John Stanley Jones Jr.

John Stanley Jones Jr. (Coach Jones), age 76, of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, October 20, 2023, at Baptist health Corbin.
John was born to John and Bertha Jones on August 29, 1947.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Kathy Jones.
Coach Jones is survived by his children, Kristi Kennedy, Nancy Storms, Keith Jones and Sue Howard; and by a granddaughter, Calleigh Jones.
Coach spent his life helping children with his work with special education and coaching. Not only was he a teacher and a coach he spent 25 years in the Army reserves.
He was a hard-working loving father and friend to many. He touched countless lives and will be deeply missed.
Visitation for Coach Jones will be held at Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home on Saturday, October 28, from 1 until 3 p.m. Funeral service will be at 3 p.m. with Rev, Benny Bush officiating.
Burial will follow at Cumberland Memorial Gardens in Lily, Kentucky.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest that ,emorial contributions be made to: The Corbin High School Varsity Club, P.O. Box 1026, Corbin, Kentucky 40701
Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Opportunities abound in the local area

You may be familiar with the News Journal’s quarterly publication, Strictly Business Magazine, which we publish in conjunction with the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. It has been released four times a year for several years now, and exists to highlight interesting and exciting developments related to businesses in our local area. (more…)

Let’s get social: Tri-County Cineplex making the switch to ‘Cinema Social’ in November

Since before the Covid-19 pandemic brought the world to a near standstill, Tri-County Cineplex owners Greg and Suzie Razmus had visions of turning their south Corbin theater into a full-on, one-stop shop for family fun and entertainment. Now, after that massive setback three years ago, the pair are almost ready to unveil Cinema Social to the world. (more…)

Southeast Kentucky Empty Stocking Fund sign-ups start Nov. 10

Sign-up dates for the Southeast Kentucky Empty Stocking Fund are scheduled for early next month.

The sign-ups will be held on Friday, Nov. 10, and Tuesday, Nov. 14, in the old district court room lobby in the old Corbin City Hall next to the Corbin Police Department and Corbin Fire Department.

Sign-ups will go from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day.

At least one parent must come in bringing identification for themself and their children being signed up. Participants must also show proof of income or lack thereof.  Parents should also bring children’s ages, shoe sizes and coat sizes.

The program is for children of parents, who need the group’s help at Christmas time.

Families are notified of their eligibility and assigned a family number.

The program is available to families in Corbin and the tri-county area, including communities surrounding Corbin, such as, North Corbin, Keavy, Lily, Gray, Lynn Camp, Woodbine, Rockholds, Oak Grove and Tattersall.

The program started in 1988 as a non-profit community project of the Rotary Club of Corbin.

This year will mark 36 consecutive years of service to nearly 20,000 children. The first-year the fundraiser provided a Christmas present for approximately 80 children. The program increased substantially until 2007 when more than 800 children from 300 families signed up.

This year’s budget is $38,500 that will include nearly $6,000 for bicycles.

Donations may be mailed to:

Southeast Kentucky Empty Stocking Fund

P.O. Box 1747

Corbin, KY 40702

The Empty Stocking Fund is a 501c3 non-profit. Donations are tax deductible.

Frye joins Forcht Broadcasting Radio & Digital as a new General Manager

Forcht Broadcasting Radio & Digital is excited to name a new General Manager for their radio stations in London, which include: WWEL SAM 103.9 FM, WANV Kool Gold 96.7 FM, and WFTG 1400 AM/106.9 FM The Wolf.

Meredith Frye started as the stations’ General Manager on Oct. 6. She has years of management and leadership experience and has worked in the London and Corbin areas prior to joining Forcht Broadcasting Radio & Digital London. Frye joins the current London stations’ team of radio veterans, Dave Begley and Terry Harris.

Frye spent years working in management and sales for local, regional businesses and a chain retail store. Her professional background in working with local businesses will help her connect with the London area business community. She is also a professional photographer.

“We look forward to Meredith joining our Forcht Broadcasting Radio & Digital leadership team,” said Forcht Broadcasting Radio & Digital President/CEO Mike Tarter. “Her career experiences and her ability to professionally relate to and communicate with the public and local businesses makes her a great addition to an already outstanding group of radio broadcasters. We are excited for Meredith to begin her career with us.”

Frye will oversee the day-to-day operations of SAM 103.9, Kool Gold 96.7, and WFTG The Wolf. She will also represent the radio stations at community events and meetings.

“I am excited to begin my career with Forcht Broadcasting Radio & Digital London. I am also excited to meet with the London community and our radio station listeners. We have a strong future in London, and I am proud to be a part of it,” Frye said.

Frye and the London radio stations can be reached at (606) 864-2148.

Forcht Broadcasting Radio & Digital is the largest radio group in Kentucky and is a Kentucky-based small market radio and digital marketing group, serving nine communities in three states with 26 radio stations.

Friday Night Highlights: Oct. 20, 2023

Regular season district play wrapped up Friday, with two coverage area teams picking up wins… (more…)

River Stomp Bluegrass Festival brings good time to W’Burg

Photos by TIMOTHY WYATT

The Whitley County Fairgrounds was alive with music last Friday and Saturday as the River Stomp Bluegrass Festival  brought crowds out for the annual event. Of the many musicians taking the stage over the course of the two-day event was the Whiskey Bent Valley Boys (ABOVE), Alongside the music, there was a variety of food vendors and games. Several people also brought their canine friends along to partake in the festivities. 

Corbin fixing outdoor warning siren, making part of 23rd Street one-way

The Corbin City Commission has agreed to accept a $15,837.05 estimate to repair its early warning system.

Corbin teachers ask city to save outdoor classroom

Many people in Corbin are excited about a $250,000 outdoor fitness court that the city is planning to build next year at a park, which sits at the corner of Seventh Street and Poplar Street next to the Corbin Elementary School.

Corbin Elementary Color Run…

The Corbin Elementary School PTO held a color run Friday morning outside the school.

Students raised over $6,000 in pledge donations and Baptist Health Corbin donated over $1,500.

After running, students danced to the music of DJ Sammie and enjoyed refreshments courtesy of Creech and Gibbs Pharmacy.

Dazzling Balloons provided decorations and the Corbin High School JROTC helped with safety, guidance and chaperoning.