Deeds

 

Whitley Board of Health votes to move forward with sale of Corbin clinic location

On Monday, the Whitley County Board of Health met for its regular quarterly meeting in Williamsburg. Among the actions taken was a decision to move forward with exploring the best possible options for selling the health department’s Corbin facility, located at 3750 Cumberland Falls Highway.

 

Out & About Kentucky Style: Jim Brown

Jim Brown died a couple of weeks ago. He was the Jim Brown many, even today, consider the greatest football player to ever play the game. He was 87.

There was a day when he brushed against Warren County and Bowling Green.

There is no real sports fan from Corbin to Paducah and points in between, who don’t know the name. He has withstood all of the modern day players and their record setting performances. Some may consider NFL Tom Brady as the G.O.A.T. of football, but there are knowledgable football watchers who say, “Not so fast.” It was Brown.

In January 2020, Brown was named the greatest college football player of all time by ESPN. His nine year pro career was equally impressive.

He was always in the conversation of the greatest. At the age of 29, Brown was ready to conquer something else. With eight NFL rushing titles under his name, and at the top of his game, he walked away on his own terms while in good health.

Even after football, the former Cleveland Browns great managed to stay relevant as a movie star. He would go on to appear in 40 movies.

This intelligent, complex man, with a voice-over that would be suitable for any documentary, chose to take advantage of his name, popularity and looks. But movies weren’t the only thing. “I didn’t retire because I was broken down and slow,” he told Sports Illustrated in 2015. “I retired to do other things.”

Later in life Jim Brown became a social activist. When he spoke people listened.

He was not without his controversy, however.

Being arrested numerous times, usually for domestic violence, very few of the charges ever stuck. He was such a big star in the 70s, 80s and into the 90s, that anything he did, good or bad, was news.

In 1982, Brown’s trip to Bowling Green flew under the radar.

Ajay Martin who grew up in Peoria, Illinois worked a while at Cal State in Long Beach, California came back and purchased 152 acres of land in the Boyce-Claypool section of Warren County. It was land that years before had belonged to Martin’s family and his aim was to build a first class golf course owned 100% by African Americans.

Martin, in 1982, quickly named the project Warren Meadows, and set about to bring in investors, which meant bringing them to Bowling Green to look around.

Through acquaintances Martin had made, he connected with football great Brown. It seemed that sports figures at the time had money and were looking for investments, and golf courses were at the top of the list.

In late 1982, Martin, Bowling Green attorney Mike Reynolds, and a Kentucky banker outside of Warren County, hosted Brown for a visit to the area to see the site, and later that night dinner at the Iron Skillet. At the time the Iron Skillet was the number one show restaurant between Louisville and Nashville, and with the addition of their Green Room, it would be just the right place to meet with such a celebrity as Jim Brown in relative privacy.

The Green Room was a reservation only, with a separate menu from the Iron Skillet. Of course the prices were higher, even though it came from the same kitchen.

Mike, invited me to join them, and along with our wives spent almost two hours in conversation about lots of subjects including Martins’ project.

Lamar Lundy and Deacon Jones of Fearsome Foursome fame with the Los Angeles Rams had expressed an interest in becoming investors. The rumor mill included Bryant and Greg Gumbel, well-known sports broadcasters, and basketball star Elvin Hayes who might be coming to Warren County.

“I first met Jim Brown a few years earlier when he worked at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas,” offered Reynolds. “But, it was Ajay who got him to Bowling Green.”

Martin’s project included more than just a golf course. It included building lots in and around the course of which California golf course designer Bob Baldock had been selected to do the layout. His resume included more than 300 courses in fourteen states.

I had little to offer that night to the conversation other than keep the conversation moving with Brown who set next to me on the left. I do recall talking about Dale Lindsey, a teammate of his with the Cleveland Browns. Dale had been a Bowling Green High grad and All-American linebacker at Western. Brown also mentioned how he wished his lady friend could have been with us all.

It was an interesting night. I’ve always been appreciative that Mike included me.

Warren Meadows never achieved what had been anticipated. Later it became The Trace at Bays Fork, and although homes have been built there the golf course itself was later donated to Warren County in 2014.

“Congressman (Wm.) Natcher wanted to see what we were talking about,” Reynolds recalled. “So I took him out there. He said, ‘Mike, it’s ten miles, too far out and ten years ahead of its time.’”

Mike Reynolds has been an attorney for over 50 years and we have been friends for almost that long. Anyone who knows him knows he is a sports junkie. He doesn’t just talk about them, he actually attends some of the nation’s biggest events.

That same year in 1982 when Jim Brown visited Bowling Green, in March of that year Mike and I were among 62,000 fans in the New Orleans Superdome when freshman Michael Jordan hit the game winner for North Carolina over Georgetown. And then on October 20, 1982, the two of us drove from Bowling Green to St. Louis to see the Cardinals win the seventh game of the World Series over the Milwaukee Brewers. The more-than-four-hour drive each way on the same day was another story to tell on our resume.

So, 1982 was a good sports years for us.

Mike’s real passion is baseball.  This past year he latched on to an 11 game schedule of working with Randy Lee in broadcasting Western Kentucky University baseball.

There’s no excuse. Get up, get out, get going! Reach Gary West at westgarypdeb@gmail.com.

 

Colleges and universities announce Dean’s List, President’s List honorees

Several college and university students with local ties have been honored for their hard work in the classroom by being named to their school’s Dean’s List or President’s List.

Belmont University

Jaylen Gambrell of Williamsburg qualified for the Spring 2023 Dean’s List at Belmont University.

Approximately 49 percent of Belmont’s 6,552 undergraduate students were named.

Eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C.

Located two miles from downtown Nashville, Tennessee, Belmont University comprises nearly 9,000 students from every state and 33 countries.

Campbellsville University

The academic honors dean’s list for the Spring 2023 semester has been announced by Dr. Donna Hedgepath, Campbellsville University’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. The students are Logan Matthew Bargo of Corbin, and Ashley Nichole Hayes of Williamsburg.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate and certificate programs.

Georgetown College

Two students from the Corbin area qualified for the Dean’s List at Georgetown College – Brooklyn Kyser Jung and Noah Andrew Steely.

To qualify, a student must have completed the spring semester with at least 12 credit hours and a minimum 3.7 GPA.

Georgetown College is a liberal arts Christian college located in Georgetown, Kentucky.

The mission of Georgetown College is to prepare students to engage in their life’s pursuits with thoughtfulness and skill by providing an exceptional educational experience in a vibrant Christian community.

Harding University

Carson Hayes of Corbin, a senior studying biochemistry, is among more than 1,100 Harding University students included on the Dean’s List for grades achieved during the Spring 2023 semester.

The Dean’s List is published each semester by Dr. Marty Spears, university provost, honoring those who have achieved high scholarship. To be eligible, a student must be carrying 12 or more hours with a 3.65 or higher grade-point average and no incompletes.

Harding University is a private Christian, liberal arts university located in Searcy, Arkansas. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, it is the largest private university in the state. Harding’s student body represents students from across the U.S. and more than 50 nations and territories.

Lincoln Memorial University (LMU)

Lukas Halcomb of Williamsburg was named to the Spring 2023 Dean’s List at LMU.

To be placed on the Dean’s List, the student must be a full-time undergraduate and have a 3.5 or higher grade-point-average for the semester. Over 510 students were recognized for high academic achievement.

Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies.

Morehead University

Morehead State’s Spring 2023 Dean’s List was announced, and two Corbin students made the list.

To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must have completed at least 12 undergraduate credit hours and earned at least a 3.5 GPA for the current semester.

Kathleen Ann Taylor is in the Caudill College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences, and Emma Rose Brock is in the College of Science.

Morehead State University is a comprehensive public university located in Morehead, Kentucky.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

SNHU announced that two Corbin students were named to the Winter 2023 President’s List: Terianne Hensley and Cameron Maguet.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

SNHU is a private, nonprofit institution with a 90-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. For more information about SNHU go to snhu.edu.

University of Kentucky (UK)

The University of Kentucky has released its Dean’s List for the Spring 2023 semester. A total of 8,146 students were recognized for their outstanding academic performance.

To make a Dean’s List in one of the UK colleges, a student must earn a grade-point average of 3.6 or higher and must have earned 12 credits or more in that semester, excluding credits earned in pass-fail classes. Some UK colleges require a 3.5 GPA to make the Dean’s List.

Area students on the Dean’s List include:

Corbin – Drew A. Beecham, Kayli E. Bolton, Sarah M. Bolton, Mantin Chen, Dylan J. Day, Bailee E. Gibbs, Joshua D. Gilbert, Matthew C. Hart, Brendan D. Henegar, Caitlynne A. Hill, Colton L. Holt, Maren E. Hoskins, Cierra G. Ledford, Lauren A. Lockaby, Cassondra L. Miles, Camille R. Overley, Khushi V. Patel, Adam C. Peace, Ally B. Powers, KayDee M. Pratt, Jael B. Sell, Baleigh D. Walden, Isley Y. Walker, McKenzie E. Walters, and Caden D. Worley.

Williamsburg – Samuel J. Hudson, Naythan O. Jewell, and Leslie D. Monhollen.

Gray – Callie R. Black and Katelyn B. Collins.

Woodbine – Whitney P. Trosper.

Lily – Jakob L. Combs

 

Corbin resident receiving $3,000 scholarship from Taco Bell for cosmetology education

A Corbin resident is getting some help to continue her education thanks to a scholarship from a local restaurant.

Taco Bell® Franchisee Tacala Companies announced their annual scholarship winners for the 2023-2024 school year. Team Tacala Charities will award $163,500 to the winners in six states: Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia and Alabama. Sixty-two eligible team members won scholarships ranging from $1,500 for two-year colleges and $3,000 for four-year colleges.

Out of this year’s 62 recipients, Corbin’s Amber Ring is getting a $3,000 scholarship to put towards her cosmetology education.

The scholarship is available to teen team members who are graduating seniors in high school or currently enrolled in college or vocational school and meet certain eligibility requirements. Eligible team members can reapply for the scholarship every year.

The application process includes employment, resume, recommendation and a brief essay describing “Your Más” and “Life Challenge.” Since 2014 Team Tacala Charities has awarded $1,726,550 in scholarships helping 683 teen team members achieve their academic goals.

“Tacala leadership is committed to providing our staff opportunities beyond training, work experience and a paycheck. Winning a $3,000 or $1,500 Team Tacala Scholarship to pursue post-secondary education can lead to something even greater. This year, every eligible team member won a scholarship. We are proud to give back to our team members in recognition of their dedication to our guests and communities as well as their fellow Tacala employees,” said Marjorie Perlman, Chief Marketing Officer at Tacala Companies.

Team Tacala Charities is a non-profit organization established in 2003. The company aims to promote opportunities for team members by increasing high school and postsecondary education graduation rates. Funds for the team member scholarships accumulate through company donations and the Team Tacala Scholarships Golf Experience.

 

Area residents receive college degrees

Local residents received their college degrees during recent graduation ceremonies from various colleges and universities, including the following:

Harding University

James Hayes of Corbin is one of more than 600 students who received diplomas and were recognized as Harding University graduates for Spring 2023 during a commencement ceremony on May 6.

Hayes received a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry.

University President Mike Williams recognized the candidates as they were recommended by the faculty for graduation.

Harding University is a private Christian, liberal arts university located in Searcy, Arkansas.

Berea College

Berea College announced that two local students received diplomas: Holly Hudson and Lilly Rice from Corbin.

Berea, the first interracial and coeducational college in the South, focuses on learning, labor, and service. Supported by Berea’s No-Tuition Promise, Berea College admits only academically promising students with limited economic resources, primarily from Appalachia. All students must work 10 hours or more weekly, earning money for books, room and board.

 

Superintendent Tim Melton leaves big shoes to fill

Sometimes, when people reach a certain level of prominence or what they see as prominence, they think they are too good to do menial tasks.

You probably know the kind of people I am talking about. I think all of us have known a few of them over the years.

Outgoing Williamsburg Superintendent Tim Melton certainly isn’t one of those people.

Let me share a portion of a letter to the editor that ran in the News Journal in August 2018. The letter was from the project manager on the Williamsburg Independent School renovation project, Debra Strehl. At the time, Melton was school principal.

“Mr. Tim Melton is the first and only principal that I have seen (over 30 years), that will roll up his sleeves and work side by side with his janitorial staff. He has painted, moved furniture, stripped floors, patched cracks, etc. These things were not a part of our contract. He was not alone. There was an entire staff of people from every part of the school that never took a Christmas break. These are the hardest working group of people I’ve ever seen,” Strehl wrote in the letter to the editor.

By the time COVID-19 rolled around, Melton was superintendent.

During the early days of pandemic after in-person classes got cancelled, there were multiple times that I tried calling Melton in the morning, but couldn’t reach him. As it turned out, he was busy helping the cafeteria staff make sack lunches to send to students.

This is just the kind of guy Tim Melton is. In addition to being intelligent, he is also a hard worker willing to do whatever it takes to help make his school district successful.

This is one of the traits that is going to make Melton very hard to replace after he leaves Williamsburg at the end of the month to take a position in another school district.

From a journalistic perspective, Melton has always been good about returning phone calls, answering e-mails and doing anything he could to help me out. It has been much appreciated.

Whoever Melton’s successor is as superintendent, they will certainly have some very big shoes to fill, but I know Melton would like nothing better than to see them surpass the fine job that he has done in Williamsburg.

I would wish Melton luck in his new position, but something tells me that he won’t need it.

The district’s superintendent search committee held a public forum last Wednesday to get public input about the qualities that they would like to see in their next superintendent, but no one from the public showed up.

Look for the district to appoint an interim superintendent when Melton leaves when his contract expires at the end of June and to take its time searching for the right person to replace Melton.

If recent history is any indication, there’s a good chance that the district’s next superintendent will be someone already connected to the district.

In 2015, one year before Superintendent Denny Byrd retired, the school district hired Amon Couch as principal. Then, Couch was hired as superintendent when Byrd retired in 2016.

Melton was then brought in as the school principal.

When Couch retired in 2019, Melton was selected to replace him as superintendent and Marc Taylor was hired as principal.

Only time will tell if history will repeat itself with someone already associated with the school district hired as the next superintendent.

 

Williamsburg’s Nate Goodin talks becoming a state champion long jumper, plus his expectations for the 2023 football season

Of all the stellar performances by coverage area track and field athletes at this year’s Kentucky High School Athletic Association state championships, one stood out above the rest. Williamsburg’s Nate Goodin, who has just completed his sophomore year, was the only local competitor to secure a state title, jumping into first place in the long jump event with a distance of 21 feet, four inches. (more…)

 

Kentucky Wildlands unveils new waterfall trail

With warmer weather approaching, many people look forward to spending time near or in the water. Fortunately, The Kentucky Wildlands has provided a guide to help make this happen.

The Kentucky Wildlands has announced a new waterfall trail that showcases 17 of the most inviting trails in the region, six of which are located near the area.

The Kentucky Wildlands launched in 2020 to develop a sustainable tourism-based economy and create connectivity across the region, offering a waterfall trail that highlights some of the most unique and accessible waterfalls across the area.

The trail rewards people with majestic beauty and breathtaking natural wonders.

The six area trails include Vanhook Falls and Pine Island Double Falls of London, Dog Slaughter Falls of Corbin, Eagle Falls and Princess Falls of McCreary County, and Cumberland Falls of Whitley and McCreary County.

The trail includes wheelchair and stroller-accessible hikes and more challenging routes.

Helpful information and exciting pictures of each waterfall are located on their website.

The waterfall trail can be found online at www.explorekywildlands.com/the-kentucky-wildlands-waterfall-trail/. The trail is displayed on an illustrated map that gives visitors a glimpse of what each of the 17 falls looks like and where it’s located within The Kentucky Wildlands.

Visitors will be able to download and print out the map for reference.

To find out more about the natural beauty and wonder of The Kentucky Wildlands, visit www.explorekywildlands.com.

 

WCHS freshman heading to Boston area for Congress of Future Medical Leaders

Whitley County High School freshman HayLee Baird has been selected as a Delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders, which will be held June 21-23, just outside Boston on the University of Massachusetts Lowell campus.

The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. The purpose of this event is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country interested in these careers, to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal.

Baird recognized the importance of community involvement and public stewardship at an early age.

In 2017, when she was only 10 years old, she donated all of her birthday money to the Williamsburg Shop with a Cop program. Since that time, she has raised over $2,000 for that same program.

Baird currently volunteers at the Senior Citizens Center in Williamsburg. She is also in the Whitley County High School Beta Club and on Whitley County High School Softball Team while maintaining a 4.375 GPA.

Baird’s nomination was signed by Dr. Mario Capecchi, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine and the Science Director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, to represent Kentucky based on her academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine.

During the three-day Congress, Baird will join students from across the country and hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science recipients discuss leading medical research, be given advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical school, witness stories told by patients who are living medical miracles, be inspired by fellow teen medical science prodigies, and learn about cutting-edge advances, and the future in medicine and medical technology.

“This is a crucial time in America when we need more doctors and medical scientists who are even better prepared for a future that is changing exponentially. Focused, bright and determined students like HayLee Baird are our future and she deserves all the mentoring and guidance we can give her,” according to a release.

Baird is one of two delegates representing Whitley County High School this month. D’Shawn Henderson, a freshman at the school, has also been selected.