Green Thumbs Unite: Tips for growing your best garden this spring

Now is the time of year that green thumbs in our local area begin laying the groundwork for what they hope will be a successful growing season. Whether you are a longtime gardener, or you’re trying your hand at it for the first time; whether you are harvesting large amounts of produce, or you just have a couple of plants for personal use, there are certain steps that you can take to ensure that you get the most out of your time in the dirt. (more…)

 

Cobb, Napier selected as 2024 Ledford Scholars

Union Commonwealth University has announce that students Tia Cobb and Amelia Napier are the recipients of the 2024 Appalachian College Association (ACA) Ledford Research Scholarship.

Cobb, who is majoring in biology, is a sophomore from Corbin, while Napier, also a biology major, is a sophomore hailing from Barbourville.

Each year, the ACA grants scholarships to assist students in achieving their ongoing educational objectives. Ledford Scholars are students who explore and present their research from a variety of different fields of study including health sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Scholarship recipients will be provided financial support enabling them to work on significant research projects during the summer of 2024. Additionally, each student will receive assistance from a faculty mentor at their home institution.

Union’s Assistant Professor of Biology Libby Megna will be serving as a mentor to both Cobb and Napier. Cobb’s research will focus on passerellidae and parulidae bill morphology and its effects on speciation. Napier will be conducting a point-count population study on breeding birds of eastern Kentucky.

Cobb and Napier, along with the 48 other scholars, will present their research this fall at the ACA’s annual summit.

 

Louise Logan

Louise Logan, born on August 17, 1929, in the humble town of Gatliff, KY, passed away on April 7, 2024, at her home in Norwood, OH. She worked diligently as a factory worker in the Standard Overhaul Industry, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication.
She touched the lives of many, including her beloved daughter, Georgia Smith; her cherished grandson, Justin Hill; seven great-grandchildren; nine great great-grandchildren; sisters, Shelby Powers, Doris Rogers, Meldia Brinson (Lonzo), and Dolly Smith; several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends to mourn her passing.
Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Eli and Eva (Anderson) Smith; brother, Mitchell Smith; and sisters, Pearl Britton, Mossie Smith, Flora Ledington, Thelma Britton, Oneda Ornduff, and Linda Peace.
All who wish to pay their respects and honor Louise’s life are invited to the funeral service at Croley Funeral Home on April 13, 2024, at 11:00 am with Rev. David Ridner officiating.
Prior to the service, there will be a public viewing on April 12, 2024, at 5:00 pm, also at Croley Funeral Home.
Following the service, Louise will be laid to rest on April 13, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Smith Cemetery on Hwy 904 East in Williamsburg, KY.
Let us come together to celebrate the life of Louise Logan, a woman of strength, resilience, and unwavering love for her family. May her spirit continue to live on in the memories we hold dear.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

 

Paul Helton

Paul Helton, a beloved member of the Rockholds community, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2024, at Hillcrest Health and Rehab in Corbin, Kentucky.
Born on June 8, 1940, Paul was a Christian and cared for his family and attended Blessed Hope Baptist Church for many years.
Paul leaves behind his loving son, Wayne (Mary) Helton; daughter, Sandy (Jerry) Herron; brother, Ralph (Lela) Helton; sisters, Sue Hunter and Faye Allen; as well as his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchild, Brent (fianceé, Jo Emily Miller) Martin, Rachel (Steven) Jeffries, Tiffany Herron, and Colt Hash; his special caregiver, Sharon Rackley, who has been a great help to our dad and family; and a host of other nieces, nephews, family and friends to mourn his passing.
His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Maude Pfaff Helton; stepmother, Hallie Miller Helton; two sisters, Wilma Terrell and Phyllis Helton; four brothers, Jim Helton, Billy Helton, Ray Helton, and Pete Helton; half brother, Charles Helton; and five stepbrothers, Jack Miller, Cliff Miller, Bill Miller, Jay Miller and Lewis Miller
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at the upcoming ceremonies to honor Paul’s life. A family viewing will be held at Croley Funeral Home on April 12, 2024, at 5:00 pm, followed by a public viewing at 6:00 pm.
The funeral service will take place at Croley Funeral Home on April 13, 2024, at 2:00 pm with Mark Logan and Jeremy Abner officiating.
In honoring Paul’s wishes, he will be laid to rest in a peaceful burial in the Broyles cemetery in Rockholds, Kentucky. May we find solace in the memories shared and the impact Paul had on those around him. His presence will be deeply missed, and his spirit will forever remain in our hearts.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

 

Susan Bernice Moses Silcox

Susan Bernice Moses Silcox, age 53, of Jellico, TN went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Baptist Hospital in Corbin, KY.
She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Noah and Carrie Moses; maternal grandparents, Alex Murray and Beulah “Boo Boo” Fry; beloved stepfather, George Deuel; and brother-in-law, Allen Douglas.
Susan is survived by her husband, Danny Ray Silcox; parents, Kim Moses and Vina Murray Deuel; daughters, Candace Anderson, (Sean), Jordan Zecchini, Emily Zecchini, and Tatum Silcox; stepdaughter, Jessica Stephens (Tony); grandchildren, Kiren and Kade Anderson, Brayden and Easton Stephens; brothers, Danny Moses, Jeff Moses (Teresa); sisters, Darla Douglas, Leah Moses; stepsisters, Crystal Deuel and Paige Deuel Stroud; and a host of adored nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews; special friends, Tammy Massengill, Barbie Bruce, Page Griffith, Lisa Oakes; her beloved church family and many friends to mourn her passing.
Susan was employed at Campbell County Boad of Education working in bookkeeping, she was a member of the Jellico Church of God of the Mountain Assembly, and she was food coordinator for Light Street Ministry. Susan’s heart was in ministry and missionary work. Making multiple trips to Thailand and Jamaica spreading Gods love.
She loved her Cleveland Cavaliers but her proudest and most loved accomplishments were her four daughters and her grandchildren.
She will be greatly missed in her community.
Funeral service is 7:00 pm on Friday, April 12, at the Jellico Church of God Mountain Assembly at 256 North Florence Ave. Jellico, TN with Rev. Scott Landes, Rev. Ray Landes and Rev. D.J. Osborn officiating.
Visitation 5:00 pm until the funeral hour at 7:00 pm. Interment will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 13, in the Douglas Cemetery at Wooldridge, TN.
Llewellyn Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

 

Cathy Dee Harrison

Cathy Dee Harrison, a beloved housewife known for her loving nature and kind spirit, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2024, at her home in Williamsburg, KY.
She was born on November 13, 1961, in Houston, TX, to Charles Court and Janice (Legg) Tubbs.
Cathy dedicated her days to creating a warm and welcoming home for her family, including her cherished husband Shannon Williams; her children, Robin Pod, April Garrison, Haley White (Jimmy), Michael Harrison, Gary Harrison, Christopher Harrison (Brittany), and Matthew Pool; sisters, Vickie Baletka-George, Brenda Beall, Stacey Tubbs-Petterson; brothers, David Court and Jessie Court; many nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends to mourn her passing.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Court and Janice (Legg) Tubbs; son, Robert Allen Pool, Jr.; and brother, Charles “Chuck” Court, Jr.
Her life revolved around simple joys and family gatherings, where her presence brought comfort and laughter to all who knew her. Cathy’s legacy is one of love, strength, and unwavering dedication to those she held dear.
Her family welcomed all who knew her to join them in a public viewing to celebrate her life at Croley Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 10.
Together, they will honor the woman whose kindness and generosity touched the lives of many. Cathy will be dearly missed but forever remembered for the love she shared with those around her.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

 

Expanded Colonel Fest event set for next week, more events planned

Another season of quality events are lined up for Corbin this year, with one of the biggest on the calendar coming next week.

The fourth annual Colonel Fest returns to downtown Corbin with an expanded two-day schedule this year. The event will be twice as big this year, according to Corbin Tourism Director and Downtown Manager Maggy Monhollen, taking place from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 19 and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 20.

“We were looking for ways to keep events new and fun and changing,” said Monhollen.

During the Friday portion of the festival, dozens of craft vendors will be on hand as well as a variety of activities for kids and families to partake in, including a Colonel Look Alike Contest, fried chicken eating contest a petting zoo and more. 

Additions to this year’s festival include stage entertainment, which will be available both days, and a 10K race that will be held Saturday. 

Monhollen noted that pretty much all of the activities and attractions at the festival will be free.

The few things that attendees can expect to have to pay for include feeding the petting zoo animals and parakeets or rides on the ponies and steer. Feed for the petting zoo will be $2. Feed for the parakeets will be $3. Pony rides will cost $7 and steer rides will cost $10.

“Colonel Fest is all about kids and families,” said Monhollen. “People of all walks of like are able to come enjoy this event.”

In addition to Colonel Fest, a number of events are slated throughout the rest of the year. 

Monhollen, who announced last week that she has accepted a position as the newest manager of the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, will no longer be in her current role beyond April 15, though she wanted to reassure the public that the scheduled events will continue as planned.

“These are things we have been doing for years,” said Monhollen. “There won’t be any hiccups.”

This year’s schedule includes many of the longtime staples residents have come to love, such as NIBROC, the Cumberland Valley Cruise-Ins, Trick or Treat on Main and the annual Christmas parade. 

Some of the events scheduled and their dates are as follows:

Cumberland Valley Cruise-In – May 4, June 8 and July 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Corbin

Burger Week – June 10-15 at participating Corbin restaurants

Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular – July 3 from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Corbin Arena

72nd Annual NIBROC Festival – Aug. 7-10 in downtown Corbin

Dessert Week – Sept. 30 through Oct. 5 at participating Corbin restaurants 

Octoberfest – Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Corbin

Trick or Treat on Main – Oct. 31 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Main Street

Corbin Christmas Parade – Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. on Main Street.

To best keep tabs on when and where those may take place, visit www.corbinkytourism.com and click on the “Calendar” tab.

More information is also available by contacting the Corbin Tourism Office at (606) 528-8860

 

First Depot Street Market of the season held Saturday

Various vendors turned out Saturday in Corbin for the first Depot Street Market of 2024 selling everything from baked goods to gently worn clothing. Three more Depot Street Markets are planned for May 4, June 1 and July 8 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

 

Williamsburg 2024 event schedule officially released

Williamsburg’s 2024 event calendar has officially been released, with several of those events taking place this month.

Williamsburg Main Street Manager Jonathan Wyatt just recently had the posters printed chronicling the schedule of events, which have since been disbursed to local businesses for anyone who would like to get one. 

The calendar includes the yearly favorites that locals have grown to love, such as Old Fashioned Trading Days, the Whitley County Fair, Jeep Jamboree and a host of summer events like the monthly Block Party.

Newer events, like The Main Squeeze Lemonade Stand Contest that began last year, will also be returning in 2024. This year’s second annual event will take place June 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Green Space on Main. 

Additionally, there is two brand new event on the calendar, both of which will be taking place next month. The first, “Kickin’ it at Kentucky Splash,” will be held May 4 and 5, and the second, Honey Festival by Shale Oak, will be held May 25. 

Wyatt encouraged area residents to get involved with this year’s events.

“Find an event and get plugged in. There’s lots to do in our small town, but you have to be there to know,” said Wyatt.

The next scheduled event on this year’s calendar is Pops in the Park, which is taking place April 20. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Green Space on Main with musical performances from University of the Cumberlands’ concert and jazz bands throughout the evening. 

Mayor Roddy Harrison said that attendees are welcome to bring food, drinks, blankets and chairs to the event and have a picnic while enjoying the music.

Some of the other events on this year’s calendar and their dates are as follows:

BBQ in the Burg & Car Show – May 18 from 19 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Courthouse Square

Block Party – June 7 and July 12 from 8 to 10 p.m. at Bill Woods Park

Country Meets City – June 21 and July 26 from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Green Space on Main

Whitley County Fair – July 17-20 at the Whitley County Fairgrounds

Kayaking for Kids – Aug. 3 at 8 a.m. beginning from the Whitley County Fairgrounds

Old Fashioned Trading Days – Sept. 5-7 in downtown Williamsburg

Octoberfest – Oct. 5 beginning at 4 p.m. at the Green Space on Main

Williamsburg Christmas Parade – Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. on Main Street

To stay up-to-date on the city’s upcoming events, check the Williamsburg Main Street Facebook page for new information.

 

Willard Brock

Willard Brock, son of the late Katherine and Dillard Brock, departed this world peacefully in the morning hours of April 10, 2024.
He was born in 1936 and raised in Blackmont, KY. Within his 88 years, he served his country during the Korean War from 1952-1954, worked for Ford Motor Company in Sandusky, Ohio, oversaw his own mining operation, and worked a short time on a right away crew.
He instilled discipline and a hard work ethic to those that grew up around him. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a great grandfather.
Willard is survived by his wife of 68 years, Norma Jean Brock; his children, Willard (Willy), Gary, Rondal and Connie; grandchildren, Josh, Nikki, Jeremy, Aaron, Ryan, Cameron and Emaly; and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Ellison Funeral Home Chapel.
A private graveside service will follow directly after the visitation with Bro. Herman Bunch officiating. Interment will be in the Brock Family Cemetery.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com.
Ellison Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.