News

Williamsburg residents owe nearly $30 million in student loan debt. There are an estimated 871 borrowers in the city and approximately 226 of those borrowers are 90 days delinquent on their loans, according to the Kentucky League of Cities. These borrowers may be getting some help to potentially lower their federal student loan payments by finding some debt forgiveness programs already in place, which could eliminate a portion of their debt. This is conditional on the City of Williamsburg agreeing to take part in a new program being offered through the Kentucky League of Cities. This was part of the message Kentucky League of Cities Business Development Manager Sarah Stoll delivered to...

The Williamsburg Board of Education has a new vacancy. During the May 13 special called meeting, board members approved the resignation of board member Allan Steely. No reason for Steely's resignation was released. Board members approved creating a vacancy for the position. Following the meeting, applications were posted on the Williamsburg City School website outlining the responsibilities of a board member and how to apply. According to the website, applications are available at the Office of the Superintendent, located at 84 N. 10th St. A digital version of the application is also available online and can be hand delivered to the same location by 4 p.m. on June 4.

Representative Nick Wilson, Representative Tom O’Dell Smith and Senate President Robert Stivers served as guest speakers to discuss road funding, infrastructure projects and economic development at the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce legislative update on May 12. Wilson, who represents district 82, said he was proud of the session that occurred in Frankfort and called the budget “successful.” One of the projects Wilson highlighted was funding for the Three Point intersection near Whitley County schools. “We got $1 million and a half in there for the design so we can get a plan together and try to fix that spot,” said Wilson. “It’s very dangerous. School buses go over there every day....

The Corbin Board of Education received a final legislative update from Superintendent Travis Wilder during its May 7 meeting, including discussion of the financial impacts of House Bill (HB) 500 and upcoming summer renovation projects at Corbin High School. Wilder said HB 500 resulted in Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) funding remaining flat, The district gets approximately $40 per student from SEEK funding. “That’s a lot of hardship on all the districts,” said Wilder. “People are having to make cuts and so this board’s been very conservative.” Wilder commended the board for maintaining a stable budget in recent years. Wilder also noted districts are preparing for increasing fuel and transportation costs. “We have a...

This past May, the City of Corbin received a $3.5 million chunk of funding to help pay for expansion and renovation of the Corbin Center. Given the city already had $2.5 million available to help pay for construction costs, it invested the $3.5 million into a certificate of deposit to collect interest until the funds were needed to pay for construction work. The time is now. During a special called May 6 meeting, the Corbin City Commission voted to cash in the certificate of deposit and move the money into the Corbin Center Special Project Account. City Clerk Tori Brock noted there was no penalty for withdrawing the money early and the certificate...

Dozens of community members and leaders gathered at the Laurel County Courthouse for a National Day of Prayer event hosted on May 7. The event included nearly one dozen ministers who prayed about a variety of topics ranging from the government to families and students. “It does matter when people come to a seat of power... and invite God’s blessing,” said Corbin Parkway Ministries Pastor Mark Hisle. “There’s something formal and spiritual about that. I’m not saying everybody’s living perfectly, but I’m saying God takes notice of that.” May 7 marked the 75th anniversary for the National Day of Prayer. The event was established in 1952 by a joint resolution of the...

Prosecutors have recommended a five-year prison sentence for a Williamsburg man who led police on a January vehicle pursuit on a four-wheeler. David Cook, 40, was indicted by information on charges of first-degree fleeing or evading police (on foot) and first-degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle). The first-degree fleeing or evading police (on foot) charge was dismissed as part of his plea agreement. The incident allegedly happened on Jan. 4 at the University of the Cumberlands (UC) Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Officer Johnny Fulton received a complaint from a UC employee about a four-wheeler going through the gate of the WMA. The WMA is...

Several community members spoke during the Corbin Board of Education’s May 7 board meeting about what they described as “unfair treatment” towards the wrestling team. During public comments, Felicia Fifield, a parent of a wrestling member, praised the wrestling team students and raised concerns about unequal treatment among district athletes. “I have had the chance to observe not only the dedication and work ethic of these athletes, but also the way this program is treated within the district,” said Fifield. “What I have seen is concerning.” Fifield called for fairness, respect and support for the students. “Over the past two years, I have seen little to no recognition of the wrestling team at...

Considering five local children have been diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma or more commonly referred to as DIPG, officials are asking if there is some common factor causing this rare cancerous brain tumor. Specifically, is there any way the water can be tested to prove it is safe? This was a question Councilwoman Chelsea Tyree asked during the Williamsburg City Council’s monthly meeting Monday. Mayor Roddy Harrison noted his wife, Maria, asked a similar question recently when she was crushing up some ice for their grandson, Landon. Councilwoman Laurel Jeffries West asked if there are any chemicals other states test for, but Kentucky does not. She noted it would be nice to...

Williamsburg is planning to apply for a $3 million grant through the Army Corps of Engineers to help fund its $10-$11 million water project. The project will replace some of the oldest waterlines in town. If the city can secure this grant, it should reduce the amount of money the city has to borrow for the project from approximately $5 million to approximately $2 million to $3 million, Mayor Roddy Harrison told the city council during its regular monthly meeting Monday. Congressman Hal Rogers previously secured $4 million through the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program. 82nd Rep. Nick Wilson and Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers recently secured another $1.5 million for...