. The Denham Addition took home the prize in 2019 and 2020, and prior to that Cardinal Heights won the title for eight consecutive years.
In the residential traditional category, there is a new winner as Sarah Beth and Noah Ingle of North 10th Street won the award. Melissa Foley of South Third Street had won the away for three consecutive years prior to this.
Foley didn’t go home empty handed as she won the residential best entryway category this year. Denny and Jo Byrd of Sunshine Valley won the award in the best entryway category last year.
For the fourth time in four years, there is a new winner in the modern traditional category as Shannon and Marc Taylor of Ridge Avenue took home this year’s top prize.
David and Stacy Estes of Sunshine Valley won the modern traditional category in 2022. Larry and Amy Rector won the category in 2021, and Chandel and Dustin Chinn won the award in 2020.
In the residential bling bling category – think National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – there is a new winner this year as Jim Blankenship of Rains Street took home the prize.
Randy and Carol Ball of Main Street won the award last year and had won it for nine out of the last 11 years. Greg and Darlene Hays of John Street won it in 2021.
The Hays won this year’s residential spirit of Christmas award.
Jill West of South Third Street claimed the award for residential overall best theme for the fourth straight year.
In the business division, Maiden Drug took first place in the best business window décor category for the third consecutive year. Luxe Bath & Bridal took second place followed by Southern Tease in third place.
JennieLyn Boutique took first place honors in the business outdoor décor category with Gene Siler Law Office finishing in second place and the Whitley County Board of Education coming in third.
The award for best overall Christmas theme went to BoBo’s Boutique. The Whitley County Cooperative Extension Community Art Center took that title in 2022.
Parade Float Contest
Winners have also been announced for best floats in this year’s parade.
In the school category, Whitley County High School won first place, followed by Whitley North Elementary School in second place and Lady Storm Softball in third place.
In the business category, the Whitley County Extension Agency took first place. Senture took second place, and Williamsburg Health and Rehabilitation Center took third place.
In the church category, First Baptist Williamsburg won first place, followed by New Beginnings in second place, and Rockholds First Baptist in third place.
Southeast Kentucky Empty Stocking Fund announces most recent donors
The Corbin Rotary Club has announced the second round of donations for the 2023 Southeast Kentucky Empty Stocking Fund (SEKESF) Christmas program to benefit children in need throughout the tri-county area.
So far, a total of $23,241.34 has been donated.
Donors and the amounts given for the week ending Dec. 10 include:
- Rhoda Woods – $100.
- Corbin Flower Shop – $100.
- June Martin and Laura Clifton – $250.
- George G. Shackleford – $100.
- Ronald Timperio – $50.
- Harold Huddleston – $100.
- Owens – $100.
- William K. Champlin – $250.
- Greg and Suzie Razmus – $250.
- American Freight Service – $1,000.
- Pratts Landscaping LLC – $4,000.
- Jack T. Cloyd, CPA – $500.
- State Farm Agencies of Corbin – $533.34.
- Insurance Service Center – $1,000.
- Don and Judy Estep – $100.
- Tipton & Tipton Law – $200.
- David and Brenda Birch – $500.
- Susan Levine Living Trust – $200.
- Rebecca Myers – $250.
- Community Trust Bank – $1,000.
- Tri-County Storage – $500.
- Michael and Debra Haggard – $100.
- Frances Chadwell – $50.
- Jerry R. Chadwell – $50.
- Tri-County Liquor of Corbin – $100.
- John and Donna Woods – $100.
- The Forest Corp. (Memory of Dennis Lynch) – $200.
- Jen and Tom Shelton – $100.
- MC Griffith – $100.
Previously listed donors include:
- Marr & Miller Accountants – $100.
- Linda Norwell – $100.
- Joan Black – $500.
- Mitchell Tax & Accounting – $100.
- Steve Surmont – $100.
- Pennington Wellness – $100.
- Forcht Bank – $250.
- Hampton Inn (Corbin) – $250.
- Wallen’s Towing – $250.
- Daylen Wallen – $100.
- Marion Ed McNeel – $150.
- Joan Barton – $100.
- Brenda Carpenter Jones – $100.
- Davis Salvage Company – $500.
- Patil Foundation Inc. – $1,000.
- Walmart Store Number 1259, Corbin – $4,000.
- Rotary Foundation District 6740 – $1,500.
- Rotary Club of Corbin, Ky. – $750.
- Sudhir and Shobhana Patel – $252.
- Pam Razmus – $100.
- Paul Jones (in memory of Shirley Jones) – $100.
- Joe and Lola Caldwell (in memory of Shirley Jones) – $100.
- Two Great Friends of SEKESF – $500.
- Jerry and Helen Rickett – $200.
- Tim Bryant – $56.
- Mildred Burkhart – $100.
About 630 children have been signed up.
Lots of volunteers are needed to help wrap presents on the evening of Friday, Dec. 15. The wrapping will take place at Immanuel Baptist Church starting about 6 p.m.
On Saturday, Dec. 16, volunteers will be needed to help hand out the gifts.
The Empty Stocking Fund will hand out gifts and other items on Dec. 16, starting at 11 a.m. for the first 100 families. The second group will start at 1 p.m.
Donations may be mailed to:
Southeastern Kentucky Empty Stocking Fund
P.O. Box 1747
Corbin, KY 40702
The Empty Stocking Fund is a 501c3 non-profit. Donations are tax deductible.
Those wishing to run for public office have until Jan. 5 to file
Those wanting to run for Williamsburg City Council, Corbin City Commission and Whitley County Clerk have until Jan. 5, 2024, at 4 p.m. to file election papers with the Whitley County Clerk’s Office.
So far, only incumbent Whitley Circuit Court Clerk Gary Barton has filed to run for re-election.
A number of other races will appear on Whitley County ballots next year, but require candidates to register with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office because the offices represent multiple counties.
Incumbent 34th Judicial District Commonwealth’s Attorney Ronnie Bowling has already filed to run for re-election and as of Monday afternoon, he had no opposition. The 34th Judicial District is composed of Whitley and McCreary counties.
Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, who represents the 25th Kentucky Senate District, is up for re-election next year.
The 25th Senate District consists of Whitley, Knox, McCreary, Clay, Jackson and Owsley counties.
In addition, 82nd Rep. Nick Wilson is also up for re-election next year. The 82nd District represents all of Whitley County and a small portion of southern Laurel County.
As of Monday afternoon, no one had filed to run for either the 25th Senate District or 82nd Representative District seats, according to online records from the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office.
Stivers and Wilson are both expected to seek re-election. Stivers recently held a campaign fundraiser in Corbin.
In addition, U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, who represents the Fifth Congressional District, has filed to run for re-election and will be facing opposition in the Republican Primary from Dana Edwards of Manchester.
Candidates for these offices must file by 4 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2024, with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office.
Better watch out, better not cry: Annual Christmas parade held in Williamsburg
Photos by TIMOTHY WYATT
Tis the Season: Despite a potential threat of rain, hundreds of people lined Main Street in downtown Williamsburg on Saturday night to take in the city’s annual “Feels Like Home” Christmas Parade. Following the parade were several events at Bill Woods Park, including a Christmas ornament exchange and the decorating of the town Christmas tree with memorial ornaments.
South-Central KY Toys for Tots still accepting donations, need additional volunteers
The South-Central Kentucky Toys for Tots Campaign that services Whitley County and other counties in the area is in desperate need of volunteers as the final push nears to get toys into the hands of thousands of children.
As of Friday, the campaign had provided toys to nearly 10,000 children in the region, though there were still approximately 4,000 children still left for toys to be distributed to. To compound that problem, Cathy Sims, the campaign’s coordinator, said that she was short on the number of toys needed to cover the remaining children.
According to Sims, additional help is needed in collecting the campaign’s toy donation boxes that have been placed at various locations across Whitley and Laurel counties.
“We just don’t have the volunteers to get out there and retrieve them all right now,” said Sims.
Anyone who is willing to help is asked to have access to a truck, trailer or some way to adequately transport the boxes as they are quite large. Those interested can contact Greg Sims, the campaign’s public relations representative, at (606) 549-4083.
The campaign is also still welcoming toy and cash donations. As the boxes are in the process of being collected, it is recommended those who would like to donate to do so by visiting the campaign’s warehouse on Old Hickory Blvd. in Williamsburg between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The South-Central Kentucky Toys for Tots Campaign provides toys to children across seven counties, including Whitley, Laurel, Knox, Clay, Leslie and McCreary counties, as well as Campbell County, Tennessee. This year, the campaign has picked up Floyd County as well, though it is not officially part of the campaign’s coverage area.
According to the Toys for Tots Foundation’s website, the South-Central Kentucky Toys for Tots Campaign is among the largest in the state, distributing more than three times the number of toys to three times as many children as campaigns in larger locales, like Lexington and Richmond.
More information about the campaign can be found at www.southcentral-ky.toysfortots.org.
Corbin Police Department gets its newest K-9 officer, Dolly
The Corbin Police Department now has a new K-9 unit named Dolly.
“Dolly has been placed with her handler K-9 Officer Brentley Patrick. Both Patrick and Dolly have been and will continue to undergo training until they can nationally certify and hit the road. A huge shout out to Corbin City’s Administrators, Commissioners, and Mayor for their endorsement of the K9 program,” the Corbin Police Department wrote in a release Monday.
Dolly came to the Corbin Police Department from Oregon thanks in part to the Jefferson Working Dog Project.
The cost for a new police dog is usually about $10,000, but the Corbin Police Department is getting Dolly at no cost.
Corbin Police Chief Rusty Hedrick told the Corbin City Commission last month that Patrick had been working to expand the department’s K-9 unit.
Hedrick noted that Patrick wrote a proposal for the Jefferson Working Dog Project out of Medford, Oregon, and the charitable group agreed to make a donation to cover 75 percent of the costs.
Patrick also secured another private donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, that agreed to pay for the remainder of the cost for the dog’s purchase.
“He did a really good job writing this proposal,” Hedrick said of Patrick.
The K-9 will do narcotics detection only.
Hedrick said that the only expense for the city will be things like dog food, veterinarian care, and training.
Legal Notices for 12-13-2023
PUBLIC NOTICE
WHITLEY COUNTY EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Whitley County Local Emergency Planning Committee will hold a meeting on December the 18th at 10:00am. For more information contact Amber Owens, Chairwoman of the Whitley County Local Emergency Planning Committee, PO Box 237, Williamsburg, KY 40769, or contact by telephone at (606) 549-6000. The Whitley County Local Emergency Planning Committee conducts its meetings at Whitley County EM Director’s Office, 100 Briar Creek Park Rd, Suite 1, Williamsburg, KY 40769 starting at 10:00 AM.
PUBLIC NOTICE
WHITLEY COUNTY EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE
Pursuant to Section 324, Title III of the 1986 Federal Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986 (PL 99-499), the following information is provided in compliance with the Community Right-To-Know requirements of the SARA Law, and the open meetings and open records provisions of Kentucky Revised Statutes. Members of the public may contact the Whitley County Emergency Planning Committee by writing Amber Owens, Chairwoman of the Whitley County Emergency Planning Committee, PO Box 237, Williamsburg, KY 40769, or contact by telephone at (606) 549-6071. The Whitley County Emergency Planning Committee conducts meetings at Whitley County EM Director’s Office, 100 Briar Creek Park Rd, Suite 1, Williamsburg, KY 40769 or at other locations, in accordance with the Kentucky Open Meetings Law. Members of the public may request to be notified of regular or special meetings as provided in KRS 61.820 and KRS 61.825. Records of the Planning Committee, including the county emergency response plan, material safety data sheets, and inventory forms, or any follow-up emergency notices as may subsequent be issued, are open for inspection, and members of the public who wish to review these records may do so from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, at the 100 Briar Creek Park Road, Suite 1, Williamsburg, KY 40769, as required by the Kentucky Open Records Law. The local 24-hour telephone number for purposes of emergency notification, as required by SARA, is 911.
CORBIN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STADIUM RENOVATION PHASE 2
CORBIN INDEPENDENT BOARD OF EDUCATION
BG # 23-077
CORBIN, WHITLEY COUNTY, KENTUCKY
The Corbin Independent Board of Education will receive sealed bids for the Corbin High School Football Stadium Renovation Phase 2, BG# 23-077. Bids will be received online in the Lynn Imaging Plan Room. Hand Delivered or mailed paper bids will no longer be accepted. Instructions to submit bids online will be provided via addenda to all registered plan holders. Bids must be received by 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, December 20, 2023. Bidders will be provided with a link and login information to allow their office or representative to log in and join a teleconference where each bid will be read aloud in accordance with the open meeting bidding requirements.
Bidding documents, including drawings and specifications, may be examined at the following locations:
Office of the Architect: Clotfelter/Samokar, 228 East Reynolds Road, Suite One, Lexington, Kentucky 40517, Phone (859) 273-3700.
Office of the Construction Manager: Hacker Brothers, Inc., 116 East 4th Street, London, Kentucky 40741, Phone (606) 877-2029.
Office of the Owner: Corbin Independent Board of Education, 108 Roy Kidd Avenue, Corbin, KY 40701. Phone (606) 528-1303.
Online/electronic (pdf files) of plans and specifications may be obtained by contacting Lynn Imaging, 328 East Vine Street, Lexington, Kentucky, 40507, (800)888-0693. Electronic downloads will be provided to all registered bidders and suppliers at no charge.
Printed Plans and Specifications may be purchased from Lynn Imaging, 328 East Vine Street, Lexington, Kentucky, 40507, (800) 888-0693. The printing cost shall be paid to Lynn Imaging. If documents are to be shipped, a non-refundable shipping charge is required and is to be paid directly to Lynn Imaging.
The Form of Proposal must be requested and obtained from the Construction Manager, Hacker Brothers, Inc., 116 East 4th Street, London, Kentucky 40741, (606) 877-2029, fax (606) 877-2041. It shall be the responsibility of the bidder to determine which Bid Package or Packages the bidder desires to bid. Bidder shall notify C.M. of Package or Packages that he intends to bid.
All bids shall be submitted only on the Form of Proposal prepared by Hacker Brothers, Inc.
Sealed bids will be received for the following Bid Packages:
CORBIN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STADIUM RENOVATION PHASE 2
Bid Packages
0450 – Masonry
1420 – Elevator
2100 – Fire Protection
Each proposal over $ 25,000.00 shall be accompanied by bid security in the amount of five percent (5%) of each proposal submitted. Acceptable bid security shall be fully executed bid bond (AIA A310) or certified check made payable to the Corbin Independent Board of Education.
In the event the Bidder to whom contract is awarded fails to execute a Contract along with satisfactory Performance and Payment Bond he shall be eliminated and shall forfeit his bid security to the Owner as recompense for such failure.
Proposal Forms must be properly completed. Only one (1) copy of each Form of Proposal including all supplemental forms is required. No modification, qualification letters or statements will be considered. Such shall be cause for rejection of bid. No bid shall be modified, withdrawn, or cancelled by the Bidder for a period of sixty (60) days following the time and date designated for receipt of bids and bidder agrees in submitting his bid.
Hacker Brothers, Inc. is the Construction Manager for this Project, acting as agent for the Owner, and acting in the Owner’s behalf in soliciting proposals. The Owner reserves the right, when in their best interest, to accept and or reject any and all proposals and waive any informality in doing so. Each successful bidder will execute a contract directly with the Owner and not with the Construction Manager.
Any questions regarding the bidding of the project should be directed to David Jackson, Hacker Brothers, Inc. Construction Manager, 116 East 4th Street, London, Kentucky, (606) 877-2029, (606) 877-2041 FAX.
Any technical questions should be directed to David Vickers, Clotfelter/Samokar, 228 East Reynolds Road, Suite One, Lexington, Kentucky 40517, Phone (859) 273-3700.