Business

Unemployment rates decreased in Whitley, Laurel, Knox, Bell and McCreary counties between June 2026 and July 2026, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet. Whitley County Whitley County’s unemployment rate decreased from 5.7 percent in June 2026 to 5.2 percent in July 2026. Whitley County’s July 2026 unemployment rate was the same as the July 2025 unemployment rate. Laurel County Laurel County’s unemployment rate decreased from 6.7 percent in June 2026 to 6.1 percent in July 2026. Laurel County’s July 2026 unemployment rate was 0.2 percent higher than the July 2025 unemployment rate. Knox County Knox County’s unemployment rate decreased from 7.5 percent in June...

Unemployment rates increased in Whitley, Laurel, Knox, Bell and McCreary counties between May and June 2026, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet. Whitley County Whitley County’s unemployment rate increased from 4.8 percent in May 2026 to 5.7 percent in June 2026. Whitley County’s June 2026 unemployment rate was 0.5 percent higher than the June 2025 unemployment rate. Laurel County Laurel County’s unemployment rate increased from 5.9 percent in May 2026 to 6.7 percent in June 2026. Laurel County’s June 2026 unemployment rate was 0.5 percent higher than the June 2025 unemployment rate. Knox County Knox County’s unemployment rate increased from 6.3 percent in May...

Four plastics suppliers in the state of Kentucky, including Jones Plastic and Engineering in Williamsburg, have been awarded $40 million in contracts by GE Appliances. On Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the awarding of the new contracts as “the first of many economic ripple effects from GE Appliances’ $3 billion commitment to strengthen its U.S. manufacturing footprint and expand its supply chain.” The three other facilities include EPC, a plastic fabrication company in Lebanon; Plastic Products Co. Inc., a plastic injection molder based in Lebanon and Greenville; and another facility in Frankfort. “GE Appliances believes in Kentucky and our workforce, and the more than $40 million awarded to suppliers in the commonwealth...

Goodwill Industries of Kentucky is the first statewide employer to join the Kentucky Community and Technical College System’s Education First Employer network, a group of 60 leading companies that offer tuition benefits, flexible scheduling, and competitive wages for employees pursuing higher education. The announcement was made during a press conference earlier today at the nonprofit’s West Louisville Opportunity Center. “Goodwill is joining a network of Kentucky companies that are investing in our workforce by ensuring that Kentuckians do not have to choose between working or learning,” said Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman. “It’s this kind of team spirit that creates opportunities that allow our economy, and our families, to thrive.” KCTCS launched the...

If you are thinking about how you want to celebrate the New Year next Tuesday night, the Mint Gaming Hall – Cumberland in Williamsburg has you covered with several special promotions, live music and more. Ribeye steak will be on special at the Backyard for $29.99, and a photo booth will be set up inside the Midnight Bourbon Bar all day long. Starting at 8 p.m., Cody Fuson will be performing live. Fuson will be on hand to meet with fans an hour before the show at the Backyard. Various drawings and promotions will be held throughout the evening, giving visitors plenty of chances to win big and get the New Year...

The Croley name is synonymous with Williamsburg and Whitley County, and rightfully so. Just over 70 years ago, Croley’s parents established Croley Funeral Home on the site where it is still located to this day. “My mother and father started the funeral home here in 1954,” Croley said. “We moved in when I was 5-years-old, so this is all I’ve ever known. I have been in the funeral business my whole life.” Croley explained that his father was a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Clinton, Tenn. before the family moved to Whitley County. He worked in Corbin for a period of time before going to work at Ellison Funeral Home...

If you are thinking about how you want to celebrate the New Year next Tuesday night, the Mint Gaming Hall - Cumberland in Williamsburg has you covered with several special promotions, live music and more. Ribeye steak will be on special at the Backyard for $29.99, and a photo booth will be set up inside the Midnight Bourbon Bar all day long. Starting at 8 p.m., Cody Fuson will be performing live. Fuson will be on hand to meet with fans an hour before the show at the Backyard. Various drawings and promotions will be held throughout the evening, giving visitors plenty of chances to win big and get the New Year...

The Croley name is synonymous with Williamsburg and Whitley County, and rightfully so. Just over 70 years ago, Croley’s parents established Croley Funeral Home on the site where it is still located to this day. “My mother and father started the funeral home here in 1954,” Croley said. “We moved in when I was 5-years-old, so this is all I’ve ever known. I have been in the funeral business my whole life.” Croley explained that his father was a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Clinton, Tenn. before the family moved to Whitley County. He worked in Corbin for a period of time before going to work at Ellison Funeral Home...

Michael Hart, who owns and operates Hart Funeral Home of Corbin along with his wife, Ty, has seen the business change since first getting his start in the late 1960’s. He recalls going to the train depot with his father in the wee hours of the morning as a high schooler, and helping with the retrieval of bodies that had been transported by train so that loved ones could bury them in their hometown. He also recalls working around the clock for many years during the days when local funeral homes were also expected to provide ambulatory services. Throughout it all, Hart says that his passion for helping people...

Those who have been wondering what will take the place of the old Gibson’s Music location in downtown Corbin now have their answer. Recently, the Pinball Museum of Corbin posted on their official Facebook page, letting followers know to “GET READY” because they will soon be expanding and moving into the former home of Gibson’s Music, located at 112 S Main St. Owner Jim Bruso is excited about the move, saying that the expanded floor space in the new location will allow for well over 300 machines, counting pinball machines, arcade machines, bowling machines, and a new section featuring redemption machines that will offer tickets that can be exchanged for prizes. Bruso...