News

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...

Appalachian author and 2022 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Willie Edward Taylor Carver, Jr. released his hybrid novel Tore All to Pieces. The book blends short stories and poetry set in a fictional Appalachian town called Mosely. “Tore All to Pieces is about loving the people I love in Eastern Kentucky exactly as they are and not feeling the need to make them anything else for outside people,” said Carver. “It’s a book about imperfect people living imperfect lives and being worthy of love.” The title draws from a phrase commonly heard throughout Appalachia. “My husband is from Georgia, so Appalachia is new to him. When we first moved here, he was obsessed...

A man twice appointed as Whitley County jailer and who helped the Whitley County Detention Center re-open in 2005 after a state mandated closure, was laid to rest Tuesday afternoon. Kenneth Esley Mobley, 74, of Corbin, died March 26 at Continue Care Hospital in Corbin. “Ken Mobley was a good friend who worked hard to bring the Whitley County Detention Center from closure to having thorough policies and procedures, work release programs that cleaned roads and cemeteries throughout the county, and state inmate revenue that helped the county have balanced budgets,” said Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. “He was a good man and a good public servant to whom this...

The Whitley County Fiscal Court awarded bids on several pieces of surplus equipment at its March 17 meeting. The highest bid of $1,555 was for a trailer. Other items included trailers, dump trucks and multiple vehicles, such as a Ford F-350 and a Chevrolet Blazer. The items were declared surplus in January due to their age and condition. “The trailers are very old,” said Project Director Amber Owens. “We had several vehicles from different departments that were just worn out. I think only one of them actually runs.” The county advertised the items and accepted bids. Unlike most public bidding processes where the lowest bid is typically accepted, surplus bids, by law, must...