News

A Williamsburg woman, who was a moped passenger, died Saturday afternoon following a two-vehicle crash on KY-92W between the Kentucky Splash Waterpark and the entrance for the Whitley County Detention Center. Williamsburg Police Assistant Chief Brandon White, who was the senior officer at the scene, said that his office will consult with Commonwealth’s Attorney Ronnie Bowling before making a final decision, but that no charges are currently anticipated in connection with the crash. About 12:01 p.m., Crystal R. Bruce, 19, of McCreary County, had left a cookout and had pulled onto KY-92W in a black 2012 Chevrolet Impala when she collided with a moped, which was driven by Michael D. Walters,...

Kentucky Blood Center’s (KBC) Summer of Saving continues into July with a chance for donors to win free Texas Roadhouse for a year just by donating blood. One lucky donor who gives blood July 1–31 will win 52 $40 Texas Roadhouse gift cards. Donors at either of these upcoming drives in Williamsburg will be entered into the giveaway. Rules and conditions can be found at kybloodcenter.org/events/summer-of-saving-win-free-texas-roadhouse-for-a-year. All donors will receive a free appetizer coupon from Texas Roadhouse and a “Stay Peachy” T-shirt from KBC. All thank you items are while supplies last. Dayspring Health will host the first blood drive Wednesday (July 16) from 10 a.m. – noon at the KBC Bloodmobile, which...

Various students with local ties have recently been inducted into honor societies at their respective institutions of higher learning, received departmental awards, or have received various other forms of recognition, including:  UC Emma McPherson English Award Hollyann Lewis has been honored with the University of the Cumberlands’ Emma McPherson English Award. Lewis is double majoring in English/creative writing and history. Receiving the award has increased Lewis’ confidence in her abilities. “I want to follow my mother’s footsteps in academia,” she explained. “She set an example for me to follow, and these awards demonstrate that I am able to do so with all glory and thanks to God.” Lewis’ future plans involve working towards an MAT...

The new open-air structure at the Whitley County Fairgrounds was originally anticipated to be ready in time for the 2024 Whitley County Fair, though it did not finish construction until late last summer, missing the fair by several weeks. It is now fully operational, however, and will be utilized this year for two fan-favorite events, offering an improved experience for those who attend. The structure, a 125 feet wide and 300 feet long building, has hosted several events since its completion. During this year’s fair, it also be the host of the horse show and mule pull events. Judge-Executive Pat White, Jr., told the News Journal that he expects the structure...

Kentucky State Police (KSP) recently rescued victims of a domestic violence situation in Laurel County, and a Corbin man is now behind bars as a result, according to a KSP release. The incident happened about 1:00 p.m. on July 9 when a juvenile used a 911-only phone to report the situation. Laurel County 911 initially received the call and then transferred it to KSP. When troopers arrived at the TIB Drive residence, troopers were unable to make contact and proceeded to make forcible entry into the residence. Inside, they located Brandon Lee Lunsford, 36, of Corbin, according to the release. “Lunsford was holding his spouse and juvenile children against their will in...

The 2025 Whitley County Fair will be taking place in Williamsburg next week, July 16-19, and live music will once again be among the offerings when it comes to scheduled entertainment. Headlining this year’s musical lineup at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, will be Trey Bryant, a Williamsburg native who has taken the Whitley County Fair stage in the past. This time, however, he will be doing so as a two-time Josie Music Award nominee (Emergent Artist - Country Male and Vocalist of the Year - Country Male). Bryant, who also recently signed with an artist development company out of Cincinnati, will attend the Josie Music Awards show this...

This 2025 Whitley County Fair will once again have a little something for everyone with returning favorites, such as the demolition derby, the mud bog, and inflatables, in addition to the return of the hot air balloon rides for second consecutive year and the addition of a planned fireworks show to conclude the fair this year. “On behalf of the Whitley County Fair Board, we are delighted to extend an invitation to everyone to attend next week’s festivities, which promise a wide range of activities and entertainment. We are thrilled to once again welcome the community to this outstanding event. We look forward to greeting everyone and enjoying a memorable...

Grace Health has received a two-year, $1 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to support the reintegration of incarcerated individuals scheduled for release within 90 days by enhancing their access to high-quality, community-based primary care services and other enabling programs. Grace Health was chosen as one of 54 grant recipients across the United States. The funding will be utilized over two years to address the complex needs of justice-involved individuals, supporting their successful long-term re-entry and recovery. “This grant will allow us to better meet the needs of justice-involved individuals by increasing access to primary, dental, and mental health services, including treatment for substance use, as they return...

This year’s one and only Country Meets City event is taking place later this week. The event began several years ago as part of the City of Williamsburg’s summer event schedule, though previous years had two scheduled throughout the season. This year, both Country Meets City and the annual Block Party events were scaled back, with only one of each being planned. Country Meets City is being held Friday at the Green Space on Main in downtown Williamsburg. The musical act will be Raise One Up, a country/rock band based out of Somerset. The band will take the stage at 8 p.m. and will perform until 10 p.m. The event is free to...

A July 15 preliminary hearing has been set for an East Bernstadt man, who allegedly assaulted a hospital staff member at the Baptist Health Corbin Emergency Department on July 1. During his arraignment Monday, Whitley District Judge Fred White entered a not guilty plea for Darrell Dean House, 58, on a felony charge of third-degree assault (healthcare provider), and he left Dean’s $25,000 cash bond in place. Third-degree assault is a Class ‘D’ punishable by up to a maximum of five years in prison upon conviction. The incident happened about 3:30 a.m. in the emergency department where Corbin police were dispatched to a reported assault. When Corbin Police K-9 Officer Brentley Patrick arrived...