Cumberlands ranked most affordable college in Kentucky
It’s no secret that the price of attending college has risen dramatically over the last decade. With the weight of student loan debt looming over many college students (and hopeful college-students-to-be), finding a college that’s affordable is like a breath of fresh air.
College Consensus recently published a ranking that lists the most affordable schools in the United States, and University of the Cumberlands made the cut – not only as a school affordable enough to be included in the first place, but as the most affordable college in Kentucky, public or private.
The organization published Cumberlands’ annual on-campus tuition rate for undergraduate students, which is $9,875 a year; however, undergraduate students, who enroll fully online, spend only $6,600 per year on tuition (based on a 15-credit-hour course load each semester).
Cumberlands came in at No. 53 in the national rankings. The only other ranked Kentucky school in the top 100 was Mountain Bible College in Jackson. It came in at No. 57 with a tuition of $10,060, according to www.college.consensus.com.
Among online colleges specifically, Cumberlands ranked No. 1 in Kentucky for affordability, and No. 11 nationally. Kentucky State University in Frankfort was ranked 37th and was the only other Kentucky school to make the top 100, according to www.college.consensus.com.
In addition to its affordability ranking, Cumberlands has made other ranking lists by College Consensus as well, such as its list of best online MBA programs in Kentucky, best online master’s in information technology programs, and best online master’s in mental health counselling.
“In most cases, College Consensus rankings are based on the combination of both the Publisher Consensus and Student Consensus components. We combine the weighted publisher rankings with the student reviews to generate a single, comprehensive score for each college or university,” according to www.collegeconsensus.com.
“This College Consensus score reflects the overall consensus among both academic experts and the student community, offering a balanced and nuanced assessment of each institution’s strengths and weaknesses. In cases where a significant number of verified student reviews are unavailable, the Publisher Consensus will stand as the Consensus Score.”
Cumberlands launched online programming in 2010 and continues to offer students one of the most affordable rates in higher education, according to a UC release.
On-campus students became the focus of affordable tuition in 2019, when Cumberlands slashed tuition costs by more than half. Later, the university included free textbooks and removed all fees as part of its One Price Promise initiative for its entire student body.
This created a greater pathway toward accessibility for students in all walks of life. The changes have benefited thousands of students, with approximately one-fourth of Cumberlands’ on-campus undergraduate students now able to graduate from college debt-free, according to a UC release.
Learn more at www.ucumberlands.edu/admission-aid.
13th Region softball and baseball championship tournament brackets announced
Memorial Day will be full of softball and baseball action in Knox County as this year’s 13th Region championship tournaments are scheduled kick off at Lynn Camp and Knox Central high schools. (more…)
Corbin officials asking residents to keep their property up
If you own property in Corbin, then you need to keep that property up, which includes getting the grass cut on a regular basis.
The city has made a concerted effort to go after blighted properties in the past and will do so again if necessary. However, the city would much rather people just keep their grass cut and maintain their property on their own.
This was the message that Corbin City Manager Scott Williamson would like the public to know as summer approaches and lawn maintenance is hitting full stride.
“If you have property, please take care of your properties. Do what you know needs to be done. Do what your neighbors are doing to make their properties look nice and presentable,” Williamson said.
“If you are an absentee owner/landlord, we know where you are. We can cite you just as easily as we can anyone else through the proper legal channels. It is spring. We have properties that need attention. Would you please do it the easy way? We would appreciate it.”
Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus put it a little more succinctly during Monday’s meeting.
“Mow your lawn!” she said with a smile on her face and a chuckle in her voice.
Also, during Monday’s meeting, the commission awarded bids for blacktop, stone, landfill services and cell phone service.
There was only a single bidder for landfill, stone and blacktop, and only two bidders for cell phone service, Verizon and Appalachian Wireless.
City officials lamented the fact that there were so few bidders.
Razmus noted that the city reached out to additional companies trying to get them to bid, but with no luck.
City Attorney Bob Hammons noted that the city could reject the bids and rebid them.
Commissioner John Baker questioned what the odds would realistically be that the bids would go down.
Williamson added that the bids could up if bid again.
The city commission accepted the only bidders for landfill services, stone and blacktop, and accepted Verizon’s bid for cellphone service, which was $9,000 less than last year and provides the phones to the city free of charge.
City Clerk Tori Brock delivered a piece of good news in regards to health insurance costs, which will go down about $2,000 compared to last year.
She added that last year there was a 20 percent increase in the rate.
In addition, Williamson delivered his monthly city manager’s report during the meeting bragging on several departments.
He noted that Corbin Arena Manager Kristina Balla and her staff have embraced some new financial processes that have been put into place at the Arena.
“I want to brag on her a little. We are getting some great reporting to city hall to staff and myself. It is very integral to what we are doing. We are watching our budget and trying to be austere and, yet, fill all the needs that we have and some of the wishes. There are plenty of both,” Williamson added.
During the city’s last audit, auditors noted that invoices couldn’t be found for some cash disbursements and things of that nature at the Arena, and encouraged taking steps to tighten up the invoice situation at the Arena.
Williamson also bragged on Corbin Director of Public Works Jeff Nantz and his staff for replacing the decking on the Engineer Street Bridge and refurbishing it during a project, which came in under budget.
“It looks really nice,” Williamson said.
He added that city department heads have also taken to heart the city’s plan to start more closely watching spending, including getting purchase orders on anything over $300, which had never been done in some departments.
In other business, the commission:
• Announced that a grand opening is planned on Thursday (May 30) at 11 a.m. for the city’s new fitness court, which is located at the corner of Poplar and Seventh streets.
“We will have students there to demonstrate how to use the equipment,” said Corbin Parks and Recreation Director Jacob Roan.
The equipment will also have QR codes that the public can scan with their phones, which will bring up video of an athletic trainer explaining how to use the equipment and workouts that they can do, Roan said.
• Announced that there will be a 5 p.m. June 3 public planning meeting at Corbin City Hall in connection with a $200,000 Safe Streets for All planning grant. “If you all could be thinking over the next couple of weeks about areas in town that you think are a traffic hazard either through automobile or pedestrian or bicycling, anything that has to do with transportation. Please come to this public meeting and let your voice be heard,” Razmus said.
W’Burg Ind. seniors hold parade Saturday to celebrate graduation
Photo by TIMOTHY WYATT
Seniors from Williamsburg Independent School held a parade through town on Saturday to celebrate their pending graduation. The students packed their and their classmates vehicles, adorned them with decorations and drove from Kentucky Splash Waterpark through downtown Williamsburg and back. A police escort was provided for the parade. Senior parades became popular during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but have mostly went away. School officials said that it was something that this year’s senior class really wanted to participate in.
Jolene Gilbert
Jolene Gilbert, age 90, of Williamsburg, Kentucky departed this life on May 21, 2024 at the Baptist Health in Corbin, Kentucky.
Jolene was born on October 1, 1933 in Bell County, Kentucky to Charles Kidd and Hazel (Arrowood) Kidd.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Hazel Kidd; husband, Doyle Gilbert; daughter, Kimberly Gilbert; daughter-in-law, Joy Gilbert; and brother-in-law, Claude Baker.
Jolene was a member of First Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Kentucky and worked at Cumberland College for many years.
Jolene is survived by her children, Kyle Gilbert, Kevin Gilbert, Kenny Gilbert (Carol), and Keith Gilbert (Sherri); grandchildren, Hannah Hall (Conner), Lindsay Larson (Ben), Jesse Gilbert, Chandler Gilbert, and Maddison Perdue (Zack); great-grandchildren, Collins Larson, Briar Perdue, Harlynn Perdue, and Kinleigh Perdue; twin sister, Gerri Baker; several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends to mourn her passing.
Visitation will be 2:00 PM until the service hour on Saturday, May 25, at the Croley Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral service will be at 3:00 PM Saturday, May 25, at the Croley Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Bob Dunston officiating.
She will be laid to rest in the Croley Addition of Highland Park.
In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to First Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Kentucky.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Beverly Scott
Beverly Scott, 87, was born on March 23, 1937, in Memphis, TN to Raymond and Pat (Hood) Scott.
She peacefully passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 surrounded by her family at her home in Williamsburg, KY.
Beverly was preceded in death by parents, Raymond and Pat (Hood) Scott; husband, Dr. Gene Scott, two brothers, Herbie Scott and Larry Scott; three sisters, Joann Sipowich, Betty Hudson, and Janie Akers.
Beverly leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness, cherished by her surviving relatives, two daughters, Jennifer Scott Grow (Choya) of Lexington, KY. and Kathryn Jean Scott-Jones (Dwight) of Williamsburg, KY; six grandchildren Eddie Jones, Stephanie Jones Lovitt (Darrell), Lindsay Jones Marlow (Direck), Matthew Scott Jones (Brittany), Amy Kathryn Howell (Jesse), Shelby Jean Grow; and 11 great-grandchildren, Staylie Marlow, Heidi Wiles, Noah Jones, Ahna Marlow, Eli Lovitt, Maverick Jones, Emmett Howell, Lincoln Lovitt, Griffin Howell, Owen Marlow and baby Luca Jones; and one sister, Trudy Pettigrew (Joe) of Brownsville, TN.
A funeral service to honor Beverly’s life will be held at Croley Funeral Home in Williamsburg, KY, on Friday, May 24, at 2:00 pm with Rev. Terry Faris officiating. Visitation will start at 12:00 pm.
Following the service, Beverly will be laid to rest at the Croley Addition Highland Park Cemetery in Williamsburg, KY at 3:00 pm.
Beverly’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were touched by her warmth and grace.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Jamie Collins
Jamie Collins, 48, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, was born on March 18, 1976, in Corbin, KY, and passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024, at his home, surrounded by loved ones in Corbin, KY.
He will be dearly missed by his mother, Phyllis Collins of Corbin, KY; brother, Phillip Collins and wife Carole of Noblesville, IN; sister, Jennifer Taylor of Williamsburg, KY; special aunt and uncle, Brenda and David Mintzer of Batavia, OH, uncle, Chester Collins and wife Nancy of Norwood, OH; special cousin, Leah Griffith and husband Chris of Batavia, OH; nieces and nephews, Jessica Collins, Ben Collins, Ally Collins, Conner Taylor; special niece, Kailee Taylor; great-nephew, Kadrin Meadors; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Jamie loved playing music, supporting University of Kentucky sports, NASCAR and listening to George Strait.
Jamie’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his legacy will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace.
Jamie was preceded in death by his father, Estil Collins; grandparents, Luther and Hester Collins and Evan and Georgia Swain; uncles, HC Swain, Preston Swain and Carl Swain; aunts, Betty Moses and Carol Hurst.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Shirley Lawson
Shirley Lawson, 75, born on December 11, 1948, in Jellico, TN, and peacefully taken from us on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Norwood, OH.
She is survived by her brothers and sisters, LA Lawson (Brenda) of Loveland, OH, George Lawson JR. (Vickey) of Williamsburg, KY. and Floyd Lawson of Milford, OH, Patricia Fischer of Maineville, OH and Ileene Lawson of Ft. Mitchell, KY.
Funeral service to honor and celebrate Shirley’s life took place at Croley Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 22, with Rev. Matt Rhymer officiating.
Burial followed at Carr Cemetery on Highway 904.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, George Lawson SR. and Mary (Smith) Lawson, brothers, Gorman Lawson, Clayton Lawson, Norman Lawson, and Donald Ray Lawson; sister, Ruby Anderson; and sister-in-law Linda Lawson.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Wilbur Huddleston
It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wilbur Huddleston, a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Wilbur Huddleston, born on July 10, 1952, in Jellico, TN, peacefully departed from this world on May 19, 2024, in Williamsburg, KY.
Wilbur leaves behind a legacy of love and memories that will be cherished by his surviving relatives, sons, Wilbur Huddleston Jr, Jeffrey Dewayne Huddleston, Ernest Daniel Huddleston, Claude Jason Huddleston, and Dorian Dewayne (Angel) Huddleston; daughter, Demetria Lagina Huddleston; grandchildren, Aaron Huddleston, Joey Huddleston, Dalton Mahan, Bree Reynolds, Shyla Huddleston, September Troxell, Austin Huddleston, Gage Huddleston, Brayden Huddleston, Brooklyn Huddleston, Hunter Huddleston, Maia Huddleston, Haley Mahan, and Madison Huddleston; and great-grandchildren, Rayden Creekmore, Lillian Duke, Mackenzie Mitchell, Oliver Huddleston, Addalynd Huddleston, Braxtin Huddleston, and Caybrin Huddleston.
He will also be missed by his special friends, Rev. Floyd Hale, Rev Lenard Siler, Joe Sutton and Levon Messer; along with several other family members and friends.
A funeral service to honor Wilbur’s life will be held at the Hanging Rock Missionary Baptist Church on Thursday, May 23, at 1:00 pm with the Rev. Floyd Hale and Rev Lenard Siler officiating.
Prior to the service, a public viewing will take place at Croley Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 22, at 5:00 pm.
Wilbur will be laid to rest following the funeral service in the Highland Park Cemetery Davis Addition.
Wilbur Huddleston’s presence and gentle spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Wilbur was preceded in death by, Shirley Huddleston, Claude Huddleston, and Nancy Huddleston.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Jamie Randle Powers
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of , a beloved son, father, and brother.
Born on August 17, 1969, in Pineville, KY, Jamie passed away on May 19, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness that will be forever cherished by those who knew him.
Jamie will be fondly remembered by his father, David Powers; daughters, Tiffany and Sarah Powers; step-mother, Cathy Powers; brother, David Powers; step-sisters, Rosa Dobson and Litha Goins; nephews, Shawn and Justin Powers; and a host of other relatives and friends who mourn his passing
A graveside service to celebrate Jamie’s life was held at the Ephram Powers Cemetery on Tuesday, May 21. The service was a time of remembrance for all who were touched by Jamie’s presence in their lives.
In the face of this profound loss, we find solace in the memories we shared with Jamie and the love he gave so freely. His kindness, dedication to his work in construction, and unwavering support for his family will forever be remembered. May his spirit rest in peace, knowing he was cherished by many.
Jamie was preceded in death by his mother, Juanita Powers; brothers, James Matthew Powers and Daniel Lee Powers.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.