Local cyclists to honor fallen first responders with 400-mile bike ride
To showcase recognition and gratitude for fallen first responders and their families who have died in the line of duty in Kentucky, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization called The Kentucky Brotherhood Ride (KBR) will be riding bicycles through Kentucky and into the local area on Wednesday, July 19.
KBR is a group of passionate firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and the family of a fallen brother or sister, all ordinary folks who annually want to showcase care and honor by riding bicycles for 400 miles in four days.
You heard that correctly… bicycles, not motorcycles.
There are six organizations in the country, including Florida, Texas, the Carolinas, the Gulf Coast, and Kentucky; there is also one in New England.
Jeremy Bass, a member of KBR and retired Louisville Firefighter, spoke about the amount of hills in the City of Corbin, saying there were a lot.
“We are more than happy to ride those hills to demonstrate that we are not going to forget those sacrifices made, so it’s worth it,” Bass said.
34 cyclists and 26 support personnel will take on this year’s KBR—nine females will be contributing, which is a record for the organization.
“When we write out ‘Brotherhood’ from our name, we always capitalize ‘her.’ It’s not just dudes.” Bass emphasized.
KDR will leave the Barbourville Fire Department for lunch at 1 p.m. and come to Corbin on Highway 25. They will arrive at the Corbin Fire Department, 805 South Main Street, at 2:45 p.m. for a rest stop for roughly 30 minutes.
Afterward, they will go to the London Airport for an honor stop for a helicopter pilot from the “Danville Air Evac base” from 4:15-5:15 p.m.
Finally, they will arrive at the London Farmers Market for an honor stop at 5:30 p.m. for five families, including two families of London police officers, one from the Monticello Fire Department, one from the Casey County Detention Center, and one from the Taylor County Detention Center who were all lost in the line of duty.
They welcome folks to meet them along the route. If you do decide to attend, they ask that you bring an American flag and cheer on the riders as enthusiastically as possible.
KBR is asking for donations. All contributions, minus operating costs, directly benefit the families of the fallen.
For more information or to donate, visit their website at www.kentuckybrotherhood.org or their Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KYBrotherhoodRide/. They welcome all questions.
Eyes on the Road: Mondo Cima talks recent improvements in Whitley’s District 2
A stretch of the recently re-paved Black Diamond Rd. in Corbin
Mondo Cima, who is currently in his second term as magistrate of Whitley County’s District 2, says there is never a shortage of projects that require attention in Corbin proper and surrounding areas, such as Tattersall, Oak Grove, Hightop, Barton Mill and Mastertown. (more…)
Sunup Initiative plans its July 18 meeting
The Sunup Initiative will hold its July monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 18, at 5:30 p.m. at the Corbin Public Library. All are welcome to attend the meeting.
Sunup works to open up spaces for constructive conversations about race in our community.
Find out more at its website https://sunupcorbin.com.
Gatton Academy students take advantage of summer opportunities
It’s summertime, and that means Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky students, including two students from Corbin, are ready to go, engaging in STEM opportunities, study abroad, and other academic pursuits.
“I always look forward to the summer, because I love to see the interesting work our students take part in,” said Cheryl Kirby-Stokes, Academic Opportunities Coordinator at The Gatton Academy. “Our students take advantage of every prospect, whether that be research, study abroad, or other STEM and non-STEM opportunities.”
Established in 2007, The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, which is located at Western Kentucky University (WKU), is Kentucky’s first residential two-year program for gifted and talented juniors and seniors. The Gatton Academy’s students enroll as juniors and are full-time WKU students pursuing their interests in advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Students will complete their junior and senior years of high school living in Florence Schneider Hall. At the end of their two-year course of study, students will graduate from high school with a minimum of 60 college credit hours.
Gatton Research Internship Grant
In its 14th year, the Gatton Research Internship Grant program creates summer research opportunities for rising seniors. The grants provide stipends, living expenses, and a small supplies fund for projects at WKU.
A total of 20 students were chosen for Summer 2023, conducting research at WKU and other institutions across the country, including Tyler Clifton, who will graduate Corbin High School as part of the Class of 2024.
Clifton will be investigating how neuron-glia interaction is disrupted following a mild traumatic brain injury with Dr. Adam Bachstetter of the University of Kentucky’s College of Medicine.
Clifton will also be taking part in the Study Abroad in England program.
The Gatton Academy is partnering with Harlaxton College in Grantham, England for the 11th year to offer a three-week study abroad program focused on British Literature. Clifton will be taking the course with Dr. Dawn Hall and Dr. Ted Hovet of WKU’s Department of English.
Other notable individual experiences
Class of 2023 Corbin High School graduate Joaquin Pauig will be shadowing Dr. Jarold J. Pauig at The M
Jess Russell White
Jess Russell White, 94, of Jonesboro, Arkansas passed from this life on June 16, 2023. He was born in Williamsburg, Kentucky, January 30, 1929.
Dr. White graduated from Williamsburg High School, where he played on the basketball and baseball teams.
He was a member of Williamsburg’s basketball team that won the Thirteenth Regional Tournament to play in the State Tournament in Louisville, losing in the first round to Breckenridge Academy, the eventual winner of the tournament. Some other members of the team were Scottie Perkins, Johnny Renfro, Bob Petrey, Sis Smith, Charles Watson and Harold Browning.
He held degrees from Cumberland College (now the University of the Cumberlands), Eastern Kentucky University, and Indiana University.
Dr. White held university faculty appointments in Georgia and Kentucky. During this time, he authored the first and second editions of Sports Rules Encyclopedia.
In 1968 Dr. White joined the faculty of Arkansas State University as professor of physical education, a position he filled for the next 21 years until his retirement in 1989. During this time, Dr. White also served as Chair of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation and President of the Faculty Senate. In 2010, Dr. White was among the first group of faculty members to be added to the university’s Wall of Fame honoring distinguished faculty. Dr. White was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, where he also served as a deacon, Chair of the Board of Deacons as well as a Sunday School teacher.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Otis White of Williamsburg, KY; brother, Elbert White of Oak Ridge, TN; and sister, Orene White Lawson of Cincinnati, OH. Dr. White was also preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Siler White, originally of Williamsburg, KY; and by his second wife, Janet Dunn Bowman White, originally of Lake Village, AR.
Surviving are Dr. White’s three daughters, Nancy (Kevin) Coriden of Olathe, Kansas, and their children Ellen (Nik) Bergstrom and Sam Coriden; Martha (Jeff) Rettig of Kansas City, Missouri, and their daughters, Kate Rettig (Chad Tysdahl) and Megan Rettig (Tim Brooks); and Cynthia (Steve) Brown of Pensacola, Florida, and their daughters, Kristin (Matt) Backus and Laura (Danny) Albritton; and five great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by Jan’s children, Chery Cratty and George Bowman, both of Smithville, Tennessee; and his brother-in-law, Judge Eugene Siler, and sister-in-law, Chris Siler of Williamsburg, Kentucky.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, June 20, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Jonesboro, AR. Graveside service took place on Saturday, July 8, in the Highland Cemetery, Williamsburg, KY.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Magnolia Road Baptist Church, Jonesboro, AR, for the benefit of either the Friends and Neighbors Network or the Diaper Bank.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Barbara Anne Knipp Storms
Barbara Anne Knipp Storms, age 67, of Rockholds, Kentucky departed this life on July 7th, 2023 at the Baptist Health in Corbin, Kentucky.
Barbara was born on August 10th, 1955 in Detroit, Michigan.
Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley (King) Pierson; father, Robert Joseph Knipp; brother, Gary Knipp, and step-father, John Pierson.
Barbara taught special education at Whitley County High School and retired in 2015.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 27 years, Estle J. Storms of Rockholds, Kentucky; seven children, Jamie Gambrell (Theresa) of London, Kentucky, Jason Gambrell (Jodie) of Williamsburg, Kentucky; Janine Sutton (John) of Westerville, Ohio, Joseph Gambrell of Rockholds, Kentucky, Jeffrey Gambrell (Mary) of Barbourville, Kentucky, Jordan Gambrell of Rockholds, Kentucky, and Jarred Michael Storms (Hillary) of Barbourville, Kentucky; stepdaughter, Stacey Bigger of Owensboro, Kentucky; brothers, Robert Knipp, Jr., James Knipp, and Christopher Knipp; sister, Deborah Knipp; stepmother, Una Faye (Knipp) Harrison; she was dearly loved by all of her grandchildren, her nieces and nephews, friends, and extended family, who all mourn her loss.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the University of the Cumberlands, Gatliff Chapel at 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 22.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to Special Olympics Kentucky, 105 Lakeview Court, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 or by going to https://soky.org/individualgiving/.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Dr. Elbert Lewis Ballou
Dr. Elbert Lewis Ballou DMD, 87, of Williamsburg, Kentucky departed this life on July 7, 2023 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky.
He was born to the Late R.D. Ballou and Ann (Bogie) Ballou on March 22, 1936 on family farm located on Mt. Morgan Road in Williamsburg, KY.
Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of over 59 years, Mrs. Norma Sue Jones; his loving grandson, Dempsey Ballou; and one brother Dr. Sam Ballou.
Dr. Ballou owned and operated EL Ballou Dentistry for over 53 until his retirement in 2017. He was a University of Kentucky graduate followed by graduating at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry.
Dr. Ballou was a very active member in the area supporting many local and state organizations. He was a lifelong member of the Main Street Baptist Church for over 80 years and is the oldest serving Deacon with serving over 50 years in this position, which he enjoyed and loved.
Dr. Ballou served as a medical consultant for the Whitley County Coroners office and served as Vice President of the Kentucky Dental Association. Dr. Ballou was proud to serve on the Board of the Community Trust Bank for many years.
Dr. Ballou is survived by his two sons, Tim Ballou and wife Carol of Los Angeles, CA. and Hon. Dan Ballou and his wife Angie of Williamsburg, Kentucky; five grandchildren, Lauren Ballou of Los Angeles, CA. and Megan Ballou of Los Angeles, CA., Bailey Hall and husband Traven of Williamsburg, KY, Kailee Wilson and husband Donnie of Williamsburg, KY, and, Chaynee Jarboe of Williamsburg, KY; special daughter, Gail Rhoades of Williamsburg, KY; two brothers, Dr. Robert Ballou and wife Charlotte of Corbin, KY, and Don Ballou and wife Darline of Williamsburg, KY; two sister-in-laws, Peggy Ballou Bullock of Corbin, KY and Nancy Jones of Williamsburg, KY; and a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends to mourn his passing.
Pallbearers were Russell Jones, Rob Jones, Joe Keith Jones, David Ballou, Dempsey Ballou, David Lennon, Donnie Witt, Hon. Paul Winchester and Andy Croley.
Funeral service was Monday, July 10, at the Main Street Baptist Church with Dr. Jerry Lowrie, Dr. Robert Ballou and Donnie Bruce Patrick.
The burial followed the service at the Highland Park Cemetery.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Della (Smith) Lawson
Della (Smith) Lawson, died at home on July 7, 2023 at the age of 90.
She passed while being cared for by family, friends and Hospice.
Della is survived by her sister, Bertha (Smith) Crawford of Toledo Ohio; and her great-granddaughter Alysha Moses of Barbourville, Ky.
She is predeceased by her husband, Herbert “Gene” Lawson; son, Larry Lawson; daughter, Sandra (Lawson) Moses; grandson, Jody Moses; brothers, Hubert Smith, Lester Smith, Verlyn Smith, Earl Smith, Claude Patton “CP” Smith, Harold Smith, Johnny Smith, David “Buddy” Smith, and Joseph “Paul” Smith; sisters, Joie (Smith) Petrey, and twin sister, Stella (Smith) Lawson.
Della was born on July 26, 1932 to Claude Patton and Evelyn (Bryant) “Eva” “Miss Smith” Smith. She worked and retired from Whitley County School (Boston Elementary) as a cook.
Della was a devoted daughter that sacrificed her life by caring for her mother (Miss Smith) while her husband Gene worked as factory laborer in Toledo, Ohio.
Della was a faithful member of Clearfork Baptist Church and attended services up until her health prevented it. Della loved and cared for her beautiful flowers and always had a most beautiful display in her yard and home. Della welcomed family and visitors to her home with homemade cake and coffee.
Della was always available to provide all stray cats a free meal and had many take advantage of her love and kindness. “Charlie Brown”, a homeless kind heart, could always get a free bologna sandwich and a place to lay his head at night on Della’s porch.
She was so loved and will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and all who knew her.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Dewain Moses
Dewain Moses, age 61, previously of Woodbine, Kentucky succumbed to cancer and departed this life on Monday, July 10, 2023 at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.
He was born on May 28, 1962 in Jellico, Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by parents, Benny Lee ‘Buck’ Moses Sr, and Shirley (Leach) Moses; brother, Benny Lee Moses, Jr.: sister, Sherice Lynn Moses; grandparents, Walter Leach, Viola McCall, Rosetta Kirkland; brother-in-law, Timothy Cox; and sister-in laws, Karon and Alisa Moses.
He is survived by daughter, Sherice Smith and her husband Josh; and three beautiful grandsons, Desmon, Gabriel and Scout.
He is also survived by brother Rick Moses and sister Tami Cox Mason (Mike); nephews, Dusty, Ryan (Stephanie), Brandon (Nicole), Bradley Moses , Travis Cox (Kristian); nieces, Jennifer Moses, Rhonda Williams (Eric), and Chastity Sexton, and a host of extended family and friends including the residents and compassionate staff at the MSHN John Home in McKenzie, Tennessee.
Visitation will be 12:00 PM until the funeral hour on Saturday, July 22, at the Croley Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 22, at the Croley Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gerald Mullins officiating.
He will be laid to rest in the Pleasant View Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Dusty Moses, Ryan Moses, Travis Cox, Brandon Moses and Mike Mason.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that contributions be made in memory of Dewain Moses to the following: MSHN John Home, 150 Everett Road, McKenzie TN 38201
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Steve Perry
Steve Perry, age 64, of Williamsburg, Kentucky departed this life on July 11, 2023 at his home.
Steve was born on November 7, 1958 in McCreary County, Kentucky to Clarence Perry and Ann (Perkins) Perry.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Ann (Perkins) Perry and brother, Marvin Perry.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley (Brooks) Perry of Williamsburg, Kentucky; daughter, Grace Wilson (George); and sister, Debbie Shelley; and a host of other family and friends to mourn his passing.
Visitation will be 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Saturday, July 15, at the Croley Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Sunday, July 16, at the Croley Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Roger Meadors and Rev. David Burton officiating.
He will be laid to rest in the Ella Bryant Memorial Cemetery on Lower Sanders Creek Road.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.