News

The Friends of the Corbin Public Library are sponsoring a free event highlighting the life of William Wells Brown at 6 p.m. on April 16 in the Miller-Mitchell Annex. The program is portrayed by Virgil Covington, Jr. and will explore Brown’s life as a formerly enslaved man who became the first published African American novelist and playwright. His memoir “Narrative of William W. Brown, a Fugitive Slave” became an influential book for the abolitionist movement. The program will bring his story to life, offering a closer look at his journey from slavery to becoming a nationally known writer and speaker.

Williamsburg Police arrested an East Bernstadt man Tuesday afternoon, who allegedly impersonated a Walmart employee while shoplifting, according to a Williamsburg Police Department release. Officer Trey Hendrix arrested Mark Allen White, 53, charging him with third-degree fleeing or evading police, theft shoplifting value at least $1,000 but less than $10,000, possession of marijuana, first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and tampering with physical evidence. The value of the item(s) allegedly taken totaled $2,062.62, according to an arrest citation. Walmart Asset Protection contacted Williamsburg Police at 1:20 p.m. regarding White allegedly concealing items in the store and passing all points of sale, according to an arrest citation. “Upon arrival, Officer Hendrix attempted to...

A federal judge sentenced a London man to more than 18 years in prison this month in connection with a high-speed police chase through Laurel County in 2024 leading to the seizure of approximately six pounds of methamphetamine. As part of the plea agreement, Jimmy Barrett, 47, admitted to intending to distribute the methamphetamine to other mid- and lower-level methamphetamine traffickers in the London and Corbin areas, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. U.S. District Judge Robert Wier sentenced Barrett on April 1 to 220 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. On Sept. 13, 2024,...

By Mark White and Leeann Fragosa One of the biggest events of the year, Colonel Fest, returns to downtown Corbin this weekend. A pair of live musical acts, 53 vendors and several contests are among things lined up for the 2026 Colonel Fest. The event will run from 3 to 9 p.m. on April 10 and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 11 on Main Street. There will also be a petting zoo, bounce house, slides and a parakeet encounter. The event is mostly free. There will be a $0.25 charge for feeding with the petting zoo as well as the parakeet encounter. Hillview Stables will charge $5 for feed and entry. The...

The community is invited to see “The Sandlot” for free at 8 p.m. on April 10 at the Whitney Softball Field. The event is hosted by Allied Contracting and will feature a concession stand. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. The event will take place at Memorial Park on London Ave. in Jellico, TN.

A Thursday sentencing date has been scheduled for a man who pled guilty in federal court last year to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine in Whitley County. Daniel Crabtree pled guilty on Oct. 8, 2025, in U.S. District Court in London before Magistrate Judge Hanly A. Ingram, according to federal court records. According to his plea agreement, Crabtree admitted he possessed with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine on May 21, 2024. “Specifically, on this date, law enforcement used a cooperating witness to arrange for the delivery of one (1) pound of meth from...

Corbin police seized a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine, controlled prescription medication, marijuana and related drug paraphernalia after a police K-9 alerted to the possible presence of drugs in a vehicle during an April 1 traffic stop, according to a Corbin Police Department release. Corbin Police Cpl. Chris Brown arrested James A. Reeves, 36, of South Kentucky Avenue, charging him with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), trafficking in marijuana, illegal possession of a legend drug, second-degree possession of a controlled substance (drug unspecified), possession of drug paraphernalia and careless driving. Reeves was arrested following a traffic stop about 9 p.m. at the corner of Master Street and US25E, according...

Author J. Karl Jones signed copies of “The Serpent’s Promise” and “The Bloodline Accords” — books one and two of The Aberrant Series — as well as his stand-alone novel “The Silver Cord,” at a meet-and-greet hosted at the Corbin Public Library on April 3. Jones also showcased a prop plasma rifle crafted by his son, Russ, modeled after a weapon featured in the series. He added that the series will span eight books in total, with book three expected to release on July 20 and an audiobook version currently in production.

Appalachian Mountain Wrestling (AMW) announced it will bring the ‘Super Bowl of Wrestling’ to The Corbin Arena on Aug. 22, following a press conference on April 1. The all-day event will include a wrestling convention featuring meet-and-greet opportunities with current stars and legends, as well as wrestling-related vendors. Founded in 2016 in Hazard AMW set out to revive professional wrestling throughout Kentucky and is the first independent professional wrestling promotion to have an event at The Corbin Arena. AMW is known for its charity work, hosting events for nonprofits to help raise funds, and plans to continue those efforts. “We’re getting our name out there,” said AMW President Kyle Maggard. “We feel like...

The University of the Cumberlands will be playing host to the Supreme Court of Kentucky on April 13-14 as the justices will hear oral arguments in five cases. Proceedings will take place in the Kohn Theatre. The public is invited to attend in person or watch via livestream at ket.org/supremecourt. Hosting oral arguments on campus provides a unique opportunity for students to observe the judicial process firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of how legal decisions are made at the state’s highest court. Event tickets can be secured at https://www.ucumberlands.edu/events/kentucky-supreme-court-cumberlands. The Supreme Court is the state court of last resort and the final interpreter of Kentucky law. Seven justices sit on the Kentucky...