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Corbin Times-Tribune - 5.26.26 · Eastern Kentucky Newspapers

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Speaker 1: Now we turn to the reading of The Times Tribune
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for news in Corbin, Laurel, Whitley and Knox Counties. Your
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reader today is Janice. As a reminder, Radio I is
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a reading service intended for people who are blind or
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have other disabilities that make it difficult to read printed material.
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We'll begin with the e addition dated Thursday, May twenty first,
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twenty twenty six. The first article is Try County Primary
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seis mix of old and New Faces by Macy Swafford,
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Anna James and Study K. Wilson, Try County. The unofficial
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results from Tuesday's primary elections throughout the Tri County area
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are now in with local and state races drawing voters
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to polls across the region. Whitley County, with the retirement
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of longtime county Clerk Carolyn Willis, Scottie Harrison won the
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day with two nine hundred nineteen votes to Mike Harris's
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two thousand, one hundred votes and Evelyn mccallhaw one hundred
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eighty four votes. In the sheriff's race, incumbent William Bill
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Elliott emerged victorious with three thousand, one hundred seventy six votes.
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Elliott narrowly defeated Willard Scott Bunch, who received two thousand,
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seven hundred ninety five votes, while B. J. Leach finished
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with two hundred eighteen votes. The race for Whitley County
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Jailers saw incumbent Jason Wilson secure a strong win with
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three thousand, seven hundred sixty two votes. Opponent Chuck Evans
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received two two hundred and fifty four votes first. In
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the first district mangistate race, early totals showed a competitive field,
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with Lloyd Carter receiving four hundred twenty five votes over C. J.
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Clark three hundred seventy seven, joanah Rice three hundred thirteen
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and Bobby Parker two hundred and James Hayes one hundred
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and fifty. Districts one and four Constable and District two
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races did not appear on the ballot. For third district,
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Magistrate Michael Jarbo claimed the top spot with seven hundred
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seventeen votes. Ricky Grubb followed with five hundred ninety nine votes,
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while Noah A. Mahon received three hundred and fifteen votes.
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Voters in the third district constable race selected incumbent Jimmy
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Thornton by a wide margin. Thornton earned oney twenty seven votes,
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while Jordan Davis received six hundred nineteen votes. In the
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fourth district mangistrate race, Raleigh Meadows secured the win with
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one thousand, one hundred forty one votes. Eugene Smith received
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eight hundred thirty votes. Knox County, Knox County voters elected
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a new judge executive, with Jeff Ketchum defeating the incumbent
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Mike Mitchell four hundred eighty seven votes to two thousand,
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one hundred thirty four votes. Ketchum shared his gratitude for
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the support he received on Election nine. We are humbled
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and blessed by the outgoing outpouring love and support during
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this campaign, he said. We receive the endorsement we needed tonight,
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the voice of the people of Knox County. Together, we
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will work to make Knox County better. Thank you, Knox County.
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In the Sheriff's race, incumbent Mike Smith five hundred thirty
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votes defeated challenger Bobby Jones three thousand and seventy five votes.
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Jaylor mary S Hammonds earned a new term with two
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hundred twenty nine votes over Clyde Trent Junior one thousand,
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four hundred twenty votes, Steve Mills two hundred thirty five votes,
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and Jerry Baker's six hundred and seventy seven votes. Hammond's
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message focus on TeamWorks, service, and her commitment to ongoing
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improvements at the detention center. I am incredibly grateful to
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the people of Knox County for your trust and support,
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she said. Thank you to my family, friends, neighbors, and
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everyone who stood beside me throughout this campaign. I also
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want to thank the amazing team at Knox County Detention Center.
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Their hard work and dedication make a difference every single day,
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and I am honored to serve alongside them. I'm excited
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for what's ahead and look forward to continuing important projects
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and bringing more positive things to Knox County. Thank you
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for your vote and support. In the magistrate races, District one,
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Roger Mills defeated Jordan Scott Daniels with one thousand and
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thirty seven votes to one hundred ninety seven. District two,
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Tony Mills six hundred and twenty five votes was enough
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to overcome far O'Reilly five hundred ninety nine votes. Eith
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Abner three one hundred twenty seven votes, Johnny Elliot one
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hundred ninety two votes and Billy Crawford. District three, Tony
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Golden garnered eight hundred and thirty five votes, defeating Don
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Rose five hundred and five votes and Eric Hick's ninety
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one votes. District four, Doug Doug Cobbs nine hundred forty
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votes defeated HERB Walls two hundred forty six votes and
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Ken Helton one hundred five votes. District five, Sam Miller
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garnered four hundred seventy four votes to Ray Smith's three
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hundred twenty one votes. Laurel County. For London's mayoral race,
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Mayor Randall Weddell advances on to November with nine hundred
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twenty two votes, while challenger Matt Orr trailed closely behind
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with nine hundred eleven votes. Tracy Hanley received one hundred
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seventy one votes. Weddy or will face off in the
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November general election for London City Council. Chase L. Carson
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topped the field with one thousand, seven one thousand seventy
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seven votes, followed by Deborah K. Gilbert eight hundred seventy
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five votes, Sharon J. Binch seven hundred ninety nine votes,
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Johnny S. Miller seven hundred six votes, rox. Sanne Roberts
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six hundred eighty eight votes, Jim Nunneley six hundred seven votes,
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Jim Baker five hundred eighty eight votes, John Brunner five
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hundred fifty two votes, Jamie D. Gibson four hundred and
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fifty four votes, Heather Dike's four hundred forty seven votes,
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Patrick Taylor Patrick Todd Taylor four hundred forty four votes,
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and Matthew E. Allen four hundred twenty seven votes. These
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twelve will be whittled down to six colm November. Rounding
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now the field were incumbents Justin's Young with four hundred
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and thirteen votes and Kelly Smith Green with three hundred
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eighty five votes. Appointee DONAGUALE. Wilson House garnered two hundred
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seventy eight votes, followed by Cassandra Laurin two hundred seventy
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five votes, Curtis W. Goss two hundred twelve votes, and
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James J. J. Jones two hundred three votes. The sheriff,
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John Root remains at the as of Laurel County Sheriff
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with six thousand, two hundred seventy votes, with his opponent,
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Robbie Grimes receiving five thousand, six hundred forty six votes.
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In Judge executive race, Walter T. Hewlett assumes the seat
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of Laurel County Judge Executive with five thousand, five hundred
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sixty two votes, with current Judge Executive David Westerfield receiving
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five thousand, three hundred eighty five votes. In the coroner's race,
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challenger Mike Masters defeated Doug Bowling with six hundred thirty
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pardon me six thousand, three hundred eighty eight votes to
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the incumbent's five thousand, nine hundred sixty four votes. Jaylord
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Jamie Moseley remained in the post with eight thousand, four
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hundred ninety two votes over challenger Robert Bruner's three thousand,
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five hundred thirteen. There were a few changes in the races,
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with most incumbents retaining their seats in the county government
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against the challengers, though two districts did see new magistrate's
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take office. John Crawford remains in his role as District
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one Magistrate with one thousand, two hundred and fifty two
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votes against his nearest opponent, Jason Neil Ivory, who are
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ivery I'm not sure, who received five hundred seventy eight votes.
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Tanya Poindexter, who received two hundred and fifty six votes.
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District's one constable race wasn't on the primary ballad. Danny
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Smith remains in his seat as District two magistrate with
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eight hundred twenty three against his opponent John Philpott, who
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received six hundred fifty four votes. In District two constable race,
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incumbent Stephen Kahn received five hundred seventy nine votes, defeating
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Jacob Daniels, who received four hundred eighteen votes and Kenneth Hutton,
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who received three hundred sixty two votes. Bobby Overbay remains
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as the District three magistrate with one thousand, six hundred
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sixty five votes against his opponent Michael Todd Childers, who
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received five hundred fourteen votes. District three's constable race wasn't
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on the primary ballad. Jeff Book remains as District four
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with one thousand, five hundred forty three votes against his
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opponent Maynard A. Parker, who received five hundred twenty nine votes.
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In District four constable race, Travis Gregory received one thousand
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and sixty eight votes, defeating cliff Partony Clifford Caldwell, who
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received five hundred fifty seven votes and Kenneth Ellington, who
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received two hundred seventy two votes. Chance m McPeak assumed
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the role of District five magistrate against incumbent Billy B. Oakley,
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who received nine hundred forty four votes. District five Constable
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race wasn't on the primary ballot. Richard Baal stays as
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District six magistrate with one thousand and sixty eight votes
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against two opponents. David Ball received four hundred sixty five
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votes and Andrew AJ Carr, the third received two hundred
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thirty nine votes. District six Constable race wasn't on the
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primary ballot. US Senate Democrat Charles Booker received six hundred
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twenty nine votes in Laurel County, defeating Amy McGrath, who
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received five hundred ninety nine votes, which reflected the statewide trend. However,
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McGrath had a narrow lead in Knox and Whitley Counties.
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US Senate Republican Congressman Andy Barr carried the state, more
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specifically the Tri County, with seven thousand, seven hundred and
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ninety three laurel votes, foury twenty seven in Knox and
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three thousand, eight hundred ten in Whitley. Former Kentucky Attorney
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General Daniel Cameron came in second with three thousand, two
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hundred eighty four laurel votes, one thousand, five hundred and
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six Knox votes, and one thousand, eight hundred twenty three
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in Whitley. US Congressman Howl Rogers carried the tri county
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with eight thousand, seven hundred seventy eight votes laurel votes, food,
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seven hundred seventy six votes in Whitley, and eight hundred
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ninety nine votes. In the Republican primary for the US
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representative in Congress for the fifth con District, Co Barney
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Congressional District, Kevin Smith received two thousand and three laurel votes,
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six hundred five Whitley votes, and six hundred ninety two
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Knox votes. Brandon R. Monholland received six hundred seventy five
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laurel votes, three hundred Whitley votes, and two hundred thirty
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four Knox votes. Benjamin Hurley received five hundred five laurel votes,
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two hundred twenty seven Whitley votes, and one hundred eighty
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three Knox votes. Rounding out the field was Jerry Lee
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Shelton with one hundred and forty five votes, one hundred
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and nine Whitley votes, one hundred and twelve Knox votes.
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Rogers also won the Republican nomination district wide and will
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square off against Democrat Ned pil pilladorf Colm November. Our
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next article is Lynn Camp High School honors class of
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twenty twenty six on Saturday. By Sudy K. Wilson, Correspondent
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Corbyn Lynn Camp High School honored his graduating class of
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twenty twenty six on Saturday, marking the school's ninety eighth
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annual commencement exercises. Family, friends and community members filled the
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Corbyn Arena with pride as this year's seniors took their
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long awaited walk across the stage. The ceremony opened with
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a sense of tradition and respect as a junior ROTC
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color guard presented the colors. That Els Chamber Choir under
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the direction of Missus Jackie Melton, followed with a strong
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and heartfelt performance of the Star Spangled Banner. Lillian Grace
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Hensey welcomed the audience, setting the tone for the ceremony
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filled with gratitude, accomplishment and a hope for the future.
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Todd Marita, Principle of Lynn Camp Middle and High School,
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introduced the honored guest. The chamber choir returned to the
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stage for a special musical performance of Go the Distance,
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as arranged by Ed Lokiski, a fitting message for a
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class ready to step into the next chapter of their lives.
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Academic excellence took center stage as Lauren Page Parton was
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recognized as Salutatorian, followed by Carter Shane Foley, who delivered
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his valedictorian address with the confidence and poise of a
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student who has truly earned the title Prince. Principal Marita
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joined the assistant Principal Travis Kennedy, proudly presented the graduating class.
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Deployments were awarded by Jeremy Ladford, Superintendent of Knox County Schools,
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along with Jimmy Hendrickson, Board Chairman, Jim Miles, Vice Chairman,
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board members doctor William t Ashbourne, Kevin Hinkle k Powers,
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and Board Attorney Tim Crawford. Before the seniors turned their tassels,
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Principal Marita offered closing remarks, encouraging the class of twenty
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twenty six to carry their lessons learned at Lynn Camp
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into every step of their future. The ceremony conducted with
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a student closing by Caleb Ethan Williams, leaving the audience
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with a message of determination and gratitude. Highest Honors with
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GPA of four point zero and above Carter Foley, Lullion Hines,
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Bailey Martin, Emma Morrile, Katie Mills, Julia Moore, Laura Parton,
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Madison and Waymers. Caleb Williams Honors High Honors GPA of
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three point seventy five to three point nine nine. Riley
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Howard Honors GPA three point five through three point seventy four,
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Hunter Duggar and Ashley Perry as the caps flew, families
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cheered one thing clear, The Lynn Camp class of twenty
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twenty six is stepping into the world with pride, resilience,
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and a strong foundation built right here at home. Their
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journey is just beginning, and the community stands behind them
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every step of the way. Our next article is Cchs
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celebrates Class of twenty twenty six at one hundred ninth
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Annual Commencement by Macy Swafford staff writer Corbyn. Decorated graduation
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caps filled the Arena on Sunday, as Corbyn High School
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class of twenty twenty six celebrated its one hundred ninth
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annual commencement ceremony surrounded by family, friends, and faculty members.
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Honoring the milestone achievement. During the ceremony, Principal Shannon Dixon
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reflected on the accomplishments of the senior class, recognizing students
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for academics, leadership, athletics, service, and career readiness. Dixon announced
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the class of twenty twenty six earned more than two
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million dollars in scholarship money, while ninety two students were
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recognized as college and career ready. Students recognized for military
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commitments included Tyler Owen, Markham, Noah Dell, and Tyle Skwaski,
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Jeffrey Daniel Casey, Stephen Lee Reese, who are entering the
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Army and Air Force. Thank you for your selfishness, service,
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and humanity, Dixon said. Dixon also praised the graduates for
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the example they set during their years at Corbyn High School.
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You always have a home here, Dixon told the seniors,
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you will always be a Red Hound. She also reminded
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students to continue believing in themselves in their futures. Hope
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is more than just a feeling, Dixon said, it is
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a steady belief that better days are ahead, even when
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the path is uncertain. Travis Wilder, serving in his first
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year as superintendent, also addressed the graduating class and reflected
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on watching many of the students grow through the school system.
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Wilder shared recent statewide education recognition announcing Corbin Independent Schools
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had been named among the top one hundred eight school
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districts in the nation designated as Districts on the Rise.
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Wilder also reflected on his time at the primary school.
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I was blessed with the first group at Corbin Primary
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School for eighteen years. I've had the opportunity to watch
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many of you grow into the young men and women
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you are today, Superintendent Wylder said. Walder also spoke about
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the transition graduates will face moving forward and encouraged them
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to embrace the future with confidently. You've mastered the art
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of letting go, he said. Now you're the ones letting
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go and stepping into the next chapter of your life.
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He closed his remarks by encouraging students to enjoy life
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while remembering their roots. Enjoy life, love deeply, and above
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above all always come home, Walder said. Senior Representative Blake
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Butler reflected on the memories and experiences shared by the
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graduating class over the last four years. Butler spoke about
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stressful school days, sporting events, friendships, and moments that ultimately
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shaped the class. It's not what we went through, it's
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how we went through it together, Butler said. Butler thanked
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the parents, teachers, and classmates for supporting one another throughout
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high school and reminded graduates to cherish the memories they
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created at the end of the day. That's what we're
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really taking with us, he said, not the task, not
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the assignments, but the moments. Senior Representative Adeline Wilson, who
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spoke during the ceremony, focused on gratitude and the importance
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of appreciating those who help the students reach graduation day.
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Throughout our lives, someone or multiple people have poured into us,
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Wilson said. They told us the truth when it was hard,
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gave us advice, and answered our questions even when they
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did not know the answer themselves. Wilson encouraged her classmates
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to continue showing compassion and kindness as they move into
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the next stage of their life. One of the most
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important things you can choose to be is kind to others,
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she said. The ceremony also included an opening prayer, recognition
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of faculty and staff, and the conferring of the diplomas
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by the Corbin County Board of Education as the graduates
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officially become alumni of Corbin High School. And then there
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are two pictures below. The first picture of says Senior
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class representative Adlin Wilson addresses her class one last time
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during the ceremony, and then the other picture. The caption reads,
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many graduates decorated their graduation caps ahead of the ceremony,
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including the ones with a montage of pictures of their
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family and friends. Our next article is Walmart annexation, firefighter
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promotion and hire approved in Corbin by Macy Swafford, staff writer.
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Corbin Annexation ordinances, firefighter promotions, and arena improvements were among
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the items to discussed during the Corbin City Commission meeting Monday evening.
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Commissioners unanimously approved a consensual annexation request from Walmart, located
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at sixty Stuart Road in Corbin, and authorized the necessary
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paperwork to move forward with the process. There is a
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letter we need to send to Laurel Judge Executive David Westerfield,
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said City Clerk Tory Brock. During the discussion, officials noted
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the city must provide a forty five day notice before
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final approval can be considered, with the matter expected to
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return at a July sixth meeting. City officials explaining the
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annexation request stems from previous annexations involving nearby roadways and
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property around Interstate seventy five Exit twenty five in US
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twenty five East Corridor, which made the Walmart property contiguous
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to existing city limits and their eligible for annexation upon request.
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The city had reportedly been in discussions with Walmart representatives
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for some time before the corporation formerly submitted its requests.
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Last week, commissioners also approved the second reading of the
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Ordinance twenty twenty six Dash oh one, which declares a
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certain tract of real property as dedicated city street to
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be known as Lincoln Avenue. Read by Brock, the ordinance
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formally accepts the dedication of the property as a city
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street in a coordinance with Kentucky's revised statutes, establishes a
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speed limit for the roadway, and sets jurisdiction and venue
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provisions for violations. A second ordinance, Ordinance twenty twenty sixth
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Dash oh two, received its first reading and was approved
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by commissioners, also read by Brock, The ordinance annexes a
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track of real property located at eighty four East Windworth
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Street to the city into the City of Corbon and
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established its zoning classification as commercial. The property, owned by
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Phonsie Wilder Post number eighty eight American Legion, was described
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as contiguous to existing city limits and eligible for annexation
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under Kentucky law. The ordinance also admends the city's zoning
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map to official include the property within the Corbon boundaries.
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Commissioners also took action on bids received for a new
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outdoor led sign at the Corbyn Arena, ultimately approving the
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lowest bid from Southeastern Signs in the amount of sixty
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eighty nine hundred and three dollars. Two additional bids were
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submitted by DJ Energy Solutions Pro sign Media, totaling ninety
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six thousand, four hundred dollars and ninety two thousand, nine
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hundred dollars, respectively, while a third bid from CC and
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M totaled one hundred twenty eight thousand, nine hundred and
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eighty dollars and included potential structural teardown and rebuild work.
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Before the vote, Corbyn City Manager Scott Williamson said city
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officials believed they had thoroughly reviewed the bids, and the
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stated that he believed the recommendation would be Southeastern Signs.
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The Southeastern Science bid was unanimously approved. Promotions in new
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hires were also discussed during the meeting. Commissioners unanimously approved
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the promotion of Corbyn firefighter Isaac Napier to lieutenant, following
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the recommendation from Fire Chief Barry McDonald last month. I
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promoted Tyler Todd to captain when Eric Philpott left us,
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said McDonald. We sat down with the rest of the
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fire fighters and interviewed them and came up with Isaac
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Napier to make our lieutenant. Commissioners also approved the hiring
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of Braden Hinkel as a full time firefighter. McDonald noted
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Hinkel already holds several certifications, including EMT certification, CPR instructor
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and certification in more than four hundred certified hours. Corbyn
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Arena director Cindy Creech also requested Commissioners considered implementing the
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clear bag only policy at the arena, citing ongoing issues
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with enforcing current bag size restrictions during events. Creach discussed
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the arena the difficulty arena staff face and monitoring oversized
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or concealed bags during events. The proposed policy would allow
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clear bags with specified dimensions, medically necessary bags, andperbags subject
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to inspection, while prohibiting non clear backpacks, purses, and oversized bags.
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Commissioners ultimately agreed to take the request under further advisement
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for additional review before taking formal action under department reports.
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Williamson also reported the next day, May twenty seventh, the
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traffic light at Roy Kidd Avenue near Library would officially
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be removed, with the current four way stops sign remaining
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in place. I don't think it's going to be anything
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earth shattering, because everyone has already gotten used to it
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all and used to it in all that, said Mayor
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Susie Ramis. The meeting was adjourned shortly after. Our next
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article is teacher woman facing federal charges and child exploitation
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case by Macy Swafford Barberville. Two individuallys previously charged in
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an ongoing child exploitation Investigation are now facing federal charges.
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Bradley Kyle Jager and Rachel Baker were both indicted on
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one count of production of child pornography on May seventh.
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According to court documents, this concludes the reading of Time's triviu.
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Please stay tuned for continued programming. Thank you for joining
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me and on behalf of everyone here at RADIOI missus Janice,
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wishing you a very good day.