Opinion

There is an old saying that there are only two certainties in life, death and taxes. I think we probably need to add a third one to that list. Change. After all, it is inevitable. Some are big and some are small. Some are good and some are bad, but no matter how hard we might try to fight it, change is going to happen. Publisher Trevor Sherman, reporter Leeann Fragosa and myself spent some time talking about upcoming change at the News Journal this past week. Fortunately, it is nothing too major. For instance, we have been discussing getting new computers office-wide for the first time in several years. I have had my current...

I was left with a very optimistic feeling last week after chatting with Assistant City Manager Jacob Roan about plans for the City of Corbin to begin the work of developing a brand new comprehensive plan. You can read the story about this effort, and the grant funding that is making it possible, elsewhere in this week’s edition. What I’d like to do here, however, is share a few of my own personal opinions on the matter. First of all, it was refreshing to hear what Roan had to say about plans to engage with the community in order to gain insight that will ultimately help make this new comprehensive...

Written by Diane Taylor Roberts Cemeteries can be a place to find comfort and often times they can give us a sense of connection that is often hard to find elsewhere. They have a peaceful atmosphere, with a stillness that surrounds the rows of headstones, allowing us to spend time with lingering memories without feeling rushed or judged. One of the most beautiful cemeteries I have been to is the Highland Park Cemetery where my parents are buried. Having grown up in Whitley County, I have a kinship to this sacred ground. As you walk among the graves, you see the headstones of the parents of your friends, neighbors and...

I was both sad and happy to learn two weeks ago that Whitley County Clerk Carolyn Willis has decided not to seek re-election and will retire at the end of her term in office next year. I am sad in the sense that I will miss my friend. I usually see Carolyn once or twice a week when I go to the county clerk’s office to type in deeds and marriage licenses for our public records page. Carolyn and I will often get into discussions about the latest happenings in the county, politics and life while I am down there. We are both fond of travelling and will get into discussions...

The month of November is a time to express gratitude and recognize the dedication and hard work people put in. The week of Nov. 17 – 21 was American Education Week. American Education Week is a time when the community pauses to give thanks and recognize the hard work educators put into ensuring a quality education for all students. As a former educator, I have personal connections and experiences to this week. I recently read an op-ed titled “The Unseen Heart of Public Education,” written by Rhonda Caldwell, CEO of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators. It’s a great article, and I highly encourage everyone to read it. Caldwell’s article illustrated the weight...

Before I start, you need to go read the game recap story in this week’s edition. Go ahead, I’ll wait… Did you read it? Okay, well, that fumble that was mentioned in there? It was totally a fumble. No question about it. I was standing right there, along with hundreds of other people, and I clearly saw what happened. I have seen some gut-wrenching moments while covering local athletics for the past dozen years, but this? I believe this takes the cake, folks. It was bad, and I mean BAD. Honestly, I don’t know what to say about the situation that hasn’t already been said. Go back and watch the video clips...

I have been a licensed therapist for over twenty-eight years. I have also gone to church since I was a young child, which is many years longer than I have been in my career. Both my career and my faith are important to me. In the last week, I have heard two different faith-based people dismiss the importance of having counseling from a licensed therapist as an option. When people feel overwhelmed, lonely, or desperate for answers, they often turn first to the person they trust most in their community: their pastor or other faith leader. For many people, their pastor has been there during life’s most painful moments....

If history is any indication, just because Kentucky State Police (KSP) have referred their findings in the Doug Harless investigation to a special prosecutor, this doesn’t mean that criminal charges will be coming against the London police officers involved in his Harless’ death, or against the officer, who fired the fatal shots. Many of Harless family, friends along with members the general public have been clamoring for justice for the last 11 months, but they should prepare themselves for this possibility in the coming weeks or months that the justice they want won’t be coming. If you live in either Laurel, Whitley or Knox counties, then chances are – unless you...

In case you weren’t already aware, we here at the News Journal are conducting a special holiday subscription food drive through December 23. It’s a great way to help some folks out this holiday season, while also helping yourself to a great deal on a subscription to the newspaper. The guidelines are simple… just bring unexpired canned goods or non-perishable food items to our office, located at 215 N. Main Street in downtown Corbin. For every item that you drop off, you will receive a $1 discount on a new or renewal subscription. The only caveat is that there is a $10 limit on the discount. Feel free to bring...

This year marks a milestone in Williamsburg as the 20th Annual Williamsburg Police Department Shop with a Cop program is slated to take place next month at the Williamsburg Walmart. If you want to see something to make your heart melt, then you should come out and see it on Dec. 18. I remember when it all started. In 2005, then Williamsburg Police Officer Kenny Shaw helped spearhead the effort to raise $2,000 to take underprivileged children on $100 Christmas shopping sprees at the Williamsburg Walmart. It seemed like kind of a daunting task that first year. Thanks to the efforts of the Williamsburg Police Department, pretty much everyone, who worked over...