Deeds

 

Master Commissioner Sales 9-27-2023

MASTER COMMISSIONER SALES

In order to comply with the orders of the Whitley Circuit Court, the Master Commissioner will sell the property described in the following action(s) on MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2023 at the hour of 12:00 noon, at the door of the Whitley County Judicial Center, (new courthouse), 100  Main Street, Williamsburg, Kentucky.

For each sale- individually: The said property shall be sold to raise the amounts hereinafter set forth, together with interest and the costs of the action, and upon the (unless otherwise indicated) following terms and conditions.

(A)  At the time of sale the successful bidder shall either pay cash or make a deposit of 10% of the purchase price with the balance on credit for thirty (30) days. In the event the successful bidder desires or elects to credit the balance, he or she will be required to post bond and furnish an acceptable surety thereon. Said bond shall be for the unpaid purchase price and bear interest at the rate the judgment bears, from the date of sale until paid in full, and shall have the force and effect of a judgment. The bond interest rate charged on any unpaid balance is listed for each case shown in Upcoming Sales.

(B)  The purchaser shall be required to assume and pay all taxes or assessments upon the property for the (2023) year and all subsequent years after this sale. All other delinquent taxes or assessments upon the property for prior years shall be paid from the sale proceeds if properly claimed in writing and filed of record by the purchaser within ten (10) days from the date of sale.

(C)  The property shall otherwise be sold free and clear of any right, title, and interest of all parties to the action and of their liens and encumbrances thereon, excepting easements and restrictions of record in the Whitley County Court Clerk’s Office and such right of redemption as may exist in favor of the United States of America or the defendant(s).

(D) If the property does not bring two-thirds of its appraised value, a six (6) month right of redemption will exist pursuant to KRS 426.530 (revised July 15, 2014).

THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES WILL BE SOLD:

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, 34TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, WHITLEY CIRCUIT COURT, DIVISION NO. I, CIVIL ACTION NO. 22-CI-037, Specialized Loan Servicing LLC, Plaintiff, vs. Christopher Lee Cox, et al Defendants. Pursuant to a Judgment and Order of Sale entered by the Whitley Circuit Court on February 7, 2023 and a subsequent Order entered September 6, 2023. The In Rem judgment against the Defendants, plus costs, is as follows: (1) The principal sum in the amount of $41,298.53, plus interest on the principal sum at the rate of 7.5% per annum from April 1, 2021 until paid.; plus the costs and fees of this action; plus attorney’s fees; plus sums advanced in payment of ad valorem taxes, insurance premiums, winterization, or in preservation of the real estate; plus any and all fees, costs, attorney’s fees, and other advance made pursuant to the terms of the Note and Mortgage, and additional amounts permitted. Property Address: 183 Skinner Hollow Rd., Woodbine, KY 40771. Parcel/Map ID#:  155-00-00-034.00

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COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, 34TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, WHITLEY CIRCUIT COURT, DIVISION NO. I, CIVIL ACTION NO. 22-CI-098, Allied First Bank, SB DBA Servbank, Plaintiff, vs. Dawn Stephens, et al, Defendants. Pursuant to a Judgment and Order of Sale entered by the Whitley Circuit Court on September 6, 2023. The judgment against the Defendant, Dawn Stephens, plus costs, is as follows: (1) The principal sum in the amount of $59,713.98 from April 1, 2020; plus interest from 03/01/2020 in the amount of $9,357.33 as of July 21, 2023 accruing thereon at the rate of 4.6250% per annum ($7.57 per diem); plus late charges, and the costs and fees of this action; plus attorney’s fees; plus sums advanced in payment of ad valorem taxes, insurance premiums, all in the grand total amount of no less than $78,474.13 as of July 21, 2023, with post-judgment interest thereon to accrue at the rate of 4.6250% per annum until paid, and other advance made for sums advanced by Plaintiff per judgment. Property Address: 161 Perkins Street, Woodbine, KY 40771. Parcel/Map ID#:  139-40-05-001.00

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COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, 34TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, WHITLEY CIRCUIT COURT, DIVISION NO. I, CIVIL ACTION NO. 22-CI-335, Nationstar Mortgage LLC,  Plaintiff,  vs. Donna Marie Jones, et al, Defendants. Pursuant to a Judgment and Order of Sale entered by the Whitley Circuit Court on July 6, 2023. The In Rem judgment against the Defendants, plus costs, is as follows: The sum in the amount of $70,287.90, plus interest at the rate of 4.00% per annum from January 6, 2023 until paid.; plus the costs and fees of this action; plus attorney’s fees; plus sums advanced in payment of ad valorem taxes, insurance premiums, winterization, or in preservation of the real estate; plus any and all fees, costs, attorney’s fees, and other advance made pursuant to the terms of the Note and Mortgage, and additional amounts permitted. Property Address: 120 Black Diamond Road, Corbin, KY 40701. Parcel/Map ID#:  102-00-00-042.01

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COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, 34TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, WHITLEY CIRCUIT COURT, DIVISION NO. II, CIVIL ACTION NO. 23-CI-183, Nationstar Mortgage LLC,  Plaintiff, vs. David Capps, et al, Defendants. Pursuant to a Judgment and Order of Sale entered by the Whitley Circuit Court on August 24, 2023. The In Rem judgment against the Defendants, plus costs, is as follows: (1) The sum in the amount of $64,701.81, plus interest at the rate of 6.00% per annum from May 23, 2023 until paid.; plus the costs and fees of this action; plus attorney’s fees; plus sums advanced in payment of ad valorem taxes, insurance premiums, winterization, or in preservation of the real estate; plus any and all fees, costs, attorney’s fees, and other advance made pursuant to the terms of the Note and Mortgage, and additional amounts permitted. Property Address: 551 Keswick Road, Williamsburg, KY 40769. Parcel/Map ID#:  168-00-00-043.00

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COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, 34TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, WHITLEY CIRCUIT COURT, DIVISION NO. II, CIVIL ACTION NO. 21-CI-533, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Soley As Owner Trustee For RCF 2 Acquisition Trust,  Plaintiff, vs. Charles R. Fultz, et al, Defendants. Pursuant to a Judgment and Order of Sale entered by the Whitley Circuit Court on August 23, 2023. The in rem judgment against the Defendants, plus costs, is as follows: (1) The principal sum in the amount of $39,481.92 from July 1, 2017; with interest thereon from 06/01/2017 in the amount of $5,522.98 as of July 28, 2023 accruing thereon at the rate of 2.66322% per annum ($2.22 per diem); plus a deferred principal balance oof $2,602.46; as well as late charges, and the costs and fees of this action; plus attorney’s fees; plus sums advanced in payment of ad valorem taxes, insurance premiums, all in the grand total amount of no less than $57,533.65 as of May 12, 2023, with post-judgment interest thereon to accrue at the rate of 2.6322% per annum until paid, and other advance made for sums advanced by Plaintiff per judgment. Property Address: 4412 Highway 1804, Williamsburg, KY 40769. Parcel/Map ID#:  153-10-00-034.00

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Dated this 19th day of September, 2023.

HOWARD O. MANN, MASTER COMMISSIONER

WHITLEY CIRCUIT COURT

P.O. BOX 1344, CORBIN, KY 40702

PHONE: 606-528-0616

 

Legal Notices for 9-27-2023

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID

The Whitley County Fiscal Court is currently seeking bids for the purchase of a 2015 12M3 or comparable road grader.

SPECIFICATIONS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE: WWW.WHITLEYCOUNTYFISCALCOURT.COM, BY CALLING 606-549-6000 or picked up in person in the Judge/Executive’s Office.

Vendors must submit their SEALED proposals to the Whitley County Judge/Executive, at the Whitley County Courthouse, 200 Main Street, Williamsburg, KY 40769 or to P.O. Box 237, Williamsburg, KY 40769 on or before 10 A.M., Monday, October 16, 2023. Proposal envelopes or packages must be clearly marked 12M3 Road Grader BID on the front of the envelopes. Bid packets received after this time will be returned unopened to the vendor. Bids will be opened at this time and read aloud. Bids will be presented to the Whitley County Fiscal Court at the regular meeting of the Fiscal Court Meeting on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 4 p.m.

Conflicts of interest, gratuities, and kickbacks are defined in KRS 45A.445, and as provided for in KRS 45A.445 are absolutely prohibited.

The Whitley County Fiscal Court may make purchase(s) using funds received under the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”). The use of ARPA funds for purchases obligates the bidder or seller to comply with certain terms and conditions, program regulations, without limitation, set forth in 2 C.F.R, Part 200, and other applicable law. Any selected bidder will be required to execute a purchase agreement including, without limitation, a requirement that such bidder will adhere to the requirements attached to ARPA funds.

No bidder may withdraw his/her bid for 90 days after the date the bids are opened. Any bid received after the time specified shall not be considered and will be returned unopened to the bidder.

Whitley County reserves the right to waive any informality, and may reject any and all bids. Whitley County reserves the right to award bids based upon availability, service and in the best interest and safety for the citizens of the county. Whitley County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

PUBLIC NOTICE:

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR THE YEAR 2023

Ordinance # 23-005

Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Williamsburg, Kentucky, the 2023 tax rate for Real Property shall be 32.1 cents per $100 dollar valuation. Personal Property including automobiles shall be 37.45 cents per $100 dollar valuation.

Any City Property taxes unpaid as of January 1, 2024 shall be assessed a penalty of Ten (10) percent, as well as interest at the rate of six (6) percent until paid.

First Reading: September 13, 2023

Second Reading: September 14, 2023

Published:

Roddy Harrison, Mayor

ATTEST: Teresa Black, City Clerk

 

WILLIAMSBURG TOURIST AND CONVENTION COMMISSION

REQUEST FOR BID

Williamsburg Tourist and Convention Commission will accept written bids for repair and/or installation of a new rubber roofing system to the gym area of the Williamsburg Convention Center (650 South 10th Street) until 4pm Friday, October 13, 2023, at the Williamsburg Convention Center located at 650 South 10th Street, Williamsburg, Ky. 40769.  Questions call 606-549-0530

Mail all bids to ATTN: Williamsburg Tourism Commission, P.O. Box 2, Williamsburg, KY 40769.

The Bid shall address the following:

1. The bid will be for the main gym roof.
2. Bid will reflect the cost of all labor and materials.
3. The bidder must provide proof of liability insurance and workers compensation with the submitted bid proposal.
4. Bidders will be required to remove all existing materials and dispose of said materials at a legally permitted landfill.
5. The Commission will pay the successful bidder upon final completion of the job and proof of legal disposal of all debris.

Bid proposals received by the Commission must be valid for 30 days after bid opening.  Work must be completed within 30 days from the date of beginning of work.

The Williamsburg Tourist and Convention Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ORDINANCE NO. 2023-10

AN ORDINANCE FIXING THE TAX RATE ON MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE YEAR 2024

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF CORBIN, KENTUCKY, AS FOLLOWS:

1. That an Ad Valorem Tax of Twenty Four and Twenty Three Hundred Cents (.2423) be and the same is now hereby levied on each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) worth of taxable value of motor vehicles for the year 2024.
2. Each of the levies is hereby made for the following separate and distinct uses, to wit:
3. That .1551 out of every Twenty Four and Twenty Three Hundred Cents (24.23) of the aforesaid tax is hereby levied for the Current Expense Fund.
4. That .0727 out of every Twenty Four and Twenty Three Hundred Cents (24.23) of the aforesaid tax is hereby levied for the benefit of the Police and Firemen Pension Fund.
5. That .0145 out of every Twenty Four and Twenty Three Hundred Cents (24.23) of the aforesaid tax is hereby levied for the benefit of the Library Fund.
6. Each and every aforesaid levy is hereby designated separate and distinct levy and taxes collected thereunder shall be used for no other purpose than the designated and in the event any one or more of said levies is held to be unauthorized by law, it shall in no wise affect the other tax levies as provided in this ordinance.
7. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

First Reading: 09/18/2023

Second Reading: 09/20/2023

Suzie Razmus, Mayor

Attest: Tori Brock, City Clerk

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2023-11

AN ORDINANCE FIXING THE TAX RATE LEVYING A TAX FOR THE YEAR 2023 FOR THE CITY OF CORBIN, KENTUCKY.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF CORBIN, KENTUCKY AS FOLLOWS:

1. That an Ad Valorem Tax of Thirty and One Tenth Cents (30.1) be and the same is now hereby levied on each One Hundred dollars ($100.00) worth of taxable property, real and mixed, of every kind and description. And that an Ad Valorem Tax of Thirty One and Forty Seven Hundred Cents (31.47) be and the same is now hereby levied on each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) worth of personal property, tangible and intangible, and the taxable situs of which was in the City of Corbin, Kentucky for municipal purposes in cities of Home Rule class.
2. Each of the levies is hereby made for the following separate and distinct uses to wit:

REAL PROPERTY

19. That 19.26 cents out of every Thirty and One Tenth Cents (30.1) of the aforesaid tax for city purposes is hereby levied to provide a Current Expense Fund for the City of Corbin to pay the general expenses of the City and the improvements of its property.
20. That 9.03 cents out of every Thirty and One Tenth Cents (30.1) of the aforesaid tax for city purposes is hereby levied for the benefit of the Police and Firemen Pension Fund.
21. That 1.81 cents out of Thirty and One Tenth Cents (30.1) of the aforesaid tax for city purposes is hereby levied for the benefit of the Library Fund.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

20. That 20.14 cents out of every Thirty One and Forty Seven Hundred Cents (31.47) of the aforesaid tax for city purposes is hereby levied to provide a Current Expense Fund for the City of Corbin to pay the general expenses of the City and the improvements of its property.
21. That 9.44 cents out of every Thirty One and Forty Seven Hundred Cents (31.47) of the aforesaid tax for city purposes is hereby levied for the benefit of the Police and Firemen Pension Fund.
22. That 1.89 cents out of every Thirty One and Forty Seven Hundred Cents (31.47) of the aforesaid tax for city purposes is hereby levied for the benefit of the Library Fund.
23. Each and every aforesaid levy is hereby designated a separate and distinct levy and the taxes collected thereunder shall be used for no other purposes than the designated and in the event any one or more of said levies is held to be unauthorized by law, it shall in no wise affect the other tax levies as provided in this ordinance.
24. All ordinances or parts of ordinance in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

First reading: 09/18/23  Yeas 5, Nays 0

Second reading: 09/20/23  Yeas 5, Nays 0, 1 absent

Approved: Suzie Razmus, Mayor

Attest: Tori Brock, City Clerk

 

NOTICE OF BOND RELEASE

Permit # 918-0497

In accordance with KRS 350.093, notice is hereby given that Alden Resources LLC, 332 West Cumberland Gap Parkway, Suite 100, Corbin, KY 40701, has filed for a Phase II & III Bond Release on Increment 2 of permit number 918-0497 which was last issued on 06/08/2021. The application covers an area of approximately 145.56 acres located approximately 0.11 miles southwest of KY 779 junction with KY 26 and located 0.15 miles southwest of the confluence of Browns Creek with Watts Creek and 01.5 miles east of Williamsburg in Whitley County Kentucky. The bond now in effect is:

Increment two (2) is a Surety Bond in the amount of $61,100.00. Approximately 100% of the original bond amount of $172,500.00 is included in this application for release.

Reclamation work performed includes: Backfilling, re-grading, topsoil replacement, and drainage control including soil preparation and initial seeding and mulching in accordance with the approved reclamation plan, completed April 2021.

Written comments, objections, and requests for a public hearing of informal conference must be filed with the Director, Division of Field Services, 300 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, KY 40601, by 11/10/2023.

A public hearing on the application has been scheduled for 11/13/2023 the Department for Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement’s Middlesboro Regional Office, 1804 East Cumberland Avenue, Middlesboro, KY 40965-1229. The hearing will be cancelled if no request for a hearing or informal conference is received by 11/10/2023.

 

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO MINE

Pursuant to Application Number 918‐0511, NW_1

In accordance with KRS 350.055 notice is hereby given that Alden Resources LLC, 332 West Cumberland Gap Parkway, Suite 100, Corbin, Kentucky 40701 has applied for a new permit (NW) for a surface contour, auger/highwall coal mining and reclamation operation. The new permit encompasses 89.58 acres of surface disturbance and 198.18 acres of Auger/HWM (shadow area). The permit is located approximately 2.0 miles east of Williamsburg in Whitley County.

The proposed operation is approximately 3.75 East of KY Hwy 25 junction with KY 92 and located 0.16 miles North of the confluence of Bradford Branch with the Cumberland River.

The proposed operation is located on the Williamsburg, Saxton and Rockholds, KY 7½ minute quadrangle maps. The operation will use a combination of contour, and auger/highwall miner methods of surface mining. The surface and auger/highwall mining area is owned by J. Andrew Croley and, his wife, Tracy Croley.

The application has been filed for public inspection at the Department for Surface Mining and Reclamation and Enforcement’s, Middlesboro Regional Office, 1804 East Cumberland Avenue, Middlesboro, Kentucky 40965‐1229. Written comments, objections or requests for a permit conference must be filed with the Director, Division of Mine Permits, 300 Sower Boulevard, 2nd Floor Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.

 

2023 PROPERTY TAX NOTICE

The 2023 Whitley County Property Tax will be due and payable beginning October 1, 2023. This year you can pay your property tax bill online with a credit card. The link will be on our website WWW.WCSDKY.COM. If you do not receive your bill in the next few days, please contact the Whitley County Sheriff’s Office. When mailing in your payment, please include a copy of the tax bill. If you wish to have a paid receipt returned to you, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The following dates will be the collection dates for Property tax bills:

2023 TAX COLLECTION SCHEDULE

2% Discount If Paid from October 1, 2023 – November 1, 2023

Face Amount if paid from November 2, 2023 – December 31, 2023

5% Penalty if paid from January 1, 2024 – January 31, 2024

21% Penalty if paid from February 1, 2024 – April 15, 2024

All Property tax bills that are not paid will be turned over as delinquent if not paid by April 15, 2024.

Please make checks payable to: Whitley County Sheriff, PO Box 118, Williamsburg, KY 40769

 

Everyone invited to ‘come to the table’ as SOAR Summit takes place in Whitley Co. Oct. 2-4

If you ask Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR) Summit Executive Director Colby Hall, who should attend the upcoming SOAR Summit for Oct. 2-4 in the Corbin and Williamsburg areas, he doesn’t have to hesitate before answering.

“If you’re someone who cares about progress in Eastern Kentucky, then you should try to attend. We have some issues here. There is a declining population base, a population that is sick compared to the rest of the country, and broadband and infrastructure that is not where it needs to be,” Hall answered when asked this question about the SOAR Summit during a recent Corbin Rotary Club meeting.

“There have been some positive developments,” Hall explained. “But Eastern Kentucky is the largest geographical swath of poverty in the country. I would say that we need everyone to come to the table to be a part of the conversation.”

This year’s SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), will feature several high-profile guest speakers, including: Gov. Andy Beshear, Congressman Hal Rogers (R-KY 5th District), Dr. Ryan Quarles, Agriculture Commissioner of Kentucky, Dr. Nora D. Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and JP Blevins (Entrepreneur/Investor) among others.

“We are really excited to be back in Corbin for this year’s Summit,” Hall said. “This event is really to showcase Corbin and the tri-county area. We are on pace to have around 1,500 people attending each day of the Summit, so it will be a great chance to showcase this community.”

“We are going to have some great keynote speakers this year,” Hall continued. “There will be some great breakout sessions too, and the exhibit hall is always a huge hit. It should be a really great couple of days.”

Local officials share their hopes for 2023 SOAR Summit

Many local officials are excited about the prospects surrounding the upcoming 2023 SOAR Summit. Whitley County Judge Executive Pat White, Jr. said, “SOAR is helping to empower people in Eastern Kentucky to create business opportunities and establish professional networks that will hopefully be fruitful for years to come. As the host, it is exciting to get to showcase the growth that we’ve seen in our county in recent years. It is a chance for us to show folks some of the many things that we are proud of here.”

“[SOAR] creates an environment where people can come together to brainstorm on important ideas,” White continued. “This will cross geographical and socio-economic boundaries. It will be for people of all age groups, and all walks of life, who are seeking continued growth in the region.”

When asked to speak specifically about the opportunities being presented to young people at this year’s Summit, White said, “I hope that students understand what an opportunity it is to attend and be able to hear from people who have accomplished, or are accomplishing, some of the things that they themselves are hoping to accomplish one day. It will be a good chance to learn things, build friendships, and to receive some valuable guidance. It is really a great opportunity for young people to see how things get done, and for them to become empowered to do the same.”

Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus, said, “I’m really excited for Corbin to host the 2023 SOAR Summit. This conference is a great opportunity to network and learn about all the amazing things that are happening in our region. The agenda is jam packed, and the exhibit hall is always informative and inspiring. I’m hoping that we’ll have a record breaker in terms of attendance, and I encourage everyone to attend.”

More about SOAR, how to attend Summit

Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. is a regional, non-partisan, non-profit organization that champions local projects, programs, and advocacy for the 54 ARC-mandated counties in Eastern Kentucky. Its primary mandate is to fill the economic gaps left by the decline of the coal industry. Its task is to rally communities to aid in achieving this goal for the good of all.

Those interested in attending the 2023 SOAR Summit can pre-register now at www.soar-ky.org. By using the promo code INVITE applicants can receive a discount on the cost of admission to the upcoming two-day event on Oct. 3-4.

While the 2023 SOAR Summit is being advertised for Oct. 3-4, pre-summit activities will actually get underway on the afternoon of Monday, Oct. 2, with a special workshop inside the Williamsburg Tourism and Convention Center. The workshop, which is being presented by the Kentucky League of Cities, is scheduled to run from 2-5 p.m. and will focus on community and regional disaster preparedness. Afterward, an opening reception will be held at the nearby Mint Gaming Hall – Cumberland.

Both the pre-summit workshop and opening reception are additional ticketed events, costing $25. Seating is limited.

Students will get in for free thanks to a sponsorship by Forcht Group of Kentucky.

“This offer is for any high school or college student,” Hall explained. “The Forcht Group has presented us with a sponsorship to cover the cost of student registrations, so we are hoping to see a large group of them take advantage of the opportunity.”

Any students registering for the 2023 SOAR Summit online at www.soar-ky.org should use the promo code STUDENT.

Hall instructed anyone planning to bring larger groups of students to the Summit to contact him directly at colby.hall@soar-ky.org.

 

Jamie Walker-Buxbaum

Jamie Walker-Buxbaum, age 42, passed away peacefully surrounded by family members on September 19, 2023, in Lexington, Kentucky, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
Jamie was born on August 4, 1981 in Corbin, Kentucky to Ray Edward and Barbara Walker.
Jamie lived in Kentucky until she moved to Saint Petersburg, Florida in 2010. There she resided with her loving husband, Walter Buxbaum and sweet pound puppy, Lucy.
Jamie held an elementary education major from Eastern Kentucky University. She is also an Alpha Delta Phi Alumni. Though Jamie never had children, she devoted most of her life to caring for other children.
Jamie is survived by her husband, Walter Buxbaum of Tampa, Florida; grandmother, Jackie Childress of Williamsburg, Ky; sister, Kyra Gambrel and husband, James of Corbin, Ky; sister, Amy Bronski and husband, Darren of Lexington, Ky; nephews, Alec Gambrel and wife Ashley, Ryan Gambrel, and Kolby Gambrel; nieces, Sophia Bronski, Hadley Bronski and Abby Bronski.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Childress Bunch; father, Ray Edward Walker; and grandfather, Earl Childress.
Jamie will be remembered for her infectious laughter, her bright smile and her love for her family and God. She never met a stranger and was a wonderful friend to many.
The family would like to thank Bluegrass Hospice of Lexington for the tender care they provided Jamie in her final days. We would also like to thank all those who visited her, prayed for her and supported her family during our saddest moments. May Jamie’s life be a reminder for all that knew her to love unconditionally and to live each day in the goodness of God.
There was a private graveside memorial for family Saturday, September 23, at Cumberland Freewill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Bluegrass Hospice Care of Lexington, KY.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com.
Ellison Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

 

Lucille Gregory

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Lucille Gregory, a loving matriarch and pillar of her community.
Lucille was born in Williamsburg, KY, on May 10, 1930, and left us on September 24, 2023.
Throughout her ninety-three years, every moment she lived with a spirit of generosity and love that touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
She was a beacon in the lives of all who loved her, her light radiating warmth and kindness in even the coldest hearts.
Lucille devoted her life to her family, creating a home filled with laughter, love, and countless memories for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Lucille was a proud member of the South Park Baptist Church in Corbin, KY, and her unwavering faith served as an inspiration to those around her. Her life was a testament to the verse from Proverbs 31:28, “Her children rise up and call her blessed.” Lucille’s legacy lives on in her daughter Wanda Miller, her son Ray (Barb) Gregory, and her brother Aaron (Nancy) Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband Luther Gregory, her son Hoot Gregory, her daughter Shirley Barton, and her parents Claude Smith and Lou Smith.
A graveside visitation will be held in Lucille’s honor on Tuesday, September 26, at 2:00pm at the Corinth Cemetery, Corbin, Kentucky, The service will follow at 3:00pm at the same location. The family invites all who knew Lucille to join them in celebrating her life and cherishing the memories they hold of her.
We encourage you to visit Lucille’s memorial page, where you can share your memories of her and upload photos that capture the joyful spirit she brought into our lives. As we remember Lucille, let us honor her by carrying forward the love and generosity she shared so freely throughout her life.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

 

Let’s celebrate those who have completed recovery, and encourage others who need it

September is Recovery Month. We celebrate those who have found recovery from substances like drugs and alcohol, and we give hope to those that are still struggling. While I’m not in recovery, I have at least three close family members who are. From that side of things, I recognize the anger and fatigue involved in dealing with someone who can’t seem to make better decisions. On the other hand, I can’t say no to chocolate or coffee. Or, God forbid, coffee with chocolate.

In that way, I can empathize with the struggle to recognize that my behavior is bad for me but still be unable to give it up. I have also felt the unrelenting pain of knowing that my love wasn’t enough to make someone stop using. I don’t have all the answers. In the end, I have come to a place where I understand substance use is not a one-cause phenomenon and there is no one-person solution.

What is clear is that we have a community problem with substance use and we need community solutions to protect our children, prevent more from succumbing and promote recovery. One way to do that is to celebrate the successes and keep doors open for those who need recovery.

At the National Comprehensive Opioid Stimulant and Substance Use Program Forum this month, I heard several times from people that spoke eloquently about substance use disorder as a chronic health condition. One that requires ongoing support and care. A stark contrast from how we deal with substance use most days when we let ourselves believe that person must just be weak. However, it makes sense to me when they frame it as you don’t give a person with high blood pressure six months’ worth of medication and tell them that’s how long they must get their behavior in order. You don’t refuse to pay for insulin if a patient with diabetes eats a cupcake.

I have seen recovery. I know it exists. I know the miraculous benefits it provides. Those benefits might on its face seem just to apply to the person in recovery. However, a person in recovery is a person who can make amends to the people they have hurt. A person in recovery can get a job that supports them and their families. They can pay taxes. They can raise their children. People in recovery are integral to our community.

The miracle of recovery gives me hope. Hope that I feel obligated to share with those that cannot find theirs. I fundamentally understand that people cannot recover without hope. They cannot recover if we allow them to die. We all have an obligation to do our part to support recovery. Our community cannot thrive without all of us.

 

Corbin Community Backpack Program continues work to eliminate food insecurity

“We are here to help the community, especially the children who are in need of food.” (more…)

 

Most of us have been affected by a suicide tragedy on some level

You would be hard pressed to find anyone, whose hasn’t known someone that died by suicide.

A few years back, I had gone over to the courthouse to speak with an official and bumped into an old friend, who was there to see the same official. We sat around for probably 30 minutes waiting for the official to get done with something so we could speak with him.

We talked about life and my friend talked a lot about his wife and child quite a bit. He seemed perfectly fine.

Finally, the official that we were waiting to speak with had gotten done. What I needed was only going to take about two minutes so I talked with the official first and left leaving my friend to speak with him.

One day later I was sitting in the News Journal office when Trent Knuckles came in the door and informed us that the friend, who I had been speaking to for half an hour the prior day, had killed himself.

I was floored. I was in shock.

“I just spoke to him less than 24 hours ago!” I exclaimed.

To this day, it still bothers me to think about it and probably always will.

A few years later, a friend of mine confided in me that after his wife died, he had emotionally gotten low, really low. He had thought about killing himself.

Before he left that day, I made him look me in the eye and promise that if he ever got that low again that he would call me before he did anything.

He promised me that he would. I’ve lost touch with this friend over the years, but a few years ago he got remarried, and last I heard he was doing well.

Sometimes when someone is planning to kill themselves, they will appear perfectly normal.

Other times there are warning signs, such as giving away prized possessions or quitting things that they are involved with that they enjoy.

I remember one friend posting on Facebook one time that they were quitting some organizations that they were involved in. I got a little concerned, so I sent an e-mail to the friend noting that I had seen this and just asked if he was OK.

As it turned out, he was fine. He was planning to attend graduate school and was just trying to simplify his life before he did so. He thanked me for asking though, and noted that I was the only person, who did.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Most years during the month of September, I try to write a version of this column in hopes that it will help someone.

If you know someone, who is struggling and you are concerned about them, then reach out. Make a phone call, send a text, drop them an e-mail. Just let them know that you are thinking of them.

Let them know that someone cares.

If you are thinking about taking your own life, then I would say please don’t. If for no other reason, than because of the impact it will have on your friends and loved ones.

I guarantee it will have a negative impact on at least one person you care about.

Also, if you are thinking about taking your life, please know this. Sadly, you are not alone. Suicide is the 10^th leading cause of death overall in the United States and is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34. In Kentucky, there is a death by suicide every 11 hours.

If you are thinking about ending your life, please know there are resources available and people you can speak with.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached 24 hours a day by dialing 988. Locally, Cumberland River Behavioral Health answers the 988 line. Callers will be listened to, given local resources, and, if necessary, emergency services will be activated if a caller is at imminent risk of causing life threatening injury to themselves or others.

Locally there are 70-120 calls to the 988 line monthly. Of those calls, less than 10 calls require the intervention of emergency services.

Texting and chatting with 988 is also available for people in a mental health or substance use crisis. Text and chat is not currently provided locally, but will be in the next year. Texters and chatters will be connected with a crisis center in America. Individuals in crisis can additionally text “HOME” to 741741.

Your local community mental health center, Cumberland River Behavioral Health (Comp Care), will see anybody. It can be reached at (606) 549-1440 or (606) 528-7010. Below are some links to resources you can seek if you or someone you care about needs help.

• Zero Suicide in Healthcare and Behavioral Healthcare – www.zerosuicide.org.
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center – www.sprc.org.
• National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention – http://actionallianceforsuicideprevention.org.
• American Association of Suicidology – www.suicidology.org.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – www.afsp.org.
• National Council for Behavioral Health – http://www.thenationalcouncil.org.

 

Friday Night Highlights: Sept. 22, 2023

Three coverage area teams were back in action in week 6. (more…)