Business

Unemployment rates decreased in Whitley, Laurel, Knox, Bell and McCreary counties between March 2022 and April 2022, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. Whitley County Whitley County’s unemployment rate decreased from 4.1 percent in March 2022 to 3.7 percent in April 2022. Whitley County’s April 2022 unemployment rate was 1.0 percent lower than the April 2021 unemployment rate. Laurel County Laurel County’s unemployment decreased from 3.9 percent in March 2022 to 3.4 in April 2022. Laurel County’s April 2022 unemployment rate was 0.5 percent lower than the April 2021 unemployment rate. Knox County Knox County’s unemployment rate decreased from 5.2 percent in March...

A multi-million-dollar comprehensive medical facility is in the works in Williamsburg following the purchase of a portion of the Cumberland Regional Mall by Dayspring Health, Inc. According to a warranty deed filed with the Whitley County Clerk’s Office, Dayspring purchased the old Walmart portion of the mall on May 18 for $1,875,000. Dr. Geogy Thomas, Dayspring’s chief executive officer, confirmed the purchase earlier this week and provided details about what the future holds for that space. “Our vision is to have a place for our patients to come to have comprehensive medical care. We’re hoping to put a bunch of our medical facilities into that building, so that when you come...

Baptist Health Corbin (BHC) volunteers were recently recognized receiving the Helping Accomplish Noteworthy Duties Successfully (HANDS) Award at the 93rd Annual Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) Convention in Louisville on May 19. The KHA presents the HANDS awards to hospital volunteer and auxiliary groups that conduct outstanding projects and services to further support their healthcare systems and patients. This year, Baptist Health Corbin was recognized in the over-100 beds category with this award. “I am so proud to be a part of this incredible volunteer team who give so much of themselves in service to our hospital, patients and visitors,” said BHC Volunteer Director, Debbie Hardin. At the convention, KHA recognized the BHC volunteers...

  The Forcht Group of Kentucky showed its appreciation to health care workers by inviting several to attend the 148th Annual Kentucky Oaks and 148th Annual Kentucky Derby, which were held on May 6-7 at Churchill Downs. The group got to see Secret Oath win the Kentucky Oaks and 80-1 shot Rich Strike win the Kentucky Derby. In all about 150 family, friends and employees attended the races over the two-day period. Above, some of the group are pictured with Forcht Group of Kentucky founder, chairman and CEO Terry E. Forcht and Forcht Group of Kentucky President Debbie Reynolds at the Kentucky Derby. At right, Barbourville Health and Rehabilitation Administrator...

A Williamsburg native has been promoted to Plant HR Manager at the Firestone Industrial Products (FSIP) manufacturing facility in Williamsburg. Kanisha Hughey, who had been HR Section Leader, took over the new position effective immediately, Firestone wrote in a release. As the site HR Leader for FSIP’s largest plant, Hughey will be responsible for leading the HR initiatives for the site while partnering with plant leadership team to achieve their collective goals. Hughey has held numerous roles at the Williamsburg plant supporting production departments and working as an HR Business Partner for three years. “Kanisha’s experience and knowledge about the plant and FSIP will enhance the Williamsburg team during an exciting time of...

Unemployment rates stayed largely the same in Whitley, Laurel, Knox, Bell and McCreary counties between February 2022 and March 2022, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. Whitley County Whitley County’s unemployment rate remained at 4.1 percent between February 2022 and March 2022. Whitley County’s March 2022 unemployment rate was 1.3 percent lower than the March 2021 unemployment rate. Laurel County Laurel County’s unemployment rate remained at 3.8 percent between February 2022 and March 2022. Laurel County’s March 2022 unemployment rate was 1.1 percent lower than the March 2021 unemployment rate. Knox County Knox County’s unemployment rate increased from 5.1 percent in February 2022...

A ribbon cutting was held recently at Folktale Coffee and Bakehouse by the Downtown Corbin program. Though the business had been open and operating for several weeks, an official ribbon-cutting had not yet taken place.

Baptist Health Corbin, Baptist Health Lexington and Baptist Health Richmond have earned the top rating of “A” for hospital safety for spring 2022 from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit healthcare ratings organization. The national distinction recognizes achievements in protecting patients from harm and error in the hospital. Together, the three hospitals represent the East Region of Baptist Health’s statewide family of hospitals. “We are so proud of our staff and their tireless commitment to taking care of our patients. An ‘A’ Safety Grade is a great accomplishment and a direct reflection of the quality care our employees deliver every day,” said Anthony Powers, president of Baptist Health Corbin. “Our main goal will continue to...

If you are a teenager or adult, who wants to help give back to their community or who needs to log some volunteer hours for school, then you may want to keep reading as Baptist Health Corbin is looking for volunteers. “As you take on your new role as a volunteer, you will soon know the joy and fulfillment of serving others and doing a job that only, you can do. You make a difference by sharing your talents and unique personality with those we serve at Baptist Health Corbin,” Baptist Health Corbin wrote in a release. Baptist Health Corbin offers the Teen Volunteer Program for teens ages 14 through 18....

Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers with be speaking on the 2022 legislative session next week during a luncheon co-hosted by the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and Knox County Chamber of Commerce. The monthly luncheon will be held Tuesday, May 17, at 11:45 a.m. at The Corbin Center. May’s luncheon is sponsored by the City of Corbin and will be catered by La Donna’s Catering of London. Anyone who wishes to attend can register by calling (606) 528-6390 or visiting the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s website at www.southernkychamber.com, selecting the “Events” tab and then choosing the luncheon date from the calendar. Lunch will be $14 per person.