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Corbin Times-Tribune - 3.24.26 · Eastern Kentucky Newspapers

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Speaker 1: Now return to the reading of the Times tribute for
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news in Corbin, Law, Whitley and Knox Counties. The reader
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today is Janice and Saw. As a reminder, RADIOI is
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reading service intended for people who are blind or have
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other disabilities that make it Difficultory printed material will begin
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with the addition dated Thursday, March the nineteenth, twenty twenty six.
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Our first article is Freeman Shares story promotes Lights Out,
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Dinner and Dark in Corbyn Rotary by Macy Swafford. Corbyn.
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Members of the Corbyn Rotary Club heard an inspiring message
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last Thursday from Corbin native Travis Freeman, who shared his
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life story and spoke about the upcoming Lights Out, Dinner
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in the Dark fundraising. The event aimed at raising awareness
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for support for individuals with disabilities and autism. Freeman, whose
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life story inspired the film twenty three Blasts, addressed Rotary
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members about losing his sight as a child. I was
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born and raised here in Corbin and at the age
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of twelve, I lost my sight due to a severe
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sinus infection. Freeman said. I had what was called a
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cavernous sinus thrombosis, and that is a sinus infection that
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reaches the most deadly state that a sinus infection can reach.
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Freeman further explained that the doctors told him that the
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approximately seventy percent of people diagnosed with the condition at
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the time did not survive. At the time, he was
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the only second case in the world where it's ever
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affected just eyes. After spending seventeen days at the University
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of Kentucky Hospital, Freeman faced the challenge of adapting to
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life without sight. Over the next year, he worked to
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regain independence while returned to school and learning new skills.
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The hardest thing was everything all at once, Freeman explained,
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all of a sudden, I had to learn how to
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live life all over again. Despite the obstacles, Freeman returned
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to one of his greatest passions football. When my parents
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went to coach Ferris and said they just wanted me
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to work out with the team, he said, no, if
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Travis Freeman does anything for his team, he's going to play.
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Freeman went on to play football throughout middle school and
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high school, attracting national attention. His story was eventually featured
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on a program such as NBC's Today Show and Dateline NBC,
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and appeared in publications including The New York Times and
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USA Today. Years later, filmmakers approached Freeman about turning his
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story into a film, which resulted in the movie twenty
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three Blast that was released on six hundred screens across
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the nation. Freeman later published his biography Lights Out, Living
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in a Sightless World. To share the full story behind
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his experiences. Through the platform created by his story, Freeman
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founded the Freeman Foundation, an organization dedicated to advocating for
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individuals with disabilities. One of the primary fundraising events is
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Lights Out Dinner in the Dark, scheduled for Tuesday, May
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fifth through the sixth at eight p m. At the
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Corvin Center. The unique event invites participants to experience dining
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while blindfolded, helping them gain a small glimpse into what
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life is life without sight. Lights Out Dinner in the
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Dark is planned in partnership with Baptist Health Corbin. You
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will check in at the front door and you will
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receive a blindfold. You will immediately put your blindfold on,
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and then you will have a tape who will come
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and lead you to your table blindfolded, Freeman's explained. Then
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you will eat salad, a main course, and a dessert
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completely blindfolded. Freeman joked that the unusual experience can be
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entertaining as well. The first year we did this, we
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had a spaghetti and meatball, he said, I was actually
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disappointed that there was only one meatball that hit the floor.
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This year's event will feature guest speakers Cameron Mills, former
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University of Kentucky basketball champion, and his wife Susan Mills,
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author and founder of My Autism Tribe. Funds raise will
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benefit the east Side Club Sensory Gym, Aaron's Hope for Friends,
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and the Freeman Foundation. Freeman said organizers are also exploring
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ways to support accessible playground improvements at the Rotary Park
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in Corbon. Freeman also shared that he remains active in
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the community, teaching as an adjunct professor at the University
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of the Cumberlands in Eastern Kentucky, University Corbyn's campus and
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serving as chaplain for the Corbin High School football team.
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While reflecting on challenges he faced after losing his sight,
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Freeman said his outlook, as always has been guided by
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faith and purpose, and reiterated his foundation's substance. I believe
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from the very beginning that God has a plan that
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my blindness was part of that. Plan, He said, we
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promote the truth that this ability does not equal inability.
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Our next article is Whitley grand Jury indictments led by
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charges of assault on law enforcement, school personnel. Macy Swafford,
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Whitley County and Whitley County Grand Jury returned a series
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of indictments in March, including charges ranging from assault and
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wanton engagement to police, drug possession and offenses involving school personnel.
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Among the indictments was one for Michael Walters thirty nine
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of Williamsburg, who faces multiple charges related to February eighteenth,
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twenty twenty sixth incident at Whitley County High School. Butler's
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is charged with third degree assault school employee, second degree
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disorderly conduct, menacing two counts of abuse of a teacher,
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and resisting arrest. The indictment alleges Walters called physical injury
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to a school employee engaged in threatening and destructive behavior
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at the school. Kevin Malone fifty five of London faces
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multiple felony charges stemming from a July twenty seventh, twenty
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five incident. According to the indictment, Malone is charged with
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first degree fleeing or evading police motor vehicle, second degree
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fleeing or evading police on foot, first degree wants an
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engagement involving a police officer, first degree possession of a
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control substance meth amphetamine, and resisting arrest. Malone is also
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charged with three counts of second degree criminal mischief for
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allegedly damaging mailboxes belonging to multiple individuals, as well as
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being listed as a first degree persistent felony offender. Misty
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Phillips thirty seven, of Williamsburg was indicted on charges related
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to an October fifth, twenty twenty five incident. Phillips faces
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two counts of first degree wanton engagement, including one involving
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a police officer, along with first degree fleeing or evading
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police motor vehicle, and first degree possession of a control
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substance methemphetamine. J. T key A gm T. King fifty
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nine of Leeksburg was indicted on charges a first degree
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assault and multiple counts of first degree wants an endangerment.
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The indictment alleges King shot in the individual the night
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of January one, causing serious physical injury and creating a
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substantial danger to others. He is also charged with first
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degree criminal mischief in connection with damage to a vehicle.
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Thurman Brock of fifty seven of rock Hole's was indicted
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on charges including first degree wants an engagement, first degree
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wanting indagement of a police officer, third degree fleeing or
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evading police, and first degree possession of a controlled substance
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meth amphetamine stemming from a July sixteenth, twenty twenty five incident.
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An indictment is a formal charge that does not imply
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guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven
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guilty in a court of law. Our next article is
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Corbn Middle School hosts March Corbyn School Board Meeting by
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Macy Swafford. Corbyn Middle School was recognized during last Thursday's
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regular Corbyn Board of Education meeting, where Principal Evan Robinson
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shared updates on the school's continued success and innovative programs.
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The presentation began with four Corbyn Middle School students performing
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the national anthem, following the opening prayer and pledge of
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allegiance each student who participates in multiple school programs including choir,
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band and theater. We are so excited to do this,
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said the principal, Evan Robinson. We are super excited to
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get to share some of what we've got going on
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at the middle school. Robinson emphasized the school's guiding motto,
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work in the Dark, which reflects the unseen dedication of
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both staff and students. As the only middle school in
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Kentucky to earn the twenty twenty five Blue Ribbon School Distinction,
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Robinson outlined the intentional efforts behind that achievement. One of
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the first things I wanted to do when I became
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principal here, I said, this is my ultimate mission where
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our students are part of the decision making, said Robinson.
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A key example of that mission is the school's newly
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established student Council. Unlike traditional models, council members were elected
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by their peers after campaigning and delivering speeches, mirroring a
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real election process. Representatives from each grade level to share
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their goals and initiatives with the board, including efforts centered
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on mental health awareness, a student recognition, and strengthening connections
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between the students and staff. Bringing in the students and
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letting them be part of the culture building has them
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a huge success, said Principale Robinson. Another thing we've created
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is heart Hart the HRT initiative helping education and Red
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Hounds thrive. That's Heart focuses on increased parent involvement and
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collaboration with school staff. We as to be the extra
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set of hands, the extra smile, the extra hug for
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our staff and students that make our schools so special,
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Heart parent Tasha Mullins. One of the group's contributions is
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the work in the Dark Tree, displayed in the school hallways.
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The tree serves as a visual representation of growth through
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unseen effort and later transforms into a gratitude display during
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the fall and spring semesters. This tree evolves throughout the years,
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said Mullins, even when it's not seen. We then change
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to root it in gratitude in growing in gratitude, which
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is an opportunity for students twice a year in the
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fall and the spring to reflect on things that they
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are thankful for. Robinson also highlighted the school's balance between
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academic instruction and exploratory learning experience opportunities. Students are engaged
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in a variety of hands on experiences, including dance, cosmetology,
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and architectural labs, as well as life skills such as
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learning to tie ties, library media specialist Jennifer Gordon reported
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a significant increase in student reading, noting that book checkouts
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have doubled. She added that map MAP assessment data reflects
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measurable academic growth among students. The meeting also showcased strong
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relationships within the school community. Robinson recognized head custodian Scout Powers,
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along with a student member of the school's cleaning crew,
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for their contributions. I can really verbalize how special it
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is to have a man like this in our building,
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said Robinson. When you look at the tree, you'll see
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Scott Powers listed more than anybody else in this building.
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Seventh grade student Easton Faulkner spoke about his experience working
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alongside Powers. It's cool to see the behind the scenes
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that keep our school running, and part of the cleaning
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crew has been approaching. I'm sorry appreciating how much work
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Scotty puts into our schools, said Faulkner. He's a person
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that I can trust and talk to no matter what's
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going on. Faultner then presented Powers with a thank you
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card on behalf of the cleaning crew. In other business,
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Superintendent Travis Wilder announced a calendar correction, noting that the
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district will now be in session on May twelfth. Our
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twenty five twenty sixth calendar currently denotes that May twelfth
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is an election day, and that is a mistake with
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the last traditional snow day that we took. The board
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just voted to make that day of instruction, said Wilder.
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We will be in session on May twelfth. The board
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also approved upgrades to the Vetting Hamilton Center at Corbyn
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High School. Renovations are set to begin in June in
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our expected to be completed before the start of the
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school next year. Our next article is Corbyn Commissioner's Honor
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Chadwell Legacy by Macy Swafford. The legacy of longtime Corbyn
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Little League leader in City employee Jeff Chadwell was honored
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during Monday's Corbyn City Commission meeting as the commissioners unanimously
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approved naming the facilities at the Miller Park the Jeff
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Chadwell Sports Complex. Chadwell, a longtime coach and president of
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Corbyn Little League who passed away last June, was remembered
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for his decades of dedication to youth sports and local community.
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Family members and friends and colleagues were in attendance as
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city officials recognized his impact, influence, and character while addressing
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those who gathered, Jeff Chadwell was the face of the
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Little League for decades. It's hard to express what he
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meant to say to so many people, and he was
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never one to draw attention to himself, said Raymus. He
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was always wanting to be behind the scenes. He probably
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would not like that we were doing what we were
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doing this tonight, but we're going to go ahead and
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do it anyway. Members of the Corvin Little League organization
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also spoke, sharing memories and emphasizing Chadwell's lasting contributions. Vice
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president Mondo Chima, who is also Chadwell's nephew, highlighted his
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commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all children. Jeff worked
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endlessly to make sure that the less fortunate kids of
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our areas had the same opportunities as the kid that
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were more fortunate, said Seena. We as a board will
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continue to work and sept the presidents that Jeff left behind.
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Current Corbyn Little League President Chris Griffin echoed those sentiments,
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noting that the lasting impact Chadwell had on the league
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and its players. He gave us time, his energy, his love,
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for youth baseball, said Griffin. Every one of us here
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today can confirm that our league as we know it today,
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which is the best youth league in the state, exists
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in a large part because of the years of selfless
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service from Chadwell. Griffin added, the newly named Jeff Chapwell
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Sports Complex at the Miller Park will stand as a
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reminder to future generations of the opportunities made possible through
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Chadwell's dedication. Speaking on behalf of the Chadwell family in
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the Corbyn Little League community, he expressed appreciation to the
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city for honoring Chadwell in a meaningful and lasting way.
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In other news, commissioners also recognized another great Corbn native,
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Corbyn High School wrestler B J. Jackson, who was presented
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with a Corbyn Honor for his achievements in leadership in
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a letter from Jackson's mother read aloud by Raymis, who
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was described as a strong Christian leader in his family
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and community. Raymond also noted Jackson's accomplishments on the map,
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including his historic run placing seventh in the state tournament.
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This godly child is leading Corbin wrestling and he's leading
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his friends and family to the Lord said. Raymis. Jackson
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was then presented with his very own Corbin Colonel, alongside
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wrestling coach Chuck Davis and Mayor Raymis. In other business,
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commissioners approved the hiring of Joseph Breeding as a full
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time patrolman, effective March second. The Commission also received bids
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for a custom ladder truck for the Corbon fire Department.
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Two proposals were submitted, one from All American Fire Equipment
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totaling one point seven million dollars and another from Pierce
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Manufacturing totaling one point nine million dollars. The Commission voted
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to take the bids under advisement. Following the regular agenda,
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the Commission entered executive session. No formal action was taken.
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Our next article is Saint Joseph London awards more than
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one hundred thirty thousand dollars in grants to local nonprofits London.
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Saint Joseph London announced this week that it has more
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than one hundred thirty thousand dollars in grant funding to
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local nonprofit organizations to help improve health outcomes and community
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well being across southeastern Kentucky. The announcement was made during
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the event held Monday at Saint Joseph London, where high
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fitial leadership and community partners gathered to highlight the impact
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the funding will have on local residents. We are proud
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to be able to assist these organizations. In total, Saint
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Joseph London will providing one hundred and thirty thousand, five
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hundred dollars in grant funding, said Yates Games, President of
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Saint Joseph London. The grants supports the incredible mission of
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the local nonprofits and the work that they will be
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doing between April twenty six and March twenty seventh, twenty six,
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I'm sorry between April twenty six and March twenty six.
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This funding will be used through March twenty twenty seven
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for the projects. According to Saint Joseph Health, the funding
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part is the Common Spirit Health Community Health Improvement Grants Program,
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which supports nonprofit organizations working to address key health priorities
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such as a substance use disorders, mental health challenges, nutrition,
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physical activity, and other social factors impacting community health. At
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Saint Joseph Health, we are committed to a healthier future
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for all and addressing the unique needs of our neighbors.
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Jane said, as a member of the common Spirit Health,
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we seek to continually advance the common good. Our mission
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calls out for a special focus on serving the vulnerable
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and the work of health. We are really appreciative of
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Chi Saint Joseph Health for this investment in our students
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and families, said Knox County Public Schools Superintendent Jeremy Lefford.
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Lefford also addressed the initiative will also encourage healthy habits
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beyond the classroom. The Family Fitness Knights will strengthen healthy
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habits at home for students and their families across Knox
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County Public Schools. We appreciate the Spirit Saint Joseph Health
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embodies as it helps to make Knox County a healthy
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heath community, Ledford said. Miller Estes, special Projects director for KCEEOC,
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also expressed appreciation for the partnership. The school system has
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utilized the funding to access resources for mental health and
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food insecurity, said Astes. So with this we will have
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addressed three areas of a child's wellbeing, physical, emotional, and nutrition.
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Hospice of the Bluegrass Incorporation received ninety seven five hundred
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dollars to expand access to care for high risk patients
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in lawl, Jackson, and Whitley Counties. The funding will support
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partnership with blue Grass Transitional Care to provide care for
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up to one hundred eighty one patients through a one
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hundred through a thirty day bundled care program. The program
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includes hospitals, bedside enrollment, three in home nurse visits, and
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unlimited twenty four to seven phone support for patients and
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families following discharge. This grant strengthens our ability to serve
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individuals and families across our community with care, comfort, and
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support they deserve, said Liszt. Fowler, president of the Bluegrass
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Care Navigators. It reflects the power of partnership and ensuring
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no one has to face serious illness alone. Jane said
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the grants are designed to strengthen collaboration among local organizations
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and to help address critical needs in the community. The
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awards of grants were designed to help the organizations build
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stronger communities through collaboration and uplift the most vulnerable within
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the community, Yane said. Across Kentucky's state, Saint Joseph Health
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awarded more than five hundred and fifty eight thousand dollars
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in grant funding through the program to nonprofit organization working
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to improve health outcomes throughout the state. Saint Joseph London
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is a one hundred and fifty bed full service hospital
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that serves patients across southeastern Kentucky, including Clay, Laurel, Jackson, Whitley, Knox,
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and Pulaska Counties. Established in nineteen twenty six, the current
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one hundred and fifty two million dollar facility opened in
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twenty ten and sits on a fifty two acre campus
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designed to promote healing and wellness for patients and visitors alive.
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Our next article is Recovery Program highlights impact at Whiskell
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Wilhem Sorry Whitley Fiscal Court Meeting by Macy Swafford, Whitley County.
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During this week's regular meeting of the Whitley County Fiscal Court,
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members heard from participants involved in a recovery focused workforce
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initiatives supported by Opioids Settlement funding, as well as addressed
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several items of county business. Jennifer Stevens, owner of Cosmetology
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Elite Academy, updated the court Tuesday on the continued progress
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of students participating in the academy's Abatement Program. The initiative,
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funded through the Opioid Settlement Dollars, aims to provide job
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skills and a halfway forward for individuals affected by addiction.
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Several students spoke directly to Mandus Streets about their experiences.
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Aaron Howard shared his personal journey, emphasizing the role of
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the program has played in his recovery on from Middlesbrough, Kentucky.
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I am a drug addict and this program has really
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helped me, particularly because last year when I was dying
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in the streets of Lexington, said Howard. This program has
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given me new hope and has given me a foothold
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for my life to start doing something that is worth doing.
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Anita Smith also address the court, reflecting on her struggles
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in progress. I battled addiction my whole life, sometimes a
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lot harder than others, but for the last four years
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I've had something to look forward to, said Smith. It
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doesn't mean I'm perfect, because we all fall sometimes. It
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just matters about how you get up. Smith further spoke
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about the loss of her father in the recent setback,
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noting she has since regained her footing. Stevens praised Smith's
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perseverance highlighting her commitment and work ethic despite personal hardships.
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Additional students, including Jada Knuckles, Courtney Earls, and student Brooklyn
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echoed similar sentiments, describing how the program has helped them
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re entered the workforce while rebuilding relationships with her children
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and families. Stevens emphasized the broader impact of the program, stating,
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as you guys can see, this actually opens the door
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that gives you the opportunity to change. There's not always
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a lot of those opportunities in this. You can walk
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in and you can start a different lifestyle altogether. Whitley
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County Opioid Response Coordinator Daryl Hurst also commended the group's
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progress and positive environment at the academy. If you're ever
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going to have a bad day, just go to the
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academy and hang out. It's really, really neat, said hearst.
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It's antidepressant place. I promise you that the program is
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supported through opioid settlement funds distributed to the communities impacted
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by over distribution of narcotics with a focus on workforce
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development and recovery support. Judge Executive Pat White Junior expressed
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appreciation for those who share their stories It's very touching
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to see you all come today and comment on a
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new direction you want to head in and become productive
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and good members of our communities, said Judge White. Thank
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you all for coming again. In other business, magistrates voted
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unanimously to table or proposed statewide Emergency Management, Mutual Aid
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and Assistance agreement between Whitley County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
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The delay will allow additional review of an evergreen clause,
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which would automatically renew the agreement each year unless terminated
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with advanced notice. I think Jerry Rains was going to
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try to have a discussion with the state before passing that.
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Judge White said, those evergreen clauses renew year to year
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automatically unless you give a certain amount of notice that
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you do not want to continue. So then you have
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to try to remember when sixty days is before the
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end of the term the next year, and then you
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end up with an automatic renewal of something that could
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carry you on into future fiscal courts that you don't
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even know exist. The court also approved a petition to
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add Lake Country Cottage Trail, located in the county's second district,
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into the County's road system. Additionally, jodge White appointed Cody
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Paul to the Whitley County Library Board of Trustees to
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serve before year term filing the seat previously held by
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Glenna Cordell, which expires April thirtieth. Brussher also recommended for
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the position, and while no preference was indicated by the Library,
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jodge White noted eva candidate would have been well suited
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for the role. This concludes the reading of the Times Tribune.
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Please stay tuned for further continued programming. Thank you for
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joining me and on behalf of everyone here at RADIOI.
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This is Janice wishing you a very good day.