New dinner theatre experience to debut at The Pennington later this month

A new local startup is hoping to bring a fresh experience to area residents looking for good food, original entertainment and maybe a little bit of intrigue.

Tri-County Mystery Meets, a roving theatre company based out of Whitley County, is bringing its very first dinner show to The Pennington later this month. The show, titled “The Reveal,” is an original piece that will chronicle the 30-year reunion of the 1982 West High graduating class.

While fictional, Gary Bryant, one of the theatre’s two operating partners, said that there will be some elements in the play pulled from real life. Bryant, along with his partner, Cathy Goguen, who is a playwright and wrote the script for the show, were part of the 1982 graduating class at Whitley County High School, which is where the pair drew some of the inspiration for their first show.

“There will be a few names of some of our classmates in the show,” said Bryant.

The play is expected to be immersive, making attendees feel like they are actually part of the class reunion as it takes place. There will also be some portions that allow for audience participation.

Bryant didn’t want to give away too many details about what to expect from the story, but did note that the play’s name has a very direct meaning.

“What these people will do at the end is reveal things about themselves that maybe their classmates did not know,” said Bryant.

Attendees will also be provided with a full-course meal with dishes from Eastern Kentucky Catering.

The evening’s dining options kick off with a soup and salad before allowing attendees to choose between a main entrée of prime rib or Tuscan, with green beans, mashed potatoes and rainbow carrots on the side. All of that will be wrapped up with the choice of pecan tarts, ice cream or a piece of cake.

“The food is exceptional,” said Bryant.

The meal will be served at key times throughout the play so as not to interrupt the performance.

Tickets for the first show on July 29 are available on Eventbrite by searching for “Tri-County Mystery Meets” in the search bar. They can also be obtained by scanning the QR code accompanying this story. Tickets are $60 each and include both the show and meal.

Bryant said that the price point is in line with similar dinner shows in the region.

“I know that to some people, $60 may seem kind of steep, but when you figure all the costs involved to bringing this show to life—the venue, the food, insurance, and we’re paying the actors where most other places don’t. We hope to make a little bit of money, but that’s not our main goal,” said Bryant. “We want to make enough to make the business profitable and therefore sustainable, but we’re not out to make a huge profit.”

“There are three things that have to be good: you have to have a good venue, you have to have quality food and have a good performance. Any of those three things let you down and that’s the one thing that the crowd will remember,” said Bryant. “And the idea is that you don’t want people to leave there feeling like they’ve seen a show; you want them to leave there feeling like they’ve had an experience. I think we have that.”

There is a second performance scheduled for Aug. 16, also at The Pennington. Dates are currently being set for performances in Barbourville, Harlan and Williamsburg.

Bryant said that a new theme/play will be introduced each season to keep the performance fresh, noting that those are also expected to be original scripts.

Anyone who is interested in sponsoring the event can contact Bryant at (606) 521-4942 or Goguen at (606) 344-0491. There are several sponsorship levels available that include listings in the program and a number of tickets.

Hazel Sweeney

Hazel Sweeney, age 90, of Jellico, TN, passed away Monday, July 17, 2023 at the Tennova Healthcare – North Knoxville Medical Center in Powell, TN. Arrangements are incomplete but will be announced later. Cox & Son Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

John Stanley DeBusk, Sr

John Stanley DeBusk, Sr., age 87, of Corbin, KY, passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Baptist Health Corbin.
Born in Chenoa, KY, he was a son to the late Andrew DeBusk and Ether Campbell DeBusk.
John was a veteran of the United States Army and Air Force. He worked as an electrician and marine mechanic and retired from Corbin Marine. He taught Sunday school for 40 years and was a founding member of Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Steeley Rapier, Sr., and Geneva Cox Rapier; son, John DeBusk, Jr.; son-in-law, Randy Steely; and siblings, Woodrow DeBusk, Robert DeBusk, Jay DeBusk, Nancy Smith, George DeBusk, Jo Post, Mae Lentz, Arizella Smith, Andrew DeBusk, Elizabeth Howard, Ruby DeBusk, and Noble DeBusk.
John married his loving wife of 59 years, Joyce Rapier DeBusk, on June 27, 1964. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Therese DeBusk Steely, Katherine DeBusk Adams and husband Walter, and Monica DeBusk Ridener and husband Mark; grandchildren, Joyce Steely Caudill and husband Kevin, Benjamin Steely, Faith Steely, John DeBusk III, Katie Ridener, and Samuel Ridener; great grandchildren, Andrew Caudill, Levi Caudill, and Leah Caudill; and by a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends who mourn his passing.
Visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Monday, July 17, 2023, at Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home.
Funeral service will begin at 2pm on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin Caudill and Bro. Mark Ridener officiating.
Following the service, he will be laid to rest in Corinth Cemetery in Corbin, KY, with military honors.
Pallbearers will be, Walter Adams, Mark Ridener, John DeBusk III, George DeBusk, Steeley Rapier III, Matt Ridener, Kenneth Faulkner, and Johnathan Meadors. Honorary Pallbearers are, Benjamin Steely, Samuel Ridener, and Tim Johnson.
Messages may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com.
Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Johnny Tye

Johnny Tye, age 71, of Corbin, KY, passed away Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Baptist Health Corbin.
He was born October 8, 1951 in Harlan, KY, to the late Paul and Lora Alsip Tye. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, Edward Tye.
He is survived by two children, Johnny Wayne Tye (Terri) of Corbin, KY, and Shannon Tye (Barbara) of Corbin, KY; six grandchildren, Lyndsie Perkins, Chrissy Perkins, Aaliyah Meadows (Derek), Logan Tye, Brittany Logan, and Kameron Tye; seven great-grandchildren, Kara, J.D., Ryder, Axyl, Kreed, Blake, and Harley; one brother, Jim Tye (Marlene) of Corbin, KY; several nieces, and nephews; and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his passing.
Funeral service will be 1:00 PM Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at the Ellison Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jimmy Logan officiating.
Interment will be in R.H. Alsip Cemetery.
Visitation will be 6:00 PM on Monday, July 17, 2023 at the funeral home.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com.
Ellison Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Eric Shelton

Eric Shelton, age 34, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Monday, July 10, 2023 at Baptist Health Corbin.
He was born October 17, 1988 in Knoxville, TN, to Floyd and Teresa Vanover Shelton, Jr.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Floyd Shelton, Sr., Ruth Shelton, Carlus Vanover, and Amanda Vanover.
He is survived by two children, Kaleb Shelton of Williamsburg, KY, and Trinity Shelton of Williamsburg, KY; his father and mother, Floyd and Teresa Vanover Shelton, Jr. of Williamsburg, KY; one sister, Amanda Shelton of Williamsburg, KY; two brothers, Derrick Shelton (Chasity) of Williamsburg, KY, and Anthony Morgan (Felicia) of Williamsburg, KY; eight nieces and nephews, Elijah Murray, Adrianna Murray, Brayden Shelton, Trenten Shelton, Raelynn Shelton, Colton Morgan, Landon Morgan, and Mason Morgan; and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his passing.
Funeral service was Saturday, July 15, at the Ellison Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. J. C. Adkins, Rev. James Hodge, and Rev. Rick Croley officiating.
Interment was in the Upper Powers Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Ellison Funeral Home in honor of Eric’s memory.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com.
Ellison Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Linda Carol “Siler” Anderson

Linda Carol “Siler” Anderson, age 80, of Williamsburg, Ky., passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at Baptist Health Corbin.
Linda had a difficult battle with illness and is finally at rest. She had a passion for decorating her home and always kept it well maintained. She was born June 2, 1943 in Jellico, Tennessee to the late Lewis E. “Luke” and Maxine Douglas Siler. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by two sisters, Jean Prewitt, Shirley Essex and her husband Bill; a niece, Teresa Essex, and a nephew, Justin Siler.
Linda is survived by her husband of 59 years, Kenneth Ray Anderson; daughter, Angelia Chappell; brother, Dr. Jeffrey Siler, his wife Sherry and sons Jason and Jody; nephew, Zackery Prewitt his wife Heather and daughter Rylee; nephew, Brett Essex and wife Melissa; sisters-in-law, Orpha Brink and Connie Wells; and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her passing.
Funeral service was Thursday, July 13, at Ellison Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Donnie Bruce Patrick and Jeff Smoak officiating.
Interment was in Highland Cemetery.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com.
Ellison Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Elisha L. “E. L.” Cooper

Elisha L. “E. L.” Cooper, age 90, of Jellico, Tennessee, passed away early Friday morning, July 14, 2023, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, TN.
He was born on March 7, 1933, to the late Frank Cooper and Edna Eugene (Jones) Cooper in Jellico, Tennessee.
E. L. proudly served our nation in the United States Army during the Korean War, having attained the rank of Corporal.
After his service in the U. S. Army, he was hired by Norfolk Southern Railroad where he completed 34 years of faithful service. He was a longtime member of Crouches Creek Baptist Church.
He was also a member of Jellico Masonic Lodge, #527 F. & A. M. for almost 60 years. He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason on June 14, 1963. He was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft Mason on July 19, 1963. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on August 23, 1963. Additionally, he was a long-time member of Kerbela Shrine Temple – A. A. O. N. M. S. – located in Knoxville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Sgt. David Keith Cooper; sister, Betty Sue Crow; two brothers, Johnny Ray Cooper and Charles “Butch” Cooper; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Pete Bowlin, Jr. and Iona (Adkins) Bowlin.
He is survived by his loving wife of more than 70 years, Wanda Jo (Bowlin) Cooper, of Jellico; two sons, Ronald Cooper, and wife, Judy (Parrott) Cooper, of Williamsburg, Kentucky, and Steve Cooper, of Heiskel, TN; two grandchildren, Vernon Cooper and Vanessa (Cooper) Seeger, and husband, Dave; two great-grandchildren, Gwen Seeger and Emmett Seeger; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends, neighbors, and other relatives to mourn his passing.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday afternoon, July 18, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the Cox & Son Funeral Home Chapel.
Masonic Funeral Rites will be conducted by the Jellico Masonic Lodge, # 527, F. & A. M. on Tuesday afternoon, July 18, beginning at 3:00 p.m. at the Cox & Son Funeral Home Chapel.
The funeral service will directly follow with the Rev. James Hodge officiating.
Military graveside honors will be conducted by the Jellico Honor Guard at the Bowlin Cemetery located on U. S. Highway 25-W in Jellico, immediately following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.
Cox & Son Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

Robert Alan “Bob” Williams

Robert Alan “Bob” Williams, born on April 5, 1964, in Chicago, IL, departed this life for his eternal home on July 13, 2023, in Cleveland, TN.
Preceded in death by his parents, Mavis Williams Eckert, Robert Earl Williams, and step-brother Shayne Schloesser. Bob lives on in the hearts of his beloved family, and countless lives he touched.
He is survived by his loving wife, Tonya; his children, Josh Williams (Erin), Aryn Bain (Bobby), Jimmy Williams, Ashley Bain; stepmother, Phyllis Williams; his beloved uncle, Jimmy Wierima; and his beloved aunts, Christine (Williams) Garrison and Elaine (Williams) Collins. Bob’s family extended beyond his own children with grandchildren, Ellee Williams, Jocelyn Bell, Oberyn Bell, fondly referring to him as “Papa”. His siblings, Mark Williams, Bryan Williams, Darin Schloesser (Robin), and Michele Rhyne (John) remain to honor his memory, as do his nephews, and nieces, including Shelby, Blake, Hannah Williams, Megan, Kaitlyn, Kallen Stafford; and his brothers and sister-in-law, Michael, Denny, and Lori Stafford.
During his remarkable 38-year career, Bob left a profound influence in the realm of education and sports as a teacher and coach at Calhoun Elementary, Bradley Central High School, Valley View Elementary School, McMinn County High School, Walker Valley High School, and Northwest Whitfield High School.
His tireless commitment and dedication influenced the lives of thousands of students and athletes, guiding them to achieve their potential and always seeing the best in everyone that he met.
Coaching and teaching is the career that Bob was always destined to have. He treated all his students and players as if they were his own children, instilling wisdom and encouragement into them every chance that he got.
“Coach Bob” as many called him, was extremely passionate about coaching and had a lot of success over the years. While he loved all the wins on the court, the most important thing to him was always the success his players had in life.
He also enjoyed playing golf, listening to music, playing with his dogs, and spending time with friends and family.
Bob always had a smile on his face. His humor often lightened the difficulties of life, reminding everyone around him to find joy in each moment. He was an exceptional teacher, a coach, a devoted husband, an affectionate father, a cherished brother, an adored “Papa” to his grandchildren, and a loyal friend.
Bob’s essence lives on in the hearts of all he leaves behind, and his legacy will remain as a testament to a life lived with purpose, love, and an exceptional sense of humor. He will be deeply missed.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 6pm on Tuesday July 18th at First Baptist Church Cleveland with visitation prior from 3pm until 6pm. Pastor Frank Walker will be officiating.
You are invited to share a personal memory of Bob or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist the Williams family with these arrangements.
This obituary is courtesy of Cox & Son Funeral Home of Jellico.

The story of Packard and Pat Neal

Patricia Neal in 2001

Sometimes when I am looking for something in particular in our archives, I will stumble upon something else that catches my eye. Inevitably, I veer off for a moment to read a little bit about whatever it is, and then, before I know it, I find myself going down a completely different rabbit hole in search of information on a new topic. (more…)

New social work degree program at Cumberlands

Societies that want to thrive need good social workers.

Social workers assist those who are vulnerable and marginalized – those who are recovering from addiction, victims of abuse, struggling financially, or have physical and/or mental health related disabilities.

Are you someone who enjoys helping others by listening and problem-solving? Do you enjoy working with diverse populations to help them with challenging life circumstances? If so, the new Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program at University of the Cumberlands could be perfect for you.

Dr. Jennifer Knuckles, department chair and associate professor in the Department of Human Services at Cumberlands, explained, “Students interested in working in healthcare social work, child, family, and school social work, community social work, and mental health and substance abuse social work should explore this new major. These are just a few of the ways social workers serve their communities. Social workers often work in medical facilities, schools, government agencies, community mental health centers, and courts, to name a few examples.”

The new BSW degree program at Cumberlands has received candidacy for accreditation through the Council on Social Work Education and is currently accepting students.

The social work major requires 60 credit hours to complete and includes field practice courses where students complete a practicum alongside an experienced social work professional. Students will complete a total of 400 hours of field placement, ensuring they enter the workforce with foundational training and valuable experience.

Dr. Jennifer Knuckles, program director, and Ms. Elissa Price, field education director, will be periodically offering free, non-committal informational meetings online.

The next informational meeting is July 13 at 7 p.m. It will be followed by another session on Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. To register to view a session, visit www.ucumberlands.edu/academics and click on the “Social Work” major. All who register will receive a link to view the session for free.

In addition to a social work major and other majors related to health and human services, Cumberlands offers more than 40 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Learn more at www.ucumberlands.edu/academics.