Deeds

Traffic stop of bicycle leads to drug possession charge for operator

A traffic stop involving a bicycle led to drug possession charges for a Williamsburg man Saturday evening.

Farmer’s Market Pavilion dedicated Friday in Corbin

About 50 people turned out on a gloomy and rainy Friday afternoon to celebrate the ribbon cutting and dedication of the Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission’s Hometown Bank Farmers Market Pavilion, and put it to good use in order to get out of the rain.

“Fortunately, we have a beautiful pavilion that provides us with all kinds of cover. First and foremost, I would like to say thank you all so much for joining us for this very, very special day and this wonderful occasion,” noted Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission Executive Director Maggy Monhollen at the start of the event.

“The celebration today is for a legacy brick and mortar project that will continue to provide opportunity for the people of Southeastern Kentucky and Appalachia as a region. The structure will allow the farmer’s market to have a permanent home that will serve as an incubator for future entrepreneurs, makers and farmers resulting in economic development and stimulation.”

She added that the pavilion will also be used for a variety of quality of life events, which will result not only in economic stimulation, but also positive memories and a sense of community.

Monhollen noted that the farmer’s market pavilion has been quite a while in the making.

“In 2019, the Hometown Bank Farmer’s Market Pavilion started as a dream, a seed, a discussion. The Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission owned one final piece of property piece of property in downtown Corbin and wanted to make sure that property was used for something that would further the development of the destination that Corbin is. With support and approval from the board, the Hometown Bank Farmer’s Market Pavilion project became a reality,” she said.

The total project was nearly $750,000, which came from a variety of sources.

The United States Department of Agriculture provided a $100,000 Rural Economic Development Grant, and the Kentucky Agriculture Development Board provided a $100,000 grant through the Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund.

The Corbin Tourism Commission contributed $300,000 for the project from its general fund, the Whitley County Extension Office contributed $1,500, and Hometown Bank of Corbin contributed $250,000 in corporate sponsorship towards the project.

“You never really know how much something is needed until it starts raining and you are downtown and you have cover. This is a perfect opportunity and a perfect spot for us to do this,” Hometown Bank President and CEO Tim Barnes joked during the event.

Barnes noted that Monhollen started speaking with him about a possible partnership while the bank was in the midst of celebrating its 20-year anniversary in 2020.

Then the pandemic struck.

The bank took the money that it planned to use for the anniversary celebration and instead invested it in the farmer’s market pavilion.

“Thank you for allowing us to be part of this,” he added.

Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus noted that Monhollen is owed a debt of gratitude for her perseverance and hard work.

“Truly, I don’t know anyone, who has a work ethic like Maggy. When she sets her mind to doing something, she gets it done. I am so proud and I am so grateful that she is our tourism director here in the City of Corbin and the downtown manager. We are very, very blessed Maggy to have you and really look forward to fabulous things that you will continue to do for our community. Thank you Maggy Monhollen,” Razmus noted.

The Whitley County Farmer’s Market Board of Directors came up with the original design for the project.

“The commission felt it was very important for the farmers to be involved so that we could create something that they could use and that would be most productive for them,” Monhollen said.

Deco Architects out of Monticello drafted the full design for the project. HWZ Enterprises was the general contractor. DK Media designed and installed all of the signage.

“It is with great honor and pleasure that we say congratulations to all of our partners with a true sense of gratefulness and appreciation,” Monhollen added.

Hicks and Cima, two great ones who will be missed

Coach Billy Hicks, who passed away this week at age 71, led the Corbin Redhounds to the mountain top. It had been 39 years since a Redhound team had made it to the state tournament, but Hicks broke the losing spell in 1991 when Corbin beat Bell County winning the 13th Regional championship.

Don Estep is publisher of the News Journal.

Prior to that win I had been a frustrated play-by-play broadcaster for Redhound basketball for 25 years thinking Corbin would never make it to the Sweet Sixteen again.

As a sophomore on the “B’ team at Corbin High I knew I would never make the traveling squad so I teamed up with the coaches’ son, Phil Taylor, and became a manager for the team. That was my ticket to all the ball games.

Ever since I started watching Jerry Bird, Frank Selvy, Bobby Terrell, Roy Kidd, Bobby Cathers, C.D. Vermillion and all the greats who won the 13th Region several times in the early 50’s,  I had dreamed of going to the state tournament.

It was 1957, my senior year, and my dream was about to come true as Corbin faced Clay County in the championship game of the 13th Region played at Bell County High School.

My heart was pounding and I was jumping with joy as the Redhounds were five points ahead with less then 30 seconds to go and were taking the ball out at the far end of the court.

The pass in bounds was intercepted and scored by the Tigers. That cut the lead to three. Almost immediately the same thing happened and the lead was down to one. Coach Harry Taylor called a time out.

He told the players to set a screen for Calvin Bird, who averaged 32 points per game that year, and throw it in to him. For the third time in a row the pass was intercepted and Clay County scored and led by one.

With only a few seconds left on the clock Winton Boone drove the length of the court for a lay up that rolled around the rim three times before falling off. The horn sounded and Corbin had lost. That was the most painful ball game loss I have ever experienced.

Then in 1964 Corbin had the best team in the region. Curly and Marvin Selvy were the stars on the team. In the finals of the 50th District Corbin beat Knox Central by 25 points. They drew Knox Central in the first game of the region and lost. Another great opportunity gone.

But Coach Billy Hicks did what no other person had done in 39 years by winning the regional championship for Corbin.

Coach Hicks was a good friend. He helped me do my job. Like so many others, I will miss him. Thanks, Coach, you were the best!

I also want to pass my condolences to the family of Mario Cima. Mario passed away last week. Nobody has ever made me feel as good about my broadcasting games as he did. He would talk about the times he laid in bed listening to his transistor radio while I broadcast the games. Mario was super sweet. He made you feel good about yourself.

Thanks Mario, we are going to miss you. R.I.P.

Legal Notices for 12-6-2023

NOTICE:

The Outgoing Sheriff 2022 Whitley County Sheriff Tax Account Audit Report has been released. A copy of the complete audit report is on file and available for public inspection during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. If any citizen wishes to obtain a complete copy including financial statement information for their personal use, copies will be made available upon request. Copies will be charged at the rate of 25 cents per page. Copies of the financial statement prepared in accordance with KRS 424.220 are available to the public at no cost from The Whitley County Sheriff’s Department.

NOTICE:

Notice is hereby given by order of the Whitley District Court, that the following appointments have been made:

Russell Blakley, 1200 Maple Hill Drive, Somerset, KY 42503 was appointed executor on 11/7/2023 for the estate of Shelby J. Blakley (deceased), 554 Forego Trail, Corbin, KY 40701.  James Ridings, 120 North Main Street, London, KY 40741.

Samuel Reeves, 84 Lindenberg Drive, Williamsburg, KY 40769 was appointed executor on 11/7/23 for the estate of Glenn Willard Reeves, Sr. (deceased), 84 Lindenberg Drive, Williamsburg, KY 40769.  The attorney for the executor is BJ Foley, P.O. Box 447, Williamsburg, KY 40769.

Jewell Stephens, 378 Old Jellico Creek Road, Williamsburg, KY 40769 was appointed administratrix on 11/7/2023 for the estate of Vernon Stephens (deceased), 378 Old Jellico Creek Road, Williamsburg, KY 40769.  The attorney for the administratrix is Don Moses, 113 Main Street, Williamsburg, KY 40769.

Jeff Carter, 1971 Highway 26, Corbin, KY 40701 was appointed executor on 11/14/2023 for the estate of Mae Vanderpool (deceased), 596 old Corbin Road, Corbin, KY 40701.  The attorney for the executor is Shane Romines, P.O. Box 1580, Corbin, KY 40702.

Emma Watson, 86 Caleb Lane, #66, Corbin, KY 40701 was appointed administratrix on 11/14/2023 for the estate of Ralph O. Jones (deceased), 1600 New Zion Church Road, Williamsburg, KY 40769.

James David Higginbotham, 476 Highway 1481, Williamsburg, KY 40769 was appointed executor on 11/28/2023 for the estate of Ralph James Higginbotham (deceased), 559 3C Loop Road, Williamsburg, KY 40769.

Given under my hand this 30th day of November, 2023.

Gary W. Barton, Clerk

District & Circuit Courts

Whitley County/Williamsburg, KY 40769

NOTICE:

Bonnie Sutton has filed the final settlement for the estate of Roy P. Sutton (deceased).  The settlement hearing will be held 1/9/2024 @ 11 am.

Exceptions, if any, must be filed prior to January 1st, 2024.

The hearing will be held at Whitley District Court, 100 Main Street, Williamsburg, KY 40769.

Given under my hand this 30th day of November, 2023.

Gary W. Barton

Whitley Circuit/District Courts

Williamsburg, KY 40769

NOTICE:

Notice is hereby given by order of the Whitley District Court, that the following appointments have been made:

David S. Hoskins, 1865 Bacon Ave, Corbin, KY 40701 was appointed as executrix on 11/20/2023 for the estate of Anne K. Hoskins (deceased), 96 Parsons Street, Corbin, KY 40701.

Lisa Smith Cleary, 180 Keeneland Trail, Corbin, KY 40701 & Cawood Gregory Smith, 238 Lakewood Drive, Nicholasville, KY 40356 was appointed as co-executors on 11/20/2023 for the estate of Helen H. Smith (deceased), 180 Keeneland Trail, Corbin, KY 40701.

Given under my hand this 30th day of November, 2023.

Gary W. Barton, Clerk

District & Circuit Courts

Whitley County/Williamsburg, KY 40769

NOTICE:

Wanda Jean Sciarrino has filed the final settlement for the estate of Thelma Dean Smith (deceased). The settlement hearing date will be set for 1/08/2024 at 9:00 am.

Exceptions, if any, must be filed prior to January 1st, 2024.

The hearing will be held at Whitley District Court, 100 Main Street, Williamsburg, KY 40769.

Given under my hand this 30th day of November, 2023.

Gary W. Barton

Whitley Circuit/District Courts

Williamsburg, KY 40769

NOTICE:

Mohita Inc dba Gordon Hill Market hereby declares its intention(s) to apply for a NQ Retail Malt Beverage Package license no later than December 1, 2023. The licensed premises will be located at 1470 Gordon Hill Pike, Corbin, Kentucky 40701. The sole owner and president is Pallaviben Patel, 85 Shannon Square, Corbin, Kentucky 40701. Any person, association, corporation, or body politic may protest the granting of the license(s) by writing the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 500 Mero St 2NE33, Frankfort, Kentucky, 40601, within thirty (30) days of the date of legal publication.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO MINE

Pursuant to Application Number 918-0514

In accordance with KRS 350.055, notice is hereby given that Torchlight Energy Inc, 1658 Torchlight Road, Louisa KY 41230 has applied for a permit for a surface coal mining and reclamation operation located 2.50 miles north-west of Louden in Whitley County.  The proposed operation will add 31.50 acres of surface disturbance and will underlie an additional 89.00 acres making a total area of 120.50 acres within the permit boundary.

The proposed operation is approximately 2.0 miles North from KY 92’s junction with Maple Creek Road and located 0.10 miles northeast of Maple Creek.

The proposed operation is located on the Rockholds U.S.G.S. 7 ½-minute quadrangle map. The surface and underground area to be disturbed is owned by Thomas & Clara Hartung.  The operation will use the Highwall/Auger miner methods of surface mining.

This is the final advertisement of this application; all comments, objections, or requests for a permit conference must be received within thirty (30) days of today’s date. The application has been filed for public inspection at the Division of Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Middlesboro Regional Office, 1804 E. Cumberland Ave, Middlesboro, KY 40965.  Written comments, objections, or requests for a permit conference must be filed with the Director, Division of Permits, 300 Sower Blvd., Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.

University of the Cumberlands women’s soccer wins NAIA National Championship

The University of the Cumberlands women’s soccer team made history Tuesday afternoon by securing the program’s first-ever NAIA National Championship Title. (more…)

Local realtor helps foster children

Each year the Department of Community-Based Services (DCBS) collects gingerbread houses so foster families have an activity to bring a sense of tradition to their new family.

Revelation Realty’s Michelle Fairhurst wanted to make a difference for youth and supplied over 50 foster youth with gingerbread houses to enlighten their holiday in hopes of strengthening the bond in their new home environment.

Fairhurst recently presented the supplies to the Whitley County DCBS Office.

She has been active in DCBS sponsored events, which is something very near to her heart.

Baptist Health Corbin hosting Cancer Support Group Christmas Party Dec. 7

Christmas comes but once a year, and when it does, we gather near with friends we hold dear, to celebrate with holiday cheer.

At 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 7, Baptist Health Corbin will be hosting a Cancer Support Group Christmas party at the hospital.

There will be an ornament exchange during the party, so bring an ornament valued between $5 and $10.

The event will take place in the second floor hospital board room.

WWE returning to The Corbin Arena on Feb. 4

Local wrestling fans can rejoice as the WWE’s “Road to WrestleMania” will be coming through Corbin early next year.

The event is set for Feb. 4, starting at 5 p.m. at The Corbin Arena. Tickets start at $20.

Numerous WWE stars will be on-hand including: The America Nightmare Cody Rhodes, Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Iyo Sky, La Knight, Rhea Ripley, The Ring General Gunther & Imperium, Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits, The New Day and many more.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 8, starting at 10 a.m. The presale starts on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. The password for the presale is CHAMPION.

Tickets will be available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com or at The Corbin Arena Box Office.

For more information, contact The Corbin Arena Box Office at (606) 258-2020.

WWE was last at The Corbin Arena on Jan. 15, 2023, for its WWE Sunday Stunner show.

The Corbin Arena also recently announced that country rapper Ryan Upchurch will be returning for another show in 2024 with his “Tune-In Tour ’24” show, which will take place on March 16.

Tickets are available at The Corbin Arena Box Office or online at www.upchurchmerch.com.

Upchurch had a pair of successful shows on back-to-back nights at The Corbin Arena in January 2022. He also performed a show on March 13, 2021, which had such a high ticket demand that it prompted a second show on April 10, 2021.

Paul Bruce Cox

Paul Bruce Cox, 80, of Meadow Creek, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Walker’s Trail Senior Living in Danville.
Paul Bruce was born on August 17, 1943 in Whitley County, and was the son of Elmer Grove and Lois Marcella Terrell Cox, both of whom preceded him in death.
He was retired from Teco Coal Company and had also worked as an independent contractor driving a coal truck.
Survivors include three cousins, Robin Cobb Tudor (John), Sandy Cobb Snell (David), and E. Terrell Cobb (Sallie); and his longtime friends, Douglas Angel and Harold Brown.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 7, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
Burial will follow in the Miller Family Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Thursday at the church.
Pallbearers will be, Douglas Angel, C.J. Clark, John Tudor, Terrell Cobb, David Snell, Harold Brown, Brent Angel, Chris Angel, Randy Johnson, and Jakie Hubs.
Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Condolences can be expressed online at www.orpfh.com.