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Prosecutors have recommended a 12-year prison sentence for a Rockholds man, who allegedly struck a woman with a baseball bat and strangled her last year. On Nov. 18, 2024, the Whitley County Grand Jury indicted Travis W. Canada, 48, of KY-26, on charges of first-degree assault, first-degree strangulation, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, tampering with a witness in a legal process, and violation of a Kentucky Domestic Violence Order/Emergency Protective Order. On Aug. 18, 2024, Canada allegedly struck the female victim with a ball bat causing serious physical injury, intentionally impeded her normal breathing using a belt around her neck, and violated the terms of an order of protection after being served with...

What happens next in the case of a Whitley County triple homicide suspect, who has been declared incompetent to stand trial? Prosecutors had been seeking the death penalty for Darnel Chivers, 45, who along with two other Indiana men, is accused murder, first-degree burglary and tampering with physical evidence in the strangulation deaths of three people found at a Deep Branch Road residence in 2017. Commonwealth’s Attorney Ronnie Bowling said that prosecutors are now seeking to have Chivers involuntarily committed to a secure mental institution for the remainder of his life under a relatively new state law that as passed in 2021. Under state law, involuntary commitment is governed under Kentucky Revised...

When I first started this column, one of the main goals that I had in mind was to make an honest attempt to pick up the game of golf myself. Admittedly, I haven’t done a great job with that. I managed to work in a couple of lessons early on, but this past spring and summer my goal of actually getting out onto a course, or at least going to the driving range, was sadly unmet. What can I say? Life has been hectic, and my work schedule at the moment really isn’t conducive to picking up new hobbies. Mostly, I have been busy writing about other people’s experiences on...

The Williamsburg Save A Lot partners each year with Toys for Tots to help make sure that kids don’t go without gifts at Christmas time. Recently, management announced that, with the help of the local community, they were able to make a donation of over $7,000 to this year’s efforts. Save A Lot will serve as a drop-off point for toys for the next several weeks. Look for the boxes shown in this photo.  

The Redhound Varsity Club is proud to announce the 2025 inductees into the Corbin High School Athletic Hall of Fame Class. This year’s inductees include: Sarah Ashley is fondly remembered as one of the best all-around basketball players to ever suit up for the Lady Redhounds. Splitting a dual role as a guard/forward, Sarah helped guide the Lady Redhounds to back-to-back 13th Region titles and consecutive trips to the Sweet 16 at E.A. Diddle Arena. Following graduation, Sarah attended Transylvania University on a basketball scholarship, where she logged varsity minutes in all four years of attendance and was an Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society member. Sarah was recognized as All...

An assistant Whitley County prosecutor and his wife are suing the City of Williamsburg, its police chief and an assistant police chief for not providing the prosecutor with a police escort to the hospital after his wife severely cut her hand and was suffering possibly life threatening bleeding from a kitchen accident this past May, which is “in violation of the policy and protocol of the Williamsburg Police Department,” according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit also accused the Williamsburg Police Department of failing to and refusing to seek or coordinate a Whitley County ambulance or the Kentucky State Police to assist the prosecutor and his wife on the frantic drive...

Fannie Taylor, age 81, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away on Thursday July 24, 2025 at Baptist Health Corbin. She was born February 26, 1944 in Harlan, KY. to the late Richard and Nan Evans Gibbs. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by two brothers, Larry Gene Gibbs and Lonnie Gibbs. Fannie retired after 32 years from the Whitley County School System as a teacher and she was a member of Kentucky Hill Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, Larry Taylor of Williamsburg, KY; one brother, Richard Gibbs (Sue) of Corbin, KY; special niece, Brenda Brown of Maryville, TN; and several nieces, nephews and a host of relatives...

With international travel more expensive than ever, Americans are rediscovering the magic of their own backyard – and they’re skipping the packed coastlines for beaches that feel like well-kept secrets. According to recent trends, travelers are heading to under-the-radar coastal escapes where parking is easy, cell service is optional, and the views are postcard-perfect, and a local destination is Kentucky’s only entry on the list. From driftwood-strewn shores in the Pacific Northwest to sugar-white sands hidden behind Gulf Coast dunes, Frugal Flyer carried out a survey of 3,002 locals to uncover the best hidden beaches across the U.S. – the kinds of places people almost don’t want to share. Laurel River Lake...

Welcome back to Par for the Course. After a month off, this golf-centric column is making its return in the pages of the News Journal just in time to preview the upcoming fall season. That will be my primary focus for the next several weeks, so let’s get right into it with the Corbin Redhounds… Head Coach Joe Roberts is returning to lead the way for the CHS boys, and despite graduating a pair of veteran players from last year’s roster, he said his 2025 squad will once again feature a good level of talent and experience.  “We will have three returning players in our top five, and we have some...

Baptist Health Foundation Corbin recently gathered at Oak Hill Gardens in London for its biannual President’s Circle event. This prestigious society recognizes donors who generously support the foundation with an annual gift of $1,000 or more. Throughout the year, members of the President’s Circle serve as informed ambassadors for Baptist Health Corbin, participating in events and communications. During the gathering, Angelia Foster, President of Baptist Health Corbin, highlighted significant milestones and future directions for the organization. Dr. Adil Cheema, MD, Interventional Cardiologist at Baptist Health Medical Group, shared insights into advancements in cardiology and heart care. Reflecting on the impact of philanthropy, Ryan Yother, Director of Philanthropy at Baptist Health Corbin, expressed gratitude...