News

The Whitley County Fiscal Court is getting a used 2014 loader, but they cut $15,000 off the purchase price by trading in some old equipment. During a special meeting on March 25, the fiscal court voted to purchase a used loader from Trucks and More out of Cripple Creek. The purchase price was listed as $53,000. The current loader is being replaced due to significant repair issues. Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. noted something counties can now do is trade in old equipment towards the purchase price of newer equipment. Trucks and More offered to let the fiscal court trade in three pieces of equipment for $5,000 each towards the purchase price,...

The City of Williamsburg’s annual spring clean-up kicks off April 6-10 and April 13-17 for the Highland Park side of town. The spring clean up will take place April 20-24 and April 27-May 1 for the downtown side of town. During the spring clean up, Williamsburg workers will pick-up one free small pick-up truck size load of debris, old furniture and other assorted junk per household. The city will pick-up anything except for tires, batteries, shingles and any type of acids. All furniture must be wrapped in plastic. Local residents are asked to set all brush and limbs to the side. Call (606) 549-6036 to arrange your pick-up.

The Whitley County Fiscal Court awarded a $48,000 bid to Solid Ground Consulting Engineers out of Richmond to do special inspection services for the Whitley County Detention Center expansion project during its special meeting on March 25. Special inspection work includes things like testing for soil, concrete reinforcement, masonry, steel and anchors. “The others (bids) were substantially higher,” Whitley County Projects Director Amber Owens told the fiscal court during the special meeting. Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. said state building codes now require independent verification through a special inspection agreement for larger government building projects. Solid Ground was the low bidder. It also did the special inspection work for the pavilion at...

Leadership Tri-County named a long-time University of the Cumberlands administrator as its 2026 Leader of the Year. U.C. Chancellor Dr. Jerry Jackson received the 2026 Willam Hacker, M.D. Leader of the Year Award during a banquet Thursday evening at the Williamsburg Tourism and Convention Center. The award is the highest honor bestowed by Leadership Tri-County. It recognizes individuals who not only lead within their own institutions but also serve as “regional connectors” across county lines. “I would like to thank Lee Richardson and the board of Leadership Tri-County for this honor. It truly means a great deal to me,” Jackson said. “I am truly honored, especially coming from a community of leaders, who care...

Corbin Police arrested a man with a Michigan state ID Friday for failure to comply with sex offender registration for two or more times. Corbin Police Officer Jarrett Carr arrested Andy Sardis Salomi, 51, shortly after 7 p.m. on Bell Avenue also charging him with third-degree fleeing or evading police and giving officer false identifying information., according to his arrest citation. While patrolling near Laurel Avenue, Carr observed Salomi allegedly run from his marked cruiser “unprovoked.” Carr turned around and met him on Bell Avenue. The man allegedly provided police with a social security number and the name Andrew Garland, the arrest citation stated. Salomi allegedly stated he “did not have anything”...

Have a child who likes to hunt Easter Eggs? Want to get a picture of your child with the Easter Bunny? If so, then head down to Briar Creek Park Saturday for the annual Williamsburg community Easter celebration. Assistant Tourism Director Patty Faulkner said the city is trying to revitalize the community Easter celebration with an emphasis on community. “We’ve taken the event you’ve always loved and made it bigger, brighter, and even more fun for the whole family. Whether you’re coming for the hunt, the crafts, or just the memories – this is one spring celebration you won’t want to miss,” organizers wrote on the City of Williamsburg, KY Facebook page. Festivities...

Prosecutors have recommended a prison sentence of two years and one day for a Williamsburg man who is accused of burglarizing the Williamsburg Walmart last month and taking $163.12 worth of items, according to court documents. Jordi Brooks, 33, of Longbottom Road, was indicted by information on March 16 on a charge of third-degree burglary. Williamsburg Police were called to the Williamsburg Walmart on Feb. 11 regarding a report about someone taking items without paying and leaving out the exit doors. Walmart Asset Protection attempted to stop Brooks, who then allegedly continued to exit the property, according to an arrest citation. Police contacted Brooks, who matched the description of the individual. Walmart...

The Knox County Grand Jury indicted two Gray residents Friday in connection with a November Corbin burglary case. The grand jury indicted Wiley Jack Medlin, 40, of KY-233 in Gray, and Joseph Burley Elliott, 34, Bertha Hollow Road in Gray, on charges of first-degree burglary, possession of burglar’s tools and second-degree criminal mischief. The charges stem from an alleged Nov. 7, 2025, incident, and involved the pair allegedly unlawfully entering a residence while armed with or in possession of a knife. They also allegedly damaged a door belonging to Winterwood Incorporated causing a loss between at least $500 but less than $1,000, according to their indictment. The incident happened sometime after 4...

Families gathered at the Jacket Media Center at Williamsburg City School on March 26 for the Jacket Seusstacular, a celebration featuring Dr. Seuss characters, reading promotion and hands-on STEM activities. Though typically hosted during Read Across America Week, this year’s event was pushed later in the month to align with the school’s goal of hosting one major family engagement night per month. “It’s something to promote reading and tie it in with Dr. Seuss and Read Across America Week,” said Jacket Librarian Kassie Lowrie. “They ask to check out Dr. Seuss books all the time. They love those silly rhyming words.” Through the school’s Family Resource Center, each student received a bag...

Preslie Payne, a fifth-grade student at Whitley County East Elementary School, was recognized for her grandparent essay at the Whitley Area Retired Teachers Association (WARTA) meeting on March 26. Payne wrote about her grandfather Terry Sutherland. Her entry was one of thousands submitted by Kentucky fifth graders for the annual essay competition. “We are so pleased with our board winner this year,” said WARTA President Meg Judd. “It was really, really close but yours came out shining on top.” Students were asked to answer the prompt: “Why My Grandparent Should Be the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Kentucky Grandparent of the Year.” Teachers selected the strongest essay from their class and submitted...