Whitley County Public Health Records

As part of its duties, the Whitley County Health Department conducts routine public health inspections of various entities, including restaurants, stores, schools, mobile home parks, swimming pools, etc.

Delma Lovitt

Delma Lovitt, age 81, of London, KY, passed away Thursday, July 18, 2024 at the Christian Health Care in Corbin, KY.
She was born January 3, 1943 in McCreary County, KY, to the late Noble and Rosa Lay Lovitt. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister and one brother.
She is survived by her two children, Shonda Stevens (Matthew) of London, KY, and Timothy Lovitt (Kim) of Corbin, KY; two grandchildren, Marina Wilhoit (Brent), Toby Lovitt; and several friends and family to mourn her passing.
Funeral service was Sunday, July 21, at the Ellison Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Seth Napier officiating.
Graveside service and interment was in the Pleasant Run Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that contributions be made in honor of Delma to Ellison Funeral Home.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com
Ellison Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Sara Jane Dean

Sara Jane Dean, age 66, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Monday, July 15, 2024 at Baptist Health Lexington.
She was born April 19, 1958 in Knoxville, TN, to the late Mart E. and Jettie Cooper Jones. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbert Dean; brother, Joseph Russell Jones; and a sister-in-law, Margaret Jones.
She is survived by her daughter, Andrea Watts (Mark) of Corbin, KY; two sons, Mark Canada (Amanda) of Williamsburg, KY, and Brandon Dean of Williamsburg, KY; six grandchildren, Paige Newman (Zach), Austin Watts (Kelsey), Tanner Watts (Emily), Addison Watts, Gage Canada, Griffin Canada; five great-grandchildren, Prestlee Hurst, Brantlee Hurst, Harper Newman, Navee Newman, Jhett Newman; special niece, Carla Wolfe (Daryl) of Cincinnati, OH; special nephew, Mart E. Jones (Aimee) of Williamsburg, KY; and several friends and family to mourn her passing.
Funeral service was Friday, July 19, 2024 at the Ellison Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Hodge officiating. Interment was in the Highland Park Cemetery Davis Addition.
Pallbearers were Mark Canada, Judge Dan Ballou, Mart E. Jones, Chris Hill, Chance Davis, J.C. Caudell, Brantlee Hurst, and Gage Canada.
Honorary pallbearers were Austin Watts, Tanner Watts, Zach Newman, and Joe Keith Jones.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com.
Ellison Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Diane Miller Mitchell

Diane Miller Mitchell, age 82, of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Baptist Health in Corbin.
Born in Corbin, Kentucky, Diane was a 1958 graduate of Corbin High School and trained at Union College before teaching at the base school at Fort Knox. She returned to her beloved Corbin in 1965 and began teaching French and Journalism. In 1967, she married a young science and math teacher, Wendal Mitchell. Five years later she took maternity leave and later came back as an English teacher. She created “The Paw’s Print” student newspaper, the “Pegasus” student literary magazine, and coached her students to publication in the national “Foxfire” series. She helped to create the student council at Corbin High School. Diane taught for more than three decades and fought for the fair treatment of both her students and fellow teachers.
Diane was a member and past president of the Ossoli Club of Corbin, active with the Carnegie Center of Corbin, the Corbin Public Library Board and Friends of the Library. She was raised in the Presbyterian faith and served the food pantry of the Corbin Presbyterian Church for several years.
Diane was preceded in death by her husband, Wendal T. Mitchell in 2020, and by her parents, Warren C. Miller and Janice Adkins Miller.
She is survived by her daughter, Christina Mitchell Bentley; brother, Robert Miller; nephew, Robert Warren Miller (Jacki); great niece and nephews, Phillip, Audrey, and Perry Miller.
Visitation for Diane Mitchell will be held from 7-9 pm on Friday, July 26, at the Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home. Her funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, July 27, at the Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, with Rev. Jeff Frost officiating.
Burial will follow in the Pine Hill Cemetery in Corbin, Kentucky.
Donations in Diane’s memory for her lifetime of devotion may be made to the Carnegie Center of Corbin, P.O. Box 114, Corbin, KY 40702
Messages may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com.

Lillian Steele Babb

Lillian Steele Babb, age 76, of Corbin, faithful wife, loving mother, and much-loved grandmother journeyed forth to meet the Angels and her Creator on, Friday, July 19, 2024, at UK Bluegrass Hospice Care Center in Lexington, Kentucky.
She was born, the last of six sisters, in Corbin, Kentucky to the late Harold Ondis Steele and Floy Hila Reynolds Steele. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Joyce West, Phyllis Burnette, Janice Messer, and Brenda Klunder.
A Baptist by faith and lifelong resident of Corbin, Lillian graduated from Lynn Camp High School. She received her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Eastern Kentucky University and taught school at Lynn Camp High School for many years. After retirement, she became a real estate broker for First Nations Realty.
Lillian is survived by her husband, John Babb III; sons, John E. Babb IV (Christie H.), and Michael S. Babb (partner, Lisa); grandchildren, Michael W. Babb and Allison Charlese Babb all of Corbin; sister, Wanda Mays (William R.) of London; and by several very special nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 11 am until 1 pm on Wednesday, July 24, at the Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home.
Her funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Wednesday with Rev. Josh Pollitt and Dr. Richard Mays officiating.
Burial will follow in the Pine Hill Cemetery in Corbin, Kentucky. Pallbearers will be John E. Babb III, John E. Babb IV, Michael S. Babb, Michael W. Babb, Cody D. Walters, and Adam Whitman
Messages may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com.

Jack G. Smith

Jack G. Smith, age 67, of Jellico, TN passed away on Friday, July 19, 2024, at his home. Born January 11, 1957, in Jellico, TN.
Jack loved animals and had a lot that he cared for, giving them food and water twice a day. He enjoyed hunting and loved the outdoors.
Jack is preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Hill Lay; stepfather, Rev. Don Lay; and mother-in-law, Juanita Huddleston.
Jack is survived by his loving wifem Valerie; and a brother, Joe Paul Smith and wife Theresa; sisters-in-law, Linda West, Sandra Kotarski, (Bernie), Sharon Huddleston; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family to mourn his passing.
Jack was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.
Funeral service was Sunday, July 21, at the Llewellyn Funeral Home Chapel in Jellico, TN with Rev. Lester Cox and Rev. Billy Carpenter officiating.
Interment was Monday, July 22, in the Clearfork Cemetery Whitley County KY.
The Llewellyn Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

Baptist Health Corbin is nationally recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality stroke care

Baptist Health Corbin has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines^® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment, according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines^® puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research – and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines^® – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

“Baptist Health Corbin is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Teresa Cobb, Executive Director, Nursing. “Get With The Guidelines^® makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in our community can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines^® participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Baptist Health Corbin for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines^® is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

Baptist Health Corbin has also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes^™ Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

Corbin superintendent named to superintendent advisory council

The co-chairs of the Legislative Research Commission (LRC) recently announced the appointment of Corbin Independent Schools Superintendent Dave Cox to the Local Superintendents Advisory Council (LSAC). Pending ratification by the LRC, his term will begin on Aug. 1.

The LSAC advises the chief state school officer and the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) on developing administrative regulations and education policies. Before seeking approval from the KBE, the chief state school officer must present all proposed regulations and policies to the LSAC for review.

The council includes 11 LRC-appointed members, one member to represent each Kentucky Supreme Court district and four at-large members. Cox will serve as a member-at-large.

Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, congratulated Cox on his appointment and noted his dedication to improving educational standards and oversight.

“David’s appointment to the LSAC highlights his commitment to advancing education in Kentucky, particularly in our region,” Stivers said. “His experience and passion for enhancing educational outcomes will benefit the council greatly.”

Rogers working to secure $2 million for London-Corbin Airport Terminal renovation

The London-Corbin Airport terminal could be getting a multi-million facelift if U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05), can get the request through the full Congress.

The $2 million project would update the 40-year-old terminal building, which would improve safety, security, energy efficiency and functionality for the airport building.

The airport funding is part of nearly $150 million in fiscal year 2025 Community Project Funding for East Kentucky, which has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee. This is the first the first major hurdle and the funding request advances on to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

Rogers advocated for federal funding for 15 projects to improve transportation, infrastructure, industrial development, education, drug abuse prevention and treatment, and to invest in upgraded equipment and facilities for first responders in the region.
“The people of southern and eastern Kentucky have given me a seat at the most important table in the House and I am proud to advocate for funding to fix our roads, create jobs and make our rural communities better and safer,” said Rogers, who is Dean of the House and a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. “This funding still has a long way to go, but gaining approval from House appropriators gives me great confidence that these important projects will cross the finish line.”
The House Appropriations Committee has finalized and passed all 12 federal funding bills for discretionary spending in fiscal year 2025 and are scheduled to be considered by the full House by the end of the month.
Significant Kentucky wins are included throughout the comprehensive federal legislation, including the $150 million carve outs for Community Project Funding requests in Eastern Kentucky.

Also, included in the funding request, is $20 million for first responder communication equipment for city and county law enforcement agencies in Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District that could be used to upgrade technology equipment, $2 million for the Northern McCreary County Firehouse, and $2 million for Operation UNITE.

The Community Project Funding requests move on to the House for consideration as part of the appropriations bills.

Housing Insecurity: Community resources are available to help those in need

Over the course of the past seven weeks, this special series has looked at the issue of housing insecurity from many different angles. We have spoken to local faith leaders about their efforts to ensure that people don’t have to go without food, clothing or shelter. We have spoken to the director of Emergency Christian Ministries in Williamsburg about the difficulties of operating one of the area’s last remaining homeless shelters. We have spoken to case managers, executive directors of public housing, and we have even let local landlords offer their explanations for why rental rates are at the level they are currently. (more…)