Makena Myatt named, ‘Corbin Colonel’

An 8-year-old Corbin girl who has made it her mission to make changes to her community was honored for her efforts Monday night.

At the regular meeting of the Corbin City Commission, Mayor Suzie Razmus presented Makena Myatt with a proclamation naming her a, “Corbin Colonel.”

Myatt, the daughter and step-daughter of Melinda and Jamie Norvell, respectively, is a third grade student and Girl Scout, who has been involved in picking up trash throughout the community, and helping to establish the Little Free Library outside Central Baptist Church’s Manger Ministry on West Fourth Street.

Razmus noted that Myatt has participated in the #KeepCorbinClean effort in 2017, 2018, and 2019, helped repair and repaint benches and the gazebo in the park across from the Corbin Traditional School building.

In addition, Myatt worked to help get trashcans placed in the park in an effort to reduce the litter.

“The trash bothered me, so I wanted to do something about it,” Myatt said noting that since the cans have been there, the amount of litter on the ground has decreased.

Myatt and her Girl Scout Troop are looking for places to expand the Little Library program in Corbin.

Monday night, she spoke with Police Chief Rusty Hedrick about placing a bookshelf in the entrance to the police department.

Hedrick said he supported the idea, explaining that children regularly accompany adults who need to pick up accident reports or have other business with the police.

In 2018, Myatt created the Cat Magnet Project, selling cat magnets created using her thumbprint for $2 each. Proceeds from the sales, which has exceeded $1,500, has been donated to Forgotten Felines, and other animal rescues.

She has since begun creating a dog magnet similar to the Corbin Redhound. Both magnets are available at the Knox-Whitley Humane Association facility located at 66 Busy Lane in Corbin.

“I love animals,” Myatt said adding that she wants to be a veterinarian.

She is a tremendous young lady,” Razmus said of Myatt as she presented her with her commission.