Appalachian Gathering for Recovery Solutions returns May 22 in Corbin

Now in its third year, the Appalachian Gathering for Recovery Solutions brings people from across the addictions recovery landscape together to share ideas, resources, and hope. Since its inception, dozens of organizations have been involved as sponsors and presenters, and everyone interested in learning more about recovery is invited to attend on May 22, in person or online, free of charge.

“While most of our participants are professionals from across the recovery pipeline, everyone is welcome,” says event manager and mental health counselor at Union Commonwealth University, Dr. Cosmina Noaghea.

New this year, the event will be held at the Corbin Center. Previously, Union had hosted the event.

“We decided to change the venue to accommodate a larger number of in-person attendees and to enhance their overall experience during the conference,” says Dr. Kathy Blaydes-Walczak, Director of the Appalachian Gathering for Recovery Solutions and Director of Addictions Studies at Union.

The gathering features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and informative displays representing various sectors, including addictions prevention, drug courts, treatment centers, educational institutions, and community and faith-based groups.

This year, two workshops have been added, as well:

• Trauma and Co-occurring Disorders, facilitated by President of the Kentucky Association of Addiction Professionals Geoff Wilson
• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren as a Result of Addiction, facilitated by President and CEO of Operation UNITE Tom Vicini

This year’s speakers include Van Ingram, Executive Director for the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy; Jonathan Philpot, Program Administrator of the Kentucky Recovery Housing Network; Dr. Al J. Mooney, author of “The Recovery Book”; and Geoff Wilson.

Afternoon panels will focus on prevention and recovery treatment programs, the role of community self-help groups and faith-based groups in recovery, support for building and living a healthy sober life, and legal issues related to addiction and recovery.

Professionals in the field will receive five continuing education credits (CEUs) for attending, pending approval from the Kentucky Board of Alcohol & Drug Counselors, the Kentucky Board of Professional Counselors, the Kentucky Board of Psychologists, and the Kentucky Board of Social Work.

The planning committee for the event includes representatives from Grace Health, Baptist Health, Support Centers International, and Union Commonwealth University.

To register for the gathering, contact Cosmina Noaghea at (606) 546-1528 or ioana.noaghea@unionky.edu.

 

Local college students recognized

Several college students with local ties have been honored recently by their schools of higher learning.

Samuel “Blake” McCullah

University of the Cumberlands offers undergraduate students who have excelled academically an opportunity to complete significant research in their major field of study. This advanced independent study or creative activity is conducted over two semesters and mentored by a faculty member.

The resulting thesis and oral presentation are reviewed and approved by both the academic department and the Presidential Scholars Research Committee.

This year, two undergraduate students have completed the requirements for this honor. President Cockrum will now recognize these students as Presidential Scholars. Samuel “Blake” McCullah is one of two graduates named a Presidential Scholar for 2024.

McCullah, who is from Williamsburg , is the son of Angela and Samuel McCullah.

At University of the Cumberlands, he is majoring in chemistry and biology. Under the mentorship of Dr. Julie Tan, his research focuses on the chemical recycling of polycotton polyblend textiles.

McCullah plans to attend the University of Kentucky College of Medicine to pursue a Doctor of Medicine.

Chaz Disney

The University of the Cumberlands T.E. Mahan Memorial Service Award is presented to a male student in their junior year of study who is expected to make an outstanding contribution to his community in the future. This year’s recipient is Chaz Disney.

Disney is a junior, who hails from Corbin. He is a missions and ministry major with an emphasis in youth and family ministry.

Disney is heavily involved in youth group ministry at Immanuel Baptist Church and currently leads the group at the Williamsburg campus. In addition, he leads a weekly men’s Bible study for UC men, and he participates in mission trips regularly.

Last summer, he completed an internship at his local church to serve the community and gain additional hands-on training in various ministry contexts.

Disney intends to pursue a profession in ministry after graduation and seeks to impact the local community through ministry.

Jordan Richardson

The University of the Cumberlands Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award honors a male student from the senior class who has made significant contributions to university life while demonstrating outstanding spiritual values. This year’s winner is Jordan Richardson.

Richardson, who is a senior from Williamsburg, is the son of Roger and Cynthia Richardson. He is a biology major with a restricted electives minor.

At Cumberlands, Richardson is an active member of Appalachian Ministries. On campus, he serves as a teacher assistant for biology through the Hearst Scholar Program. He also plays tennis on the junior varsity team and is a member of the Pre-Health Club.

Off-campus, Richardson works at Faith Christian Academy, mentoring struggling students. He is a leader of the TeamKid 4th-6th grade class at Cumberland Freewill Baptist Church, where he plays during worship.

Richardson’s future plans include continuing his studies at UC in the Physician Assistant Program. Ultimately, he would like to be a physician assistant in the Williamsburg area, possibly specializing in pediatrics.

Cierra Ledford

The University of Kentucky’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa has inducted Cierra Ledford of Corbin into the honor society in spring 2024. Ledford’s primary major is anthropology.

Celebrating excellence in the liberal arts and sciences, Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and the most prestigious honor society and opens many doors over the course of members’ careers. It contributes to opportunities for life-long learning and rounded lives outside of career, which follows the society’s motto “Love of Learning is the Guide to Life.” Phi Beta Kappa elects more than 15,000 new members a year from 290 chapters across the United States.

UK’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter is supported by the Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence, the Lewis Honors College and the Office of the President.

 

Dr. Richard Walter Kleinmann

Dr. Richard Walter Kleinmann, age 80, of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Born on December 12, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of the late Erwin S. and Ruth Elizabeth (Stone) Kleinmann.
He is survived by his siblings: Doug and Susan Kleinmann of Massachusetts, Ken and Barbara Kleinmann of Houston, Texas, and Kurt Kleinmann and Barbara Weinberger of Dallas, Texas. He was a loving father to his two sons, Andrew Kleinmann and his wife Taijha of Corbin, KY, and Matthew Kleinmann of Louisville, KY. He was also a cherished grandfather to his two grandchildren, Layla Kleinmann (8) and Harrison Drew Kleinmann (5), both of Corbin, KY.
Richard adored spending time outdoors, exploring nature with his grandchildren, and instilling in them a love for the world around them.
Dr. Kleinmann was an English Professor, affiliated with several area colleges, including the University of the Cumberlands, EKU, and Somerset Community College. His lifelong commitment to learning and education touched the lives of many students.
A devout Christian, Richard was always eager to share the word of God with others. He never met a stranger and was always the first to introduce himself and engage in meaningful conversations. His kindness knew no bounds, often going above and beyond for his family, no matter the cost.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held for Richard at his son’s home in Corbin, KY, on Sunday, May 26.
All family and friends are invited to attend.

 

Phyllis Jean Taylor

Phyllis Jean Taylor, a beloved member of the Lot Mud Creek community, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on September 25, 1930, Phyllis lived a fulfilling life as a dedicated housewife and cherished mother. She was a kind-hearted soul who found joy in simple pleasures and treasured every moment spent with her family.
Phyllis leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth to be carried on by her surviving relatives, including her children, Judy Mounce (Vernon), Truley Rose (Late husband Charlie Jr), Alene McNealy (James), Roger Taylor (April), and Bootsie Taylor (Donna Monhollen), along with her sister Doris Lewis, and brothers Dennis Lock, Willie Lock, and David Lock.
She was a loving grandmother to 19 grandchildren, with a host of great and great-great-grandchildren who brought immense happiness to her life.
Phyllis was a devout member of Cooks Baptist Church and found solace in her faith. She loved singing, cooking delicious meals, sharing stories, and above all, creating precious memories with her family.
The funeral services to honor Phyllis’s life will be held at Croley Funeral Home, with a family viewing at 5:00 pm and a public viewing at 6:00 pm on Saturday, May 18. The funeral service will take place at 8:00 pm on the same day.
A graveside service will be held at Rock Springs Cemetery on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 11:00 am.
Phyllis Jean Taylor will forever be remembered for her love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family. May she rest in peace, her spirit living on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, McKinley Taylor; her father, Fred Lock and mother, Lucille Lock; her son, Roy Arnold Taylor; a sister, Violet Fugate and husband Austin Fugate; and brothers, Larry Lock, John Lock, Eddie Lock and Dale Lock.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

 

 

WCHS ag students give lessons on how greenhouse operation works

Photos by TIMOTHY WYATT

Sharing knowledge: Last week, vo-ag students at Whitley County High School had a chance to welcome in some elementary-aged students and explain how things work at the high school’s greenhouse facility.

During their visit, the younger students got the chance to get hands on with some of the tools used for growing, and they were able to make some purchases just in time for Mother’s Day.

 

 

 

 

Cumberland Valley Cruise-In

Both young and old came out Saturday to attend the first Cumberland Valley Cruise-In of the season in downtown Corbin.

 

My decision to be the publisher of this paper came 37 years ago

It was 37 years ago this week when I accepted the job as publisher of this newspaper. At the time I was the advertising manager of the Sentinel-Echo in London.

I talked with Terry Forcht, the owner of the Whitley Republican, about the job and we decided to start a companion newspaper in Corbin after he agreed to purchase the new MacPlus computers which we would need to publish two newspapers.

Those little computers, which had far less memory than your telephone, was the new way to publish newspapers. They were expensive, costing about $2,500 each. The printer cost $5,000.

I gave my two week notice to the Sentinel and planned a vacation before I started the job at the Whitley Republican in June. It took a couple of months to plan the start of Corbin! This Week.

Terry gave me a book called “The Making of McPaper”, the inside story of USA Today. I took it with me on vacation and came back with a head full of ideas.

I was crazy about USA Today, the national publication that had started just two years prior. With the new computers I felt we could publish a newspaper that would look similar to it. Thus, I wanted to call it Corbin! This Week, a play on USA Today’s name.

The first time we used the computers to makeup the newspaper was a nightmare. I was there for my first publication of the Whitley Republican. It was about 3 a.m. and we couldn’t get the printer to work.

I was about to panic because the deadline for printing was just a few hours away.

We called Jerry Gibson, the fellow who arranged for the purchase of the computers at that hour of the morning and asked him, “How do you get these things to print?”

At the time the staff was talking to him I was in the front office on South Second Street in Williamsburg looking up at the night sky and asking myself, “At age 48 what have I done?”

Things got better of course but getting everything going was brutal. We have printed this newspaper in London, Manchester, Danville, Georgetown, Cynthiana, Middlesboro, Lexington and Harlan.

We were printing in London at the time but Ewell Balltrip, publisher of the Harlan Daily News, offered us a better deal. I told him it was a long way to Harlan and mountainous. He said he would flatten those mountains if we would print there.

I accepted the offer.

We would take our page negatives which Arnold Stark would prepare for us in our darkroom to Harlan. Then Ewell would truck the papers back to us in Williamsburg and we would prepare them for delivery.

I would start driving to Harlan about 4:30 a.m. with the negatives. After being up 24 hours I would have to park along the roadside on the way back because I could not hold my eyes open.

I knew that couldn’t go on much longer and with  our new publication slated for an August printing I had to make some changes.

Next week I’ll write about the changes.

 

New Asian-centric restaurant moving into downtown W’burg

A new restaurant is expected to open in downtown Williamsburg in the coming weeks.

Ngoc Kitchen, an Asian-centric takeout spot, is currently preparing for its grand opening in a portion of the old Game Café location along Main Street. The eatery will feature a variety of Asian cuisines, including Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese dishes. 

Ngoc Nguyen, owner of Ngoc Kitchen, told the News Journal on Tuesday that she is still awaiting some permits and licenses to be officially approved, but hopes to have the restaurant operational sometime around the beginning of June. 

Nguyen is a skilled chef who works with fresh ingredients and makes all of her dishes from scratch, right down to the egg rolls. For that reason, patrons can expect an authentic experience when choosing to dine at Ngoc Kitchen.

The restaurant will be takeout-only once it opens, but Nguyen said that she hopes to expand to allow for the option to dine-in eventually. Additionally, delivery orders will also be available for residents within the city and for larger, group orders outside of it. 

While still tentative, Ngoc Kitchen will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

For those interested, the restaurant already has a Facebook page with a tentative menu, which can be found by searching Ngoc Kitchen on Facebook. Once open, the restaurant will accept orders by phone at (606) 310-7622 and also via Facebook Messenger. 

 

Virginia “Diesel” Mulkey

Virginia “Diesel” (Davis) Moses Mulkey, age 80 years, 7 months, 15 days departed this life to be with the Lord on May 14, 2024 at her home surrounded by her family and friends.
She was born September 29, 1943 in Whitley County, Kentucky to the late John Davis and Bertha (Bryant) Davis.
In addition to her parents, Virginia is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Mulkey; brothers, Grover, Frank, and James Davis; sisters, Nora Davis, and Nell Davis Haney; grandchildren, Evan Swain, Matthew Bryant, and Jessica Roberts; and a great-grandchild, “Baby Duncan”.
Surviving family include her daughters, Janet Duncan, Yvonne Bryant, Felicia Roberts (and Jess), and Billie Strunk; a brother, Wilkie Davis (and Jenny); grandchildren, Kevin Bryant (and Jessica), Latosha Runyon (and Kenneth), Stephanie Hubbard (and Joey), Adam Duncan (and Heather), Dustin Strunk, Tyler Strunk, and Jacob Roberts; 16 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; and several other family and friends to mourn her passing.
Virginia was a jack of all trades. She had worked as a Diesel Mechanic, a CNA, and a Florist, all in the past time. In the latter part of her life, she settled down to be a homemaker and enjoyed setting up her camper with her husband. Virginia enjoyed being with her family, having cookouts, and playing her poker machine. Life was never boring and a smile was always to be found when she was around. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 18, at 11:00 am in the chapel of Pine Knot Funeral Home with Bro. Shane Slavey officiating.
Burial to follow in the Jellico Creek Cemetery.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday after 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the funeral home.
Pine Knot Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

 

Shannon Renea Buck

Shannon Renea Buck, age 46, of Jellico, Tennessee passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the UT Medical Center. She was born October 20, 1977, in Dalton, Georgia.
Shannon is preceded in death by her father, Robert William Buck.
She is survived by her fiancé, Leon Waller; mother, Sissy Walker; daughters, Savannah Garrett, and Jessica Garrett; like a son, Jonathan Beyers; sister, Bertie Walker; nephew, Dakota Walker; and a host of friends and family to mourn her passing.
Funeral service was Wednesday, May 15, at the Harp Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Wayne Barton officiating.
Burial followed in the Baird Cemetery in the Little Elk Creek community, Pioneer, Tennessee
Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.