DEADLINE: The deadline for submitting Area Happenings, Church Events, Reunions or Society items is Thursday at noon.

Appalachian Aglow

Appalachian Aglow meets bi-monthly at the home of Lisa Leonard in New Tazewell. If interested, call 865-585-0091 for directions and information.

Caney Valley American Christian Church

Caney Valley will begin revival services on Oct. 25. Services will begin at 7:30 p.m. Evangelists will be Rev. Jerry Epperson and Rev. Jerry Lynch. Everyone welcome. Rev. Boyd Myers, pastor.

Chapel of the Good Shepherd

Chapel of the Good Shepherd, the only Lutheran church in Union County, has begun to hold worship services on Sunday afternoons at 4 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Kritsch, pastor of the church, at 865-279-1279, or via e-mail at chapelofthegoodshepherd@outlook.com.

Christ the King Catholic Church

Christ the King Catholic Church welcomes the new pastor, Father Mike Creson. Mass schedule is Sunday at noon and Thursdays at 10 a.m. The church is located at 816 Blue Top Road, Tazewell.

Claiborne County Ministerial Association

Pastors and preachers of Claiborne County, the Claiborne County Ministerial Association needs your help. We now only have a few members. We do volunteer chaplain work at Claiborne Medical Center and 15-minute Daily Devotions on WNTT Radio. If God leads you to be a part of this ministry, we meet once a month at the Claiborne Medical Center conference room on the fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. For further information call 865-585-7112. President, Kenny Clark.

Dogwood Heights Baptist Church

Dogwood Heights Baptist Church will begin revival Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. Preaching will be by Mitchell Ferguson and Reggie Large and there will be special singers. Trunk-or-Treat will be held Oct. 31 in the church parking lot. Everyone is invited to all events. The church is located at 255 Dogwood Heights Drive in Tazewell. Pastor, Travis Pressnell.

FBC Deaf and Hearing Impaired Worship

The addition of a deaf interpreter for the Sunday morning worship service has brought a new ministry to First Baptist Church in New Tazewell. To learn more, call 423-626-5401 or visit at 814 Buchanan Road, next to Laurel Manor Nursing Home.

FBC Ministry Center

The Regional Education Center, an FBC Ministry Center, is located at 1724 Epps Street in Tazewell. They will be distributing food boxes on Tuesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. Residents of Claiborne County need to bring proof of residence and income. The center is located behind the courthouse in Tazewell.

Grace Missionary Baptist Church

Grace Missionary Baptist Church is having revival, which began on Oct. 18. Services are at 7 p.m through the week. Tommy Louthan Jr. and Ben Baker will be preaching. Everyone welcome. Charlie Widner, pastor.

GriefShare

New Beginning Baptist Church will be hosting GriefShare meetings on Monday nights from 6-7:30 p.m. through Oct. 26. The church is located at 2305 Highway 63, four miles west of Harrogate. GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group for people who are grieving the death of someone close to them. For more information, please call the church office at 423-869-7378 on Thursdays or Fridays between the hours of 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. or call Bob & Nancy Jackson at 423-869-4422.

Locus Church

There will be a free Fall Festival Oct. 31 from noon to 4 p.m. at East End School in Middlesboro sponsored by Locus Church. There will be games, bounce house, costume contest and much more. Fun for all ages and everyone is invited.

MCM Baptist Church

MCM Baptist church will be having a hayride and chili supper on Oct. 24 beginning at 2 p.m. Come join us for some Christian fellowship and fun. Everyone is invited to attend. Tim Drummonds, pastor.

New Beginning Baptist Church

New Beginning Baptist Church is sponsoring “Mr. Fisher’s Journey thru Hell” on Friday night only, Oct. 30, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the church. Rides will continue on the half-hour. Come experience a ride you’ll never forget. Free admission. Everyone is invited and welcome to attend. For questions or if you’d like more information, please call the church office at 423-869-7378.

New Beginning Baptist Church is hosting “Trunk or Treat” at the church on Oct. 31 from 5-8 p.m. All area children are invited to attend. For questions or further information, please call the church office at 423-869-7378.

New Beginning Baptist Church has new meeting times. We now meet for worship on Sunday at 10 a.m. and at 3 p.m. and on Sunday at 6 p.m. for Bible study. On Wednesday at 6 p.m. we have Visitation, Bridge Builders and Youth. On Sunday nights and other nights throughout the week we offer Life Application classes. “Lord, Change My Attitude,” by James McDonald, began Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. The church is located at 2305 Highway 63, four miles west of U.S. Hwy. 25E in Harrogate. For more information please call the church office at 423-869-7378 or Pastor Donnie Bannister at 423-526-4491.

New Tazewell United Methodist Church

New Tazewell United Methodist Church is starting a Weight Watchers meeting in New Tazewell. An informational meeting is the first step. To be involved please sign up by email at blackiesmom@gmail.com with WW in the subject line or call Vickie at 423-801-3335.

A Zumba class started Oct. 8 at 9 a.m. at the church. The classes will meet every Thursday and Saturday morning at 9 a.m. An offering of $3 will cover the cost of each class. The classes are taught by an LMU student. They will meet in the Fellowship Hall of NTUMC. For information call Vickie at 423-801-3335.

Riverside Church

Riverside Church will have Wayne Carpenter on Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. for Sunday School and worship at 11 a.m. Tyler DeBusk, pastor. Everyone welcome.

Servolution Health Services

The Servolution Health Services free medical and dental care clinic is now open. Anyone from the Tri-State area is welcome. The faith-based clinic serves the uninsured of the area, from any state, whose income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level guidelines. Servolution Health Services is located 8.7 miles from Harrogate, off Hwy. 63 in the old Powell Valley High School vocational building in Speedwell, Tenn. The address is 245 Powell Valley School Lane. To determine eligibility, make an appointment or for more information call 423-419-5070.

Springdale Missionary Baptist Church

There will be a Youth Revival at Springdale Missionary Baptist Church Oct. 21-23. Food will be served at 6 p.m. each night. Services start at 7 p.m. Evangelists: Dalton Coffey, Matt Seals and Ty Stone. All churches and youth encouraged to come worship and serve. “I, even I, am the Lord: and beside me there is no Saviour.” Isaiah 43:4. Clint Hatfield, pastor.

Thompson Chapel United Methodist Church

The Thompson Chapel Clothing Bank is in need of any and all donations. We are open Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call 626-3913 or 626-4435 for info.

Twin City Baptist Church

Twin City Baptist Church will have revival with Dr. Bob Sanders Nov. 15-18 beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday and 7 p.m. on weekdays.

Twin City Baptist Church now offers sign language interpretation of the services. Everyone is welcome.

Union Chapel

Union Chapel Baptist Church will be having a benefit singing for Sharon Mullins, a cancer patient, on Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome, especially singers.

Upper Room Ministries

Are you in need? Our monthly food drive is on the second Saturday of each month of 2015. It runs from 10 a.m. until the food is gone. It is provided by the grace of God and sponsored by Upper Room Ministries, which is located at 860 Hwy. 33 South in New Tazewell. For more information, call 423-398-3352 or email urm1993@icloud.com.

Youth 4 Truth Ministries

Youth 4 Truth Ministries of Twin City Baptist Church is publishing a cookbook. It will be available the middle of November. The cookbook contains 500 recipes and will sell for $10 each. There will be a limisted number of the cookbooks, so you will need to reserve a copy. Call 423-626-2674.

PARIS (AP) — It’s official: Ham, hot dogs and other processed meats can lead to colon, stomach and other cancers — and red meat is probably cancer-causing, too.

While doctors in rich countries have long warned against eating too much meat, the World Health Organization’s cancer agency gave the most definitive response yet Monday about its relation to cancer — and put processed meats in the same danger category as smoking or asbestos.

The findings don’t say that a slice of salami is as dangerous as a cigarette, but they could weigh on public health policy and recommendations by medical groups amid a growing debate about how much meat is good for us. The meat industry protests the classification, arguing that cancer isn’t caused by a specific food, but also involves lifestyle and environmental factors.

A group of 22 scientists from the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France evaluated more than 800 studies from several continents about meat and cancer. The studies looked at more than a dozen types of cancer in populations with diverse diets over the past 20 years.

Based on that evaluation, the IARC classified processed meat as “carcinogenic to humans,” noting links in particular to colon cancer. It said red meat contains some important nutrients, but still labeled it “probably carcinogenic,” with links to colon, prostate and pancreatic cancers.

Ian Johnson, a nutrition researcher with the Institute of Food Research who is unconnected to the IARC findings, cautioned that the classification doesn’t reflect “the actual size of the risk,” but said meat consumption is one of many factors contributing to high rates of bowel cancer in the U.S., western Europe and Australia.

“The mechanism is poorly understood, and the effect is much smaller than, for example, that of cigarette smoking on the risk of lung cancer,” he said.

The cancer agency noted research by the Global Burden of Disease Project suggesting that 34,000 cancer deaths per year worldwide are linked to diets heavy in processed meat — compared with a million deaths a year linked to smoking, 600,000 a year to alcohol consumption and 200,000 a year to air pollution.

The agency said it did not have enough data to define how much processed meat is too dangerous, but said the risk grows with the amount consumed. Analysis of 10 of the studies suggested that a 50-gram portion of processed meat daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer over a lifetime by about 18 percent.

Doctors have warned that a diet loaded with red meat is linked to cancers, including those of the colon and pancreas. The American Cancer Society has long urged people to reduce consumption of red meat and processed meat.

“For an individual, the risk of developing colorectal cancer because of their consumption of processed meat remains small, but this risk increases with the amount of meat consumed,” Dr. Kurt Straif of the IARC said in a statement. “In view of the large number of people who consume processed meat, the global impact on cancer incidence is of public health importance.”

The North American Meat Institute argued in a statement that “cancer is a complex disease not caused by single foods” and stressed the importance of lifestyle and environmental factors.

The researchers defined processed meat as anything transformed to improve its flavor or to preserve it, including sausages, canned meat, beef jerky and anything smoked. They defined red meat as “all types of mammalian muscle meat, such as beef, veal, pork, lamb, mutton, horse and goat.”

The report said grilling, pan-frying or other high-temperature methods of cooking red meat produce the highest amounts of chemicals suspected to cause cancer.

Law enforcement officials with the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) recently solved some area burglaries and recovered stolen property.

According to a release from the CCSO, a home on Mountain Road in New Tazewell was burglarized in the early morning hours of Oct. 21. The release states that suspects allegedly entered into a garage on the property and took several items.

Later that morning, Sgt. Eddie Hurley noticed the vehicle that was reported seen in connection with the burglary. The vehicle “had left from Shylocks Pawn Shop where Martin Amburn, 32, had (allegedly) taken some of the stolen property and pawned” the items, states the release.

Hurley initiated a traffic stop and during that stop an additional item identified by the property owner was located inside the suspect’s vehicle, according to the release.

Upon further investigation by CCSO Detectives Tim Shrout, Gary Ruskowski and Anthony Veillon, a portion of the stolen property was located behind a residence in the New Tazewell Mobile Home Park, in which one suspect had been residing for several days. CCSO officers were assisted at that scene by officers with the New Tazewell Police Department.

“After several hours of interviews two additional items were located, hidden underneath a neighboring mobile home where one of the suspects had stayed the night prior,” states the release.

Named as suspects in the burglary in addition to Amburn were James R. Miller, 31, and Clarence E. Painter Jr., 34. All three were arrested and taken to the Claiborne County Jail.

Painter is charged with theft over $1,000, burglary and criminal conspiracy. Miller is charged with theft over $1,000, burglary and criminal conspiracy. Amburn is charged with theft over $1,000.

Miller is also wanted in Virginia, states the release, and others involved have outstanding warrants for their arrest.

Reach Marisa Anders at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @newsgirl88.

Martin Amburn

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Martin-Amburn1.jpg Martin Amburn

Clarence E. Painter

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Clearence-E-Painter1.jpg Clarence E. Painter

James Robert Miller

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_James-Robert-Miller1.jpg James Robert Miller

Over the years, Claiborne High School’s marching band has often been overlooked in all those football games — some said good, but not great. Under the direction of Caleb Howard, the group was able to reach new heights. Upon Howard’s arrival in January of 2014, the potential band members immediately started seeing the passion that was being brought to the program.

Howard took the small group of players and turned them into a fifty-plus group of musicians. The community saw a big change this year from the opening night of the season as the band walked proudly between the gates at Bulldogs Field and simply wowed the crowd. The Claiborne High School Band was back. Not only do they grab attention at the games, but now are a force to be reckoned with at competitions.

The band recently attended the Walden Ridge Marching Festival in Harriman and earned Superior ratings in all categories (Band, Percussion, Auxiliary, and Drum Major). This was their first year competing in the larger “AA” division at marching festivals as they participated in the smaller “A” division last year. The Claiborne High School Band also earned first place in color guard and first place in drum major. Their awesome show this year featured classic songs from the Beatles. They played “Get Back,” “A Hard Days Night,” “Let it Be” and “Hey Jude.”

Howard directs a marching band with over 50 members including twirlers and flags. Howard is even making an impact at the middle school level with a great showing of younger kids interested in the program. Howard has taken a good band and made it great in just two short years, but he will be the first to give the members most of — if not all the credit. The list of members and their duties include:

• Flute – Rhiannon White;

• Clarinet – Katie Rednour, Tori Taylor, Brittany Cruz, Courtney Kibert and Kylie Mullins;

• Saxephone – Gabe Stanley, Robbie Dooley, Grayson Howard, Conner Buis and Brighton Randolph;

• Trumpet – Jimbo Jones, Patricia Curry, Tori Ramsey, Emma Selvey and Kelly Middleton;

• Trombone – Allen Hillier, Austin Lawless, Benjamin Keck and Forrest Brown;

• Baritone – Daniel Covington and Noah Partin;

• Tuba – Casey Grandstaff and Hayden Venable;

• Percussion – Bradley Thornsbury, Jon Sutton, Jeremy Warf, Jillian Maggard, Kalup Lorens, Austin Lane, Trevor Mize and George Collier;

• Color Guard – Alexis Evans, Randi Roy, Johnny Wells, Kristen Samples, Cameron Green and Sydney Morelock;

• Majorettes – Grayce Shockley and Wynston Seal;

• Front Ensemble – Summer Clem, Aries Hurd, Kellan Smith, Christopher Boyd, Sarah Blankenship, Gavin Green, Kenny Ramsey and Josh Pressnell;

• Drum Major- Clarence Arnwine.

Reach Allen Earl at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @pitchadude.

Photos by Allen Earl | Claiborne Progress Caleb Howard directs his band before kickoff.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Caleb-Howard-directs-his-band-before-kickoff.jpg Photos by Allen Earl | Claiborne Progress Caleb Howard directs his band before kickoff.

A section of the Claiborne High School Band waits to perform.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_2015chsbulldogsfootballvsgrainger-004.jpg A section of the Claiborne High School Band waits to perform.

Twirler Wynston Seal performs with the CHS band.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_2015chsbulldogsfootballvsgrainger-006.jpg Twirler Wynston Seal performs with the CHS band.

Grayce Shockley, twirler for the CHS band, gives the crowd a big smile.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_2015chsbulldogsfootballvsgrainger-007.jpg Grayce Shockley, twirler for the CHS band, gives the crowd a big smile.

The CHS band walks onto the field for a performance.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_2015chsfootballvsunioncounty-007.jpg The CHS band walks onto the field for a performance.

DEADLINE: The deadline for submitting Area Happenings, Church Events, Reunions or Society items is Thursday at noon.

Appalachian Aglow

Appalachian Aglow meets bi-monthly at the home of Lisa Leonard in New Tazewell. If interested, call 865-585-0091 for directions and information.

Caney Valley American Christian Church

Caney Valley began revival services on Oct. 25. Services will begin at 7:30 p.m. Evangelists will be Rev. Jerry Epperson and Rev. Jerry Lynch. Everyone welcome. Rev. Boyd Myers, pastor.

Chapel of the Good Shepherd

Chapel of the Good Shepherd, the only Lutheran church in Union County, has begun to hold worship services on Sunday afternoons at 4 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Kritsch, pastor of the church, at 865-279-1279, or via e-mail at chapelofthegoodshepherd@outlook.com.

Christ the King Catholic Church

Christ the King Catholic Church welcomes the new pastor, Father Mike Creson. Mass schedule is Sunday at noon and Thursdays at 10 a.m. The church is located at 816 Blue Top Road, Tazewell.

Claiborne County Ministerial Association

Pastors and preachers of Claiborne County, the Claiborne County Ministerial Association needs your help. We now only have a few members. We do volunteer chaplain work at Claiborne Medical Center and 15-minute Daily Devotions on WNTT Radio. If God leads you to be a part of this ministry, we meet once a month at the Claiborne Medical Center conference room on the fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. For further information call 865-585-7112. President, Kenny Clark.

Dogwood Heights Baptist Church

Dogwood Heights Baptist Church began revival Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. Preaching will be by Mitchell Ferguson and Reggie Large and there will be special singers. Trunk-or-Treat will be held Oct. 31 in the church parking lot. Everyone is invited to all events. The church is located at 255 Dogwood Heights Drive in Tazewell. Pastor, Travis Pressnell.

FBC Deaf and Hearing Impaired Worship

The addition of a deaf interpreter for the Sunday morning worship service has brought a new ministry to First Baptist Church in New Tazewell. To learn more, call 423-626-5401 or visit at 814 Buchanan Road, next to Laurel Manor Nursing Home.

FBC Ministry Center

The Regional Education Center, an FBC Ministry Center, is located at 1724 Epps Street in Tazewell. They will be distributing food boxes on Tuesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. Residents of Claiborne County need to bring proof of residence and income. The center is located behind the courthouse in Tazewell.

First Baptist Cumberland Gap

Everyone is invited to Trunk or Treat at the First Baptist Church of Cumberland Gap, Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m. Come and enjoy treats, food and snacks. Hope to see you there.

Indian Creek Baptist Church

Indian Creek Baptist Church will have regular monthly singing on Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. Special singers are Alva Cunningham from Middlesboro and Living Waters from Tazewell. Everyone welcome.

Locus Church

There will be a free Fall Festival Oct. 31 from noon to 4 p.m. at East End School in Middlesboro sponsored by Locus Church. There will be games, bounce house, costume contest and much more. Fun for all ages and everyone is invited.

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church will have a benefit singing for Kim Shelton York for funeral expenses on Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. Singers are Gospel Lights, Lighthouse and John and Betty Dyer. Also, the Pine Hill Ladies Group will have a yard sale in the fellowship hall of the church on Nov. 5-6 at 9 a.m.

New Beginning Baptist Church

New Beginning Baptist Church is sponsoring “Mr. Fisher’s Journey thru Hell” on Friday night only, Oct. 30, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the church. Rides will continue on the half-hour. Come experience a ride you’ll never forget. Free admission. Everyone is invited and welcome to attend. For questions or if you’d like more information, please call the church office at 423-869-7378.

New Beginning Baptist Church is hosting “Trunk or Treat” at the church on Oct. 31 from 5-8 p.m. All area children are invited to attend. For questions or further information, please call the church office at 423-869-7378.

New Beginning Baptist Church has new meeting times. We now meet for worship on Sunday at 10 a.m. and at 3 p.m. and on Sunday at 6 p.m. for Bible study. On Wednesday at 6 p.m. we have Visitation, Bridge Builders and Youth. On Sunday nights and other nights throughout the week we offer Life Application classes. “Lord, Change My Attitude,” by James McDonald, began Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. The church is located at 2305 Highway 63, four miles west of U.S. Hwy. 25E in Harrogate. For more information please call the church office at 423-869-7378 or Pastor Donnie Bannister at 423-526-4491.

New Tazewell United Methodist Church

There will be a Halloween Trunk-or-Treat hosted by the New Tazewell Methodist Church on Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m. Come join us.

The New Tazewell United Methodist Church will sponsor the Second Annual Arts and Crafts Show and Sale on Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Nov. 15 from noon until 1 p.m. We will have a wide variety of arts and crafts such as paintings, woodworking projects, jewelry, Christmas tree decorations, sewing projects, notecards, etc. Invite your friends and neighbors and come join us. Food will be available to purchase for lunch.

New Tazewell United Methodist Church is starting a Weight Watchers meeting in New Tazewell. An informational meeting is the first step. To be involved please sign up by email at blackiesmom@gmail.com with WW in the subject line or call Vickie at 423-801-3335.

A Zumba class started Oct. 8 at 9 a.m. at the church. The classes will meet every Thursday and Saturday morning at 9 a.m. An offering of $3 will cover the cost of each class. The classes are taught by an LMU student. They will meet in the Fellowship Hall of NTUMC. For information call Vickie at 423-801-3335.

Pump Springs Baptist Church

Pump Springs will hold Trunk or Treat Oct. 31 from 5-8 p.m. in the church parking lot. Everyone is invited.

Seal Chapel Baptist Church

Seal Chapel Baptist Church will be hosting the Springdale Singing Convention on Nov. 1 at 6:30 p.m. Come sing with us, or come and listen.

Servolution Health Services

The Servolution Health Services free medical and dental care clinic is now open. Anyone from the Tri-State area is welcome. The faith-based clinic serves the uninsured of the area, from any state, whose income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level guidelines. Servolution Health Services is located 8.7 miles from Harrogate, off Hwy. 63 in the old Powell Valley High School vocational building in Speedwell, Tenn. The address is 245 Powell Valley School Lane. To determine eligibility, make an appointment or for more information call 423-419-5070.

Servolution Tele-Fest

Servolution Health Services will hold a telethon and fundraiser Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. There will be activities onsite at Servolution, including hayrides, games, food and music. The public is invited to attend.

Thompson Chapel United Methodist Church

The Thompson Chapel Clothing Bank is in need of any and all donations. We are open Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call 626-3913 or 626-4435 for info.

Twin City Baptist Church

Twin City Baptist Church will have revival with Dr. Bob Sanders Nov. 15-18 beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday and 7 p.m. on weekdays.

Twin City Baptist Church now offers sign language interpretation of the services. Everyone is welcome.

Union Chapel

Union Chapel Baptist Church will be having a benefit singing for Sharon Mullins, a cancer patient, on Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome, especially singers.

Upper Room Ministries

Are you in need? Our monthly food drive is on the second Saturday of each month of 2015. It runs from 10 a.m. until the food is gone. It is provided by the grace of God and sponsored by Upper Room Ministries, which is located at 860 Hwy. 33 South in New Tazewell. For more information, call 423-398-3352 or email urm1993@icloud.com.

Watson Chapel American Christian Church

Watson Chapel American Christian Church will have a Trunk or Treat along with the fifth Saturday night singing on Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. Come and join us for some good fellowship and singing. Brandon Coffman, pastor.

Youth 4 Truth Ministries

Youth 4 Truth Ministries of Twin City Baptist Church is publishing a cookbook. It will be available the middle of November. The cookbook contains 500 recipes and will sell for $10 each. There will be a limisted number of the cookbooks, so you will need to reserve a copy. Call 423-626-2674.

DEADLINE: The deadline for submitting Area Happenings, Church Events, Reunions or Society items is Thursday at noon. See our website each week for a full listing of local governmental meetings: www.claiborneprogress.net.

Free GED/High Set Classes

Classes are held in the Claiborne School Board office. For more information call 423-317-1064 or email hiset@tcatmorristown.edu.

Poetry Night At The Palace

Poetry Night is a night where local singers, songwriters or poets can come showcase their work to the community. They will have five minutes. The event supports local artists and its goal is to better unite community. It will take place Oct. 29 from 6-7:30 p.m. at The Palace, located at 2008 Cumberland Avenue in Middlesboro, Kentucky. The event is hosted by The Palace and Discover Downtown Middlesboro. For more information, email Emily Cornett with Discover Downtown Middlesboro at middlesborovolunteers@gmail.com .

Pumpkin Carving Contest

The Town of Cumberland Gap will have a Pumpkin Carving Contest. Showcase your talent and win cash prizes: First Place – $50 + 1 hour dance party from the Pineapple Tea Room; Second Place – $50; Third Place – $25 Gift certificate from Gap Creek Coffee House; Fourth Place – large specialty pizza from Angelo’s in the Gap. Bring your carved pumpkin to Festival Park (downtown on Colwyn Street) by 6 p.m. on Oct. 29. The pumpkins will be displayed in the park Oct. 29-31. Write your name and number on the backside of the pumpkin. The opening of the pumpkin should be on the bottom (using the “bottom” method allows us to place the carved pumpkin over a candle).

Trunk or Treat will be held at Berkau Park Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m.

Halloween at Tazewell Park

The Mayor of the Town of Tazewell, with some employees and volunteers, will be handing out treats at the Tazewell Municipal Park for ages 12 years and younger on Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. or until there are no more treats, whichever comes first. Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Fall Festival

There will be a free Fall Festival Oct. 31 from noon to 4 p.m. at East End School in Middlesboro sponsored by Locus Church. There will be games, bounce house, costume contest and much more. Fun for all ages and everyone is invited.

Main Street Trick Or Treat

Trick or Treat on Main Street in New Tazewell will take place Oct. 31 from 5:30-8 p.m. The public is invited to participate.

Library Halloween Bash

There will be a Halloween Bash at the Claiborne County Public Library Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. There will be storytelling with Mrs. Karen, costumes, make your own trick-or-treat bag, trick-or-treat with Mrs. Teresa, games, snacks and more. Children of all ages are invited.

TNT Youth Basketball Signups

TNT Youth Basketball signups will be three days only: Nov. 3, 10 and 17. The signups will be held 6-8 p.m. at Hardee’s in Tazewell. The fee is $50 per child. TNT Youth Basketball is for ages 5-15, boys and girls. For more information call 423-851-1425.

Little League Meeting

The New Tazewell Little League will meet Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. to elect officers. The meeting will be held at New Tazewell City Hall.

Springdale Volunteer Fire Department

Springdale VFD would like to invite everyone to a soup bean supper Nov. 6 from 5-8 p.m. at Springdale Elementary School. Dinners are $6 for adults and $3 for ages 4-12. Dinners will include soup beans, sauerkraut and hotdogs, coleslaw, desserts and drink. Also, please consider joining your fire department. Volunteer to help your neighbors and the community. We need people for more than fighting fires. Tennessee is the volunteer state.

CHS Veteran’s Celebration

Veterans, spouses, family members and guests are invited to Claiborne High School Nov. 10 at 9 a.m. for a special program to honor military veterans. The public is invited to attend. Breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. in the multi-purpose room of the school to veterans and their spouses.

Arthur Community Center Association

The Arthur Community Center Restoration Organization has regular meetings the second Thursday and fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Arthur Community Center. The next meeting is Nov. 12. All residents of Arthur Community are encouraged to attend. The ACCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of the Arthur Community Center for the public to use for meetings, family reunions, wedding receptions, etc.

Beauty Pageant

The New Tazewell Christmas Beauty Pageant, also known as the Burley Pageant, will be held Nov. 14 at 3 p.m. at Claiborne High School in New Tazewell. The entry fee will be $50. The entrants will be judged on beauty only. Paperwork for the pageant may be picked up at Shear Design on and after Oct. 1.

Christmas Parade

The annual Christmas Parade will be held Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. The theme this year is “A Storybook Christmas.” More information will be released as the Claiborne Progress receives it.

Free Classes

The Claiborne County Adult High School will be offering classes for students to earn credits to receive their Tennessee state high school diploma. Flexible scheduling will be available for both day and evening classes. If you do not have your high school diploma, please contact the Claiborne County Adult High School at 423-626-8222 for more information.

American Legion Post #109

All veterans are invited to attend monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. Activities begin at 6 p.m. with a meal. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at 335 Fulkerson Street in Tazewell.

Bailey Cemetery

Donations are needed for upkeep. Please send them to Carol Bailey at 376 Bailey Hollow Rd., Tazewell, TN 37879.

Claiborne County Historical and Genealogy Society

The Claiborne County Historical and Genealogy Society is located on Old Knoxville Road across from the library. For more information call the office 526-5737. Research hours are Sundays from 1-5 p.m. CCHGS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Claiborne County. Please mail your tax deductible contributions or annual membership dues to: CCHGS, P.O. Box 32, Tazewell, TN 37879.

Drug Testing

Stand in the Gap Coalition (SIGCO) is sponsoring free saliva-based drug test kits designed to be provided to parents and guardians to keep and use for their children as they feel necessary. The program, Give Me a Reason (GMAR), gives individuals a reason to say no to drugs when tempted by peer pressure or whatever the circumstances are. There are complete information and instructions in each kit. These kits can be obtained at the Stand in the Gap office at 502 Pennlyn Ave. in Cumberland Gap on Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and in at least 44 different distribution points in the tri-state area. Join us on Tuesday for community prayer from 5:30-6:30 p.m. For more information and locations of the distribution points please call 423-300-1302 or 423-494-1849.

Estes Cemetery

Donations are needed for upkeep of Estes Cemetery. Please send them to Margaret Shipley, 504 Giles Dr., Tazewell, TN 37879.

Harrogate Book Station

There is a book sale until the end of summer at the Harrogate Book Station, located in the Shawanee Depot Building at 310 Bristol Rd., Harrogate. For more information call 423-869-9777.

Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project

Outreach workers Tommy Brooks and Erin Haverland will be available to assist eligible veterans with enrollment in HVRP. The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project helps veterans find secure employment through case management, job training, and referrals and links with other local service providers. Outreach workers can arrange visits with veterans in outlying areas who are unable to travel to the program office.Veterans Can Help is located at 511 Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917. Phone: 865-524-3926. In Knoxville, call 865-546-4813 for more information.

Hopewell Cemetery

Donations are needed for upkeep. Please send them to Thelma Buchanan, 580 Mt. Hearman Road, Harrogate, TN 37752, or Judith Harmon, 838 Harmon Rd., New Tazewell, TN 37825.

Riverview Cemetery

Donations are needed for upkeep. Please send them to Hazel Gilbert at 537 Pump Springs Rd., Harrogate, TN 37752.

Rose Cemetery

Donations are needed for help on expense for mowing. Anyone who will help with this expense, please send donations to Don Rose, P.O. Box 28, Tazewell, TN 37879. Thank you.

Seals Chapel Cemetery

It is mowing season again. Donations are needed for the mowing in Seals Chapel Cemetery. They can be given to or mailed to Joyce Morris, 216 Bull Lane, Tazewell, TN 37879. Thank you for your support.

Shoemaker Cemetery

Donations are needed for the upkeep of Shoemaker Cemetery. If you have loved ones whose final resting place is in this beautiful cemetery, your help is greatly needed. Please send your donations to Shoemaker Cemetery in care of Neta Munsey, P.O. Box 443, New Tazewell, TN 37824. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help.

Thompson Chapel Cemetery

Donations are needed for mowing. Donations can be deposited at Citizens Bank in New Tazewell, c/o Thompson Chapel Cemetery Fund or sent to Bud Butler, 302 Ball Creek Rd., New Tazewell, TN 37825. All donations are greatly appreciated, and are used solely for mowing the cemetery.

Town of Tazewell BMA

The board meetings for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the Town of Tazewell are conducted at Tazewell City Hall at 1830 Main Street, the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The BMA workshops are on Wednesday prior to the scheduled board meeting at 6 p.m. as needed. The public is invited to attend all meetings of the board.

Tri-State Christian Academy

Tri-State Christian Academy is now accepting applications for K-3 through 12th grade. The school is located in Arthur. For more information call 423-869-8008.

Woods Cosby Cemetery

The Woods Cosby Cemetery needs donations to help keep the cemetery mowed. Send to Mike Cosby at 542 Goins Chapel Road, Tazewell, TN 37879 or to Citizens Bank/ Woods Cemetery Account.

Wylie Cemetery

Donations are needed for the upkeep of the Wylie Cemetery. Please send donations to Eula Luckadoo, 323 Blairs Creek Rd., Tazewell, TN 37879, or take them to First Century Bank in Tazewell and make a deposit.

Yoakum Cemetery

Donations are needed for mowing and upkeep of the cemetery. Send to: Yoakum Cemetery Fund, 327 Greary Hollow Rd., c/o Joann Moore, Speedwell, TN 37870.

Tyler Ward Enix, a Knoxville man wanted in connection with the death of his estranged wife and an AMBER Alert regarding their child, was captured in Ohio Thursday morning.

Enix, 36, was added to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s (TBI) Top Ten Most Wanted fugitive list the morning of Oct. 29 and was captured just hours later, according to a release from the TBI.

Enix was wanted by the Knoxville Police Department and the TBI for first degree murder.

On Oct. 28, Enix’s wife Kimberly was found murdered in her apartment, according to the release. Neighbors told officials they saw Tyler Enix driving away from the apartment in his wife’s car before she was discovered. Brooklynne Enix, 2, the shared daughter of Tyler and Kimberly, had been missing since the incident.

The AMBER Alert was issued Wednesday and Tyler Enix was captured in a rural area of Morrow County, Ohio.

“A citizen had heard the AMBER Alert on the radio and realized he was behind the vehicle referenced in the alert,” states the release. “The citizen called 911 and deputies with the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office responded and initiated a traffic stop. Enix was taken into custody without incident. His 2-year-old daughter Brooklynne was recovered and is safe.”

Enix was being interviewed by Ohio law enforcement authorities at the time of the release. Brooklynne was said to be with the county’s child services.

Tyler Ward Enix

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_tyler-enix.jpg Tyler Ward Enix

The structure commonly known as the rock house, sitting on property adjacent to the Claiborne Justice Center, is slated for the wrecking ball. The only problem seems to be that the county will need to devise the least expensive way in which to do away with the building, which is apparently obstructing current plans to expand the Justice Center parking lot.

Members of the Claiborne County Correctional Partnership Act Committee, commonly referred to as the jail committee, spent a bit of time last week discussing the issue during its regular monthly meeting.

Those who sit on the County Buildings, Grounds and Personnel Committee recommended tearing down the building regardless of whether the jail expansion project continues, said jail committee chairman Steve Mason.

County finance officer Sam Owens said the project must come in under $10,000 or the job would need to go through the bidding process.

Committee member Bill Keck suggested contacting local contractors for estimates.

David Mundy, who is the chairman of the full Claiborne Commission and a member of the jail committee, suggested contacting area Fire Stations to see if the building could be used during a ‘controlled burn.’

A local church is interested in securing some of the rock, to be used in constructing cemetery pillars, said Claiborne County Mayor Jack Daniels.

The committee spent a good deal of time hashing the upcoming meetings schedule. The scheduling had to be reworked to allow sufficient time between the bidding of the expansion project jobs and the date of the meeting of the full Commission in which the bids are expected to be approved.

The time is necessary to allow resolutions to be drafted and placed inside the information packets sent to each commissioner at least ten days prior to the meeting.

A pre-bid ‘walk through’ by prospective subcontractors will occur at 2 p.m. on Nov. 16. Members of the jail committee have the option not to attend this meeting, since its sole purpose will be to give the contracting companies a chance to eyeball current conditions.

The committee will meet in regular session at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 19. However, its venue is moved to the Claiborne Courthouse, due to a scheduling conflict with the Justice Center training room.

Members will meet again at 2 p.m. on Dec. 8 to officially open and review the submitted bids.

The regular monthly meeting of the committee, in which Ludman is expected to make his bid recommendation, will occur at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 17.

The recommendation will be handed over to the full Claiborne Commission during its regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on Jan. 25.

At that time, the commissioners will be considering two resolutions. The first will officially award the contract and the second will officially state the funding particulars.

Ludman said the project has drawn the interest of four reputable contractors, who are all “solid bidders.”

Daniels seemed to want assurances from Ludman that the county ‘won’t get hooked,’ when the bonds are approved.

“We don’t want what happened with the (Highway 33) bridge to happen to us,” said Daniels, referring to the apparent delays in finishing that project.

The contracting firm, Ludman said, must submit a performance bond that is a form of insurance for the county.

Daniels also questioned whether the county could make changes to the plans, once the ‘stamp of approval’ is given by the appropriate agencies.

Ludman said any changes could be added via an addendum.

The expansion footprint, Ludman said, is now set.

“We are honing in on the details of the project,” he said.

The plans have been approved by the Tennessee Corrections Institute, according to Wayne Lee, who is the chief deputy with the Claiborne Sheriff’s Office.

Due to an apparent backlog in cases, the Fire Marshal has yet to give the project a thumbs-up. However, Ludman said he is not “too worried.”

If there should be an issue with the codes, it can be fixed, he said.

The official bid opening for the installation of a new jail control panel will occur at 2 p.m. on Nov. 4 at the Claiborne Finance Office.

On Oct. 22, the Claiborne County Jail held a total 236 inmates. Of that population, 59 were state and 40 were federal prisoners.

Reach Jan Runions at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @scribeCP.

Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Peter Ludman, Cope & Associates of Knoxville architect, updates the jail committee on the expansion project during a recent meeting of the Claiborne County Correctional Partnership Act Committee.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Ludman-pic.jpg Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Peter Ludman, Cope & Associates of Knoxville architect, updates the jail committee on the expansion project during a recent meeting of the Claiborne County Correctional Partnership Act Committee.

Right in the midst of this highly technical world, there are still places a youngster can go to learn the names of the myriad flora, get their feet wet in a rushing stream and breathe in all manner of nature.

In fact, just one call to the local Boy Scout Troop #508 will reserve a magic carpet ride into a world where children are taught the basic principles of humanity while building on physical skills. Integrity, respect, care and cooperation are just a few hallmarks associated with the historic Boy Scouts of America.

Troop #508 has grown these last months by leaps and bounds. But, says scout master Kelli Edds, there is always room for those special guys who want to experience the adventures scouting can deliver.

Currently 15 boys strong, Troop #508 has become very active, indulging in monthly hiking and camping trips. Over the summer, the troop joined the fun at Camp Buck Toms and plans are in the works for a winter outing at Camp Pellissippi.

The fun factor will ramp up several notches when Troop #508 tackles a trip to the Carolinas to camp on a naval ship.

Additionally, Edds says her boys will work on their climbing skills during one of the upcoming excursions into nature.

Apparently, those who make up Troop #508 are earnest about improving their life skills. During a recent Eagle Court of Honor, the troop inducted Alex Bledsoe into the Eagle Scouts.

A second Eagle Scout hopeful is currently working on his qualifying project, Edds says, to restore the veterans’ memorial at Rome Cardwell Park.

“My goal is to get visibility for our troop, to let local people know we are here and stronger than ever,” said Edds.

Boys currently in sixth grade through the age of 18 years qualify to become a member of Troop #508. Edds encourages boys in this age bracket to contact her about the program.

For more information, call 865-278-0638.

Reach Jan Runions at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @scribeCP.

Courtesy photos Hiking and pioneer camping projects are just a couple fun things members of Boy Scout Troop #508 get to do.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Troop-camperee-pic-BW.jpg Courtesy photos Hiking and pioneer camping projects are just a couple fun things members of Boy Scout Troop #508 get to do.

Courtesy photos Hiking and pioneer camping projects are just a couple fun things members of Boy Scout Troop #508 get to do.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Troop-camperee-pic.jpg Courtesy photos Hiking and pioneer camping projects are just a couple fun things members of Boy Scout Troop #508 get to do.

Courtesy photos Hiking and pioneer camping projects are just a couple fun things members of Boy Scout Troop #508 get to do.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Troop-hiking-pic-BW.jpg Courtesy photos Hiking and pioneer camping projects are just a couple fun things members of Boy Scout Troop #508 get to do.

Courtesy photos Hiking and pioneer camping projects are just a couple fun things members of Boy Scout Troop #508 get to do.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Troop-hiking-pic.jpg Courtesy photos Hiking and pioneer camping projects are just a couple fun things members of Boy Scout Troop #508 get to do.

EWING, Virginia – Prepare for two nights of fun and fright when Wilderness Road State Park (WSRP) hosts its annual Halloween special event, Pumpkins in the Park, on Oct. 30-31. Highlighted by the wildly popular Haunted Trail Hayride, where folklore comes alive, this year’s event will again feature children’s activities, contests and the community based Trunk-or-Treat.

Admission is $10 per vehicle each night.

The Haunted Trail Hayride is a 30-minute, spine-tingling journey along a wooded trail that features spooky scenes, amazing props, and scares behind just about every tree. This setting is sure to illicit a scream or two.

“It amazes us here at the park just how popular the Haunted Trail Hayride really is,” stated Mike Brindle, the event’s coordinator. “We have people asking us year ‘round about it and what is going to be featured on it. We’ve added new scenes, some of which are back by popular demand based on our survey of those that experienced the ride last year. Our area is rich in history, and some of that history is on the dark side, with sad and even sometimes scary aspects. We want to tap into this local folklore and better immerse the riders into each scene.”

There will be much more interaction between the riders and the ‘creatures’ on the trail. Oftentimes, the scenes will extend out onto the trail, and even around the wagon the riders are on.

“We are also making some changes to cut down the wait time for those wishing to enjoy the ride,” explained Brindle. “We have a few larger wagons, and we are adding a fifth tractor and wagon on Saturday night, which is typically the busiest night. We encourage folks to come on Friday night if they want to avoid longer wait times.”

The Haunted Trail Hayride lines open at 6 p.m. each night (Friday and Saturday) and everyone in line by 10 p.m. gets to enjoy the ride. For the first time, the park will also offer pumpkin painting on both nights.

The children’s portion of the event will run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday on the Karlan Mansion lawn. Children’s activities include: pumpkin painting, face painting, costume contests, the community based Trunk-or-Treat and more.

To help meet the demand of costume-clad candy seeking children, the park is encouraging area churches, businesses, organizations and families to come out and participate in order to make the trunk-or-treat a true community event.

“It’s the support from the community that truly makes this event a success,” explains Brindle. “It’s the community that helps to ensure the children have a fun and safe Halloween experience, while also getting lots of candy.”

Those participating in the Trunk-or-Treat park on the Karlan Mansion lawn to distribute candy from the trunks of their vehicle. Each trunker is encouraged, but not required, to dress up, decorate their vehicle and create signs recognizing their church, group, business or family. As an added incentive this year, the park will award a prize to the best overall display by a trunker.

Those wishing to participate in the costume contests should meet at the stage area at the Karlan Mansion by 5:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the costume contests in three categories, ages infant-3 years, ages 4-7 and ages 8-12. The winner of each contest will receive a $25 Walmart gift card, while second place will receive a $10 gift card.

Refreshments will be available both nights, along with the always popular Pumpkins in the Park t-shirt. This year’s version is antique orange featuring a raven on the front and a highlight of the Haunted Trail scenes on the back. The shirts are just $12 each, in sizes youth extra small through adult 2XL, and are on sale now.

This event is sponsored by Friends of Wilderness Road State Park. For more information, or to find out how your church, group, business or family can help make this event a success, please call the park at 276-445-3065, via email: wildernessroad@dcr.virginia.gov or by visiting the Friends of Wilderness Road State Park’s website: www.friendsofwildernessroad.org.

The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

Courtesy photo The Haunted Trail Hayride, an annual hit, will be part of this year’s Pumpkins in the Park at the Wilderness Road State Park in Ewing, Virginia.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_WRSP-Pumpkins.jpg Courtesy photo The Haunted Trail Hayride, an annual hit, will be part of this year’s Pumpkins in the Park at the Wilderness Road State Park in Ewing, Virginia.

Courtesy photo The Haunted Trail Hayride, an annual hit, will be part of this year’s Pumpkins in the Park at the Wilderness Road State Park in Ewing, Virginia.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_WRSP-Pumpkins-BW.jpg Courtesy photo The Haunted Trail Hayride, an annual hit, will be part of this year’s Pumpkins in the Park at the Wilderness Road State Park in Ewing, Virginia.

Dozens of Claiborne County employees were not participating in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) as required by law, according to an audit just released by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Division of Local Government Audit.

Comptroller auditors found that 52 full-time employees of Claiborne County and six full-time employees of the Highway Department were eligible for participation, but were not included in TCRS. Claiborne County did not comply with the mandatory TCRS membership requirements, which are established by state statute (Title 8, Chapters 34-37, Tennessee Code Annotated). This resulted in a finding of material noncompliance by the auditors, according to a release from the state comptroller’s office.

County officials informed auditors that employees had been given the option to participate in the pension plan, and they were unaware that participation was mandatory.

“Some of these go back 10 years or so,” stated Claiborne County Finance Officer Sam Owens. “Nobody knew (then) it was law to participate.”

All employees are now participating in the retirement system, Owens said.

“We have already fixed the problem,” he said, adding, “It’s not a huge thing, everyone had to join by Oct. 1.”

Due to this issue, auditors were unable to determine if Claiborne County’s pension liability was recorded correctly. This resulted in qualified opinions on the county’s financial statements.

Auditors also wrote two findings that were repeated from last year’s audit report. These findings are related to employees’ accrued leave balances exceeding the maximum provided by the county’s personnel policy, and an inadequate separation of financial duties in four county offices.

The finding related to employees’ accrued leave balances is in regard to comp time issues, Owens said. He explained that the county can’t pay overtime and hours over 40 for full-time employees accumulate as comp time.

“That issue is mainly in the Sheriff’s Office, mainly deputies when they have to go to court,” he said.

Owens said that comp time hours have been reduced by 30-40 percent over the last two years.

“We’re still working on it,” he said.

The inadequate separation of financial duties in four county offices occurred in the offices of County Clerk, Clerk and Master, Register of Deeds and Sheriff, according to the audit report.

The audit finding states, “Officials and employees responsible for maintaining accounting records were also involved in receipting, depositing and/or disbursing funds. Accounting standards provide that internal controls be designed to provide reasonable assurance of the reliability of financial reporting and of the effectiveness and efficiency of operations. This lack of segregation of duties is the result of management’s decisions based on the availability of financial resources and is a significant deficiency in internal controls that increases the risk of unauthorized transactions and management’s failure to correct the deficiency reported in prior-year audit reports.

The auditors recommendation is that officials should segregate duties to the extent possible using available resources.

“County leaders and highway officials must ensure their adherence to state law,” Comptroller Justin P. Wilson said. “I encourage Claiborne County officials to contact the TCRS to create a plan to correct this situation.”

To view the audit online, go to: http://www.comptroller.tn.gov/la/

If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of public money in Tennessee, call the Comptroller’s toll-free hotline at 800-232-5454, or file a report online at: www.comptroller.tn.gov/hotline.

Reach Marisa Anders at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @newsgirl88.

The major fundraiser for Servolution Health Services (SHS) is right around the corner.

Servolution Health Services is the county’s only free health clinic for the uninsured. It is located in the old Powell Valley High School Vocational building in Speedwell. It serves income-eligible residents from the tri-state area.

This year’s fundraiser, a Tele-fest, has been expanded from the usual telethon to include much more – there will be a festival with many activities onsite at SHS. The telethon will still take place for those who can’t make it to the Tele-fest.

The Tele-fest will be held Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Calls will also be taken for donations on Gary and Phil’s Gospel Show on LMU-TV, Sunday from 6-10 a.m.

Phone lines will be set up at the Sigmon Communication Center with volunteers taking calls during Tele-fest hours. The telethon portion of the day can be seen on LMU-TV, which is available on Vyve channels 4 and 24, Sunset Digital channel 19 and on the radio at 91.3 FM and 740 AM.

Officials with SHS hope to get people to the clinic in hopes they will see the progress it has made and the huge need it is filling for the tri-state area’s residents.

The majority of funding for SHS is from grants, according to Alicia Metcalf, who serves as the chief financial officer, director of operations and clinic administrator.

“A large grant we’ve had runs out June 30, 2016,” she said, “and we need to be self-sustainable.”

Metcalf added that many area businesses, churches and organizations donate but many more are needed.

“It costs about $100 to $125 per patient,” she said.

The clinic team, which is overseen by an executive committee and board of directors, has overcome many obstacles to get to its current point. The building it is housed in was completely gutted and rebuilt, with areas for medical patients, a separate area for dental patients, a wellness center and office space. Much of the work has been done by volunteers.

“God’s definitely in it,” said Metcalf.

Servolution was started as a response to the tremendous need for primary, dental and mental health care for the underserved within the community and in order to love and serve the community in a practical way, according to its website.

During the Tele-fest, tours will be available at the clinic. There will be games and activities for the entire family, including a bounce house, hayrides, musical entertainment and much more. Food will be available to purchase as well.

A silent auction will be held throughout the day, with items that include jewelry, chairs, paintings, gift cards and much more.

The clinic was a dream of the late Dr. Edwin Robertson, known for his philanthropy and leadership in the area and the person who spearheaded the effort to bring a free clinic to serve the area’s residents.

In 2011 Pump Springs Baptist Church (PSBC) received a HRSA Planning Grant to conduct a health needs assessment for the community. Over 4,100 survey forms were returned to the grant team and they revealed the overwhelming need for health care and dental care for the uninsured and the underinsured. The grant team and staff of PSBC realized that a health care clinic was needed for the community and that the community would best be served if area church members would come together and work on this endeavor.

The governing board was formed with representatives from area churches representing the Christian denominations in the community. Board members traveled to numerous clinics in several states to learn how to start, fund and operate a clinic. Volunteers from these churches have provided many hours of free labor whether serving on the board, volunteering time for construction labor at the clinic site, or planning how the clinic will be funded and working on other aspects of starting and running a clinic. Medical personnel includes physicians, dentists, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, mental health professionals, optometrists, pharmacists, physical therapists, chiropractors, dental assistants and dental hygienists. Clerical personal also volunteer at the clinic.

Metcalf added that the federal health care act didn’t take care of everyone, especially “the working poor” who can’t afford insurance and people who have lost insurance.

“We strive to offer them health care with excellence,” she said. “We want people to see what we do and take a look around.”

Servolution as a whole encompasses a food pantry and thrift store in addition to the clinic. The thrift store, located in the building next to SHS, will be open during the Tele-fest.

“We are very unique,” stated Metcalf. “With the health clinic, wellness and prevention program, thrift store and food pantry, we are meeting several needs for people.”

More donations for the silent auction are welcome, said Deborah Chumley, who serves as the secretary for the board, as director of fundraising, marketing and communications and as Project Diabetes director.

SHS is located at 245 Powell Valley School Lane in Speedwell. For more information or to make a donation at times other than the Tele-fest, call 423-419-5070. You may also call to make an appointment or to find out if you are income-eligible.

Reach Marisa Anders at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @newsgirl88.

Marisa Anders | Claiborne Progress These are just some of the items that will be available at Saturday’s Tele-fest, the major fundraiser for Servolution Health Services. SHS is a free health clinic for the uninsured and serves residents of the tri-state area.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Telefest.jpg Marisa Anders | Claiborne Progress These are just some of the items that will be available at Saturday’s Tele-fest, the major fundraiser for Servolution Health Services. SHS is a free health clinic for the uninsured and serves residents of the tri-state area.

Courtesy photo

Several came out to the Broken Spur Dance Club’s Halloween Line Dance and Zumba Party on Oct. 24, including the Springdale Dance Team, where they performed as well. Line dance lessons at the Broken Spur are on Thursdays, Beginner from 7-8 p.m. and Intermediate from 8-9 p.m. Zumba classes are on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. The club is located at 335 Fulkerson Street in Tazewell, on the top floor of the American Legion Building below SMMS. For additional information on our classes call 865-567-7431 or find us on Facebook. The club is non-alcoholic, non-smoking and is family friendly.

Courtesy photo

Several came out to the Broken Spur Dance Club’s Halloween Line Dance and Zumba Party on Oct. 24, including the Springdale Dance Team, where they performed as well. Line dance lessons at the Broken Spur are on Thursdays, Beginner from 7-8 p.m. and Intermediate from 8-9 p.m. Zumba classes are on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. The club is located at 335 Fulkerson Street in Tazewell, on the top floor of the American Legion Building below SMMS. For additional information on our classes call 865-567-7431 or find us on Facebook. The club is non-alcoholic, non-smoking and is family friendly.

Courtesy photo Several came out to the Broken Spur Dance Club’s Halloween Line Dance and Zumba Party on Oct. 24, including the Springdale Dance Team, where they performed as well. Line dance lessons at the Broken Spur are on Thursdays, Beginner from 7-8 p.m. and Intermediate from 8-9 p.m. Zumba classes are on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. The club is located at 335 Fulkerson Street in Tazewell, on the top floor of the American Legion Building below SMMS. For additional information on our classes call 865-567-7431 or find us on Facebook. The club is non-alcoholic, non-smoking and is family friendly.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Broken-Spur-Halloween-2015.jpg Courtesy photo Several came out to the Broken Spur Dance Club’s Halloween Line Dance and Zumba Party on Oct. 24, including the Springdale Dance Team, where they performed as well. Line dance lessons at the Broken Spur are on Thursdays, Beginner from 7-8 p.m. and Intermediate from 8-9 p.m. Zumba classes are on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. The club is located at 335 Fulkerson Street in Tazewell, on the top floor of the American Legion Building below SMMS. For additional information on our classes call 865-567-7431 or find us on Facebook. The club is non-alcoholic, non-smoking and is family friendly.

Courtesy photo Several came out to the Broken Spur Dance Club’s Halloween Line Dance and Zumba Party on Oct. 24, including the Springdale Dance Team, where they performed as well. Line dance lessons at the Broken Spur are on Thursdays, Beginner from 7-8 p.m. and Intermediate from 8-9 p.m. Zumba classes are on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. The club is located at 335 Fulkerson Street in Tazewell, on the top floor of the American Legion Building below SMMS. For additional information on our classes call 865-567-7431 or find us on Facebook. The club is non-alcoholic, non-smoking and is family friendly.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Broken-Spur-Halloween-2015-BW.jpg Courtesy photo Several came out to the Broken Spur Dance Club’s Halloween Line Dance and Zumba Party on Oct. 24, including the Springdale Dance Team, where they performed as well. Line dance lessons at the Broken Spur are on Thursdays, Beginner from 7-8 p.m. and Intermediate from 8-9 p.m. Zumba classes are on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. The club is located at 335 Fulkerson Street in Tazewell, on the top floor of the American Legion Building below SMMS. For additional information on our classes call 865-567-7431 or find us on Facebook. The club is non-alcoholic, non-smoking and is family friendly.

A bear sighting in the area behind the Oasis restaurant in Harrogate have officials and residents on alert Wednesday afternoon.

A black bear, described as “fairly good-sized” and weighing approximately 150-175 lbs., was spotted Wednesday afternoon in the residential area behind the Oasis restaurant. It was also spotted in the field across the road, near Harrogate City Hall and H.Y. Livesay Middle School.

Because of its proximity to the school, principal Karyn Clark said they made the call to escort the students out individually during pickup time.

Officials with the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office, including Sheriff David Ray, were in the area watching for the bear. Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) Officer Michael Cavins, Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Bobby Brooks and others were at the scene as well.

“We saw the bear,” said Ray, standing in the yard of a home near the Oasis on Londonderry Road. “Some people in the subdivision behind here saw it in someone’s yard last night as well.”

Cavins suggested that the bear is probably looking for food because of an overall shortage of it, and that the area can expect more bear sightings.

He added that people need to make sure to keep garbage and outdoor pet food put up.

“This bear hasn’t shown signs of habituation or being aggressive,” stated Cavins.

Four bears were killed by TWRA officers Monday in the Gatlinburg area. According to a release from the TWRA, they had a long history of aggressive behavior, dating back over two years.

This family group of a sow bear and her cubs has been observed on multiple occasions chasing people, getting into vehicles, and attempting to get inside residences. In a recent incident, a couple vacating at a cabin in the area was retrieving items from the back of a vehicle when a bear in question attempted to enter the open side door. Inside the van was a five-year-old child.

According to reports from Gatlinburg Police Department and TWRA, this group of bears has generated over 80 calls for service and is responsible for eight documented damaged vehicles and several more from vehicle owners who did not request accident reports.

Wildlife Officers in Sevier Co. said they have been dealing with this particular sow for over two years and have been unsuccessful at multiple attempts to capture her. As a last resort, TWRA Officers decided to put the bears down Monday morning.

“The unfortunate reality is that the sow has taught all of her cubs how to feed themselves on human food, which has led to aggressive behavior towards people. We just couldn’t allow the risk of harm to people to continue any longer.”

In some instances, orphaned black bear cubs and yearlings can be taken to rehabilitation facilities such as the Appalachian Bear Rescue with hopes of successful reintroduction into the wild. “ABR is an important partner of TWRA who plays a vital role in conserving Tennessee’s black bear populations by rehabilitating orphaned, sick, and injured black bear cubs and yearlings into the wild,” says TWRA Region IV Manager John Gregory. “In fact, ABR is the only privately operated facility in the southeast that can accept bears for rehabilitation and TWRA even allows bears to be brought to ABR from other states.” Unfortunately, these bears were not eligible for placement into a rehabilitation center because of their behavior and dependency of human food and trash. TWRA also wants to stress that ABR was not contacted about receiving these bears and was not involved in this incident.

TWRA wants to reiterate the statement that “A FED BEAR IS A DEAD BEAR.” Irresponsible people were ultimately to blame for the deaths of these bears. By intentionally feeding them in some cases or allowing them access to food and garbage, these bears became bolder and more aggressive until the point that human safety was compromised. Do not store food or garbage in areas accessible to bears and do not feed wildlife in areas where bears are active. For more information, please visit http://www.tn.gov/twra/article/black-bear-damage-control.

If you spot a bear locally, call 911.

Reach Marisa Anders at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @newsgirl88.

Marisa Anders | Claiborne Progress Several local officials were on scene Wednesday afternoon after a bear was spotted in the area behind the Oasis Restaurant and near Harrogate City Hall and H.Y. Livesay Middle School.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_IMG_5682.jpg Marisa Anders | Claiborne Progress Several local officials were on scene Wednesday afternoon after a bear was spotted in the area behind the Oasis Restaurant and near Harrogate City Hall and H.Y. Livesay Middle School.

Harrogate officials will be scrambling to find a suitable replacement for Rick Davis, who announced his resignation as the Harrogate fire chief during the board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA) meeting last week.

The announcement comes on the heels of the notice by city recorder Rose Kiser last month of her impending retirement on Jan. 2.

Davis said Dec. 31 will be his last active day as the city fire chief.

The BMA is expected to review prospective replacements during an upcoming work session.

During his report, Davis said his department has seen a sharp increase in the number of runs the last couple of months, beginning in August with a record 29 calls for help.

“This is the most I have seen since being at the station,” said Davis.

The fire department responded to 15 calls, he said, during the month of September.

In other action, the council spent a bit of time working through various issues having to do with the city wastewater system.

Matthew Hatfield and John Allen, partners of Hatfield & Allen, were present last week to update the council on the continuing project to install collection lines along Coleman Street and some of the connecting side roads in that area of the city.

The flow project is receiving the help of some $473,000 in funds from a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), awarded to the city in 2014.

Allen said the contracts have been signed. Work was expected to begin the following week.

He estimated the project should be completed by mid-January.

Approximately 45 homes will then have the opportunity to connect to the city sewer line.

Hatfield and Allen are working on a second project to develop a backup pump station for the one currently located on Patterson Road. The firm is weighing the available options for adding ‘wet well’ storage. It could cost upwards of $2,000 to conduct a core drilling on site.

However, Allen said, the money spent would head off any unforeseen problems, down the road, that could easily cost the city $100,000.

The biggest issue is the likelihood that the project could incur extra costs through the excavation of rock that is likely just under the surface of the proposed site.

The cost, Hatfield said, of simply replacing the control equipment would basically provide a new version of what currently exists. Apparently, the firm is trying to get as close as possible to the city’s plans to double the capacity.

After a bit more discussion, the BMA unanimously approved setting aside the funds to conduct the necessary core drilling.

It looks as though residents living in and around the Ball Apartments will get a bit of relief from an apparent unpleasant odor. The council unanimously approved a motion to spend up to $500 to install a temporary odor control tank in the Marsee Springs community.

David Lamb, who is the city maintenance supervisor, said his department has a pump that can be used to eliminate a substantial portion of the odor, at its source.

Reach Jan Runions at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @scribeCP.

File photo by Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Harrogate fire chief Rick Davis, right, is shown during an official presentation last December of a $2,000 safety grant check from FM Global engineering specialist Christopher Combs. Davis announced his resignation during the October meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Rick-Davis-pic.jpg File photo by Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Harrogate fire chief Rick Davis, right, is shown during an official presentation last December of a $2,000 safety grant check from FM Global engineering specialist Christopher Combs. Davis announced his resignation during the October meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

Seventy years have passed since the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. A grainy photograph, hurriedly snapped by war news correspondent Joe Rosenthal, immortalized the moment making six young men forever the iconic ‘one shot for freedom.’

A 19-year-old Kentucky native is counted among those six men who climbed some 600 feet of rugged terrain to place the flag upon Mt. Suribachi, claiming the island of Iwo Jima for America.

Marine Pfc. Franklin Runyon Sousley managed to make it to the top of the inactive volcano along with fellow Marines Ira Hayes, Harlon Block, Michael Strank and Rene Gagnon. Navy corpsman John Bradley was also counted among those six brave young men, three of whom later lost their lives in the line of duty.

Sousley was mortally wounded by a sniper’s bullet just days after the raising of the flag, while still conducting warfare on Iwo Jima.

Kentucky author Donald R. Curtis spent years researching the early life of Sousley and putting together a wealth of information about the circumstances surrounding the Rosenthal photograph in his newest book “Uncommon Valor…Common Virtue.”

The author, who grew up just 30 miles from the gravesite of the young Marine, says he wanted to learn more about the American hero and set about doing so in preparation for the 70th anniversary year of his death.

The public is invited to meet Curtis during a book signing slated for noon to 2 p.m. on Nov. 7. The Harrogate Book Station, located at 310 Bristol Road, is hosting the event.

The author penned his first fact-based book entitled “and should we die…” about the Cane Creek Mormon Massacre, which occurred in 1884 in Hickman County, Tennessee.

Both books can be purchased on amazon.com.

For more information about the book signing, call 423-869-9777.

Reach Jan Runions at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @scribeCP.

Courtesy photos ‘Uncommon Valor…Common Virtue’ is the latest book penned by Kentucky author Donald R. Curtis, who will be at the Harrogate Book Station on Nov. 7.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Curtis-book-pic-BW.jpg Courtesy photos ‘Uncommon Valor…Common Virtue’ is the latest book penned by Kentucky author Donald R. Curtis, who will be at the Harrogate Book Station on Nov. 7.

A photograph details the members of the six-man team that raised the American flag atop Mt. Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Iwo-Jima-flag-pic-BW.jpg A photograph details the members of the six-man team that raised the American flag atop Mt. Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima.

Marine Pfc Franklin R. Sousley in his official military photograph.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Sousley-pic-BW.jpg Marine Pfc Franklin R. Sousley in his official military photograph.

DEADLINE: The deadline for submitting Area Happenings, Church Events, Reunions or Society items is Thursday at noon.

Appalachian Aglow

Appalachian Aglow meets bi-monthly at the home of Lisa Leonard in New Tazewell. If interested, call 865-585-0091 for directions and information.

Chapel of the Good Shepherd

Chapel of the Good Shepherd, the only Lutheran church in Union County, has begun to hold worship services on Sunday afternoons at 4 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Kritsch, pastor of the church, at 865-279-1279, or via e-mail at chapelofthegoodshepherd@outlook.com.

Christ the King Catholic Church

Christ the King Catholic Church welcomes the new pastor, Father Mike Creson. Mass schedule is Sunday at noon and Thursdays at 10 a.m. The church is located at 816 Blue Top Road, Tazewell.

Claiborne County Ministerial Association

Pastors and preachers of Claiborne County, the Claiborne County Ministerial Association needs your help. We now only have a few members. We do volunteer chaplain work at Claiborne Medical Center and 15-minute Daily Devotions on WNTT Radio. If God leads you to be a part of this ministry, we meet once a month at the Claiborne Medical Center conference room on the fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. For further information call 865-585-7112. President, Kenny Clark.

FBC Deaf and Hearing Impaired Worship

The addition of a deaf interpreter for the Sunday morning worship service has brought a new ministry to First Baptist Church in New Tazewell. To learn more, call 423-626-5401 or visit at 814 Buchanan Road, next to Laurel Manor Nursing Home.

FBC Ministry Center

The Regional Education Center, an FBC Ministry Center, is located at 1724 Epps Street in Tazewell. They will be distributing food boxes on Tuesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. Residents of Claiborne County need to bring proof of residence and income. The center is located behind the courthouse in Tazewell.

Indian Creek Baptist Church

Indian Creek Baptist Church will have regular monthly singing on Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. Special singers are Alva Cunningham from Middlesboro and Living Waters from Tazewell. Everyone welcome.

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church will have a benefit singing for Kim Shelton York for funeral expenses on Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. Singers are Gospel Lights, Lighthouse and John and Betty Dyer. Also, the Pine Hill Ladies Group will have a yard sale in the fellowship hall of the church on Nov. 5-6 at 9 a.m.

Neal’s Chapel

Neal’s Chapel will have Frank Cloud Jr. (Tom) to preach on Nov. 8 with dinner following. Everyone welcome.

New Beginning Baptist Church

New Beginning Baptist Church has new meeting times. We now meet for worship on Sunday at 10 a.m. and at 3 p.m. and on Sunday at 6 p.m. for Bible study. On Wednesday at 6 p.m. we have Visitation, Bridge Builders and Youth. On Sunday nights and other nights throughout the week we offer Life Application classes. “Lord, Change My Attitude,” by James McDonald, began Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. The church is located at 2305 Highway 63, four miles west of U.S. Hwy. 25E in Harrogate. For more information please call the church office at 423-869-7378 or Pastor Donnie Bannister at 423-526-4491.

New Tazewell United Methodist Church

The New Tazewell United Methodist Church will sponsor the Second Annual Arts and Crafts Show and Sale on Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Nov. 15 from noon until 1 p.m. We will have a wide variety of arts and crafts such as paintings, woodworking projects, jewelry, Christmas tree decorations, sewing projects, notecards, etc. Invite your friends and neighbors and come join us. Food will be available to purchase for lunch.

New Tazewell United Methodist Church is starting a Weight Watchers meeting in New Tazewell. An informational meeting is the first step. To be involved please sign up by email at blackiesmom@gmail.com with WW in the subject line or call Vickie at 423-801-3335.

A Zumba class started Oct. 8 at 9 a.m. at the church. The classes will meet every Thursday and Saturday morning at 9 a.m. An offering of $3 will cover the cost of each class. The classes are taught by an LMU student. They will meet in the Fellowship Hall of NTUMC. For information call Vickie at 423-801-3335.

Servolution Health Services

The Servolution Health Services free medical and dental care clinic is now open. Anyone from the Tri-State area is welcome. The faith-based clinic serves the uninsured of the area, from any state, whose income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level guidelines. Servolution Health Services is located 8.7 miles from Harrogate, off Hwy. 63 in the old Powell Valley High School vocational building in Speedwell, Tenn. The address is 245 Powell Valley School Lane. To determine eligibility, make an appointment or for more information call 423-419-5070.

Servolution Tele-Fest

Servolution Health Services will hold a telethon and fundraiser Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. There will be activities onsite at Servolution, including hayrides, games, food and music. There will also be a silent auction with a big variety of items. The public is invited to attend.

Taylors Grove Missionary Baptist Church

Taylors Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Sharps Chapel invites everyone to “Old Timers Day” on Nov. 8 at the church beginning at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be served after morning services. Please bring a covered dish. Guest singers are Masterpiece. Pastor Brian Liford invites everyone to attend.

Thompson Chapel United Methodist Church

The Thompson Chapel Clothing Bank is in need of any and all donations. We are open Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call 626-3913 or 626-4435 for info.

Twin City Baptist Church

Twin City Baptist Church will have revival with Dr. Bob Sanders Nov. 15-18 beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday and 7 p.m. on weekdays.

Twin City Baptist Church now offers sign language interpretation of the services. Everyone is welcome.

Union Chapel

Union Chapel Baptist Church will be having a benefit singing for Sharon Mullins, a cancer patient, on Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome, especially singers.

Upper Room Ministries

Are you in need? Our monthly food drive is on the second Saturday of each month of 2015. It runs from 10 a.m. until the food is gone. It is provided by the grace of God and sponsored by Upper Room Ministries, which is located at 860 Hwy. 33 South in New Tazewell. For more information, call 423-398-3352 or email urm1993@icloud.com.

Youth 4 Truth Ministries

Youth 4 Truth Ministries of Twin City Baptist Church is publishing a cookbook. It will be available the middle of November. The cookbook contains 500 recipes and will sell for $10 each. There will be a limisted number of the cookbooks, so you will need to reserve a copy. Call 423-626-2674.

DEADLINE: The deadline for submitting Area Happenings, Church Events, Reunions or Society items is Thursday at noon. See our website each week for a full listing of local governmental meetings: www.claiborneprogress.net.

Free GED/High Set Classes

Classes are held in the Claiborne School Board office. For more information call 423-317-1064 or email hiset@tcatmorristown.edu.

Coats For The Cold

Home Federal Bank will be collecting coats at our Middlesboro, Harlan, Harrogate and New Tazewell branches for those who are in need of a coat for the cold season that will be upon us soon. If you have a coat you would like to donate, please bring it into one of Home Federal’s branches and place it in the box for the United Way. Thank you so much for your generosity and “warmth” for another person.

Leaf Disposal

The Town of New Tazewell will begin leaf disposal every Wednesday, weather permitting, from Nov. 4-Dec. 30. All requests must be called in to New Tazewell City Hall at 423-626-5242. All leaves must be bagged or raked to the curb side for pick-up. We ask that no limbs be raked with leaves.

Drug Test Kits Available

Free Saliva Based Drug Testing Kits are available, provided and sponsored through UNITE and (SIGCO) Stand in the Gap Coalition. Give Me a Reason (GMAR) is designed for parents/guardians to use to talk with their children and randomly test them, which gives them a reason to say “no” when tempted or offered drugs. They can be obtained at 44 different distribution points throughout tri-state area & at the SIGCO office, located at 502 Pennlyn Ave., Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. For more information where to find a distribution point near you contact the SIGCO office at 423-300-1302 or to pick one up stop by on Thursdays between noon and 5:30 p.m. Please join us at SIGCO office for prayer Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Little League Meeting

The New Tazewell Little League will meet Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. to elect officers. The meeting will be held at New Tazewell City Hall.

Springdale Volunteer Fire Department

Springdale VFD would like to invite everyone to a soup bean supper Nov. 6 from 5-8 p.m. at Springdale Elementary School. Dinners are $6 for adults and $3 for ages 4-12. Dinners will include soup beans, sauerkraut and hotdogs, coleslaw, desserts and drink. Also, please consider joining your fire department. Volunteer to help your neighbors and the community. We need people for more than fighting fires. Tennessee is the volunteer state.

Claiborne County Veteran’s Celebration

For the Men and Women of the Armed Forces, Claiborne County officials want to recognize and honor you for your service, dedication and sacrifice for our great country. Join us on Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. at the Tazewell Veteran’s Memorial on Main Street. Special guest speakers scheduled will include Congressman John Duncan Jr., Representative Jerry Sexton, Jason Smith (double amputee) with A Soldier’s Journey Home. Also scheduled to attend will be General Carl Stiner, Cody Evans along with his mother Regina Evans and Willie, Cody’s service dog. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held at the Claiborne County Courthouse in the large courtroom. For more information or to volunteer for the event please call Robin Mason at the County Mayor’s Office 423-626-5236.

CGHS Veteran’s Celebration

Due to no school on Wed., Nov. 11, the annual Veterans’ Day Program at Cumberland Gap High School will be held on Tues., Nov. 10. The luncheon will begin at 11 a.m., and the program will begin at 1 p.m. If you have any questions or need directions, please call Kelli Little or Shannon Graves at 423-869-9964.

American Legion Post #109

All veterans are invited to attend monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is Nov. 10. Activities begin at 6 p.m. with a meal. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at 335 Fulkerson Street in Tazewell.

CHS Veteran’s Celebration

Veterans, spouses, family members and guests are invited to Claiborne High School Nov. 10 at 9 a.m. for a special program to honor military veterans. The public is invited to attend. Breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. in the multi-purpose room of the school to veterans and their spouses.

TNT Youth Basketball Signups

TNT Youth Basketball signups will be two more days only: Nov. 10 and 17. The signups will be held 6-8 p.m. at Hardee’s in Tazewell. The fee is $50 per child. TNT Youth Basketball is for ages 5-15, boys and girls. For more information call 423-851-1425.

Arthur Community Center Association

The Arthur Community Center Restoration Organization has regular meetings the second Thursday and fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Arthur Community Center. The next meeting is Nov. 12. All residents of Arthur Community are encouraged to attend. The ACCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of the Arthur Community Center for the public to use for meetings, family reunions, wedding receptions, etc.

Claiborne County Economic & Community Development Board

The Claiborne County Economic & Community Development Board (formerly the Industrial Development Board) will hold its next scheduled meeting at noon on Nov. 13 at The Old Town Grill, located at 1440 North Broad Street, in Tazewell. The public is welcome to attend.

Beauty Pageant

The New Tazewell Christmas Beauty Pageant, also known as the Burley Pageant, will be held Nov. 14 at 3 p.m. at Claiborne High School in New Tazewell. The entry fee will be $50. The entrants will be judged on beauty only. Paperwork for the pageant may be picked up at Shear Design on and after Oct. 1.

Christmas Parade

The annual Christmas Parade will be held Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. The theme this year is “A Storybook Christmas.” More information will be released as the Claiborne Progress receives it.

Free Classes

The Claiborne County Adult High School will be offering classes for students to earn credits to receive their Tennessee state high school diploma. Flexible scheduling will be available for both day and evening classes. If you do not have your high school diploma, please contact the Claiborne County Adult High School at 423-626-8222 for more information.

Bailey Cemetery

Donations are needed for upkeep. Please send them to Carol Bailey at 376 Bailey Hollow Rd., Tazewell, TN 37879.

Claiborne County Historical and Genealogy Society

The Claiborne County Historical and Genealogy Society is located on Old Knoxville Road across from the library. For more information call the office 526-5737. Research hours are Sundays from 1-5 p.m. CCHGS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Claiborne County. Please mail your tax deductible contributions or annual membership dues to: CCHGS, P.O. Box 32, Tazewell, TN 37879.

Estes Cemetery

Donations are needed for upkeep of Estes Cemetery. Please send them to Margaret Shipley, 504 Giles Dr., Tazewell, TN 37879.

Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project

Outreach workers Tommy Brooks and Erin Haverland will be available to assist eligible veterans with enrollment in HVRP. The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project helps veterans find secure employment through case management, job training, and referrals and links with other local service providers. Outreach workers can arrange visits with veterans in outlying areas who are unable to travel to the program office.Veterans Can Help is located at 511 Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917. Phone: 865-524-3926. In Knoxville, call 865-546-4813 for more information.

Hopewell Cemetery

Donations are needed for upkeep. Please send them to Thelma Buchanan, 580 Mt. Hearman Road, Harrogate, TN 37752, or Judith Harmon, 838 Harmon Rd., New Tazewell, TN 37825.

Riverview Cemetery

Donations are needed for upkeep. Please send them to Hazel Gilbert at 537 Pump Springs Rd., Harrogate, TN 37752.

Rose Cemetery

Donations are needed for help on expense for mowing. Anyone who will help with this expense, please send donations to Don Rose, P.O. Box 28, Tazewell, TN 37879. Thank you.

Seals Chapel Cemetery

It is mowing season again. Donations are needed for the mowing in Seals Chapel Cemetery. They can be given to or mailed to Joyce Morris, 216 Bull Lane, Tazewell, TN 37879. Thank you for your support.

Shoemaker Cemetery

Donations are needed for the upkeep of Shoemaker Cemetery. If you have loved ones whose final resting place is in this beautiful cemetery, your help is greatly needed. Please send your donations to Shoemaker Cemetery in care of Neta Munsey, P.O. Box 443, New Tazewell, TN 37824. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help.

Thompson Chapel Cemetery

Donations are needed for mowing. Donations can be deposited at Citizens Bank in New Tazewell, c/o Thompson Chapel Cemetery Fund or sent to Bud Butler, 302 Ball Creek Rd., New Tazewell, TN 37825. All donations are greatly appreciated, and are used solely for mowing the cemetery.

Town of Tazewell BMA

The board meetings for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the Town of Tazewell are conducted at Tazewell City Hall at 1830 Main Street, the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The BMA workshops are on Wednesday prior to the scheduled board meeting at 6 p.m. as needed. The public is invited to attend all meetings of the board.

Tri-State Christian Academy

Tri-State Christian Academy is now accepting applications for K-3 through 12th grade. The school is located in Arthur. For more information call 423-869-8008.

Woods Cosby Cemetery

The Woods Cosby Cemetery needs donations to help keep the cemetery mowed. Send to Mike Cosby at 542 Goins Chapel Road, Tazewell, TN 37879 or to Citizens Bank/ Woods Cemetery Account.

Wylie Cemetery

Donations are needed for the upkeep of the Wylie Cemetery. Please send donations to Eula Luckadoo, 323 Blairs Creek Rd., Tazewell, TN 37879, or take them to First Century Bank in Tazewell and make a deposit.

Yoakum Cemetery

Donations are needed for mowing and upkeep of the cemetery. Send to: Yoakum Cemetery Fund, 327 Greary Hollow Rd., c/o Joann Moore, Speedwell, TN 37870.

The following public records are the only public records that have been made available to the Claiborne Progress. If you feel that there has been an omission or other error, please contact the appropriate agency. As addresses are not always included in these reports, some misidentification can occur with individuals having the same name as others. Persons listed as being arrested or receiving citations should not be considered guilty or convicted as they have not been found to be so in a court of law at the times these records are filed. Since records are printed as received, the list is controlled by the appropriate agencies involved; we are unable to change or omit names or information.

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Claiborne Co. Sheriff’s Office

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Mitchell Allen Irvin – domestic assault

Charles DeWayne Robertson – domestic assault

Joseph Chandler Hurst – five counts forgery under $500, one count each aggravated burglary and theft of property over $1,000, violations of probation including failure to appear

Kevin Lawrance Fleenor – violation of the sex offender registry law

Joseph John Buska – violation of the sex offender registry law

Clarence Edward Painter – criminal conspiracy, burglary, theft over $1,000, theft of property over $1,000, outstanding child support attachment

Jessie Lee Bolden – criminal trespassing

Penny Johnson – driving under the influence (second offense)

Cora Sue Whitehead – driving under the influence, shoplifting

Lindsey Nicole Brooks – driving under the influence by consent, possession of a legend drug

Paul Travis Gibson – failure to maintain traffic lane, driving on a revoked license

Kacee Denise Johnson – capias/bench warrant for driving on a suspended license (fifth offense), shoplifting and violation of the financial responsibility law, outstanding child support attachment, violation of probation for theft under $500, failure to appear for an outstanding citation for theft of property involving merchandise

James Robert Miller – capias/bench warrant for theft of property, violations of probation for three counts driving on a suspended license, failure to appear for driving on a suspended license and violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Billy Dean Smith – outstanding warrant for forgery

Tommy W. Gambrel – outstanding warrant for theft of merchandise under $500, violation of probation for failure to report to probation office

Brad Allen Williams – violations of probation for evading arrest and theft under $500, failure to appear for passing worthless checks over $1,000 and violation of the criminal responsibility for the conduct of another person law

Rodney Parker – violation of probation for theft under $500 (two counts), failure to appear for aggravated criminal trespassing, destroying or interfering with railroad property, theft of property over $1,000

Jeremy Richard Yeary – violations of probation

Martin Edward Amburn – failure to appear for driving under the influence, new charges of driving on a revoked license violation of the financial responsibility law

Robert Westley Thomas – failure to appear for a traffic citation

Cory Lee Blair – public intoxication

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New Tazewell Police Dept.

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Johnathan E. Thomas – domestic assault, two outstanding warrants for violation of probation and failure to appear

Jessie Lee Bolden – criminal trespassing

Shelia Faye Bledsoe – two outstanding warrants from Hancock County

Sheba Sebrina Renner Middleton – driving under the influence, violation of the implied consent law, possession of a schedule III drugs

Robert D. Yeary – speeding 62/30, violations of the traffic control device, seat belt and financial responsibility laws

Ronald Steven Adkins – speeding 74/45

Kenneth Doyle Kibert – violation of the seat belt law, driving on a revoked license

Gregory Scot Miller – violations of the traffic control device, registration and financial responsibility laws, driving on a suspended license

Tiffany Renee Raines – violations of the traffic control device and financial responsibility laws, driving on a suspended license

Marcus Middleton – violations of the light, registration and financial responsibility laws

Tiffany Nicole Frey – failure to yield, violation of the 30 day address change law

Wayne Kitts – following too closely

Amy Marie Sockwell – capias/bench warrant for theft under $500

Brian Allen Blalock II – violation of probation

Lanny Dean Bolden – possession of a schedule III drugs

Samuel J. Mingie Jr. – driving on a suspended license, violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Ashley Olivia Simpson – shoplifting

Connie G. Bryant – violation of the financial responsibility law

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Tazewell Police Dept.

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Eugenia Michele Fender – aggravated domestic assault

Lisa Mae Staley – forgery, three counts passing worthless checks, one count each theft under $500 and resisting arrest

Heather A. Muncy – indecent exposure

James C. Fields II – indecent exposure

Bobby Lee Thomas – driving under the influence, failure to maintain traffic lane, driving on a suspended license (second offense), violation of the financial responsibility law

Imad S. Shamsuddin – speeding 68/45, violation of the financial responsibility law

Robert Earl Weaver – speeding 72/45

Jacky Lee Creech – speeding 71/45

Brandon S. Miracle – speeding 67/45

Kristi M. Keaton – speeding 65/45

Eric M. Ramsey – violation of the seat belt law

Greg Scott Miller – violations of the traffic control device, registration and financial responsibility laws, driving on a suspended license

James Fred Walker Jr. – failure to yield

Brandon S. Rose – following too closely

Eddie Ray Lawson – possession of stolen property, theft under $500

Cynthia Irene Collett – possession of stolen property, theft under $500

Kendal David England – driving on a revoked license

Bryon Michael Jones – driving on a suspended license and violation of the financial responsibility law

Kenneth D. Hoskins – violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Diana Sue Ford – violation of the financial responsibility law

Shane Nolan Franks – possession of drug paraphernalia

Marlin Edward Thomas – possession of drug paraphernalia

Milissa N. Farley – possession of drug paraphernalia

Elizebeth Kathrine May Hensley – public intoxication

Pamela McAfee – public intoxication

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Tennessee Hwy. Patrol

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Patrick William Anthony Sumpter – driving under the influence, evading arrest, resisting stop or arrest, simple possession of a schedule VI drugs and drug paraphernalia, driving on a suspended license/ driving without a license, violations of probation for resisting arrest, driving on a suspended license and possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear for theft under $500, resisting arrest, driving on a suspended license and possession of drug paraphernalia

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Several defendants submitted plea agreements to Judge Robert Estep, who agreed to accept them during recent hearings in Claiborne County Sessions Court.

David William Chesney, 72, charged with assault, was sentenced to a deferred judgment of one year for 11 months, 29 days unsupervised probation. Chesney was ordered to pay all court costs in full before the charges can be expunged. The victim in this case was ordered to return Chesney’s golf clubs. Both men agreed to a no contact order outside any normal social contact that might happen due to living in the same community. Chesney was initially charged with aggravated assault and vandalism under $500.

Zachary Thomas Wiggins, 35, charged with assault, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with three days confinement (credit for three days jail time served). Wiggins must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines. He is barred from any unlawful contact with his victim.

Simon Young, 27, charged with two counts each of passing worthless checks and theft under $500, was sentenced to two years ETHRA supervised probation with 60 days confinement (credit for 18 days jail time served). Young must pay at least $150 per month in court costs and fines. He forfeits $280 to the Economic Crime Fund and must pay $1,000 in forfeiture to the Claiborne County Drug Fund. Young must pay $363.58 in restitution to the Tazewell Food City Store. He must pay a private victim $650 in restitution. Young is barred from any contact with his victims and must stay at least 1,000 ft. away from their residence. This sentence runs concurrently with a violation of probation case.

Billy J. Mosley, 43, charged with harvesting ginseng during the closed season and littering, was sentenced to six months unsupervised probation. As a condition of his probationary status, Mosley was ordered to pay all court costs in full the day of his hearing.

Benjamin A. Harness, 29, charged with driving under the influence (third offense), possession of a schedule II drugs and drug paraphernalia, was sentenced to a split confinement of 11 months, 29 days TDOC supervised probation with 120 days confinement (credit for any jail time served since the date of arrest). Harness must pay at least $200 in court costs and fines beginning 30 days after release from jail. He must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel and DUI School. His driver’s license is revoked per the Dept. of Safety. This case runs concurrently with prior ones.

Billie L. Lawson, 39, charged with driving under the influence (second offense) and possession of a schedule II drugs, was sentenced to a split confinement of 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 45 days confinement. Lawson was given a total 44 days credit for time served in jail and within an inpatient rehabilitation program. She must pay at least $200 per month in court costs and fines. Her driver’s license is revoked for two years.

Miranda Lynn Brickhouse, 29, charged with driving under the influence and possession of a schedule III and a schedule IV drugs, was sentenced to a split confinement of two years ETHRA supervised probation with seven days confinement (credit for seven days jail time served). Brickhouse must pay at least $150 per month in court costs and fines. She forfeits $1,500 to the Tazewell Police Department Drug Fund. Brickhouse must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel. Her driver’s license is revoked for one year.

Franklin C. Allen, 42, charged with driving under the influence and possession of a schedule VI drugs, was sentenced to a split confinement of 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with two days confinement (credit for any jail time already served). Allen must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines. He is eligible for unsupervised probation, once all monetary obligations are met and he is found fully compliant. This sentence runs concurrently with prior ones.

Rhonda Joann Hurst, 24, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to a split confinement of 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with two days confinement (credit for any jail time already served). Hurst must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines. She must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel. Her driver’s license is revoked for one year.

Earl Anthony Sowder, 57, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days unsupervised probation with two days confinement (credit for six and one-half hours of jail time already served). As a condition of his probationary status, Sowder was ordered to pay all court costs in full the day of his hearing. His driver’s license is revoked per the Dept. of Safety.

Jason Wayne Hatfield, 35, charged with possession of a schedule II drugs, was sentenced to a split confinement of 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 11 days confinement (credit for 11 days jail time already served). Hatfield must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines.

Reach Jan Runions at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @scribeCP.