William “Bill” Silcox

William “Bill” Silcox, age 87, of Jellico, TN went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge, TN.
Bill was born on Jellico Creek in McCreary County, Kentucky on January 27, 1936, to the late Green Berry Silcox and Minnie Meadows Silcox.
Bill loved his family and his friends. Bill was a truck driver and spent most of his time on the road providing for his family. When he was home, he cherished this time with his loved ones.
Bill is also preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Singleton Silcox; son, William Matthew Silcox; siblings, Coy Silcox, Andrew Silcox, Earl Silcox, Walter Silcox, Raymond Silcox, Alice Silcox Hicks Thomas, and Flossie Silcox Beers
Bill is survived by his beloved daughter, Barbara Lynn Silcox Lawson; grandchildren, Edward Scott Lawson, Taylor Lee (Trent), James Matthew Silcox, Elijah Douglas Silcox, and Samuel Ross Silcox (Billie); great-grandchildren, Titan, Oaklyn, Avyah, Malloree and Charlie; brother, James “JB” Silcox (Mary Ann); sisters, Alma Posey and Mary Ann Akbar; brothers-in-law, Dave Singleton, Willie Singleton (Melody), and Joe Singleton (Phyllis); sisters-in-law, Lottie Skeleton (Edgar), Brenda Lawson (Bobby), Shirley Ayers (Roger), and Thelma Perry; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to mourn his passing.
Funeral service was Saturday, October 14, at the Llewellyn Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Scott Landes officiating. Music was provided by Peachie Dople and Mary Dugger.
Interment was Sunday, October 15, in the Douglas Cemetery Wooldridge, TN.
The Llewellyn Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

 

Carl McNealy Jr

Carl McNealy Jr., age 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 9, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on October 11, 1942, in Jellico, TN to the late Hattie Evans McNealy and Carl McNealy.
Carl was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Carl was a dedicated family man who cherished spending time with his loved ones. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Barbara Thompson McNealy, as well as his three children, Diane McClary and husband Allen McClary, Jerry McNealy and wife Linda McNealy, and Christie McNealy. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren, Matthew, Jacob, Lindsey, Allison, Gage, and Logan, who brought immense joy to his life. He was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren, Myli, Cali, Bentley, Easton, Ava, Merci, Ellie, and Evie.
Carl’s genuine desire to spread the message of God’s love and grace led him to touch countless lives. When led by the Spirit, Carl would share his testimonies in how God had worked in his life. He didn’t simply talk about his faith; he lived it. His actions aligned with his beliefs, and his kindness and compassion were a testament to his steadfast devotion.
Carl will be remembered by all who met him for his kind heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for his family and his friends. He loved his church family and served as deacon for many years at Black Oak Church of God.
Funeral service was held on October 13, at Llewellyn Funeral Home Chapel in Jellico, with Rev. Marlow Napier and Rev. Steve Perry officiating.
The funeral procession to Douglas Cemetery followed on October 14th.
Carl McNealy’s memory will forever be cherished by his family and friends. May he rest in eternal peace.
The Llewellyn Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

 

Williamsburg Kiwanis Club donates to community backpack feeding program

The Williamsburg Kiwanis Club recently donated $1,200 to the Corbin Community Backpack Feeding Program. The funds will go towards the purchase of food needed to feed the nearly 1,000 students that participate from the Knox, Whitley, and Corbin school systems. Pictured is David Perry, a member of the Williamsburg Kiwanis Club, presenting the $1,200 check to a member of the Corbin Community Backpack Feeding Program Board of Directors.

 

Back to Bourbon Street: Paul Jones prepares to make another trip to New Orleans for 101st birthday

On September 15, 2023, the Corbin Redhounds football team celebrated its 100th year of existence with an evening full of festivities at the newly remodeled Campbell Field/Denes Stadium. Prior to kickoff of that night’s historic game between the Hounds and the visiting Frederick Douglass Broncos, Paul Jones was escorted to the 50-yard-line to serve as an honorary captain for the ceremonial coin toss. This was fitting for a number of reasons, chief among them being the fact that, of the estimated 7,500 fans that were in attendance, he was the only one to actually be on the earth when the football Hounds first took the field back in 1923. (more…)

 

UC launches $200 million campaign for student scholarships

The University of the Cumberlands recently embarked on the most ambitious project in the school’s history, which is a campaign to raise $200 million to support new student scholarships.

The Cumberlands Commitment Endowed Scholarship Campaign seeks to ensure that the university’s on-campus undergraduate students are able to graduate from college with little to no debt.

“This is the single most significant and transformational project ever undertaken by this university,” said Dr. Larry L. Cockrum, university President. “This campaign will have a lasting impact on the lives of our students, allowing them to focus on their studies, knowing that financial constraints will not hinder their progress.”

The Cumberlands Commitment Endowed Scholarship Campaign seeks to raise $100 million from donors to increase scholarship opportunities. The university is matching every donation received, dollar for dollar, bringing the total amount of investment in new student scholarships to $200 million.

“The group of students this will help the most are those who come from hardworking families that make too much money to qualify for federal Pell Grants, but who also cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs of a college education without going into significant debt,” said Cockrum.

The university will begin disbursing available scholarship funds to students for the fall 2024 semester. To date, over $175 million has been raised or pledged for the Cumberlands Commitment Scholarship fund. In September, the University announced a $25 million donation from the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation, the single largest gift in the university’s history.

“Remarkable dedication from our development team has powered the silent phase of this fundraising campaign,” said Cockrum. “I want to thank our entire development team, including Dr. Leslie Ryser, Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and Mr. Bill Stohlmann, Vice President for Development, for their unwavering commitment to providing our students with affordable access to a quality education.”

This new scholarship program follows several initiatives launched in recent years to make a quality education at Cumberlands affordable for students.

In 2019, Cockrum lowered tuition for on-campus undergraduate students by 57 percent. In 2020, those same students received free textbooks.

Earlier this year, the university announced the One Price Promise, which provides free textbooks to all students while eliminating all other costs and establishing a straightforward tuition price. Learn more at https://ucumberlandsgiving.com/.

 

Knox Co. getting over $40,000 to resurface two Corbin area roads

Knox County is getting over $40,000 in discretionary road funding to resurface two roads near Corbin.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced a new round of discretionary road funds Thursday, totaling more than $2.1 million, to 15 local governments.

“Our local roads are what our families drive on every day to get to work, school, church and more – so it’s important to keep them in good repair so our families stay safe,” Beshear said in a release.

Knox County is getting $36,750 to resurface 0.50 miles of Park Hills Road, and $8,400 to resurface 0.2 miles of Hawe Road, which are both in the greater Corbin area, but aren’t located inside the Corbin city limits.

Park Hills Road is off Carter Street and Hawe Street is off Master Street.

Knox County is also getting $101,850 to resurface 1.250 miles of Creek Mart Road and $57,750 to resurface 0.76 miles of Hampton Cemetery Road.

Also, Laurel County received $175,000 to resurface 2.231 miles of Buffalo Road, and $125,000 to resurface 1.127 miles of Buffalo Branch Road.

“The condition of these roads has greatly deteriorated in the last few years, and they are in great need of repair,” Laurel County Judge-Executive David Westerfield said in the application. “The Postal Service is complaining about condition of the roads, as well as the Laurel and Jackson counties schools.”

The discretionary funding is administered through the Department of Rural and Municipal Aid at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).

 

Unemployment rates decrease in Knox, Laurel and Whitley counties

Unemployment rates decreased in Whitley, Laurel, Knox, Bell and McCreary counties between July 2023 and August 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 5.6 percent in July 2023 to 5.1 percent in August 2023. Whitley County’s August 2023 unemployment rate was 0.5 percent higher than the August 2022 unemployment rate.

Laurel County

Laurel County’s unemployment decreased from 5.1 percent in July 2023 to 4.7 in August 2023. Laurel County’s August 2023 unemployment rate was 0.2 percent higher than the August 2022 unemployment rate.

Knox County

Knox County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.6 percent in July 2023 to 6.1 percent in August 2023. Knox County’s August 2023 unemployment rate was 0.4 percent higher than the August 2022 unemployment rate.

Bell County

Bell County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.5 percent in July 2023 to 6.1 percent in August 2023. Bell County’s August 2023 unemployment rate was 0.9 percent higher than the August 2022 unemployment rate.

McCreary County

McCreary County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.8 percent in July 2023 to 6.2 percent in August 2023. McCreary County’s August 2023 unemployment rate was 1.0 percent higher than the August 2022 unemployment rate.

Statewide unemployment

Kentucky’s unemployment rate decreased from 4.6 percent in July 2023 to 4.3 percent in August 2023. Kentucky’s August 2023 unemployment rate was 0.4 percent higher than the August 2022 rate.

Unemployment rates rose in 105 counties between August 2022 and August 2023, fell in eight, and stayed the same in seven counties, according to the KYSTATS.

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 3.3 percent. It was followed by Marion, Shelby and Washington counties, 3.4 percent each; Anderson, Carroll, Cumberland and Nelson counties, 3.5 percent each; and Boone, Caldwell, Fayette, Henry, Oldham, Scott and Spencer counties, 3.6 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 9.8 percent. It was followed by Martin County, 9.4 percent; Carter County, 8.2 percent’ Leslie County, 7.9 percent; Elliott County, 7.8 percent; Breathitt County, 7.6 percent; Owsley County, 7.5 percent; Harlan County, 7.4 percent; Lewis County, 7.1 percent; and Knott County, 6.9 percent.

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 4.3 percent for August 2023, and 3.9 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 14,076 people with 13,359 employed and 717 unemployed. Statewide, Kentucky has a civilian labor force of 2,034,242 people with 1,947,659 employed and 86,583 unemployed.

Learn more about Kentucky labor market information at https://kystats.ky.gov/KYLMI.

 

One killed, several others injured during Thursday night crash in W’Burg

 

Plenty of options for spooky excitement in the coming weeks

We are now into what I like to call “full blown spooky season,” meaning the calendar is getting jam-packed with Halloween activities. There really are too many events to count in the local area, but here are a few that I am aware of that should help you to get into the spirit… (more…)

 

Neglected property is just as big of a problem as litter

I was wrong and I’m glad of it. Back in May I wrote that most of us living today would never witness a settlement between Corbin and London on the annexation of the property along Interstate 75, adjacent to Exit 29.

Surprise! Last week the London City Council dropped its attempt to annex properties in southern Laurel County near Exit 29.

I really like what the two mayors of Corbin and London had to say about the decision.

London Mayor Randall Weddle said,”This is a great thing. It’s finally London and Corbin partnering after years and years… we’re getting rid of the high school rivalry (mentality) and the two cities are becoming one.”

Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus said she was “really happy” with the decision.”It’s such a lost opportunity to have wasted time, legal fees and hard feelings… but we can really prosper the region together.”

This is such great news. The potential for growth that will benefit both cities is now a possibility!

• As I left our office last Tuesday evening, I was amazed at the number of vehicles parked along Main Street and in the parking lots on Depot Street. Then it hit me. These are visitors to our town for the SOAR Summit at the Corbin Arena having dinner at the local restaurants. Corbin Mayor Razmus told me there were over 1,300 attending the event.

She and others worked hard to bring the Summit back to Corbin again this year. Think of the benefits, not only for those attending the event, but also for the town. It is huge.

But when we have visitors to our town it bothers me that there are property owners along Main Street that have let their property become an eyesore. I can look out my office window and see buildings that need a power washing and/or a coat of paint.

I write often about our litter problem, but the number of buildings that are in need of demolition and/or renovation probably outweigh the litter problem. However, it is much more difficult to deal with property owners than to pick up litter. In some ways the law is on the side off the property owner, or the legal entanglements are such that little can be done about the situations.

I noticed some complaints, accompanied by photos, voiced this week on the social media about neglected property. Some time back I had a discussion with a code enforcement member, and he told me how difficult it was to remove these eyesores.

I live in a Homeowners Association location that has rules and regulations. It is worth paying a fee to see that property upkeep is required, but even with the rules sometimes an owner may get out of line.

In our case it is difficult, but much easier to deal with than what the city has to deal with.  It is easy to say, “make them do it,” but getting eyesores removed is very difficult, sometimes almost impossible.

However, for those who own buildings on Main Street or other high traffic areas that are in disrepair, there is no excuse for letting the property become an eyesore.

It is inspiring to see the improvements that have been made by several business owners on Main Street. They are in the ‘WOW’ factor. If only the few others would follow their lead. If only!