District Court Records

Editor’s note: The News Journal publishes only the final disposition of district court criminal cases except for those which are waived to a grand jury or dismissed without condition.

Clarification

Clarification: On the public records page in the July 3 edition of the News Journal, Ethan R. Hubbard, born in 2004, was listed in the district court records as pleading guilty on April 1 to a charge of possession of a defaced firearm, and receiving a 12-month jail sentence that was probated after 30 days were to be served. The News Journal has since learned that Hubbard’s family obtained an attorney the next day. According to court records, on April 3 the guilty plea was set aside following a motion by defense attorney Paul Croley. The judge dismissed the case with prejudice following a motion by the prosecutor in the case. This means that prosecutors can’t bring the charges again.

Cumberland Falls continues to shine as top ‘Travelers’ Choice’

It appears a lot of folks have caught on to something that local residents have known for a long time, which is that Cumberland Falls is a great place to visit.

Mark White is Editor of The News Journal.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park recently won a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 2024. It’s a pretty big deal.

“This prestigious honor places the park among the top 10 percent of attractions worldwide, thanks to your fantastic reviews and support. Come experience the breathtaking beauty of the ‘Niagara of the South’ and discover why we’re a must-visit destination,” Kentucky State Parks wrote in a release.

According to Tripadvisor’s website, the Traveler’s Choice award recognizes businesses that earn consistently great reviews. The awards honor select accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence.

My congratulations to the folks over at the park for the great work that they do maintaining the nearly 1,650 acres, including the park’s centerpiece 125-foot water fall. This is only one of two places in the world where you can regularly view a moonbow. For those that don’t know, this is a rainbow at night.

The park gets nearly one million visitors annually.

Now for a few other thoughts before I conclude this column.

• Last week we got some exciting news regarding a possible new housing development for Williamsburg residents. It would be construction of a 42-unit multi-family development on South Second Street. It would consist of 34 single units with one bedroom and eight two-bedroom units. The development would exclusively serve those, who are 55 or older.

As Trevor Sherman’s recent series on housing insecurity has shown, there is a serious lack of affordable housing in the area. While there is no guarantee that these units will be affordable, a greater supply of housing should mean that at least rental prices won’t go up as quickly as there will be more competition to accommodate demand.

As a 53-year-old, I have to take issue with 55 being considered elderly. This is a bit of a stretch folks although I will concede that 53 feels elderly some days…LOL.

• The Whitley County Fair is coming up this week and they have lots of things lined up. In addition to favorite events, such as the demolition derby, horse show and mud bog, the fair also has some new things lined up this year, including hot air balloon rides on Saturday evening. I went up in one about 30 years ago, and it was kind of neat.

This year, the fair will debut Fair Idol, which is set for noon Saturday. This is a local spin on the “American Idol” television series. We have a lot of talented people here locally, and it will be interesting to see what they can do.

I suspect that the nightly Jurassic Mark Dinosaur Encounter will be a big hit with the kids and a quite a few adults, who are kids at heart.

The fair will take place July 17-20 at the Whitley County Fairgrounds, which are located in Savoy. Just go to the Exit 11 area in Williamsburg and follow the signs if you don’t know how to get there. If you are on US25W, turn between the backside of Firestone and Bill Berry’s Body Shop and follow the signs.

Legal Notices for 7-17-2024

NOTICE

Skyway Towers, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company, and Cellco Partnership, a Delaware general partnership, d/b/a Verizon Wireless have filed an application with the Williamsburg Planning and Zoning Commission to construct a new wireless communications facility on a site located off Prewitt Bend Road, Williamsburg, KY 40769 (36° 47’ 26.36” North latitude, 84° 10’ 16.69” West longitude). You may contact the Planning and Zoning Commission for additional information concerning this matter at: Williamsburg Planning and Zoning Commission, P.O. Box 119, Williamsburg, KY 40769; telephone (606) 549-6033.

Whitley County Public Health Inspections

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.

Mountain View PACE celebrates opening of new centers in Corbin, Pikeville

Mountain View PACE – a leading PACE provider to rural and Appalachian communities in the commonwealth – has officially opened its new centers in Corbin and Pikeville. These locations bring the innovative Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to Eastern Kentucky seniors, helping them age independently in the comfort of their own homes.

The large, brand-new healthcare centers enrolled 14 participants in the program even before its opening. Last month, Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman joined Mountain View PACE’s ribbon-cutting ceremonies to celebrate the program’s arrival in Pikeville and Corbin.

Through Mountain View PACE, participants can work with an interdisciplinary care team to receive personalized services, including transportation, recreational activity, at-home care, medication management, and more. This care is delivered at no cost to older adults with Medicare and Medicaid coverage and is designed to help seniors age at home with an array of supportive care.

“We’re thrilled to bring the innovative PACE program to the heart of Eastern Kentucky, which will help us ensure that our older community members receive the support they need to thrive as they age,” said Dr. James Rummel Jr., Medical Director at Mountain View PACE.

To learn more about Mountain View PACE, visit its website at https://www.mountainviewpace.com.

Changes announced to Whitley Co. Fair music lineup

One of the previously announced live music acts will no longer be performing at this year’s Whitley County Fair. (more…)

John Lloyd Neely

Today you will read in this newspaper that John is dead, don’t you believe it, today he is more alive than ever before!
John Lloyd Neely went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, he was born July 10, 1944 in Charleston, West Virginia, the son of the late Lloyd Earl and Ruth Medley Neely. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his darling childhood sweetheart and loving wife, Joyce Fay (Witt); brothers, Earl R., Jeff H., Warren L. Neely; and daughter, Tracie L. Neely preceded his demise.
Survivors include his brother, Lyle E. and wife Linda; sons, John L., Frank L. and wife Eufama; daughters, Patricia L., Deborah L. and husband Gary Helm; step-daughters, Lisa M. and husband Mike Moyer, Tonya R. and husband Jason McCullah; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; many cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of friends, all who will mourn his passing. John loved and was very fortunate to have the “Witt kids” (Terry, Susan, Vickie, David and Deborah) as part of his extended family.
John was a proud and grateful member of the Frankfort Missionary Baptist Church of Corbin, Kentucky. He served honorably in the Army during the Vietnam era, with a tour in South Korea, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant E-6 and earned his Paratrooper Wings, as well as many other honors and awards. He was a “Life Time” member of The American Legion and they will do military honors at graveside.
Graveside service was Sunday, July 14, at the Whitley Memorial Gardens with Rev. James Hodge officiating.
Interment followed in the Whitley Memorial Gardens.
American Legion Post 88 will conduct Military Graveside Honors.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com.
Ellison Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

David Wayne Anderson

David Wayne Anderson, age 48, of LaFollette, Tennessee passed away Sunday, July 7, 2024, at the North Knoxville Medical Center. He was born February 2, 1976, in Jellico, Tennessee.
David is preceded in death by mother, Wanda Jean (Canady) Anderson; father, Glen Edward Anderson; brother, Roger Andrew Canady; and grandmother, Merline (Whitaker) Canady.
He is survived by his wife, Tonya (Brown) Anderson; son, Logan Anderson; daughter, Rebecca Anderson; and a host of friends and family to mourn his passing.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 10, at the Harp Funeral Home Chapel.
Graveside service followed in the Douglas Cemetery in the Wooldridge community with Rev. H. Lee Ray officiating.
Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

Whitley County High School student Preston Steely receives national honor

By The National Society of High School Scholars

The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) announced Sunday that Whitley County High School (WCHS) student Preston Steely, who is from Corbin, has been selected to become a member of the esteemed organization. Steely will be a junior this upcoming school year at WCHS.

The Society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship, and community commitment. The announcement was made by NSHSS Co-founder and President James W. Lewis.

“On behalf of NSHSS and our co-founder Claes Nobel, a member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes, I am honored to recognize the hard work, passion, and commitment that Preston has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence,” said Lewis. “Preston is now a member of a unique community of scholars – a community that represents our very best hope for the future.”

“We are proud to provide lifetime membership to young scholars to support their growth and development,” Lewis said. “We help students like Preston build on their academic success by connecting them with learning experiences and resources to help prepare them for college and meaningful careers.”

NSHSS members automatically become lifetime members at the time of their initial membership. Each step along the way – from high school to college 10 career – NSHSS connects outstanding young scholars with the resources they need 10 develop their strengths and pursue their passions.

The National Society of High School Scholars, which was formed in 2002, recognizes academic excellence at the high school level and helps to advance the goals and aspirations of high-achieving students through unique learning experiences, scholarships, internships. international study, and peer networks. Currently there are more than 2,000,000 members in over 170 countries.

For more information about NSHSS, visit www.nshss.org.