News

The ongoing nation-wide formula shortage continues to leave both federal and state organizations grappling with possible solutions as parents scramble to find what little formula may be left on store shelves. Though there still doesn’t seem to be a clear end to the shortage in sight, the Whitley County Health Department is trying to help ease some of the woes parents are currently facing by helping link up organizations that may have formula with those who need it. WCHD announced the Whitley County Formula Locator on Monday via their Facebook page, which included links to two different surveys. The first link directs to a survey for organizations that have a...

A family’s home was saved thanks to the efforts of several local fire departments over the weekend, though not without extensive damages. West Knox Volunteer Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Oak Ridge Church Road at 11:57 a.m. Saturday after a caller reported the blaze. Firefighters with Corbin Fire Department were also dispatched to provide manpower, with Lily Volunteer Fire Department paged to assist with tankers. According to CFD Assistant Chief Chad Jackson, the fire began with a vehicle parked near entrance to the home’s garage before jumping to the structure itself. “The garage and living room was a total loss,” said Jackson. “The bedroom portion of the home was...

A Williamsburg woman had to be airlifted early Sunday morning after allegedly being attacked during a domestic dispute with a machete and is facing a long road to recovery, according to a Williamsburg Police Department release. On Monday, the police department learned that the woman had spent several hours in surgery at the University of Kentucky Medical Center where she is listed in stable condition, according to the release. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and the victim’s family as well as the first responders involved in this horrific incident,” Williamsburg police wrote. Williamsburg Police Officer Greg Rhoades arrested the victim’s alleged attacker, Darryl Alan Earls, 30, of Williamsburg, charging...

Two programs at University of the Cumberlands were recently included in a ranking of Best Graduate Schools by U.S. News and World Report. Both Cumberlands’ online graduate education program and online graduate psychology program were listed in the national ranking. Both programs were ranked in the top 300 programs from across the nation, according to the report. Statistics from 2021 included in the report list Cumberlands’ acceptance rate for its doctorate in education (Ed.D.) program is approximately 93 percent, meaning most people who apply for the program are accepted. The school offers a number of graduate education programs, including education specialist (Ed.S.), master’s in education (MAED), Master’s in Teaching (MAT), Rank I...

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists that cross drain operations will take place on KY 204 (mile point 4.980) to the junction of KY 895 (5.637), and the junction of River Road in Whitley County beginning Tuesday, May 24, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The roadway will be closed during work hours. KYTC asks motorists to be aware of the work zone, expect delays, and to utilize safe driving habits when traveling through the area. The date, time, and duration of work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur. Motorists can access travel and traffic conditions at http://goky.ky.gov or contribute their reports at www.waze.com or via...

University of the Cumberlands’ online Doctor of Education program was recently included on an unranked list by the Princeton Review as being one of the top programs in the nation. Cumberlands was one of only two Kentucky schools listed out of the 50 total colleges on the list. The full listing can be found at www.princetonreview.com. “Online Doctor of Education programs have become as rigorous as their on-campus counterparts,” and Cumberlands’ online program offers “flexibility, affordability, access to innovative technologies, students from a diversity of career backgrounds, and global opportunities,” wrote Princeton Review. The online doctoral education programs at Cumberlands prepare professionals for hands-on leadership in educational settings, building on students’ existing knowledge base...

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 woman accused of fatally shooting a London businessman in September 2021 was indicted by a Laurel County grand jury Friday. Victoria T. Strelsky, 49, of London, was named in a three-count indictment for charges that occurred September 24, 2021 when she allegedly killed Bryan McCarty. Count one of the indictment charges Strelsky with murder. Count two of the indictment charges Strelsky with second-degree forgery. Count three of the indictment charges Strelsky with tampering with physical evidence. McCarty’s body was found the day after the alleged shooting at his home off Maple Grove Lane while officers with the Laurel County Sheriff’s Department were conducting a welfare check at the residence. McCarty’s body was found...

The City of Corbin is seeking a Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant to build a small playground near Engineer Street. During its monthly meeting Monday, the Corbin City Commission ratified Mayor Suzie Razmus’ signature on a warranty deed for property at 402 Engineer Street and approved a resolution seeking the grant funding to help pay for construction of the playground. City Manager Marlon Sams said that the total project cost is about $75,000, but the grant will only cover 50 percent of that. In other business, the commission: Heard a presentation by Corbin Tourism Director Maggy Monhollen regarding recent tourism and recreation projects. The Corbin Splash Pad opened Monday. “Summer is finally here,”...