Housing Insecurity: KCEOC rep talks barriers to security and sustainability

Imagine for a moment that an unfortunate series of events has left you with no immediate permanent housing options. Perhaps you have been in this position before. Now imagine that you are doing all of the work necessary to get yourself back on the track to self-sustainability. You are connecting with folks who are helping you to overcome whatever obstacles may be in the way of you once again having a roof over your head. (more…)

 

Local author uses cartel-connected father as inspiration for new book, available now

“I want people to walk away knowing that these things happened in this area, and nobody knew. I also want them to know that you don’t have to let the things that you have witnessed define who you are now. Instead, you can use it as motivation to not be that way. You can be better.” This is what Corbin’s Dakota Havens had to say when asked what he hopes readers will take away from the experience of reading his new book, Shadows of San Miguel. (more…)

 

The way things were: On 100th birthday, Ruth Prewitt reflects on how life has changed in Whitley County

How often do we find ourselves saying, “Things sure have changed,” whenever talking about how we learn, travel, communicate or entertain ourselves? It is true, things have changed a lot just in the last decade, not to mention compared to 30, 40 or even 50 years ago. But what about 100 years ago? (more…)

 

Photo Gallery: Cumberland Valley Cruise-In

Several people turned out Saturday in downtown Corbin for the second Cumberland Valley Cruise-In of the season.

 

Corbin Garden Club recognized

The Corbin Garden Club received national honors at the National Garden Club Convention in Denver, Colorado, which was held June 2–5. The Corbin club received top honors for their work to recognize National Garden Week in 2023.

To bring recognition to the work of both the National Garden Club and the local Corbin Garden Club, opportunities were provided to encourage pride in the community, involve the community, interest new members, and partner with other groups.

The Corbin Garden Club’s efforts were noted at the highest level as the Corbin Garden Club was the only club out of all 50 states and thousands of clubs to receive the Certificate of Merit along with a check for $100.

Carcille Burchette, South Atlantic Region Director for the National Garden Club and Corbin Garden Club past president, was ecstatic.

“I was shocked when I looked up and saw it announced on the big screen! We are thrilled to be recognized by the National Garden Club!” Burchette said.

The Corbin Garden Club wants to thank everyone for their part in the club receiving this award.

Not least are the businesses who participated in the flower deliveries, the Corbin Middle School Seventh Grade Science class, Corbin School of Innovation, individuals, who participated in events, City of Corbin, Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission, Downtown Corbin, and the Corbin Public Library to name a few.

“This award would not have been possible without them,” Corbin Garden Club officials wrote in a release.

 

Corbin Senior Citizen Center receiving state funds for kitchen upgrade

It was announced Thursday afternoon by Gov. Andy Beshear’s office that a total of $8.5 million is being awarded to help fund a total of twelve improvement projects to community facilities across the Commonwealth. (more…)

 

Nathan Todd Hamblin

Nathan Todd Hamblin, age 46, of Clairfield, Tennessee, passed away Friday, June 7, 2024, in Clairfield.
He was born on April 26, 1978, to the late Dianna Hamblin Malicoat, in Jellico, TN.
His maternal grandmother was the late Minnie Hamblin.
He was a graduate of Jellico High School – Class of 1996.
In addition to his mother and grandmother, he was preceded in death by his wife, Krista Elizabeth Wilson Hamblin.
He is survived by two brothers, Christopher “Chad” Hamblin, and Michelle Presson, of Liberty, Indiana, and Gregory Hamblin, and Sabrina Thomas, of Clairfield; sister, Leeann Bills, and Thomas “Coby” Reese, of Jellico; step-father, Larkie Malicoat, of Clairfield; several aunts and uncles; 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 evening, June 18, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Cox & Son Funeral Home Chapel.
Memorial services will immediately follow on Tuesday evening, June 18, at 8:00 p.m. at the Cox & Son Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. A. J. Hamblin officiating.
Cox & Son Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

 

Robert “Robbie” Tilman Hatfield

Robert “Robbie” Tilman Hatfield, age 51, of Duff, Tennessee passed away Friday, June 7, 2024, in Clairfield, Tennessee.
He was born March 1, 1973, in LaFollette, Tennessee.
Robbie is preceded in death by his mother, Virginia (Pugh) Hatfield.
He is survived by his son, Jessie Hatfield; daughter, Sarah Wilson; granddaughter, Kynlee Massengill; father, Robert Hatfield; sister, Rachel Baker and husband Randy; grandmother, Mary H. Pugh; nieces, Destiny and Sarah; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and family to mourn his passing.
Graveside service will be Friday, June 14, at 2 pm in the Clairfield Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Adam Gulley and Rev. James “Jimbo” Bolton officiating.
Burial will follow in the Clairfield Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.
Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

 

New principals named at Boston, W’burg

Students at Boston Elementary School and Williamsburg Independent School will have new principals when they return to classes this fall.

The Whitley County School District announced Monday that Jordan McCumbers has been selected as the new principal at Boston.

He is a Whitley County High School graduate, who went on to teach at Whitley County Middle School.

“We know he will do a fantastic job and will work hard to do great things for the students of the Boston community,” the school district wrote in a release.

McCumbers will replace Heather Roaden, who has been named as the new principal at Whitley Central Intermediate School.

Ashley Partin took over as the new principal at Williamsburg Monday.

“We are confident that Mrs. Partin will hit the ground running by building positive relationships with staff, students and families. Students will always be first at Williamsburg, and our new principal is passionate about continuing our mission to ensure that tradition leads to excellence,” said Williamsburg Independent School District Superintendent Tabetha Housekeeper.

“I am excited to work with Mrs. Partin to create a dynamic, vibrant learning culture in our school. The sky is the limit for the Williamsburg Yellowjackets.”

Partin noted in a letter to the community that she has lived in the Williamsburg area for most of her adult life and is fully cognizant of both the rewards and challenges that are present here.

“I have made an unwavering commitment in my career to pour into the youth of our community and see our children grow up to be successful and well-rounded citizens who contribute to the betterment of our small town and the world as a whole. I look forward to pursuing this commitment together,” she wrote in a letter.

Partin has nine years of experience in the classroom where she taught primarily biology, anatomy and AP biology. She has also served as a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) coach, curriculum manager, and teacher mentor.

Besides her various roles in education, she is also a mother of three children and wife to her high school sweetheart.

“I pride myself on doing whatever it takes for students to be successful both academically and in their social/emotional development and I promise to care for your children just as I do my own,” she wrote.

Her vision for the 2024-2025 school year is to build a culture of excellence together focused on a positive and supportive school climate that fosters success in all areas.

“I am a firm believer that every student can excel in a positive and cultivating environment. I look forward to developing this environment together and fostering a lifelong love for learning in our students,” she wrote.

“As a community, I would love for us to work together to provide opportunities for our students to grow academically and socially. I look forward to your positive input and feedback, your insights and feedback as parents and caregivers are invaluable to shaping the future of WISD so please know that my door is always open to you. Thank you for trusting us with your child’s education and I look forward to this journey of learning and growing together.”

Partin replaces Marc Taylor, who last month was named assistant superintendent of operations. Taylor had been principal since July 1, 2019.

 

Grace Health celebrates ribbon cutting of new Corbin medical campus

Grace Health’s Medical Campus in Corbin, which opened late last year, is having a transformative impact on the region, according to U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, who is Dean of the House.

“This new comprehensive medical facility is eliminating hurdles to rural healthcare, allowing folks to take care of multiple appointments at one location,” Rogers said. “It is also a job generator, employing nearly 150 people with good-paying jobs right here in Corbin. I applaud Grace Health for expanding services, not only here in Corbin but across southeastern Kentucky.”

Rogers made his remarks during a Friday (June 7) ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new medical campus.

This milestone marks a significant expansion in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community.

Grace Health CEO Michael Stanley emphasized the importance of the new facility, stating, “One of our most significant recent milestones was the opening of the new Grace Health Medical Campus in Knox County on November 6, 2023. This state-of-the-art facility offers a comprehensive range of services including primary family care, internal medicine, pediatrics, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health services. This integrated approach to healthcare expansion aims to enhance accessibility to high-quality medical care for individuals and families residing in our community.”

Spanning 88,000 square feet, the new campus is a beacon of comprehensive medical care for the region. It includes 85 exam rooms, 10 dental operatories, and a convenient pharmacy with six drive-in bays.

Since its opening, the medical campus has proudly served over 3,000 patients per week, addressing various medical, dental, and mental health treatment needs. This substantial patient volume underscores the critical role that Grace Health plays in enhancing access to quality health services in Knox and Whitley counties, as well as the surrounding areas.

Beyond the tangible metrics of patient volume and facility size, the impact of the medical campus is deeply rooted in its commitment to community well-being.

By creating over 80 new full-time positions, Grace Health has bolstered local employment opportunities and strengthened the organization’s ability to deliver personalized, patient-centered care.

In essence, Grace Health Medical Campus represents more than just a building; it embodies Grace Health’s mission to show the love and share the truth of Jesus Christ to southeastern Kentucky, through access to compassionate, high-quality, primary health care for the whole person, according to a Grace Health release.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured a warm welcome and opening remarks by Stanley. The invocation was provided by Michael Wynn, Director of Community Programs at Grace Health.

Esteemed speakers included Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus, Kentucky State Senator Robert Stivers, and Rogers. The Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce led the ribbon-cutting, which was followed by a reception in the atrium catered by Local Honey of London.

As Grace Health continues to grow and evolve, the organization remains steadfast in its dedication to serving the diverse healthcare needs of rural southeastern Kentucky with an unwavering commitment to compassion, innovation, and steadfast devotion to the patients it serves.

Grace Health was established in 2008 in Knox County, as a primary healthcare provider and is recognized as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), proudly serving Bell, Clay, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, and Whitley counties. For more information, visit gracehealthky.org.