Great Pages Circus takes over Whitley County Fairgrounds

Photos by TIMOTHY WYATT

The Great Pages Circus took over the Whitley County Fairgrounds Monday and Tuesday for four shows across the two days, where they wowed attendees with a variety of acts. Of the many performances was juggling and acrobatic acts. There were also horses and camels that made appearances in the show and were available for children to ride during intermission.

Colonel Players present fall production at KTA competition in Harlan County

This past Saturday, the Whitley County Colonel Players drama team performed their fall production, Back Cover, at the Kentucky Theatre Association’s (KTA) East Regional competition in Harlan County. (more…)

Local club organizers using National 4-H Week to promote happenings in Whitley Co.

Cameron Wilson, 4-H Grand Champion winner in photography at the KY State Fair

As you may have already noticed by looking elsewhere in this week’s edition, this is National Newspaper Week. As it turns out, it is also National 4-H Week. (more…)

News Journal is showing growth

It is National Newspaper Week. Yes, this one belongs to us. Please read the column to my left written by Dean Ridings. It is excellent and it explains the value of newspapers.

I am a veteran newspaper person. I’ve been told that I started at the age of four so I’ve been at it for 80 years.

It was during World War II and my dad found work helping to build Oak Ridge, Tn. That was in 1943. Living quarters were scarce and my family found an abandoned restaurant across from Magnet Mills in Clinton, Tn. and we made it our home.

The shifts would change each day at 3 p.m. for the Mill workers. My mother would buy a stack of Clinton Couriers and she would sit with me in front of our quarters while I would bark out, “Buy your Clinton Courier” as the workers walked by.

How could they resist buying a newspaper from a four year old blonde headed boy who was trying to help out his family by selling newspapers? We sold out every week and those few dollars helped.

Actually, I have been a part of the newspaper world for just over 50 years. I started out in radio. For the last 36 years I have been the publisher of this newspaper.

It has been a long and rewarding road. In 1987 Terry Forcht hired me as publisher of the Whitley Republican in Williamsburg with the idea that we would start a sister paper in Corbin called Corbin! This Week.

We merged the two editions in 1992 and changed the name of the newspaper to the News Journal. We have gone from being the smallest newspaper in circulation in the tri-county area to being the largest and then becoming a weekly newspaper with the largest circulation in the state.

Over the last decade newspapers fell victim to the Internet and circulation started to drop. Several newspapers had to shut their doors.

Here at the News Journal we felt the effect also. But this year I am happy to report that our paid circulation has started to climb up again. We’ve added many news subscribers. Thank you to our old and new subscribers alike for your support.

Larry Keith Johnson

Larry Keith Johnson, born May 9, 1947, in Corbin, Kentucky, left us on October 3, 2023. A true son of Corbin, Larry lived a life defined by adventure and love for the outdoors. He was as steadfast as the Kentucky mountains he adored, and his adventurous spirit was as free-flowing as the Cumberland River.
Larry was a retired man of many talents, but what he cherished most was his keen ability to raise and train dogs. His companionship with his dogs was an embodiment of the words of Anatole France, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Larry’s soul was fully awakened, and the bond he shared with his four-legged friends was genuinely remarkable, illuminating his compassionate and adventurous nature.
Larry is survived by his nephews, Arliss, Glenn, and Chris Johnson; his nieces, Rachel Jenkins and Christina Holland; and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Whitney, Lyndsie, and Kamille Johnson, Garrett, Ryan, Christopher Jr., and Bradley Johnson, and Korey Johnson and Camden Johnson. He also leaves behind his cousins, Janice (Bob) Stewart, Patti Petredis, Fred Johnson, and Charles Johnson.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Zella Johnson; his brothers, Glenn and Kenneth Johnson; and his sisters, Mary and Jennetta Johnson.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 8, at 12:00 p.m. at the Croley Funeral Home, located at 103 South 2nd Street, Williamsburg, Kentucky. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the same location.
Burial will take place at the Locust Grove Cemetery in Keavy, Kentucky.
Larry’s adventurous spirit will be remembered by all who knew him. As Helen Keller once said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all,” Larry lived his life to this exact sentiment. We invite you to share your memories and photos of Larry on his memorial page. His life was an adventure, and we encourage you to help us celebrate it in his memory.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Amber Leigh Wynn

Amber Leigh Wynn, 41, of Corbin, Kentucky, loving daughter, mother, sister, and partner, departed this life on October 2, 2023.
Born in Corbin, KY on April 26, 1982, to Colleen Meadows and the late Ike Jackson, Amber was a beacon of light in the community, radiating love and warmth to all who knew her.
William Wordsworth once said, “Life is divided into three terms – that which was, which is, and which will be. Let us learn from the past to profit by the present, and from the present, to live better in the future.” Amber embodied this sentiment, cherishing every moment and thoughtfully nurturing her relationships with those around her.
Amber is survived by her mother, Colleen Meadows of Williamsburg, KY; her children, Taylor Wynn and Austyn Wynn both of Corbin, KY; granddaughter, Raylynn; sister, Dr. Mariah Arnett and brother-in-law, Austin Arnett of Williamsburg, KY; brother, Daniel Meadows of Maryville, TN; and her life partner, Shawn Senters of Corbin, KY; half-brothers, Christian Cox and Samson Cox; and loving family pet Abby; she also leaves behind several nieces and nephew and a host of other family and friends to mourn her passing.
Each of these individuals experienced the depth of Amber’s love and kindness, her unwavering support, and her joyous spirit. Amber was preceded in death by her father, Christopher Cox; stepfather, Ike Jackson; and grandparents, Anna Gay and Norman Cox. Through every interaction, Amber’s loving nature left an indelible mark, and she will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.
Visitation was Wednesday, October 4, at Croley Funeral Home. The funeral service was Thursday, October 5, at Croley Funeral Home with Rev. Curt Vanover officiating.
As Emily Dickinson once wrote, “Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.” While we mourn the loss of Amber, we celebrate her life and the love she shared with us, which will continue to live on.
We encourage those who knew Amber to share their memories and upload photos to her memorial page. Each story and picture helps paint a fuller picture of Amber’s beautiful life and keeps her spirit alive in our hearts.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Leroy Staley

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Leroy Staley on October 2, 2023, a loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather.
Born on March 1, 1947, in Whitley City, KY, Leroy was a pillar of strength and loyalty to his family, friends, and community. His humble beginnings in Whitley City shaped the values he held close to his heart and carried with him throughout his life. He served the Ford Motor Company for over 30 years and after retiring, he returned to his beloved hometown of Williamsburg, Kentucky, where he spent an enriching 22 years.
Leroy was a man of strong faith, living his life in the Holiness tradition. As the Bible teaches us in Psalm 37:3, “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” True to this verse, Leroy trusted in the Lord and did good, dwelling in the land he loved, and enjoying the safe pasture of his home, his garden, and the farm where he spent much of his time. His love for the outdoors and his passion for gardening were a testament to his dedicated and loving nature.
Leroy was the cherished husband of Linda Staley and the proud father of David (Michelle) Staley and Matthew (Michele) Staley. He was an adored grandfather to Lee Twarowski, Logan Staley, James Staley, and Megan Staley. Leroy also leaves behind his sisters, Geneva Taylor and Carol (Tom) Gerros, and his brother, R. C. Staley. Several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends to mourn his passing. He is predeceased by his parents, Pal and Dovie Staley, and his brothers, Calvin, James, Wilbern, Edward, Hoyet, Richard, Cecil, Arvel, Thurman, and Earnest Staley, and his sister Clonia Hale.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 6, at 6:00 pm at the Croley Funeral Home, 103 South 2nd Street, Williamsburg, Kentucky.
The funeral service will take place the following day, Saturday, October 7, at 11:00 am at the same location with Rev. Ronald Canada officiating. Interment will follow at 1:00 pm at the Canadatown Cemetery, Jim Walker Road, Williamsburg.
We invite those who knew and loved Leroy to share their memories and photos on his memorial page. Your contributions will serve as a comfort to the family and a tribute to a man who touched the lives of many with his dedication, love, and loyalty.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Wendle Wayne Douglas

Wendle Wayne Douglas, age 81, of Chipley, Florida, formerly of Jellico, Tennessee, and Middletown, Ohio, passed away Monday, October 2, 2023, at the Hospice at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, Kentucky.
He was born on December 20, 1941, to the late Richard Gaylor Douglas and Clara (Ross) Douglas in Jellico. His paternal grandparents were the late Richard Daniel Douglas and Sarah Elizabeth (Gaylor) Douglas. His maternal grandparents were the late Alvin Ross and Virginia (Taylor) Ross.
He graduated from Trenton High School in Trenton, OH. He was a journeyman pipe fitter. He worked at Armco Steel for many years. He was a devout member of the Church of God.
In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, John Birch.
Richard is survived by two daughters, Tamara Ann Wilson, and husband, Randy, of Camden, OH, Pamela Birch, and husband, John, of Vevay, Indiana, and one son, Shane Wilson, of Middletown, OH; seven grandchildren, R. J. Wilson, and wife, Emma, Katelyn Lockaby, and husband, Jake, Kaleb Birch, and wife, Anna, Luke Birch, Molly Birch, Nicholos Wilson, and Chase Wilson; brother, Olan Douglas, and wife, Pam; sister, Carnelia Rutherford, and husband, Ron; longtime sweetheart and former wife of over 25 years, Barbara Douglas, of Vevay, IN; several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends, neighbors, and other relatives to mourn his passing.
Graveside services will be held on Friday afternoon, October 6, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at the Douglas Cemetery located in the Crouches Creek Community of Jellico with the Rev. D. J. Osborn officiating. Interment will immediately follow.
Cox & Son Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of all arrangements.

Inaugural Oktoberfest event to be held Saturday in downtown Williamsburg

For those who love good food, libations and music, Williamsburg has a treat for you this weekend.

Williamsburg’s inaugural Oktoberfest event is set to take place Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Green Space on Main at the corner of Third Street and Main Street.

Those looking for something to eat and drink will have a number of options. Food will be available from The Brick Oven and Paul Douglas BBQ, with beverages available from the Bourbon Barn, The Butcher’s Pub and Shale Oak Wine Tasting. Anyone expecting to purchase alcohol must be 21 or older, though other beverages will also be available.

Several regional artists will be highlighted at the event, with Justin Taylor and the Lonely Ridge Band slated to kick off the evening’s musical numbers followed by Savanna Dean Reeves. Williamsburg’s own Paint Creek will headline the night.

Sound check will begin at 4 p.m., with music set to begin at 5 p.m.

There will be several retail vendors on hand as well, with Hot Pink Boutique, Bella Dreams Boutique, Peach Patch Crochet and Macramé and Permanent Jewelry to all be on hand.

The portion of Third Street connecting Main Street and Cumberland Avenue will be closed prior to the event and be inaccessible until the event is over.

Oktoberfest, for all intents and purposes, is essentially the city’s continuation of the now-defunct River Fog Festival, which was held for the final time last year. The previous festival had been held for three years and hosted by the Why Whitley group, but was funded by grants that have since been exhausted.

Gov. Beshear, Congressman Rogers announce more than $26 Million for Economic revitalization in nine counties, including Whitley and McCreary

Today at the SOAR Summit, Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05), who was represented by his district director, Carlos Cameron, presented more than $26.6 million in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program funds to support economic development projects in nine counties. (more…)