Relda Otella Armstrong
Relda Otella Armstrong, born on March 2, 1942, was a beacon of humble kindness and unconditional love.
She was a person whose spirit and joy were infectious, and those who knew her were touched by her thoughtful nature. Relda’s life was a testament to the fact that one can leave a profound impact without seeking the spotlight.
She dedicated her life to the service and happiness of her family, which to her was the greatest accomplishment of all. Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This quote encapsulates the essence of Relda’s spirit and the lasting legacy she leaves behind.
Relda was a resident of Corbin, Kentucky, but had also lived in Pensacola, Florida. She was an accomplished homemaker, turning every house into a home with her impeccable touch. She had a flair for arranging flowers, drawing, painting, and traveling, always finding beauty in every corner of the world. Relda had the unique ability to make people feel at home, regardless of where they were. She was a woman of many talents, but her greatest gift was her ability to love and care for those around her. She cared for her mother for over seven years in her home after her stroke.
Relda is survived by her loving husband of over 63 years, William “Bill” Armstrong of Corbin, KY; son, Scott Armstrong of Pensacola, FL; granddaughter, Angel Armstrong of Pensacola, FL; brother, Johnny Anderson of Muncy, IN; sister, Amanda Anderson of Florida; brother-in-law, Mike Armstrong of Parker City, IN; sister-in-law, Janet Lutes of Kansas City, MO; niece, Dawn O’friel of Indianapolis, IN; nephew, Joseph O’friel of Indianapolis, IN; and great-nieces Hannah and Violet O’friel both of Indianapolis, MO.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Les and Loma (Jump) Anderson; son, Mark Armstrong; and brother, Leonard Anderson.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Robert J. Sweet
Robert J. Sweet, also known as Bob, was born on July 12, 1941, in London, Kentucky.
A man of great adventure and ambition, he passed away peacefully on November 8, 2023 at the Baptist Health in Corbin, KY.
Robert spent his entire life in the town he loved, Williamsburg, where he was a devoted member of the Pleasant Hill Church of God and an avid supporter of the University of Kentucky athletics.
Robert had a fulfilling career as a conductor at CSX Transportation, where he was admired for his ambitious spirit and dedication until his retirement. His adventurous nature was also reflected in his love for hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors.
Gardening was another of Robert’s passions that he honed over the years, creating a beautiful sanctuary that was a testament to his patience and care. As Thoreau once said, “All good things are wild and free,” and such was the spirit of Robert.
Robert’s loving family remembers him as a pillar of strength and kindness. He is survived by his wife, Mary Sweet, sons Alan Sweet (Marsha Moses) and Tim Sweet, daughter-in-law Jenny, and step-daughters Tiffany Smiddy (Kevin) and Trina White. He was a doting grandfather to Allyson O’Kuma (Saxon), Trevor Sweet fiance’ Grace Clark, Savanna Howell (Chris), and Presley and Meredith Smiddy. He also had the joy of being a great-grandfather to Stella Roe O’Kuma. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Sr. and Lorella (Wingfield) Sweet, his first wife Aline Sweet, siblings Roy Sweet, Mickey Sweet, Joy Sweet, and Jean Foster, daughter-in-law Robin (Hensley) Sweet and step granddaughter Madisyn Davis.
Funeral service was Saturday, November 11, at the Croley Funeral Home in Williamsburg, Kentucky.
Interment followed at Highland Cemetery in Williamsburg.
We encourage all who knew and loved Robert to share their memories and upload photos of him to the memorial page. His adventurous spirit and ambitious nature have left an indelible mark on our hearts and he will be greatly missed.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
James Royce Bacon
James Royce Bacon, age 77, of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at his home.
Born in Munfordville, Kentucky, Jim was a son of the late James T. Bacon and Jessie Waddell Bacon.
He grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and graduated from Shawnee High School, and then enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served on the USS Witek DD-848 during the Vietnam era. He later retired from CSX Railroad, where he worked as a machinist.
He was an outstanding softball player in his youth, and later became an avid golfer.
He organized an annual golf trip for his friends and co-workers that has endured for more than 30 years.
Aside from sports, Jim enjoyed spending time and volunteering at the Tri-County Elks Lodge #2826 in Corbin, where he was an active member until the time of his passing.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a daughter, Suzanne Lynn Morrison, and two brothers, Kevin W. Bacon and Wendell R. Bacon.
Jim is survived by Bonnie Marshall Bacon, his wife of 57 years; two children, Denise Leigh Hoover (Tony) and James Royce Bacon, Jr.; five grandchildren, Anthony Dayne Hoover, Billy Gage Hoover, Michael Ross Reno, Taylor Leigh Morrison, and John Earl Morrison, III; two great-grandchildren, Logan Michael James Morrison and Averie Lynn Reno; a sister, Belva J. Howard (Lynn); a brother, Charles E. Bacon; a sister-in-law, Patty Bacon; and by several nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Visitation will be from 2-5pm on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, where his funeral service will be held at 5pm with the Rev. Bobby Joe Eaton officiating.
Along with his daughter, Jim will be laid to rest on Wednesday, November 22 in Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville.
Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #88 of Corbin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s honor to Tri-County Elks Lodge #2826. To donate online, please select the “Tribute Fund” icon, and be assured that the family will be given a list of donors. Jim’s had a passion for supporting local veterans and Kids with Cancer, a Kentucky Elks project that sends pediatric cancer patients to camp. Donations will benefit these groups.
Vankirk-Grissell Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Corbin woman named SCC Health Sciences Division’s Student of the Month
Somerset Community College (SCC) Pharmacy Technology Program student Nicole Anderson of Corbin has been named the recipient of the SCC Health Sciences Division’s Student of the Month Award for September. She is now a candidate for the Division’s Student of the Year Award, which will be announced in May 2024.
Anderson is presently employed by Sav-Rite Pharmacy in Corbin and plans to continue to work there after completing the program.
The Pharmacy Technology Program prepares students for a career as a pharmacy technician. Students learn about medications and their effects on the body, pharmacy compounding, packaging and labeling, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy law, and mixing IV medications using the sterile aseptic technique. SCC offers both the entry-level certificate and the advanced pharmacy technician diploma.
Program Director Lorrenda Merritt recommended Anderson for the award.
“Nicole is an asset to our program. She is a role model for other students and shows great leadership ability. She is already a valuable member of the pharmacy community and I am looking forward to watching her grow in her career,” Merritt said.
Anderson said that obtaining the credential has been a “good investment” and that she has been impressed by her instructors.
“Ms. Merritt explains everything very well and is very helpful with answering questions. She is very thorough,” Anderson said.
Anderson will complete her credential in December 2023 and plans to further her education by obtaining an associate degree in May 2024.
Here for the community: Corbin Senior Citizen Center offering food, fun and friendship
Courtesy Photo
Many in the local community are likely aware that the Corbin Senior Citizen Center operates near the meeting point of Knox, Whitley and Laurel counties, but how much do you know about the many opportunities currently being offered there? (more…)
University of the Cumberlands kicks off annual food drive Monday (Nov. 13)
University of the Cumberlands cares about many things, and providing food for local families is one of them. With rising costs across every type of basic need, families face tough choices and impossible decisions. Food insecurity is ever-growing. Local food programs for families, children, and people without homes are desperately in need of more supplies, particularly with holidays approaching.
Cumberlands’ annual food drive runs from Nov. 13 – 20. In other words, a week’s worth of excitement, generosity, and literally tons of food is just around the corner!
The annual food drive supplies 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.
All members of the Williamsburg community and UC faculty, staff, students, alumni, and corporate partners, who want to provide a family with much-needed food, may donate non-perishable food items or monetary gifts to the cause.
Monetary gifts are often the most impactful to the food drive because they allow UC to fill specific unmet needs that may be more expensive than other items. Additionally, it allows the school to purchase items in bulk through local grocery distributors – which is often cheaper per food item, thus providing even more food for local families.
For those who prefer to donate food, each day of the food drive will be themed to encourage gifts of the food banks’ most desired food items. These items are based on feedback from local food pantries about their specific needs. But the theme of the day is merely a guide; all food items will be received anytime, regardless of the food-group-focused schedule.
- Monday – Kids’ food items, such as fruit pouches, Chef Boyardee meals, easy-to-microwave meals, easy-to-open meals, etc.
- Tuesday – Protein and beans. Beans can be dry or canned.
- Wednesday – Hygiene and laundry items.
- Thursday – All things pasta! Noodles and pasta sauces are welcome.
- Friday – Canned fruits and vegetables.
All food donations can be dropped off in the Office of Student Affairs at Cumberlands, which is located in the top level (Grill level) of the Boswell Campus Center, across the street from the O. Wayne Rollins Center (gymnasium).
Monetary donations can be mailed to The Office of Student Affairs, 6197 College Station Drive, Williamsburg, Kentucky, 40769 or sent to https://www.ucumberlands.edu/student-life/community-service/annual-food-drive.
Weekly, from the first day of fall classes, UC student volunteers serve each of the seven programs our 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.
The past two annual UC food drives collected nearly 60,000 pounds of food in total for local families.
Unemployment rates drop in Whitley, Bell, McCreary counties
Unemployment rates decreased in Whitley, Bell and McCreary counties and stayed the same in Knox and Laurel counties between August 2023 and September 2023, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.
Whitley County
Whitley County’s unemployment rate decreased from 5.1 percent in August 2023 to 4.7 percent in September 2023. Whitley County’s September 2023 unemployment rate was 0.6 percent higher than the September 2022 unemployment rate.
Laurel County
Laurel County’s unemployment remained at 4.6 percent between August 2023 and September 2023. Laurel County’s September 2023 unemployment rate was 0.6 percent higher than the September 2022 unemployment rate.
Knox County
Knox County’s unemployment rate remained at 6.0 between August 2023 and September 2023. Knox County’s September 2023 unemployment rate was 1.0 percent higher than the September 2022 unemployment rate.
Bell County
Bell County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.1 percent in August 2023 to 5.9 percent in September 2023. Bell County’s September 2023 unemployment rate was 1.3 percent higher than the September 2022 unemployment rate.
McCreary County
McCreary County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.1 percent in August 2023 to 5.9 percent in September 2023. McCreary County’s September 2023 unemployment rate was 1.0 percent higher than the September 2022 unemployment rate.
Statewide unemployment
Kentucky’s unemployment rate decreased from 4.3 percent in August 2023 to 4.1 percent in September 2023. Kentucky’s September 2023 unemployment rate was 0.6 percent higher than the September 2022 rate.
Unemployment rates rose in 119 counties between September 2022 and September 2023, and fell in Hancock County, according to the KYSTATS.
Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 3.2 percent. It was followed by Carroll County, 3.3 percent; Fayette, Marion, Nelson, Oldham, Scott and Shelby counties, 3.4 percent each; and Anderson, Boone, Cumberland, Spencer and Washington counties, 3.5 percent each.
Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 9 percent. It was followed by Martin County, 8.9 percent; Elliott County, 7.5 percent; Leslie and Owsley counties, 7.4 percent each; Breathitt County, 7.3 percent; Carter and Harlan counties, 6.9 percent; Letcher County, 6.7 percent; and Clay and Lewis counties, 6.6 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 4.1 percent for September 2023, and 3.6 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 14,150 people with 13,479 employed and 671 unemployed. Statewide, Kentucky has a civilian labor force of 2,029,253 people with 1,945,202 employed and 84,051 unemployed.
Learn more about Kentucky labor market information at https://kystats.ky.gov/KYLMI.
Whitley Area Retired Teachers Association working to secure benefits, give back to the community
WPD Chief Jason Caddell spoke at a recent WARTA meeting
The Whitley County Area Retired Teachers Association (WARTA) is a group who meets regularly to make sure their pensions and health insurance benefits remain secure. That is their main objective, but it is far from their only concern. (more…)
James “Porky” Edward McCulley, III
James “Porky” Edward McCulley, III. age 58, of the Wooldridge community passed away Saturday, November 4, 2023, at his home.
He was born August 17, 1965, in Jellico, Tennessee.
James was preceded in death by, his unborn daughter; father, James Edward McCulley, II.; mother, Shirley (Douglas) McCulley; and sister, Kimberly Cupp.
He is survived by wife, Donna (Taylor) McCulley; sons, James Edward McCulley, IV., and Marky Hurst; daughter, Amanda Creekmore; granddaughter, Madyson Hurst; brother, Tony McCulley and wife Sheri; sisters-in-law, Tammy Taylor, and Rhonda Taylor; nieces and nephew, Tabitha Thomas and husband Mark, Stacy McCulley, Kayla Smith and husband Briston, and Joseph McCulley; and a host of great-nieces, nephews, friends and family to mourn his passing.
Funeral service was Tuesday, November 7, at the Harp Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Bargo, Rev. Mike Douglas and Brian Smith officiating.
Burial was Wednesday, November 8, in the Douglas Cemetery Wooldridge community.
Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.
Kermit Dale Sergent
With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Kermit Dale Sergent, known to all as Dale, who left us on November 7th, 2023, at the age of 70.
Born in Rockholds, KY on June 20, 1953, Dale was a man of many talents and a heart filled with love for his family and friends. To paraphrase Shakespeare, Dale was a man “whose life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up and say to the world, ‘This was a man!’”
Dale was a successful self-employed entrepreneur, the proud owner and operator of Sergents Pay Lake and Grocery in Woodbine, Kentucky. He was known for his dedication to his work and his community, always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a Master Mason and member of Hugh Harris Lodge and Grey Lodge. Apart from his business pursuits, Dale had a passion for martial arts, playing music, and most importantly, spending quality time with his family and friends. His hobbies were a reflection of his lively spirit and his love for life. He was a man who truly understood the value of time and the importance of cherishing every moment.
Dale is survived by his sons, Shon (Angel) Sergent and Dr. (Amanda) Sergent; his companion, Terry Hudson; his grandchildren, Jon, Jocelyn, Mariela, Solomon, and Joel Sergent; and his sister, Parcilla (Lance) Douglas.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Kermit and Ruby Sergent, and his siblings, Delmar Sergent, Flora Nantz, Pearly Nantz, and Evelin Cooper.
As stated by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “It is not the length of life, but the depth of life,” and Dale’s depth of life was indeed profound. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 15, at 1:00 pm, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 pm at the Croley Funeral Home, 103 South 2nd Street, Williamsburg, Kentucky.
Internment will be at the Sergent Family Cemetery in Rockholds, Kentucky at 4:00 pm.
We invite you to share your memories of Dale, upload photos, and offer your condolences at the memorial page. Let us remember Dale not with sadness, but with gratitude for the love and joy he brought into our lives.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.