News

If you take KY 312 to work and back, then you may be in for some travel delays over the next few months. Starting May 19, the KY 312 bridge over I-75 will be closed to through traffic. The bridge will be demolished as part of the ongoing I-75 widening project between Exit 25 and Exit 29 in Laurel and Whitley counties. Barricades and message boards will be placed to alert motorists of the closure. The existing bridge is being demolished because it does not provide the required width and vertical clearance necessary for the interstate widening project. “The bridge is being replaced to meet current design standards and allow for construction of...

Congressman Andy Barr served as the guest speaker at the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce breakfast on May 4 to outline his vision for Kentucky and advocate for his campaign for U.S. Senate. Several local leaders were in attendance, such as Senate President Robert Stivers, Representative Tom O’Dell Smith and Representative Nick Wilson.

A Corbin Public Library (CPL) program that provides free books to children may be at risk without additional funding, guest speaker Maddie Flannery told the Corbin Rotary Club on April 30. According to Flannery, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program mails free books each month to children from birth to age five and currently serves families in Knox, Laurel and Whitley counties. “69 percent of our communities’ eligible kids participate in the program,” said Flannery. The books are reading level appropriate, starting out easy and progressively become more challenging. “The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is an invaluable resource to our community, considering how many families, especially now, are struggling...

Two educators were honored with the “Going the Extra Mile” Award during the Williamsburg Board of Education’s April 28 meeting. The “Going the Extra Mile” Award is presented to staff members who are anonymously nominated by educators, students or community members for making significant contributions to the school and its students. Superintendent Tabetha Housekeeper presented the award to Michele King and Ashley Harrell. King was recognized for her support regarding the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) activity account. She serves as the School Treasurer. Her peer noted she answered questions, provided guidance and was responsive. Harrell was recognized for her contributions to the school community. She serves as the infant to five-year-old Save...

Williamsburg Independent Schools reported strong growth with Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing scores this year, but one teacher expressed concerns regarding the district’s Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA) testing schedule for younger students during the April 28 Board of Education meeting. According to Principal Ashley Partin, 10 out of 12 grade levels increased student achievement in reading and math from fall to spring. “Over the course of this year, the growth that we’ve seen has been significant,” said Partin. Several grade levels saw notable gains in reading and math. In reading, third grade increased from the 67th percentile to the 89th percentile, while fourth grade reading scores increased from the 54th percentile to...

Two speakers addressed concerns about communication, finances and possible job uncertainty during the April 28 Williamsburg Board of Education meeting. The district responded the following day by meeting with staff to provide updates and answer questions. The two speakers were Williamsburg Education Association (WEA) representative Aaron Brock, who represents teachers, and special education teacher Jacki Haar. Brock shared concerns including possible staffing changes and pay issues. “I know there’s some financial uncertainty at the moment,” said Brock. “I believe giving staff some information on a plan moving forward will do a great deal of relief for us.” Brock said students have told teachers they will be fired because the district does not have...

James ‘Jim’ Blankenship, a long-time Whitley County teacher and coach died on May 1. Blankenship coached in the Whitley County School District for more than 40 years. Those who knew him best say, “Jim was known for his unwavering commitment to his students, both on and off the field.” Whitley County High School Football Head Coach Matt Rhymer said, “He had a heart for the kids. You know, no partiality. It didn’t matter where the kid was from or what ability they had, he saw the potential in every kid and wanted to draw out the best in them.” “Kids know how much you care,” Rhymer explained. “I think kids just sensed that...

Corbin cheerleaders raised nearly $4,000 for a Leslie County cheerleader who lost her home and several family members in a house fire. School officials said Sicily Begley was the sole survivor of the fire. June Nantz, 84, Lisa Marcum, 56, and Jadeana Begley, 50, all died. The Lady Redhound Cheerleaders presented Sicily Begley with a check for $3,903. The money came from donations made by fans during Corbin athletic events earlier this year. Corbin officials said, “The moment reflected more than just a financial gift—it was a symbol of unity, care, and the strength of a community rallying behind someone in need.”

A Williamsburg man is accused of using a motorcycle to lead a Whitley County Sheriff’s deputy on a vehicle pursuit early Saturday morning, which ended after the motorcycle crashed. Whitley County Sheriff’s Deputy Stephen Meadors arrested Robert J. Gibson, 35, on charges of second-degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle), second-offense first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), failure to illuminate head lamps, no tail lamps, all-terrain vehicle violations, driving on a DUI suspended license, drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and destruction of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The incident happened at approximately 12:38 a.m. on KY-204W. Meadors observed a red 1999 Honda CR250 traveling east on KY-204W near the intersection of...

A $25,000 cash bond has been set for a Williamsburg man who allegedly led a Whitley County Sheriff’s Deputy on a vehicle pursuit Sunday evening. District Judge Fred White entered a not guilty plea Monday for Bradley L. Hamblin, 34, during his arraignment in Whitley District Court on charges of speeding 26 mph or more over limit, reckless driving, no/expired registration plates, no auto insurance, first-degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle), operating a motor vehicle under the influence, drug paraphernalia, first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), first-degree wanton endangerment and first-degree wanton endangerment (police officer). White appointed the public advocate’s office to represent Hamblin and scheduled a May 11...