Police seize about 1.3 pounds of meth while executing pair of search warrants

A joint investigation by the Corbin and Williamsburg police departments resulted in the seizure of about 1.3 pounds of methamphetamine between drugs found at a local hotel and drugs found in a storage unit Friday, according a Corbin Police Department release.

Corbin School of Innovation teacher gains national attention for quality virtual learning

In a proud moment for the Corbin School of Innovation, Loren Queener, an elementary Montessori teacher, was invited to speak at the prestigious national Quality Matters Connect Conference, which was held in Bloomington, Minnesota, at the Radisson Blu Mall of America.

Queener, who is renowned for her exceptional ability to foster a sense of community among students participating both virtually and in-person, showcased her expertise at the conference’s QM Connect event. The theme, “Milestones, Momentum, and Innovation,” perfectly aligned with her presentation titled “The Missing Link: Creating a Sense of Community in an Online Classroom.”

Drawing inspiration from Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy of “Education for the Whole Child,” Queener emphasized the importance of social literacy and community-building in the development of students. Her speech highlighted innovative strategies employed at Corbin schools to enrich connections with blended and online learners, emphasizing the positive impact on overall growth, motivation, social development, and academic success.

A certified Quality Matters Online Teacher, Queener is actively working towards becoming a Master Course Reviewer. Her dedication to advancing online education standards and her commitment to creating a vibrant learning community make her a source of inspiration for educators nationwide, according to a release.

White Flag Ministry benefitting from more community partners

Each year, First Baptist Church of Corbin spearheads the efforts of the White Flag Ministry, which is dedicated to feeding the hungry and helping those in need find a warm place to go on frigid winter nights. (more…)

Theresa Madeline Wilson

Theresa Madeline Wilson, born on July 29, 1938, in Detroit, MI, was a beacon of humble kindness and unwavering love.
Departed this life on December 8, 2023, being 85 years 4 months and 9 days of age.
Theresa, a lifelong resident of Williamsburg, Kentucky, married to, Noel Wilson, on January 21, 1956, and together, they built a life filled with warmth and affection.
Her love extended beyond her immediate family; she was a beloved figure in her community, known for her gentle spirit and caring nature. She attended Pleasant Hill Church of God.
Theresa is survived by her children, Linda (Dwight) Barnett of Corbin, Kentucky and Tommy (Kathy) Wilson of Williamsburg, Kentucky; her grandchildren, Ryan (Amanda) Wilson of McCreary County Kentucky, Whitney (Jody) Wiseman Williamsburg, Kentucky, and Fallon (Daniel) Taylor Corbin, Kentucky; great-grandchildren, Bentley Taylor, Luke Taylor, Kaley Wilson and Wyatt Wiseman; she also is survived by one sister, Shirley (Evelyn) Allen of Michigan; special friend, Tracey Brooks of Williamsburg, Kentucky and very special dog Sam.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Noel Wilson; and her parents, Joseph and Madeline Chancey; brothers and sisters, Alfred Demeere, Victor Demeere, Mary Jane Shultz, Joann Muscat, Veronica Taravella, Johnny Chancey, Robert Chancey and Alice Chancey.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 13, at 12:00 pm at Croley Funeral Home, 103 South 2nd Street, Williamsburg, Kentucky. The celebration of life will follow at 1:00 pm with Rev. Roger Meadors officiating.
We encourage everyone who knew Theresa to leave memories and upload photos to the memorial page, preserving the essence of her beautiful spirit for future generations to cherish. As we remember Theresa, let us echo her love for life and for each other, ensuring her legacy of warmth, compassion, and humility lives on.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Loren Tyler Pennington

Loren Tyler Pennington, 44 years old, of Midland, Texas, formally of the Bee Creek community in Corbin, Kentucky.
A spirited and talented individual, left us far too soon on November 28, 2023 in Oilfields of Midland, Texas.
Born and raised in a close-knit family in Corbin, Kentucky, Tyler spirited, and innate talent touched the lives of many who knew him.
Tyler is survived by his loving parents, Bill and Yolanda Pennington of Corbin, Kentucky; his cherished daughter, Autumn May Pennington of Yeaddis, Kentucky; and his beloved niece, Kathrynn Tyeler Pennington of Corbin, Kentucky.
Tyler’s life was filled with love and warmth, a testament to the deep bond he shared with his family. His memory will be carried on by those who loved him most and knew the depth of his spirit and talent.
Graduate of Whitley County High School in 1998 playing football and active in the JR High School Rodeo Circuit competing all over the country. Tyler enjoyed farming on his family farm raising cattle and the great outdoors. Tyler was the previous owner of the Showboat in Oneida, Tennessee.
Tyler currently worked for Aris Water Solutions in Midland, Texas as a Field Technician.
Along with his family Tyler is survived by a host of special friends and cousin to mourn his passing.
Tyler was preceded in death by his brother, William Trae Pennington III; his grandparents, William H. Pennington and Janrose Pennington of Corbin, Kentucky and JB May, and Lorene May of West Liberty, Kentucky.
Services will be Saturday, December 16, at Croley Funeral Home at 2:00 PM with Rev. Gerald Mullins and Dr. Max Cox officiating.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 16, after 12:00 PM until funeral hour.
Burial will take place after services at Ryan Cemetery.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Gary Lynn Chapman

Gary Lynn Chapman, age 64, of LaFollette, Tennessee passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at the Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center.
He was born May 3, 1959, in LaFollette, Tennessee.
Gary was a member of the Habersham Baptist Church and taught the teenage Sunday School Class.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, Rev. David Chapman; mother, Dawn (Bean) Chapman; fathers and mother-in law, Jimmy Murray, Buck and Muriel Womble;
He is survived by wife, Wanda (Murray) Chapman; brothers, Michael Chapman and wife Linda, David Chapman and wife Tammy; sister, Regina Pelfrey and husband Don; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family that he loved dearly.
Funeral service was Sunday, December 10, at the Harp Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James “Jimbo” Bolton and Rev. Josh Shoupes officiating.
Burial was Monday, December 11, in the Owens Cemetery
Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

Ellie Jewel (Womble) Tucker

Ellie Jewel (Womble) Tucker, age 83, of Morristown, Tennessee passed away Monday, December 4, 2023, at her home. She was born October 26, 1940, in Habersham, Tennessee.
Ellie was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Tucker; son, James Tucker; brothers, Theodore, Robert, Charles, Winston “Buck”, George, and Dock Womble; sisters, Hazel Wall, Louise Miller, Nellie Carr and Lassie Headley.
She is survived by son, Al Tucker and wife Louise; daughters. Ann Robbins, Barbara Lombardo and husband Nicholas; grandchildren, James Tucker and wife Jennifer, Amanda Seeber, Beth Tucker, Richard Tucker, Preston Tucker and wife Angela, Naudia Tucker, Jared Robbins and wife Kristyn, Zoe Lombardo, Zapphira Lombardo and Zerlyne Lombardo; twelve, great-grandchildren; sister, Willie Conley; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn her passing.
The funeral was Friday, December 08, 2023, at the Harp Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James “Jimbo” Bolton officiating.
Burial followed in the Owens Cemetery.
Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

Whitley, Knox Farm Bureaus recognized

Whitley County Farm Bureau and Knox County Farm Bureau were recognized during the 104th Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) annual meeting in Louisville for their outstanding membership and program achievement in 2023.

The awards honor county Farm Bureau offices that meet the company’s profitability requirements and whose insurance policy growth meets or exceeds its annual growth goal.

Whitley County Farm Bureau President Brian Prewitt, and Knox County Farm Bureau President Cloyce Hinkle were acknowledged as award recipients by Mark Haney, President of Kentucky Farm Bureau, John Sparrow, Executive Vice President and CEO of KFB Insurance, and Drew Graham, Executive Vice President of the KFB Federation, during the organization’s awards program on Dec. 1.

Cumberlands donates food, hygiene items to local pantries

Local families will have plenty of food and essential hygiene items available during the holidays, regardless of their situation; the food pantries are stocked and ready.

University of the Cumberlands’ annual food drive raised 10,712 pounds of food, all of which have been delivered to First Baptist Church of Williamsburg Food Pantry, Williamsburg Family Resource Center, First Baptist Church Backpack Program, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Food Pantry, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Food Pantry, Shiner Church of Christ Food Pantry, and Emergency Christian Ministry Homeless Shelter.

The university’s annual food drive is focused on donating food for local families, with the addition of hygiene items in the past couple years. All items the university requests are based on the food pantries’ highest need.

This year, Save-A-Lot donated approximately 2,000 pounds of food to the cause.

“As a hometown grocer, we take pride in supporting communities throughout the region,” said Brooks Napier, vice president of distribution at Save-A-Lot. “We’re thankful for the opportunity to partner with University of the Cumberlands on such an important program. We’re not just shipping cases, we’re delivering someone’s meal.”

“We’re grateful for the partnership with Save-A-Lot,” said Jamirae Holbrook, vice president for student affairs at Cumberlands, who oversaw the food drive. “We often use monetary donations for the food drive and spend it at our local Save-A-Lot, so it was natural to reach out to corporate and discuss this opportunity to serve our community.”

The university had a theme for each day of the week-long food drive, but, of course, all nonperishable food donations were accepted any day. The requested items were based on feedback from the food pantries about their specific needs. Members of the Cumberlands family – as well as members of the local community – donated nonperishable foods like fruit pouches and easy-to-open, easy-to-microwave meals; protein and beans; pasta and sauces; and canned fruits and vegetables. Hygiene and laundry items were donated as well.

Weekly from the first day of fall classes, Cumberlands student volunteers serve each of the seven programs that the food drive supplies. Students care for these programs and their customers by stocking shelves, filling family food bags, inventorying items, filling backpacks, and carrying food to cars for families and elderly neighbors. From the food drive to their weekly service projects, this is a full-circle learning experience for students.

Grace on the Hill Church welcomes new senior pastor

Pastor Gordon McClure has been on the scene at Grace on the Hill Community Church in Corbin for the past three weeks, and in that amount of time he has been impressed with what he’s seen. (more…)