Local guidance counselors named to state advisory council

Fatemia Fuson with the Whitley County School District and Suzanne Gibbs with the Corbin Independent School District have been named as new members of the 2023-2024 School Counselor Advisory Council (SCAC), along with 25 of their colleagues, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) announced on July 24.

Established to provide the commissioner of education direct input, the council connects Kentucky school counselors with KDE staff to discuss educational priorities that meet the needs of all children and ensure a transition-ready workforce.

“Members of the School Counselor Advisory Council offer incredibly valuable insight to us at KDE from the field about topics that will lead to the improvement of Kentucky public schools and the opportunity afforded to our students,” said Commissioner of Education and Chief Learner Jason E. Glass.

The 27 new members join 17 returning members.

The School Counselor Advisory Council is comprised of approximately four dozen practicing school counselor leaders who serve in Kentucky public schools and contribute crucial, diverse perspectives on education. The SCAC members have counseling expertise in various grade bands that represent Kentucky’s student population.

School counselors are selected and appointed to the SCAC for three-year terms.

The first meeting of the 2023-2024 school year will take place virtually in September.

 

In high demand: Magistrate Raleigh Meadors on the growth taking place in Whitley County’s District 4

In Whitley County’s District 4, Magistrate Raleigh Meadors says that it’s been all about growth and expansion in recent years. (more…)

 

2023 Whitley County Fair winners

FOOD AND FOOD PRESERVATION

Plate of 5 Muffins

1^st Place – Cameron Wilson/Carson Wilson

1 JAR TOMATOES-WHOLE, QUARTERED OR CRUSHED

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

2^nd Place – Jim Moss

1 JAR TOMATO JUICE

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

2^nd Place – Emily Meadors

1 JAR GREEN BEANS

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

2^nd Place – Emily Meadors

3^rd Place – Natasha Wilson

1 JAR CORN

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

1 JAR SAUERKRAUT

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

1 JAR DILL CUCUMBER PICKLES

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

2^nd Place – Jim Moss

3^rd Place – Natasha Wilson

1 JAR OF PICKLED BEETS

1^st Place – Natasha Wilson

1 JAR OF PICKLE RELISH

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

1 JAR GRAPE JELLY

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

2^nd Place – Natasha Wilson

3^rd Place – Emily Meadors

1 JAR BLACKBERRY JAM

1^st Place – Jim Moss

2^nd Place – Alice Fae Weiland

1 JAR APPLE BUTTER

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

1 JAR MISCELLANEOUS – JELLY, JAM, PRESERVES

1^st Place – Audrey Stewart

2^nd Place – Alice Fae Weiland

1 JAR MISCELLANEOUS – FRUITS, VEGETABLES

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

2^nd Place – Emily Meadors

3^rd Place – Jim Moss

1 JAR MISCELLANEOUS – PICKLES, RELISHES

1^st Place – Emily Meadors

HANDICRAFTS

EMBROIDED ARTICLE

1^st Place – Audrey Stewart

DECORATIVE PILLOW

1^ST Place – Emily Meadors

QUILT – HAND APPLIQUE, MACHINE QUILTED

1^ST Place – Deanna Meadors

QUILT – MACHINE PIECED, MACHINE QUILTED

1^st Place – Debra Petrey

2^nd Place – Deanne Meadors

3^rd Place – Cameron Wilson

QUILT, NOVELTY-MEMORY, STENCILED, EMBROIDERED, MINATURE, ETC., MACHINE QUILTED

1^st Place – Emily Meadors

OTHER QUILTED ITEMS – CLOTHING, PILLOW, TABLE RUNNER, TABLE TOPPER, MUG RUG, ETC.

1^st Place – Debra Petrey

QUILT, MISCELLANEOUS – HAND OR MACHINE PIECED, OR QUILTED – DOES NOT QUALIFY IN OTHER QUILT OR QUILTED ITEMS CATAGORIES

1^st Place – Debra Petrey

CROSS STITCH ON AIDA CLOTH – COUNT 14 AND UNDER

1^st Place – Debra Petrey

CROSS STITCH ON SPECIALTY CLOTH (LINEN, ETC.)

1^st Place – Debra Petrey

ARTS AND CRAFTS

HANDMADE JEWELRY

1^st Place – Kathy Lay

2^nd Place – Sage Wilson

WOODCRAFT

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

2^nd Place – Jim Moss

3^rd Place – Kathy Lay

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

1^st Place – Sage Wilson

STUFFED ANIMAL

1^st Place – Debra Petrey

PAINTING – ACRYLIC ON CANVAS

1^st Place – Kathy Lay

PAINTING – WATERCOLOR ON PAPER

1^st Place – Kathy Lay

DRAWING – BLACK & WHITE

1^st Place – Kathy Lay

DRAWING – COLOR

1^st Place – Kathy Lay

RECYCLED ARTICLE

1^st Placed – Kathy Lay

BASKETRY (WOVEN)

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

WEAVING- MANIPULATED FIBER CONSTRUCTION- KNOTTING, ETC.

1^st Place – Dawn Parente

CERAMICS – HANDFORMED

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

1^st Place – Deanna Meadors

2^nd Place – Jim Moss

3^rd Place – Emily Meadors

PHOTOGRAPHY – BLACK & WHITE

1^st Place – Jim Moss

2^nd Place – Emily Meadors

3^rd Place – Kathy Lay

MISCELLANEOUS

1^st Place – Jim Moss

2^nd Place – Kathy Lay

3^rd Place – Debra Petrey

CROPS AND HORTICULTURE

Best 3 WHITE POTATOES

1^st Place – Carson Wilson

2^nd Place – Alice Fae Weiland

BEST 12 PODS GREEN BEANS

1^st Place – Cameron Wilson

2^nd Place – Faye Wilson

BEST 3 RED TOMATOES

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

2^nd Place – Jim Moss

3^rd Place – Carson Wilson

BEST 3 CUCUMBERS

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

BEST HEAD OF CABBAGE

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

2^nd Place – Woodrow Mills

3^rd Place – Kathy Lay

BEST 3 ZUCCHINI SQUASH

1^st Place – Jim Moss

2^nd Place – Alice Fae Moss

3^rd Place – Kathy Lay

BEST 3 SUMMER SQUASH

1^st Place – Cameron Wilson

2^nd Place – Alice Fae Weiland

3^rd Place – Kathy Lay

BEST 12 PODS PEAS

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

BEST 3 GREEN BELL PEPPERS

1^st Place – Kathy Lay

BEST 3 BANANA PEPPERS

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

2^nd Place – Cameron Wilson

3^rd Place – Kathy Lay

BEST 3 JALEPENO PEPPERS

1^st Place – Carson Wilson

2^nd Place – Kathy Lay

3^rd Place – Alice Fae Weiland

BEST 3 OTHER HOT PEPPERS

1^st Place – Carson Wilson

2^nd Place – Kathy Lay

BEST 5 PODS OKRA

1^ST Place – Carson Wilson

BEST 3 ONIONS

1^ST Place – Carson Wilson

2^nd Place – Alice Fae Weiland

BEST 3 GARLIC BULBS

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

BLOOMING POTTED PLANT

1^st Place – Carson Wilson

FOLIAGE POTTED PLANT

1^st Place – Alice Fae Weiland

FLOWER ARRANGEMENT – FRESH

1^st Place – Cameron Wilson

2^nd Place – Kathy Lay

HONEY

1 ONE QUART JAR LIGHT HONEY – EXTRACTED

1^st Place – Natasha Wilson

2023 Whitley County Fair 4-H Youth Winners

Junior Acrylic Painting  

Railynn Whitehead – Blue Ribbon (1^st)

Brooklyn Mullins – Red Ribbon (2^nd)

Denver Withrow – White Ribbon (3^rd)

Senior Acrylic Painting

Rachel Moses – Blue Ribbon (1^st) 

Logan Whitehead – Red Ribbon (2^nd)

 Junior Water Color Painting

Cameron Wilson – Blue Ribbon (1^st) 

Della Stewart – Red Ribbon (2^nd) 

Junior Abstract Painting

Railynn Whitehead – Blue Ribbon (1^st)

 Senior Computer Drawing

Rachel Moses – Blue Ribbon (1^st)

 Senior Color or Black Pencil Drawing

Isaiah Rickett Blue Ribbon (1^st)

Junior Art Trends

Railynn Whitehead – Blue Ribbon (1^st)

YOUTH PHOTOGRAPHY

Natural Resources:  Forest

Gage Hoover – Blue Ribbon (1^st)

Gracie Hoover – Red Ribbon (2^nd)

Emily Browning – White Ribbon (3^rd)

Natural Resources:  Water

Aiden Bennett – Blue Ribbon (1^st)

Emily Browning – Red Ribbon (2^nd)

Natural Resources: Wildlife 

Gracie Hoover – Blue Ribbon (1^st) 

Nathanael Rickett – Red Ribbon (2^nd) 

Aiden Bennett – White Ribbon (3^rd)

Natural Resources: Natural Scenic  

Isaiah Rickett – Blue Ribbon (1^st) 

Christian Wilson – Red Ribbon (2^nd)

Emily Browning – White Ribbon (3^rd)

Natural Resources:  Native Plants

Gracie Hoover – Blue Ribbon (1^st)

Gage Hoover – Red Ribbon (2^nd)

Emily Browning – White Ribbon (3^rd)

Natural Resources:  Insect

Gage Hoover – Blue Ribbon (1^st)  

Emily Browning – Red Ribbon (2^nd)  

Agriculture:  Livestock

Nathanael Rickett – Blue Ribbon (1^st)

Agriculture:  Crops

Cameron Wilson – Blue Ribbon (1^st)

Isaiah Rickett – Red Ribbon (2^nd)

Agriculture:  Life Cycle

Emily Browning – Blue Ribbon (1^st)

Agriculture:  Farm Equipment/Implement

Aiden Bennett – Blue Ribbon (1^st)

Leadership:  4-H Event

Railynn Whitehead – Blue Ribbon (1^st)

 FCS: Family  

Nathanael Rickett – Blue Ribbon (1^st) 

Aiden Bennett – Red Ribbon (2^nd)

FCS:  Patterns/Design

Emily Browning – Blue Ribbon (1^st)

SET: Movement 

Aiden Bennett – Blue Ribbon (1^st)  

Emily Browning – Red Ribbon (2^nd)

 

Health:  Healthy Foods

Nathanael Rickett – Blue Ribbon (1^st)  

Health:  Dealing with Stress

Isaiah Rickett – Blue Ribbon (1^st)

Macie Couch – Red Ribbon (2^nd)

Horticulture:  Single Color

Gage Hoover – Blue Ribbon (1^st)

Gracie Hoover – Red Ribbon (2^nd)

Aiden Bennett – White Ribbon (3^rd)

 

I caught the ‘Redhound rash’ in my youth, have had it ever since

I think the “rash” started on me at a very early age. At the age of ten I started watching my heroes like Roy Kidd, Jerry Bird, C.D. Vermillion, Frank Selvy, and the many others play ball for the Corbin Redhounds.

It was my late friend Bill Crook who gave it the name “Redhound Rash” in the first column he wrote for this newspaper over 30 years ago. He described the “rash” to me as something that has bonded many of us, and we live with it in our hearts.

My “rash” took its full measure when I was a junior at Corbin High School watching the 1955 state champion Redhound football team. It peaked with the play of the best high school football player I have ever seen. Calvin Bird not only was a household name in Corbin, but across the entire state. He was player of the year in Kentucky. His picture was on the cover of the Courier-Journal magazine along with a feature story.

The town lived for Friday nights so we could watch him play football. Then our student body would grab the sports section of the Louisville Courier-Journal on Monday mornings to see how our team was ranked statewide. To our delight they were always number one.

To help some of you understand why we get the “rash,” here is a cutline from a picture of the Bird brothers that I have saved from a 1958 edition of the Louisville Courier-Journal.

It reads, “Here are the three football-playing Bird brothers of Corbin, made even more prominent Saturday night when Calvin scored 25 points against Hawaii in his varsity debut as a U.K. Wildcat. Rodger, a freshman and Billy, a junior, are still playing for Corbin where Calvin set the state prep scoring record with 268 points. Billy now has 42 points in two games for the Corbin Redhounds.”

The Bird brothers are gone now, but they left a lasting legacy. Jerry played basketball for UK and also the New York Knicks. Calvin and Rodger both played football at UK. and both were All-Americans and both played professionally. Rodger played in the Super Bowl.

In my teenage years I would listen to Claude Sullivan broadcast the UK game and that along with watching Calvin play produced a desire in me to become a play-by-play announcer. Fortunately, it happened. I worked with Sullivan as a student at UK and also got to broadcast the games Calvin played at UK. It was a dream come true.

This story is a lead to what the “rash” that has overtaken Corbin High School. Monday I met with Superintendent of Corbin Independent Schools, Dave Cox, and 11 others that make up a committee which is making plans for the inaugural game on the new field that features new facilities, new scoreboard and sound system. Corbin will have one of the best high school football venues in the state.

CHS will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of football on Friday night Sept. 15. Football started in 1923 and soon this newspaper will be publishing the entire history of Corbin football. A note to all businesses. You will surely want to be represented in this special edition. Call Melissa at 528-9767 if she hasn’t already contacted you.

This will be a BIG occasion. Not often do you get to celebrate Centennials, but when you do, you do it in style. We will be informing you about activities that will happen, but for now mark the date, Sept. 15th.

Everybody who has ever attended Corbin High School should want to be at Campbell Field for this event, especially every football player and cheerleader. I’m requesting that our readers help us spread the word about this event. Contact your friends. Share the information on Facebook. Call those who live away from here.

I broadcast the Redhound games for 30 years, starting in 1961. If everything goes as planned I have a surprise for you. I’ll let you know when it gets closer to that date. For now check your “rash” level and make sure it is turned on high!

 

An unexpected history lesson in Clinton, TN

Last week, my wife and I took our two kids down to the Sevierville/Pigeon Forge area for a few days. It was our last little family getaway before back-to-school season really goes into full gear, and I am happy to say that, overall, everyone enjoyed the trip. (more…)

 

Singer/songwriter contest being held during NIBROC

A singer/songwriter contest will be among the many offerings at this year’s NIBROC Festival in downtown Corbin.

A $1,000 cash prize will be awarded at the conclusion of the contest, which is scheduled to be held at the Tomahawks Axe Club on Aug. 10-12. Second and third place prizes will also be awarded.

There will be a $30 entry fee for all contestants, but admission is free for spectators. All artists will be required to perform two songs.

Those interested can sign up now at www.johnnymusic.com/singer-songwriter-contest, or they can call (606) 767-2638 for more details.

 

Wilma Lester

Wilma Lester, born June 15, 1936 in Ryans Creek, Kentucky, passed away on July 26, 2023, at the age of 87.
A loving, supportive, compassionate, and thoughtful woman, she was a pillar of strength and wisdom to those who knew her.
She was a dedicated and steadfast member of Jellico Creek Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Kentucky.
Wilma was a retired professional who dedicated much of her life to the service and care of others. In the words of Mother Teresa, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” This quote embodies the life of Wilma, as she did all things with great love.
Wilma is survived by her granddaughters, Ashley Emmer and Nikki Lester; her grandson, Joshua (Meagan) Lester; her daughters-in-law, Lisa Lester and Linda Lester; her sisters, Nancy (Robbie) Strack, Wanda (Lee) Schroeder and Carol Rose; her brother, Larry (Mary) Meadors and Robert (Doris) Meadors; her great-grandchildren, Jason Emmer, Lydia Emmer, Willa Emmer, James Blust, Sophia Blust, Emmett Blust, and Steven Lester; and her great-grandson, Lucas Lester; many nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends to mourn her passing.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Crawford and Georgia Meadors; her beloved husband, Delmer Lester; her sons, Micheal and Jeffrey Lester; her grandson, Steven Lester; her sisters, Doris (Arnold) Hamlin, Ruby (Lansford) Lay, and Shirl Perkins; and her great-granddaughter, Abigail Lester.
A visitation for Wilma Lester will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 1:00pm at the Croley Funeral Home, located at 103 South 2nd Street, Williamsburg, Kentucky.
The funeral service will follow at 4:00pm at the Jellico Creek Baptist Church, located at 9004 Kentucky 92, Williamsburg, Kentucky.
She will be laid to rest following the service at 5:00pm at the Jellico Creek Cemetery.
In the words of Emily Dickinson, “Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.” Wilma’s spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
We encourage you to share your fondest memories and photos of Wilma on her memorial page, as a celebration of her life and the love she shared with all of us.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

 

The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland Run open for business in Corbin

The Mint Gaming Hall Cumberland Run off the bypass in Corbin held a soft opening Wednesday, which was attended by several local dignitaries. It is now open seven days a week from 10 a.m. – midnight. The facility features 50 historical wagering machines, food and drinks. The Cumberland Run harness racing track is expected to open and host its first race in October.

 

Eva Rose

Eva Rose, a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, born on March 16, 1935, in Whitley County, Kentucky, passed away on July 25, 2023.
A lifelong resident of Corbin, Kentucky, Eva was a beacon of faith, family, and kindness. Her courageous and compassionate spirit touched all who knew her. She remained steadfast in her devotion to her loved ones and her faith, a virtue that defined her life. “The love of a family is life’s greatest blessing,” a saying that held great significance for Eva and epitomized her priorities in life and children.
Never formally employed, Eva’s work was woven into the fabric of her family. She spent her days sowing seeds of love, faith, and wisdom into the hearts of her family. Her life was filled with the joy of witnessing her family grow, much like the flowers in the garden she so tenderly cared for. As American philosopher William James said, “The greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.” Eva’s legacy, her family, and the lessons she imparted will indeed outlast her physical presence in this world.
Eva is survived by her children, W. Faye Larrigan, Yvonne Hart, Shirley Lanham, Lonnie Rose, and Laveva Bryant; as well as her grandchildren, Delena Sulfridge, Ryan Prewitt, Matthew Prewitt, Latrichia Lanham, Jimmy Lanham, David Lanham, Joseph Petrey, Megan Lanham, Justin Rose, Jennifer Petrey, and Adam Bryant; and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ulas Rose; her mother, Inis Rose; and her siblings, Curtis Rose, Darrell Rose, and Betty Karr.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 28, at 2:00 pm at Middle Ridge Church Road, 42 Middle Ridge Church Road, Corbin, Kentucky.
The funeral service will follow at the same location at 4:00 pm, with burial at the Ulas Rose Family Cemetery, 42 Middle Ridge Church Road, Corbin, Kentucky, at 5:00 pm.
In memory of Eva, we invite you to share your memories and upload photos to the memorial page. Her life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and family. Let us honor her by celebrating the beauty she brought to our lives, just as she did with the flowers, she so cherished.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

 

11 people indicted by information in Whitley County

A total of 11 people were recently indicted by information in Whitley Circuit Court on charges ranging from drug possession to assault of a Whitley County Detention Center staff member.