Congratulations to our staff for latest first place General Excellence award

What can I say except, “They are the best!”

I’m talking about the staff of the News Journal. Once again, this newspaper has won the General Excellence Award in the annual Kentucky Press Association’s contest for large weekly newspapers presented at its banquet last Friday night in Bowling Green.

Winning this award is a team effort. Every staff member at the News Journal has a part in it.

Of course, my congratulations goes to Mark White, news editor, Trevor Sherman, sports editor, and Timothy Wyatt, reporter, who won the individual awards.

Awards are given in several categories. Ours is in the large newspaper division, which is based on circulation.

In our division, we have won this honor seven of the last eight years. But when I look further back in our history I doubt that any newspaper in our category has won as many awards as the News Journal.

As the publisher of this newspaper, it is very much like being a coach of an athletic team that must have the best players in order to win.

From the start, I knew that it would take a staff of the best reporters, design people and salespeople to become a newspaper that could challenge a daily competitor.

I am fortunate that we succeeded in getting them, and most of them have been here during my 36-year tenure.

The first person I hired was Linda Carpenter. Her skills are unequaled and she is still with us. She is our office manager.

The same can be said about Jennifer Benefield. She is the best, and she has been with us over 30 years. She is both our circulation manager and bookkeeper.

Mark White is in his third decade with us. Mark is the “dean” of newsmen in southeast Kentucky. There is none better. He is our news editor.

Next came Melissa Hudson. As a long time sales manager, she is also the best.

Trevor Sherman has been with us for a number of years. There is nothing he can’t do, be it writing, composing or selling. He is a staff rolled into one.

Last, but not least, is Timothy Wyatt. Although his tenure has been short, he has proven to be an excellent reporter and photographer.

I like to brag on these people because they are the ones that make our newspaper the best large weekly in the state, and also because they make me look like I know what I’m doing.

You will notice that our staff is smaller than it used to be. This has happened to all newspapers largely because of the Internet. However, our website was selected as the best in the state as well at the awards banquet. Another honor because of this staff.

We celebrate these honors, and because of your loyalty as readers and advertisers it makes it more rewarding.

 

School administrators asking Frankfort to re-assess state’s proposed budget: Starting pay for teachers among top concerns locally

By TIMOTHY WYATT and TREVOR SHERMAN

The Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) has released a statement in response to the Kentucky House Current Budget Proposal. In the statement, the group outlines several areas where they believe more funding should be allocated, including starting pay for teachers, which can be a particular point of concern when it comes to the hiring and retention of educators in border counties, such as Whitley County.

“There is a significant gap in teachers’ beginning pay, and that is becoming apparent from state-to-state,” said Whitley County Schools Superintendent John Siler, who is among the KASA committee members asking state legislators to re-evaluate the current proposed budget, or House Bill 6 (HB6). “If Kentucky wants to be competitive in attracting young, new teachers to the state, then legislators and other people in Frankfort, including the governor, need to get on the same page.”

In their release, KASA said it “extends its gratitude to our dedicated legislators for their unwavering commitment to Kentuckians through HB 6. We understand the challenges lawmakers face when crafting budgets, and we acknowledge their dedication to the betterment of our state.”

“It is because of their desire for a better Kentucky, we are compelled to emphasize the proposed state budget, while commendable in many aspects, falls short in one critical area—enabling school districts to offer competitive teacher salaries to address the dire and growing teacher shortage,” the release went on to say. “While leaders in surrounding states, including Tennessee, Ohio, and Indiana, are establishing minimum starting teacher salaries at or around $50,000, Kentucky’s average starting teacher salary rests at a meager $38,010. In one district in Kentucky, a beginning teacher makes only $34,000—after taxes and mandatory pension contributions are deducted, this drops to less than $25,000 per year.”

Based on a survey of leaders from 93 of Kentucky’s public school districts, KASA says that 53.7 percent of respondents anticipate a 0-2 percent teacher salary increase under the current budget proposal. 34.4 percent of those surveyed anticipate a 2-3 percent teacher salary increase under the current budget proposal, while 6.4 percent estimate a 3-4 percent teacher salary increase.

Other findings included 5.5 percent of respondents indicating that they could give raises over two years of no more than 5 percent, while others may need to cut salaries or reduce staff due to declines in average daily attendance. Additionally, 60 percent said the additional transportation funding would not make higher staff salaries more likely.

“These estimates assume every additional dollar received is applied only to teacher salaries – leaving local taxpayers to foot the bill for increased costs due to inflation, raises for non-teaching staff, and classroom supplies at minimum,” the release said.

Most concerning is the fact that 96 percent of respondents said the proposed budget increase will not enable the district to attract and retain teachers.

Siler breaks down what this means for Whitley County

Siler presented the Whitley County Board of Education with a short presentation last Thursday regarding HB6 and its potential impact for the school district.

The Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) funding program is how school districts throughout the state receive funding. SEEK money is used to fund the operational needs of each school district.

According to Siler, HB 6 proposes to increase the SEEK base to $4,368 in 2025 and to $4,455 in the following year. With the base SEEK amount in 2024 set at $4,200 in 2024, that would amount to a 4 percent increase in 2025 and a 2 percent increase in 2026. However, Siler noted that despite the increase, what is being proposed will not keep up with rising inflation.

To keep up with that constant change, which has been building rapidly since 2008, the SEEK base in 2024 would need to be $5,400 per pupil.

“House Bill 6 is far from meeting our needs,” said Siler.

With state funding not matching the rising tide of inflation, every aspect of the school district’s budget takes a hit—transportation costs, teacher salaries, managing enough school resource officers, etc. Among those that have continued to be an issue for Whitley County is teacher salaries.

In the past, Siler has noted that the school district often loses teachers to more competitively-paying school districts in Tennessee or leave the education workforce entirely. And while Whitley County has provided both teachers and hourly staff with raises over the last several years, the cost of doing so is exponential.

A one percent raise to teacher salaries at Whitley County would cost the school district $265,000, according to information provided in Siler’s presentation. Those funds would also have to be pulled from the district’s general fund dollars.

Ultimately, Siler said that he was thankful for what state funding the school district receives, but called on the General Assembly to do more for all public schools throughout the state.

“I hope that legislators and the governor can reach across the aisle on this and do what needs to be done. If you’re going to be serious about education, you have to pay educators competitive salaries,” said Siler. “If other states can make this happen, then I think we can too.”

 

Superseding indictment issued in multi-count sexual abuse case

A Williamsburg man, who was indicted in August in connection with sexual abuse allegations involving four different children, is now facing additional and/or revised charges.

 

Case of armed standoff suspect sent to Whitley County Grand Jury

A Whitley County Grand Jury will now consider the case of a Corbin man, who allegedly engaged in an armed standoff with the Corbin Police Department and Kentucky State Police last week.

 

Officer assaulted during joint drug investigation

A Woodbine man is facing 15 criminal charges, including assaulting an officer and criminal abuse, after police officers from two agencies executed a search warrant at his residence Monday evening.

 

News Journal earns first place in General Excellence at 2023 KPA awards banquet

The News Journal brought home 23 awards Friday night at the annual Kentucky Press Association convention awards banquet, including its seventh First Place General Excellence Award in eight years.

The News Journal garnered seven first place awards in 27 categories plus the first place general excellence award in the large weekly newspaper division. The News Journal also won nine second place awards, four third place awards and two certificates of merit.

“We are very proud of the accomplishments of our award winning staff,” said News Journal Publisher Don Estep. “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by our peers in this manner, and we feel these awards reflect the hard work and dedication our staff puts into each and every issue. I’m proud of our staff. It is the best.”

Reporter Timothy Wyatt and Sports Editor Trevor Sherman led the way winning seven awards each.

Wyatt garnered a first place award for best enterprise or analytical story for a story concerning the Whitley County Fiscal Court joining a lawsuit against the Kentucky Department of Corrections.

“Shines a light on an important topic, especially as it pertains to taxpayers’ money and provides necessary details to understand the system. Quotes nicely sprinkled throughout,” judges wrote.

Wyatt won both the first and second place awards for best video. The second place award was for video taken during the 2023 Kayaking for Kids kayak race along the Cumberland River near Williamsburg.

The first place award was for coverage of opening night at Corbin High School’s football stadium, which had recently undergone a $9 million renovation and expansion. The celebration also commemorated 2023 being the 100^th anniversary of Corbin High School football.

“Great production values and use of drone footage showing the special place of football within the community. Would have liked a little more of the superintendent’s speech to give it a little more context,” judges wrote.

Wyatt also received second and third place awards for best general news picture. His second place picture was a drone shot taken during the opening night celebration for Corbin High School’s football stadium, and the third place award was for a picture of a circus performer.

In addition, Wyatt received a second place award for best feature picture for a photo feature a small child and an older lady, which was taken during the annual Easter Egg hunt at Briar Creek Park.

Wyatt also received a third place award for best breaking news coverage for a story concerning the arrest of Williamsburg attorney James Wren on a DUI charge while he was on his way to court for a trial.

“Heads-up reporting online and on social media of an event happening after press time. The follow-up information in the paper the next week rounds it out well,” judges wrote.

Sherman won first place for best sports story for a piece on 15-year-old Corbin boxer Ayden Mills.

“Different subject compared to a usual game story made this more interesting,” judges wrote.

Sherman also won a first place award for best sports page or sports section.

“Nice job covering a lot of winners. Good photos; keep taking action shots,” judges wrote.

Sherman garnered a second place award for best business story for his story about the closing of Gibson’s Music after 54 years in downtown Corbin,

He also got second place awards for best sports picture and best headline writer.

Sherman received a certificate of merit in the categories of best sports column and best use of social media. The social media award came from his coverage of the Whitley County High School Baseball Team as it won its first state title in program history.

Managing News Editor Mark White brought home a first place award for best editorial writer.

“Well-researched and thought-out editorials, written so people can easily grasp the point and see the issue. The vaping entry, especially, should have hit home with people, especially parents,” judges wrote.

White won a second place award for best ongoing/extended coverage story for coverage of a public hearing concerning the United States Forest Service’s proposal to clear cut about 1,000 acres of Daniel Boone National Forest in the Jellico Mountain area.

“It’s apparent from the meeting turnout and the residents voicing outrage this was a big issue in your community. And you did a great job bringing it to the forefront,” judges wrote.

In addition, White won a third place award for best columnist.

The News Journal staff also won first place awards for best website and best sports picture essay.

In addition, News Journal staff won first, second and third place awards for best special section/sports special section. The first place award was for the 2023 high school football preview, and the second place award was for the 2022-2023 high school basketball preview. The third place award was for a magazine that the News Journal published celebrating 100 years of football at Corbin High School.

Also, the News Journal received a second place award for best editorial page.

 

Legal Notices for 1-31-2024

REQUEST FOR QUOTE

Pest Control Invitation for Quote 2024-01

The Housing Authority of Williamsburg is seeking quotes from qualified contractors to provide monthly preventative and extermination services.  (Excluding termites). Quotes must be received by 1:30 pm local prevailing time on Thursday, February 8th. Scope of Work specifications can be picked up at the Housing Authority office at 600 Brush Arbor Rd, Williamsburg, KY 40769.

 

INVITATION FOR BID

#1-Jan-24

Project: Design-Build Project Pre-Engineered Steel Canopy

The Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission is accepting sealed bids for the following work: Furnish and install a Pre-Engineered Steel canopy to cover Sanders Park.

CONTACT TOURSIM COMMISSION OFFICE FOR BID PACKET-BID FORM IS REQUIRED

Bids will be accepted Monday thru Friday 9am-4:30pm

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT BIDS 4:00pm Friday, March 1, 2024

Submit bids to: Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission, P.O. Box 956, Corbin, KY 40702 (Mail) or 101 N Depot Street (Physical).

Questions regarding the bid specifications should be directed to Maggy Monhollen 606-528-8860.

 

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

CORBIN ARENA

ENTERTAINMENT ACQUISITION, EVENT PROMOTION AND MANAGEMENT SERVICE

The City of Corbin is Accepting Sealed Proposals for Entertainment Acquisition, Event Promotion, and Management Service for The Corbin Arena. Specifications may be obtained from and proposals shall be submitted to the office of the City Clerk, Corbin City Hall, 805 South Main Street, Corbin, KY, 40701, 606-528-0669, or tori.brock@corbin-ky.gov. Sealed proposals must be received in the office of the City Clerk by 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. Proposal openings will follow at 3:30 P.M. on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Corbin City Hall in the upstairs meeting room. The City of Corbin reserves the right to accept/reject any or all proposals.

GAS & OIL TAX NOTICE

The 2023 Whitley County Gas and Oil Tax will be due and payable beginning February 1, 2024.  If you do not receive your bill in the next few days, please contact the Whitley County Sheriff’s Office. When mailing in your payment, please include a copy of the tax bill. If you wish to have a paid receipt returned to you, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The following dates will be the collection dates for Gas and Oil Tax Bills:

TAX COLLECTION SCHEDULE

2% Discount If Paid by February 29, 2024

Face Amount if paid by March 31, 2024

5% Penalty if paid by April 30, 2024

21% Penalty if paid after April 30, 2024

All Gas and Oil Tax bills that are not paid will be turned over as delinquent if not paid by July 15, 2024.

Please make checks payable to: Whitley County Sheriff, PO Box 118, Williamsburg, KY 40769

 

 

WILLIAMSBURG INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FOOTBALL FIELD PROJECT BID NOTICE

Sealed Bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, equipment, and services for the Williamsburg Independent School District Football Field Project will be received by the Williamsburg Independent Schools until Wednesday, February 14, 2024, 2:00 PM local time, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Contract documents may be examined at:

Clotfelter/Samokar, PSC, 228 East Reynolds Road, Suite 1, Lexington, KY;

CMTA Engineers, 220 Lexington Green Circle, Lexington, KY;

Williamsburg Independent Schools, 1000 Main Street, Williamsburg, KY;

AGC/McGraw-Hill/Dodge: Lexington, KY, Knoxville, TN;

Builders Exchange: Lexington, KY, Knoxville, TN;

iSqFt Plan Room: Cincinnati, OH;

Copies of the documents may be obtained from Lynn Imaging, 328 East Vine Street, Lexington, KY, 40507, (859) 255-1021, www.lynnimaging.com.

Sealed bids shall be clearly marked on the outside with the Bidder’s identification and labeled as follows in the lower left-hand corner.

Sealed Bid:                   Williamsburg Independent School District Football Field Project

Time of Opening:        Wed., February 14, 2024, 2:00 PM local time

Location of Opening: Williamsburg Independent Schools – Auditorium

1000 Main Street, Williamsburg, KY 40769

Bids shall be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond in the amount of Five percent (5%) of the bid amount. In case the bid is not accepted, the check or bid bond will be returned to the bidder. Should the bidder refuse or neglect to enter into a contract with the Owner within ten (10) days after notification of acceptance of their bid, the said check or bid bond shall be forfeited to the Owner as liquidated damages for failure to do so.

It is the Owners’ intent to purchase significant quantities of material items through direct purchase orders. Interested material suppliers should contact Lynn Imaging for a list of plan-holders.

No bidder may withdraw their bid for a period of Sixty (60) days after the deadline set for the receipt of bids.

The successful bidder will be required to furnish an acceptable performance and payment bond in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract sum plus the total of all purchase orders.

There will be a Pre-Bid Conference on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 2:00 PM local time at the Williamsburg High School auditorium.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive informalities and enter into a contract with the best apparent qualified bidder.

 

 

Electronic Edition For 1-31-2024

 

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