News

Several ladies and gentlemen throughout Whitley County took home a royal title after the Whitley County Fair Pageant. Ke’Auna Parker, Daisy Callahan, Zoie Anderson and Bethany Erin were each named queens. Lyndsey Boone and Raelynn Mack won in the teen and preteen categories. Layla Raine Jones and Noah Corey Tanner won the Little Miss and Mr. categories.

One member of the Williamsburg’s Future Farmer of America (FFA) Chapter recently attended the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) in Washington, D.C., where she developed leadership skills and learned more about the nation’s history. Chloe Sawyers joined hundreds of FFA members throughout the nation to participate in the WLC in Washington, D.C., offered by the National FFA organization. Participants engaged in workshops focused on servant leadership, community service, goal setting and civic engagement. Participants also visited several national landmarks, including national monuments, memorials and museums during the conference. The Kentucky FFA Foundation made the opportunity possible through funding from The Bill Gatton Foundation, which allowed 100 FFA Kentucky members to participate in the...

A local choir director hosted a community performance last Saturday, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary through American music’s identity and Appalachian culture. Nick Hibbard, choir director at Corbin High School, is a member of the American Choral Directors Association. He said around one year ago, a group within the association was putting together a program called “Sing Democracy,” but he did not think the required songs matched what he thought this concert should be. “They were not pieces I felt fit in well with our community, audience and the people who would be singing. I wanted to do something, so instead I created my own,” Hibbard said. The choir was made up of...

A rare American Flag dating back to the Civil War was taken out of a storage box for the second time since its owner purchased it, as part of an effort to promote patriotism for America’s 250th anniversary and the Fourth of July. John Ed Babb, owner of the American flag, said he came into possession of the flag approximately three years ago when he bought it from John Case in Knoxville, who is a leading authority of antiques, furniture and other historic items. The 34-star American Flag was made between the years of 1861 and 1863, when Kansas declared itself as the 34th state. It is a wool garrison flag...

Mountain View PACE’s goal is simple: to help seniors live at home. Mountain View PACE hosted its first Fun Fest Without Limits event on June 25 to bring together seniors, adults with disabilities and community organizations for a day of games, music, food and resources. The event was free and featured 20 vendors with resources, accessible games, tie dye shirts and more. The event also had free grilled hot dogs, chips, snow cones, a cooling station, a maze accessible for individuals in a wheelchair and tours of Mountain View PACE’S facility. “This is a home resource fair for elderly people or anybody with a disability that normally could not get out...

Young superheroes and their families gathered at the University of the Cumberlands Patriot Park on a rainy Saturday for the Whitley County Health Department’s fourth annual Superhero Day. The free event featured 20 vendors, games, giveaways, pizza and drinks, while attendees dressed as their favorite superheroes and enjoyed a day of fun. "The goal is to improve community connectiveness which improves community resilience," said Director Marcy Rein. "A resilient community is healthier."

Tennessee cover band Joey’s Van took the stage June 25 for the second Moonbow Nights performance of the summer. Joey’s Van covers pop, punk, alternative rock and emo music from the 90s and 2000s and have performed in Corbin several times since 2023. The performers entertained a local crowd with a nostalgia-inducing set list including Nirvana’s “Smells like Teen Spirit,” Paramore’s “Misery Business” and “Stacy’s Mom” by Fountains of Wayne. Moonbow Nights will return on July 30 at Nibroc Park, featuring local country band County-Wide.

The Corbin Rotary Club will have new leadership after electing its officers for the 2026-2027 year during its June 25 meeting, while also announcing plans for a new fundraiser to benefit the club’s Empty Stocking Fund. Melissa Finley was elected president, Benjamin Wilson was elected president-elect (vice president) and J. Bill Sosh was reelected as secretary-treasurer. All three were elected unanimously. Finley has been a member of the Rotary Club since 2016, Wilson since 2023 and Sosh since 2006. Sosh has served as became secretary-treasurer since 2016. Outgoing President Todd Peeler was recognized with a plaque for his service as outgoing president. After accepting the award, he reflected on several accomplishments during...

Several events are planned in and around Williamsburg this month in addition to Independence Day festivities. On July 5, the Fourth Annual Heroes, Miners and Shriners motorcycle ride will take place starting at 1 p.m. downtown on Main Street. On July 10, the Whitley County Public Library and the City of Williamsburg will sponsor a Movies in the Park event at Bill Woods Park. The Burg’s Summer Social will take place from 1 – 6 p.m. on July 18. Mayor Roddy Harrison has described the event as an old-fashioned town picnic. People are encouraged to bring their own picnic lunches to the event. The Hunt and the Harvest will have some picnic lunches for...

This 4th of July weekend, you can celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with your community. From food eating contests to firework shows, there are plenty of events happening throughout the tri-counties to spend this holiday weekend with your friends and family. Lighting up the night in Corbin The city of Corbin and The Corbin Arena are sponsoring an “Independence Day Firework Spectacular” from 7-10 p.m. on Friday outside of The Corbin Arena. The festivities will begin with a live music performance by Whiskey Ridge, a variety of food trucks and inflatables for children to enjoy. The firework show starts at 9:45 p.m. Corbin City Manager Scott Williamson said Corbin’s Independence Day firework show is...