News

The City of Corbin is being sued by a former employee for alleged age discrimination. Patricia Smith, who was a long-time employee at the Corbin City Pool, filed suit in Whitley Circuit Court on July 11 against the City of Corbin, Mayor Suzie Razmus and Commissioners John Baker, James Gambrel, Allison Moore and Brandon Shepherd in their official capacities. The lawsuit also named Corbin Parks and Recreation Director Jacob Roan in his individual and official capacities as a defendant. “Defendants terminated Plaintiff (Patricia Smith) due to her age and their perception of her disabilities. Defendants’ discriminatory practices were willful and intentional,” Smith’s attorney, David O. Smith, alleged in the lawsuit. “The...

Nearly 17 months after a Whitley Circuit Court Jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict in his murder trial and on the day that his retrial was scheduled to begin, a Williamsburg man instead entered a guilty plea Monday to a reduced charge as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors. Martin Canada, 51, was originally indicted for murder in the Sept. 14, 2022, death of his stepson, Kyle Chadwell, 31. Canada instead pleaded guilty Monday to a reduce charge of first-degree manslaughter in Chadwell’s death. He also pleaded guilty to an additional charge of first-degree wanton endangerment in connection with the case. The charging document states that under circumstances...

At just six years old, Corbin's own Lakyn Reign Moyers, a student at Corbin Primary School, has been crowned Miss Elementary America First Grade 2025 in Little Rock, Arkansas, held from June 26 to July 3. She was awarded a $5,000 scholarship, a family cruise, and several other prizes.   After finishing in sixth place the previous year, Moyers returned with determination and hard work to officially take the crown. She dedicated countless hours of daily practice and prepared for interviews multiple days a week. Moyers mentioned that practicing for interviews was her favorite part, saying, “I get to talk to the judges and show them my bubbly personality.”   During the competition,...

A total of 19 dispatchers from across Kentucky, including Whitley County E-911’s Katie G. Roysdon, graduated from the Department of Criminal Justice Training’s (DOCJT ) Public Safety Dispatch Academy on July 16 and are now ready to begin answering the call to aid both citizens and law enforcement officers of the commonwealth.   “Dispatchers are the heroes who connect law enforcement with Kentuckians during some of the greatest moments of need, and their work is so important in a time of crisis,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “I want to thank these graduates for taking on this important job and supporting Kentuckians across the commonwealth. Congratulations and good luck.”   Dispatch basic training is...

A group of eager students from our community recently embarked on a unique journey into the world of healthcare at Baptist Health Corbin. This special initiative aimed to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals by providing hands-on experiences and insightful encounters with our hospital’s operations. The week kicked off with enthusiastic introductions as students were warmly welcomed by hospital leadership. “We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many departments across Baptist Health Corbin who graciously welcomed students into their areas, shared their knowledge, and helped bring healthcare careers to life. From clinical staff to support services, your willingness to take time from your day to educate...

University of the Cumberlands’ Master of Arts in Education program and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program were recently recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s annual list of the nation’s best graduate programs. Cumberlands’ Master of Arts in Education program ranked No. 6 in Kentucky and No. 234 nationally. The ranking marks the fourth time the program has received this recognition in recent years, underscoring its consistent quality and growing distinction. Earlier this year, in U.S. News’ Best Online Programs rankings, the education program tied with the University of Louisville for No. 4 in Kentucky and No. 127 nationwide. Cumberlands’ Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies also...

The Cumberland Art Collective (CAC) is a nonprofit social group that strives to cultivate creativity across Kentucky. Founded by Debra Kersey in 2016, the "Cumberland Art and Literary League" opened up a more local setting for all kinds of artists. It was later renamed to the Cumberland Art Collective in 2019, when Kersey passed leadership onto Kellene Turner. The rebrand consolidated the group's regional, all-encompassing view to reach as many artists as possible. Now approaching the ten-year anniversary of the CAC's founding, they have grown to over 300 members statewide, all of whom are passionate about art forms in their own different and unique way. The CAC meets monthly while...

Corbin’s K-3 Drama Camp, held at Corbin’s School of Innovation, recently had ten young actors retell the story of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, naming it A, B, C-aesar. Brooke Stansbury directed the show, ensuring 10 minutes of humor, famous lines, and over-the-top drama. Beyond just acting, the ten young actors also helped with designing their props, costumes, and sets, completing the show in just a week. Scarlett, a Junior Stage Manager, said, “I can’t believe how it all came together in just one week! It was great to see everyone’s creativity.” Mandy Lockhart, a parent of one of the young actors, said her daughter had a “great time”, adding, “I’m so...

Three local drivers were awarded sponsorships through the Rod Carter Jr. Memorial Foundation, in memory of Rod Carter Jr., on June 21 at Thunder Mountain Speedway in Rockholds. The Carter Family created the Rod Carter Jr. Memorial Foundation to keep Carter’s memory alive. Carter had dedicated his life to the racing sport. His family planned to keep local dirt racing alive, hoping to involve kids and offer support. “Through this foundation, we hope to keep his spirit alive by supporting local racers,” the Carter Family said, adding, “Seeing these drivers carry his name and legacy forward means the world to us, and we know he would be so proud.” The three drivers...

Kentucky Blood Center’s (KBC) Summer of Saving continues into July with a chance for donors to win free Texas Roadhouse for a year just by donating blood at an upcoming blood drive including one in Williamsburg next week. One lucky donor who gives blood July 1–31 will win 52 $40 Texas Roadhouse gift cards. Donors at this upcoming drive in Williamsburg will be entered into the giveaway. Rules and conditions can be found at kybloodcenter.org/events/summer-of-saving-win-free-texas-roadhouse-for-a-year. All donors will receive a $15 Walmart gift card, a free appetizer coupon from Texas Roadhouse and a “Stay Peachy” T-shirt from KBC. All thank you items are while supplies last. Locally, a blood drive will be held...