The Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Music Program will present The Fretless in concert on Feb. 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sam and Sue Mars Performing Arts Center in the Duke Hall of Citizenship on LMU’s main campus in Harrogate. The concert is free and open to the public.

The Fretless is an award-winning group taking Canadian and Celtic fiddle tunes to fascinating new places. The Canadian folk quartet is comprised of Karrnnel Sawitsky (fiddle), Ivonne Hernandez (fiddle), Eric Wright (cello) and Trent Freeman (fiddle). They have toured extensively and recently were nominated for a Western Canadian Music award. The Fretless released its first album in 2012 and a follow-up in 2014 and are currently finishing up a third. The band is known for turning well-known fiddle tunes and folk melodies into intricate, lush and exciting arrangement.

The performance will consist of a range of tunes selected from their first two albums and a sneak peak at tunes from their upcoming third album. The concert will also feature the band’s “old time jams” segment where The Fretless play improvised and energetic sets of traditional Old Time Canadian, American and Celtic tunes.

Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is located in Harrogate. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or e-mail at admissions@lmunet.edu.

The Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) School of Business is once again offering free tax preparation services through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

School of Business students will be preparing taxes under the supervision and guidance of Assistant Professor of Business Roger Holt, a retired IRS employee, Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., through the IRS tax deadline on April 18. Holt and his students have been trained on the IRS tax software and are certified to e-file returns.

The services are available for very basic returns, including state income tax reporting. VITA has set up a temporary office in room 117 of the Business and Education Building on LMU’s main campus in Harrogate. Services are available on a first-come, first-served basis for individuals or families with income below $54,000 (no farming, no self-employment and no business). No appointments are necessary. Filers should bring proof of identification, tax documents including wage and earning statements from all employers (W-2 and 1099 forms), social security cards for household, interest statements, health insurance statements and a copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available.

For more information, contact Holt at 423-869-6699 or 423-737-2828.

The LMU School of Business is accredited by The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). LMU offers undergraduate business majors and programs in accounting, finance management, marketing, professional golf management and small business and entrepreneurship; a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) program including traditional, online and executive MBA options; and dual degree programs. LMU will introduce a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program and a Master of Science in Business Analytics degree program in the fall. For more information about undergraduate and graduate programs in business at LMU, call 423-869-6254.

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A recent rockslide on Interstate 75 (I-75) in Campbell County, Tennessee, has caused a heavier-than-usual flow of traffic through both Bell County, Kentucky, and Claiborne County.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has closed a section of I-75 in Campbell County until further notice due to a rockslide. There is no definite date set for the reopening; it could take several weeks, according to officials.

During the closure, all traffic will be detoured, according to TDOT. Message boards are already in place on I-75 to alert motorists to the road closure and drivers are advised to plan ahead and seek alternate routes.

According to David Breeding, director of the Claiborne County Office of Emergency Management, this area’s stretch of road is “not officially part of the detour, except for truck traffic.” However, all traffic has increased and probably will continue to increase until the Interstate is reopened.

“There are a lot of people realizing this way is easier,” he said, adding that signage has been requested for Claiborne County and TDOT should be supplying it soon. “Drivers need to just be patient.”

“We’re dealing with basically the same thing we deal with during Bristol (NASCAR) week,” he said.

On the bright side, businesses along the alternate detour should see an increase in traffic and dollars.

Brooke O’Dell, CEO of the Claiborne County Economic Partnership, said there are hopes that more traffic will mean more people will stop for gas, food and more.

“Our local hotels should have more business as well,” she said. “When people stop they leave money, and each dollar can be multiplied by four for the economic impact.”

Bell County Chamber of Commerce Director Candace Jones said that Middlesboro has seen a definite increase in traffic and they hope to see more.

“We are definitely busier than normal,” she said. “The manager at Cracker Barrel commented that they are seeing people from all over come through who normally would not be in the area. He is having to increase the schedule to accommodate the increased traffic.”

Both chamber directors advised that area businesses should be prepared for the traffic increase throughout the road closure.

Official detours as found on TDOT’s website are as follows:

– Motorist Detours (standard vehicles)

Motorists traveling I-75 South can take Exit 160 (Jellico). Follow US 25W / SR 297 West to SR 63 South, and then re-enter I-75 South.

Motorists traveling I-75 North can take Exit 134 (Caryville/Lafollette). Follow US 25W north to Lafollette, continuing to Jellico, and then re-enter I-75 North.

– Wide-Load and Alternate Motorist Detours

Wide-load traffic traveling I-75 South can take Exit 29 (Corbin) in Kentucky. Follow US 25E into Tennessee, and enter I-81 at Exit 8 (Morristown/White Pine).

Wide-load traffic traveling I-75 North can take I-40 East to I-81 North Exit 8 (Morristown/White Pine). Follow US 25E, and enter I-75 at Exit 29 (Corbin) in Kentucky.

From your desktop or mobile device, you can get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any landline or cellular phone for travel information, or follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel.

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

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 Spay and Neuter

The Animal Welfare League of Claiborne County is sponsoring a free spay/neuter for dogs and cats in the Claiborne County area for families with income less than $30,000 per year, depending upon the number of people in the household. Pick up applications at Harrogate Hospital for Animals, Russell Veterinary Services or Rowland Veterinary Services. You can also request spay applications at awlccspay@gmail.com . Complete application, including proof of income and mail to AWLCC, 200 Hatfield Morgan Lane, New Tazewell, TN 37825 or scan/email to email address above. Be sure to include a phone number.

Town of Tazewell Brush Pickup

Brush pickup for the residents of the Town of Tazewell is resuming. A maximum quantity of two brush piles 4 ft. wide x 4 ft. tall x 10 ft. long will be collected from each household per visit. Brush and limbs shall be neatly stacked in 4 ft. x 4 ft. piles with the ends facing the same direction. Exceptions: Leaves or other debris may not be mixed with brush. No stumps will be picked up or limbs larger than 6 inches in diameter. Brush must be brought to the curbside and not placed in the street or on sidewalks. Lumber or construction waste materials will not be collected. No commercial, industrial, construction, or land clearing projects are included in the brush collection program. To schedule pickup call the Tazewell City Hall at 626-5104.

AYSO Sign-Ups

It’s almost time for spring soccer. If your child played last fall then they are already registered. Email Lorri Kimbrough and let her know they are playing again. If your child is new this season, open registration has already started. Go to www.eayso.org and register. The first games for travel teams are March 19. Registration will be held in Middlesboro at Liberty Tax on March 4 from 5-7 p.m., March 5 from 1-3 p.m. and March 6 from 2-4 p.m. March 6 will also be volunteer training.

Tree Day

The Claiborne County Soil Conservation District’s annual Tree Day will be March 4. This event will take place at the Walmart in New Tazewell and Harrogate City Hall. There will be pine seedlings available at no charge. The first bundle of pine seedlings will be free, for additional pine seedlings there will be a fee of $1 per bundle. Seedlings also available for $1 each are White Flowering Dogwood and Nanking Cherry. The event at Walmart will begin at 8 a.m. The event at Harrogate City Hall will begin at approximately 9:30 a.m. For additional information please contact Kim at Claiborne SCD 423-626-3811 ext. 101.

Claiborne Co. Democratic Party

The Claiborne Co. Democratic Party will meet March 5 at 1 p.m. in the main courtroom of the Claiborne County Courthouse. The purpose of the meeting is to elect delegates to attend the 2nd Congressional District Convention on March 19. Claiborne County can elect up to 24 delegates; 12 for Bernie Sanders and 12 for Hillary Clinton. Please come out and support your candidate. For more information contact Bill Fannon at 423-626-1405 or Lindsey Cadle at 423-851-1236.

Benefit Breakfast

There will be a breakfast to support the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department on March 5 from 7 a.m. until ? at Station No. 1 near Commercial Bank. There will be eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, gravy, milk, juice, coffee and soda.

Grafting, Pruning Demonstration

The Claiborne County Soil Conservation District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service has scheduled a fruit tree grafting and pruning demonstration at Echo Acres Farm in the Cave Springs community for 9 a.m. on March 5. All supplies will be provided along with lunch for all attendees. Joe McNew will facilitate the event. All attendees will be given rootstock, scion wood and hands on instruction on grafting as well as instruction for pruning adult trees. Attendees will be taking their grafted trees home with them for planting. After instruction and demonstration we will enjoy lunch and dismiss. To RSVP or for further information contact the office at 423-626-3811 ext. 101. You can also reach the office by e-mail at ClaiborneSCD@netscape.net

Free Beginning Beekeeping Classes

Bee Friends in Claiborne County will hold a free beginning beekeeping class on March 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the First Avenue Meeting Hall (across from Duncan Lumber) in New Tazewell. The guest presenter will be John Hamrick, UT Extension Agent & Bee Specialist. Lunch will be provided. For registration and information, contact Julianne Behn at 865-617-9013. The Clinch Valley Beekeeping Association will meet March 19 from 1-3 p.m. at the Treadway Fire Hall on Highway 131. For registration and information contact Wanda Coleman at 423-944-3230.

American Legion Post #109

All veterans are invited to attend monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is March 8. Activities begin at 6 p.m. with a meal. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at 335 Fulkerson Street in Tazewell.

Commodity Distribution

ETHRA Community Action Agency, funded in part by an agreement with the Department of Agriculture, will distribute USDA Commodities for Claiborne County on this date: Friday, March 11, at the Tri-State Growers (Farmers Market), Tazewell, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. As a reminder to Clairfield residents you can only pick up commodities in Tazewell. You will need a commodity card to pick up commodities. The current commodity cards are yellow. Please call the office at 973-3669 extension 5304, 5305 and 5313 to make sure staff is available to take commodity applications if you don’t have a card. No applications will be taken at the Friday distribution. The ETHRA staff will be working out of the office during the week of the commodity distribution and may not be available for applications. We will be at the distribution site during the above hours or until the food supply is gone. Tazewell distribution will be Friday only. Please bring a box or bag.

CCSWA Board

The Claiborne County Solid Waste Authority Board will meet for the regular monthly meeting on March 14 at 6 p.m. in the large courtroom at the Claiborne County Courthouse.

Bereavement Support Group

The death of a loved one by suicide presents special problems in grieving. There is often more shock, a greater sense of injustice, more guilt and blame and a heightened sense of helplessness – and these all tend to complicate the healing process for survivors. You are not alone.

There is a safe place in this community for survivors (families and loved ones of suicide victims) to share their loss with others who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings. Surviving Our Loss After Suicide (SOLAS) is a bereavement support group that will provide help, hope and healing. Groups are open to all adult survivors of suicide and will be held at The Well Being Foundation, 557 Narrows Road, Tazewell, TN 37879. To reach Well Being, go approximately 8.1 miles from the stop light at Cedar Fork Road then turn left on Narrows Road. The meetings will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Upcoming dates are March 15, April 5, April 19, May 3, May 17, June 7, June 21, July 19, Aug. 2, Aug. 16, Sept. 6, Sept. 20, Oct. 4 and Oct. 18. For more information call Tammy Wilson, facilitator, at 865-585-2917.

Egg Hunt

First Century Bank’s Annual Egg Hunt will be held at the Jaycee’s Fair Barn on March 12. Activities will start at noon with the Egg Hunt following at 1 p.m. The rain date will be March 19, same place and time.

Clinch Valley Beekeeping Association

Clinch Valley Beekeeping Association will meet March 19 from 1-3 p.m. at the Treadway Fire Hall on Highway 131. For registration and information contact Wanda Coleman at 423-944-3230.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, Alzheimer’s Support Group will meet the last Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Laurel Manor Nursing Facility. The next meeting will be March 31. Community partners: Alzheimer’s Tennessee; Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice; Laurel Manor Nursing Facility; Lambert Bookkeeping & Financial Services; Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, Inc.; Claiborne-Overholt Funeral Home; Eastridge Apartments LLC; Claiborne County Office on Aging. Everyone welcome.

Claiborne Animal Shelter

The annual Claiborne Animal Shelter Fundraiser will be held April 2 at the Cumberland Gap Convention Center. The cost is $100 per plate for the banquet and silent auction. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. To reserve your seat, you may call the Shelter at 423-626-2686. To reserve a spot and pay in advance, go online to: www.claiborneanimalshelter.com.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It appears the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office could force the county to raise its property taxes as a way to guarantee the bonds to pay for the construction of the Claiborne County Jail expansion.

According to county attorney James Estep III, the commission must pledge property tax revenues as a ‘good faith show’ to fund the repayment of the bonds.

The matter was discussed last week during the regular monthly meeting of the Claiborne Commission.

County resident Joe Brooks, who continues to express his unhappiness with the expansion project, says the comptroller’s office told him the next fiscal year budget will not be approved if money is not in place to guarantee the pay back of the bond issue.

According to the state comptroller, the county will need to prove one of three things in order to have its 2016-17 budget approved. The first two alternatives are a three-year proven track record or a federal prisoner contract – both which Brooks says is not in place.

The third alternative, he said, is to either reduce costs or increase taxes.

According to Brooks, the comptroller said the housing of federal inmates as a way to pay for the expansion “is not going to fly.”

Brooks referred to a handout he distributed before the meeting, detailing Sheriff’s Office and Jail revenues and expenses since the completion in 2006 of the Claiborne Justice Center.

County taxpayers, he said, have generated some $23 million during the last decade to fund just the jail. Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s Office, Brooks said, raised about $12 million in workhouse revenues.

According to the handout, the original wheel tax earmarked for the repayment of the Justice Center construction has generated a bit over $8.6 million.

During the opening moments of the discussion, commissioner Charlton Vass requested the two bond resolutions be amended so that the public may vote on the matter during the August elections.

“There’s a mechanism provided in the resolution for a referendum already in place. So, I don’t think it’s a proper amendment, at this point,” said Estep, adding it was his opinion the state statutes already provide for a referendum vote by the public whenever a county adopts a bond resolution.

Commission chairman David Mundy agreed with Estep, saying he had spoken about the issue with Carolyn O’Dell of the Claiborne Election Commission.

There is currently a push to acquire some 1,600 signatures for a petition to take the jail expansion project and the corresponding bond issue to a public vote. Those names will go through a stringent county and state certification process to determine if they are “actively registered” county voters. The Claiborne commissioners are expected to decide on the adoption of the referendum resolution during the regular April meeting.

The bond issue resolution will be null and void if the commissioners fail to adopt the referendum resolution, according to Brooks and Mundy.

It could cost the county taxpayers up to $80,000 to hold a special election. Otherwise, it should cost nothing if the referendum vote goes on the ballot of one of the regularly scheduled elections in August or November.

The bond resolutions were adopted by a vote of 12 to nine. Those voting in favor of the resolutions were commissioners Mundy, Zachary Bunch, Juanita Honeycutt, Mike Campbell, Ann Bowling, Dennis Estes, Joan Cosby, Shawn Peters, James Hatmaker, Steve Mason, William Jessie and Dan Longworth.

Those voting against the resolutions were commissioners Vass, Whitt Shuford, Bill Keck, Gary Poore, Anthony Rowe, Nicholas Epperson, Mitchell Cosby, Bill Johnson and Aimee Upton.

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

Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress County resident Joe Brooks distributes handouts pertaining to the Claiborne Sheriff’s Office and Jail revenues during the regular monthly meeting of the Claiborne County Commission.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Brooks-pic.jpgJan Runions | Claiborne Progress County resident Joe Brooks distributes handouts pertaining to the Claiborne Sheriff’s Office and Jail revenues during the regular monthly meeting of the Claiborne County Commission.

According to Claiborne County Finance Officer Sam Owens, the county should have some $3 million set aside in its budget to cover the first payment by the time the state comptroller requires proof of revenues to cover the jail expansion project.

During a telephone interview last week, Owens said the county will not need to show revenues to cover the bond in its 2016-17 fiscal year budget because the first payment on the bonds will not occur for two and one-half years from the date the bonds are issued.

In fact, Owens says he “anticipates” the county will have enough money to pay off the debt in eight years – the time of the “early call” for the bonds.

Apparently, those in favor of the jail expansion and its corresponding bond issue are counting on revenues generated through the housing of federal prisoners. Owens said the Sheriff’s Department counts on the estimated $630,000 each year to balance its annual budget.

“If the expansion is not done, we lose the ability to house the federal prisoners. Where would those funds come from – from the schools or some other department? It’s better for the county and the taxpayers to go ahead with the expansion now than to possibly face a 12 cents raise in property taxes to make up for the loss of those prisoners,” said Owens.

The county property tax revenues, he said, is being used simply as “collateral” to acquire the bond and was never meant as a way to pay off the jail expansion.

By a vote of 12 to nine county commissioners, resolution 2016-015 – the initial bond resolution – was adopted. According to this resolution, the $12.2 million needed to cover the jail expansion project “shall be payable from unlimited ad valorem taxes to be levied on all taxable property within the County.”

Resolution 2016-016, the second bond resolution adopted last week, states on page 13 under Levy of Tax that the county may reduce the amount of taxes to cover any bond repayment “to the extent of any appropriations from other funds, taxes and revenues of the County to the payment of debt service on the Bonds.”

The resolution sets the first interest payment for Nov. 1. However, page 14 of Resolution 2016-016 allows a change of date, “provided that such date is not later than 12 months from the dated date of such series of Bonds.”

Included with the resolution is an Estimated Debt Service Schedule that shows the county liable on Nov. 1 for its first interest payment of $162,806.43. By June 30 of next year, the county is expected to have paid a total $296,619.93 in interest.

By May 1, 2033, it is estimated the county will have paid its full interest obligation of $3,163,860.43.

According to the Schedule, the combined principal and interest total paid out by 2033 will be $15,363,860.43 – unless the county opts for an early call on the bonds, which should carry no penalties, according to Owens.

The $12.2 million jail expansion project is expected to be completed within 14 months.

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

GREENEVILLE — On Feb. 19, 2016, Joshua Lee Lindsey, 30, of Lyman, South Carolina, was sentenced by the Honorable Pamela L. Reeves, U.S. District Court Judge, to serve 180 months in federal prison for his leadership role in an extensive a-PVP (alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone) distribution conspiracy and an international money laundering conspiracy involving northeast Tennessee, southwest Virginia, western North Carolina and western South Carolina.

A-PVP is a synthetic drug primarily ordered from China, which is commonly referred to on the street as “gravel” or “flakka.” Common effects on users include: extreme paranoia; hallucinations; elevated blood pressure; extremely high body temperature; excited delirium; staying awake for days; hostility and having exceptional strength without apparent fatigue. These characteristics make the drug not only very dangerous for the user but also for law enforcement responding to people who are high on it. A-PVP has been referred to by users of the substance as “meth on steroids.”

According to his plea agreement on file with U.S. District Court, Lindsey admitted that between January 2012 and October 2014 he conspired to distribute and was accountable for a conservative estimate of between 35,000 and 75,000 grams (35 to 75 kilograms) of a-PVP. Lindsey and Randall Scott Braddock, 50, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, became involved in obtaining a-PVP from China and redistributing it for profit as early as January 2012. Braddock was also charged in this case and was previously sentenced to serve 192 months in federal prison.

The investigation in this case resulted in the recovery of a large number of emails between Lindsey and a particular a-PVP supplier in China. In these emails, Lindsey asked for the “most potent” and “top quality” a-PVP they had available. He asked for the “big rocks,” because “demand was high” and was concerned because there had been complaints about a recent drop in potency. Lindsey asked that the supplier in China label the a-PVP as acrylic paint and made up a fake name of ‘AcryliCO’ for the company to ship to him to avoid detection from law enforcement. He requested the supplier send the a-PVP to his address in South Carolina, instead of North Carolina or Tennessee because his partner Braddock had a previous arrest in North Carolina for dealing in a-PVP and other substances. In an email to the supplier Lindsey wrote, “I already gave u good business in n.c. and Landrum s.c, All that was brought to you by me! Scott Braddock and Rick lowe! The whole nc tn boom last year! You’re welcome!” Lindsey expressed his gratification to the China a-PVP supplier by emailing,” You have been a blessing for me! My life is much better now!”

Lindsey later recruited and hired other individuals from South Carolina to assist in the conspiracy by providing them money to send to the supplier in China via Western Union. After the 500 to 1,000 gram shipments of a-PVP were received in South Carolina, Lindsey instructed the others to repackage it into 50 gram bags and deliver them to Braddock in Hendersonville, North Carolina, for distribution to a very large number of other dealers and customers, primarily in northeast Tennessee.

Others who were charged and previously sentenced in this conspiracy include Richard McNeal Hillman, Ronnie Lee Shelton, Austin Michael Stallard, Johnny Michael Stallard, Desera Jade Allen, Phillip Wayne Mullins, Johnny White, Michael Ray Mangum, Eric Matthew Vance, Evelyn Vickers, James Elmer Mclain, Joshua Brandon Hinkle and Richard Allen Lowe, who were sentenced to serve 188 months, 235 months, 121 months, 180 months, 151 months, 151 months, 120 months, 120 months, 135 months, 110 months, 110 months, 110 months and 80 months in federal prison respectively.

Law enforcement agencies participating in the investigation included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, Kingsport Police Department, Hawkins County Sheriff’s Department, Johnson City Police Department, Greeneville, Tennessee Police Department, Hendersonville, North Carolina Police Department, and Scott County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Taylor represented the United States.

This case was a result of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.

Lincoln Memorial University-College of Veterinary Medicine (LMU-CVM) is proud to announce that Dr. Jason Johnson, associate professor of theriogenology and medical director of the DeBusk Veterinary Teaching Center for Lincoln Memorial University-College of Veterinary Medicine has been selected as the associate dean of clinical sciences for LMU-CVM. Johnson is also the executive director of the Center for Animal Health in Appalachia (CAHA).

“Jason has an energy and enthusiasm for the field of veterinary medicine like no other,” said LMU-CVM Dean Glen Hoffsis, DVM, MS, DACVIM. “He is an outstanding administrator and his tireless work with the Center for Animal Health in Appalachia has helped establish LMU-CVM as a thought leader in veterinary medicine research and education.”

Johnson’s new position includes being the medical director of the DeBusk Veterinary Teaching Center with responsibilities for the operations of over 100,000 square-feet of facilities. He is also responsible for all clinical faculty, technical and managerial staff, teaching equipment and animals. Johnson will continue to serve in his role as executive director of CAHA, which has a mission in economic research, animal and public health research, and promotion of veterinary practices in underserved areas.

“We have an incredible team of leaders in the veterinary program at Lincoln Memorial University, and I am honored to be a part of it,” said Johnson. “Our inaugural class will soon begin clinical rotations, and as our program continues to grow, I look forward to working with the faculty and staff to help prepare our students for their careers in veterinary medicine, and to help advocate for animal health in Appalachia.”

In 2012, Johnson was one of 10 veterinarians nationwide to be selected for the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Future Leaders Program and was named to Veterinary Practice News’s “25 Vets to Watch in our 25th Year.” Johnson is a 2003 graduate of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and a diplomate in the American College of Theriogenologists. Johnson completed a three-year residency at Auburn University in food animal theriogenology, earning a master’s degree. Johnson is a native of Luverne, Alabama.

Dr. Jason Johnson

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Johnson-Jason.jpgDr. Jason Johnson

It’s been an amazing week at Cumberland Gap High School!

The Lady Panthers basketball team started out the week on a high note Monday night when they placed fourth in the district tournament. The Lady Panthers then traveled to Elizabethton on Friday night for their regional game. On Tuesday night many fans and students cheered on the Panthers when they battled against Greeneville for the district championship. Cumberland Gap won the game by one point and the feeling in the gym was ecstatic. The boys hosted Elizabethton at home Saturday.

Everyone is so proud of all the athletes for their hard work over the season.

In addition to the sports activities last week, clubs were active as well. The Panther Productions club travelled to the Tennessee Theatre to participate in and watch a dress rehearsal of Hansel and Gretel on Wednesday night. During the snow break Future Farmers of America went to Tennessee Tech University for their livestock clinic.

Along with activities, the seniors are busy preparing for their futures. The guidance counselors are updating seniors on local available scholarships almost daily. Congratulations go to two students who were awarded full tuition scholarships to LMU, Gage Barnett and Elizabeth Crumley.

We have survived our first full week of school since the snow. Guidance counselors will be visiting the middle schools to start the schedules for upcoming freshman.

If your student is an upperclassman and is interested in applying for the 2016-2017 Claiborne High yearbook staff, please have their applications turned in by March 4.

Prom has been rescheduled to May 13 due to testing. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

We will be continuously updating the spring sports. So, don’t forget to check your Bulldog Bulletin!

Dr. Rosemary Jackson, vice president for business affairs, has announced she will retire after a long and distinguished career at Walters State Community College. Her retirement will be effective June 30.

“During her impressive 36-year tenure at Walters State, Dr. Jackson has demonstrated outstanding leadership in her many areas of responsibility and has shown total dedication to what is best for the institution,” Dr. Wade McCamey, president of Walters State, said.

In addition to her responsibilities for the administration of all business affairs at the college, Jackson is also responsible for the areas of human resources, facilities management for all campus sites, printing services, information technology, campus police, and the overall operations of the Walters State Great Smoky Mountains Expo Center.

With a degree in accounting from Carson-Newman University, Jackson started working at Walters State in 1980 as a research technician. She later completed another degree at Carson-Newman in business data processing. She earned a master’s degree in accounting and an Ed.D. in educational leadership and policy analysis from East Tennessee State University.

Before being named vice president for Business Affairs, Jackson held the positions of information research technician, accountant 1, purchasing agent, director of internal auditing, director of budgeting and business services, assistant vice president for Business Affairs, associate vice president for Business Affairs, and interim vice president for Business Affairs.

Throughout Jackson’s career at Walters State, she received numerous recognitions and awards. In August 2004, she received the “2003-2004 President’s Meritorious Achievement in Leadership Award.” And in August 2007, Jackson was part of the Banner Human Resources Implementation Team, which received the 2006-2007 President’s Award for Joint Achievement.

“I, and others at the college, will always feel indebted to Dr. Jackson for the significant contributions she made at Walters State. While she will be greatly missed by many, we wish her the very best in the years ahead,” McCamey said.

Over 5,900 credit and 4,000 non-credit students attend Walters State. The college has campuses in Morristown, Greeneville, Sevierville and Tazewell. It offers over 100 associate degrees and technical certificates. Visit Walters State’s website at ws.edu.

Dr. Rosemary Jackson

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_WSCC-Rosemary-Jackson.jpgDr. Rosemary Jackson

The Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Police and Security Department is partnering with the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office for the 2016 Seat belts Are For Everyone (SAFE) campaign, which is designed to increase seat belt and child passenger safety restraint usage in Tennessee.

LMU joins the SAFE campaign to increase safety and awareness on the LMU main campus in Harrogate and to encourage safe driving and seat belt use to and from campus. The LMU main campus roads see a large volume of traffic for a relatively small concentrated area. During the campaign, LMU Police will participate in awareness and education activities across campus and perform traffic stops.

“It is our endeavor to raise awareness through education and enforcement of the importance of drivers and passengers to buckle up every time for every trip,” said LMU Police and Fire Safety Officer Jaimee Snow. “It is our goal that every person that comes onto our campus returns home safe and the SAFE campaign is one more effort toward that goal. Be safe, be smart, be a Railsplitter.”

In its third year, the SAFE campaign delivered some impressive results last year, including:

2,470 child restraint violations

33,879 seat belt violations

671 other seat belt enforcement activities

“Last year, our statewide seat belt use rate dropped slightly to 86.6 percent,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. “It is vitally important that all drivers and passengers buckle up every trip, every time. Our ultimate goal is that this campaign, combined with the increase of the seat belt fine, will increase our usage rate to ninety percent or higher.”

The SAFE campaign, which got under way on Feb. 1, will run through Aug. 1. Participating agencies will pay special attention to nighttime seat belt enforcement. Tennessee has seen a disproportionate percentage of unrestrained fatalities between the hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. Historically, approximately fifty percent of Tennessee’s traffic fatalities are unbelted. That percentage increases to nearly sixty when nighttime crashes are examined.

Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is located in Harrogate. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or e-mail at admissions@lmunet.edu.

The 2014 Farm Bill authorized the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) to provide benefits to livestock producers for livestock deaths (in excess of normal mortality) caused by certain adverse weather.

Eligible adverse weather events that cause the death of livestock include, but are not limited to: Extreme cold, extreme heat, tornado, lightning, straight line wind, and flood. Eligible livestock owners had legal ownership of the eligible livestock on the date of the death. Eligible livestock include: Adult and nonadult beef/buffalo/beefalo, adult and nonadult dairy cattle, goats, horses, sheep, swine, and poultry if the livestock have been maintained for commercial use as part of a farming operation on the day they died. (Wild free roaming animals, pets, or animals used for recreational purposes or for show are not eligible.) LIP payments are equal to 75 percent of the market value of the applicable livestock.

Producers who suffer livestock death losses should submit a notice of loss to the Claiborne-Union County Farm Service Agency Office within 30 days of the livestock death. Documentation of the death needs to be submitted. Dated photographs of the dead animal is one means of proof of the livestock death. Livestock producers are encouraged to start a habit of taking pictures of livestock losses when due to adverse weather events and submit this information to the County Office within 30 days of the death. When photographs are not available, a third-party who has knowledge of the cause of death can make a certification regarding his/her knowledge of the loss. This third-party cannot be a family member or hired farm worker. Other detailed documentation of your livestock operation will be needed to verify beginning and ending inventory numbers.

Written records of livestock in your inventory should be submitted including: size/weight, inventory counts, vaccination records, feeding records, type and amount of feed and supplements provided to livestock, other proof of proper care and nutrition. Please contact the FSA County Office at 2178 Highway 25E, Tazewell, or call 423-626-3811 for more information about eligibility for Livestock Indemnity Program in the event of livestock deaths due to adverse weather events.

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Also, available now at FSA is the NON-INSURABLE CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Non-insurable crop assistance program (NAP).

March 15 is the final date to purchase NAP coverage on crops for which federal crop insurance is not available, such as: Hay, soybeans, and most vegetable crops. Previously, the program offered coverage at 55 percent of the average market price for crop losses that exceed 50 percent of expected production (at a cost of $250 per crop/county service fee). Producers can now pay a premium and choose higher levels of coverage, up to 65 percent of their expected production at 100 percent of the average market price.

The expanded protection will be especially helpful to “beginning”, “traditionally underserved”, and “limited resource” producers. Their service fee will be waived, and premium for “buy-up” coverage will be reduced. The Web tool available at www.fsa.usda.gov/nap allows producers to determine whether their crops are eligible for coverage. It also gives them an opportunity to explore a variety of options and levels to determine the best protection level for their operation.

While March 15 is the sales closing date for many crops’ NAP coverage; for 2017 crops of wheat and strawberries, the deadline is Sept. 1. For 2017 crops of grapes and blueberries, the NAP sales closing date is Nov. 15. For 2017 honey, the NAP policy deadline is Dec. 1. Please contact the FSA County Office at 2178 Highway 25E, Tazewell, or call 423-626-3811 for more information about the upcoming sales closing date of March 15, 2016 for hay, soybeans, and vegetable crops and to inquire about other crops/dates not mentioned.

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Producers are encouraged to get a head start on reporting crop acreages.

July 15 is the deadline to file an acreage report for spring seeded crops and land uses. Row crops should be reported after being planted, however, pasture and hay acreage can be reported NOW.

It will be to farmers’ advantage to file a report of all planted crop acres and land uses to FSA by July 15 to help ensure program eligibility – this includes hay, pasture, corn, soybeans, fruits, vegetables, tobacco, etc. The Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill) requires producers on a farm to submit annual acreage reports on all cropland in order to earn USDA benefits. Timely crop acreage reports to FSA for pasture and hay for livestock producers are strongly encouraged.

For questions on this or any FSA program, including specific crop reporting deadlines and planting dates, producers should contact the county FSA office or seek information online at www.fsa.usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The 2016-17 Tennessee hunting and fishing licenses are now on sale.

Licenses are available at Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) regional offices, license agents, on the TWRA website, www.tnwildlife.org, and at the TWRA “On the Go App” and charged to a credit card. Licenses may also be ordered by telephone and charged to a credit card by calling 1-888-814-8972.

The new licenses annually go on sale each Feb. 18. The 2016-17 licenses are valid through Feb. 2017. License sales provide the primary funding for the TWRA, which does not receive any funding from the state’s general fund (i.e. state sales tax). The 2015-16 licenses expired Feb. 29.

Resident licenses may be purchased by persons who possess a valid Tennessee driver’s license; persons who have lived in Tennessee for 90 consecutive days with the genuine intent of making Tennessee their permanent home(but do not hold a driver’s license in another state); military personnel on active duty in this state and their immediate families, who reside with them, regardless of resident status; students who are enrolled in a Tennessee school, college, or university for at least six months. A Social Security number is required to purchase a Tennessee hunting or fishing license.

All licenses purchased by credit card will be charged a processing and handling fee. The fees over the telephone are $7.50 for those licenses mailed and $6.25 for those not mailed. Through the internet, charges are $4.25 for those licenses mailed and $3 for self-prints.

To expedite telephone orders, the caller should have ready the name, address, physical description, Social Security number, driver’s license number, TWRA ID number (if renewal), and credit card number.

Licenses are printed on a special tear-resistant, water-proof paper. In case of a lost license, duplicate licenses can be obtained from any TWRA license agent for an $8 fee.

A man and a woman are facing charges of indecent exposure after allegedly being caught having sex in a fast food restaurant parking lot.

Brittany Pennington, 24, and Jonathan Howard, 24, both of Lynch, Kentucky, were arrested by Harlan City Police Sgt. Jeff Owens on Monday.

According to the citations, Howard and Pennington were caught in the Hardee’s parking lot during the rush hour having sex in a 1994 Ford Crown Victoria. Several cars were lined up to order, and the car Howard and Pennington were in was parked beside the drive thru line in plain view of the vehicles lined up to order. Howard and Pennington exposed their genitals with the knowledge their conduct was likely to cause affront or alarm to the surrounding public. The pair admitted to police they had sex in the Ford Crown Victoria and that they made a mistake.

Howard and Pennington were both charged with first-degree indecent exposure and lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-909-4132 or on Twitter @joe_hde

Jonathan Howard

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Howard.jpgJonathan Howard

Brittany Pennington

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Pennington.jpgBrittany Pennington

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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Jodi Miranda Collins – domestic assault

Brooke LeAnn Parker – domestic assault

Camilla Diane Brown – outstanding child support attachment, violations of probation for theft under $500 and possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear for aggravated criminal trespassing, theft of property and possession of drug paraphernalia

Mitchell Allen Irvin – bond revocation

Judy Ann Butcher – driving under the influence (second offense)

Benny Wayne Lane – driving under the influence, theft under $500, driving on a suspended license, failure to report

Virginia May Webb – driving under the influence

Kenneth J. Evans Jr. – outstanding state warrant for conspiracy to commit a parole violation for contributing .5 grams of cocaine to a minor

Deanna Nicole North – capias/bench warrant, failure to appear

James Christley Hatfield – capias/bench warrant

Mikaela Jade Holt – violation of community corrections

James Floyd Hash – violations of probation for two counts assault, failure to appear for aggravated assault, speeding and driving on a revoked license

Lora May Nimety – violation of probation for aggravated assault

Adam Wade Hatfield – violations of probation for driving under the influence and violation of the implied consent law, failure to appear for unlawful possession of a firearm, driving under the influence, theft under $500, simple possession of marijuana and violation of the implied consent law

Christa Jo Estes – violation of probation, failure to appear

Lindsey Megan Combs – failure to appear for violation of probation, driving on a suspended license and violations of the seat belt, registration, financial responsibility and window tinting laws

Ryan Glen Hamilton – failure to appear for disorderly conduct and public intoxication

Tommy Wayne Jackson – failure to appear

Scott Bryan Bailey – theft of merchandise (shoplifting)

Christopher Brent Saylor – disorderly conduct

Ashley Olivia Simpson – public intoxication

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New Tazewell Police Dept.

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Kevin Middleton – misuse of the E-911 system

Yvonne Lynn Carroll – outstanding child support attachment

Adam W. Hatfield – four outstanding warrants

Scott Bailey – outstanding warrant

Riley Jessie Thompson – reckless driving

Kevin Michael Evans – reckless driving

Lynn Keck – speeding 45/30, violation of the seat belt law

Jerry William Pringer – speeding 85/45

Douglas Levi Elkins – speeding 85/45

Andrew Brian Nickell – speeding 68/45

Rita Oligee – speeding 60/45

Sherry M. Neal – failure to yield right of way, driving on a suspended license

Rebecca Lee June Young – failure to yield right of way

Cecil Smith – failure to yield right of way

Jeffery B. Epperson – violations of the seat belt (driver), traffic control device and financial responsibility laws

Bryan Christopher Oates – violation of the seat belt law, driving on a suspended license

Gary Wayne Irwin – violation of the seat belt law (driver), driving on a suspended license

Darin Lee Perry – violation of the seat belt law, driving on a suspended license

Nicholas Jeremiah Russell – violations of the seat belt and driver’s license laws

Lori Nicole Callahan – violations of the seat belt and registration laws

Cynthia Rose Ray – violation of the seat belt law (driver)

Samantha Jo Wilson – violation of the seat belt law (driver)

Billy Joe Poore Jr. – violation of the seat belt law (driver)

David L. Kinder – violation of the seat belt law (driver)

Dustin W. Eldridge – violation of the seat belt law (driver)

Ada Kinder – violation of the seat belt law (passenger)

Jessica V. Eldridge – violation of the seat belt law (passenger)

Angela Gwen Meadows – violation of the seat belt law (passenger)

April Faye Poore – violation of the seat belt law (passenger)

Jeremy N. Brinkley – violation of the seat belt law

Billy C. Turner – violation of the seat belt law

Amanda J. Jones – violation of the seat belt law

Jonathan C. Bush – violation of the seat belt law

Joe B. Sutton – violation of the seat belt law

Clifford F. Rouse – violation of the seat belt law

Christopher Douglas Jolly – violation of the seat belt law

Ashley Leach – violation of the seat belt law

Jonathan Dale Wilder – violation of the seat belt law

Kerry Lynn Davis – violation of the seat belt law

Elizabeth Smith – violation of the seat belt law

Angela Rae Jones – violation of the seat belt law

DeWayne Lee Shepperd – violation of the seat belt law

Alexis C. Parrish – violation of the seat belt law

Sharon Denise Daniels – violation of the seat belt law

Vernie L. Widner – violation of the seat belt law

Ashley E. Greer – violation of the seat belt law

Alan E. Fortner – violation of the seat belt law

Dustie Y. Grisham – violation of the seat belt law

Billy Ray Chapman – violation of the seat belt law

Linda Sue Ballew – violation of the seat belt law

Bryan Hall – violation of the seat belt law

Henry Allen Capps – violations of the seat belt and financial responsibility laws

Allison Ann Green – failure to appear for public intoxication and violations of the child restraint, financial responsibility and driver’s license laws

Ryan Hamilton – failure to appear

Rebecca Lee June Branson – theft of merchandise under $500

Justin Travis Cope – driving on a revoked license, theft involving merchandise

Michael Charles Hardy – driving on a suspended license

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Tazewell Police Dept.

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Penny Michelle Collins – driving under the influence, violation of the financial responsibility law

Andrew Scott Moses – speeding 59/45, driving on a suspended license, violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Willie Jones Smith – violations of the light, registration, financial responsibility and failure to carry driver’s license laws

Thelma Jane Lovin – failure to yield right of way

Christopher Allen Mathis – possession of a schedule II drugs, public intoxication

Christopher Allen Edwards – possession of a schedule IV drugs

Michael Alan Mitchell Jr. – violations of the driver’s license and financial responsibility laws

Timothy Alan Slezak – driving on a revoked license

Jerry Allen Hurst – possession of drug paraphernalia

Angel R. Russell – possession of drug paraphernalia

Crystal Gayle Eldridge – possession of drug paraphernalia

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Tennessee Hwy. Patrol

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Kelvin Lynn Chumley – driving under the influence, violation of the implied consent law

David Lee Johnston – driving under the influence

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Public-Records.jpg

It looks as though a significant portion of county residents are in favor of taking the controversial jail expansion project to a public vote. The first of several planned referendum petition drives, held last Thursday at Springdale School, drew voters from both sides of the fence.

A steady stream of citizens waited patiently in line to sign their names to the petition as others milled around the school cafeteria, discussing the topic with one another. Although hesitant to give their names, some were more than happy to express how they felt about the matter.

One county resident, in particular, questioned the feasibility of “controlling” the inmates lodged in such an immense jail if its size were to double.

A few residents came and left without signing the petition. Others seemed to expect official speeches rather than the more casual approach taken by those heading up the petition drive.

First district county commissioners Whitt Shuford and Charlton Vass were present to answer questions, and were seen deep in discussion with differing groups.

During one such group discussion, Shuford addressed the apparently worrisome tax levy question.

“Should the jail not be able to sustain itself, we have been told that property taxes could go up as much as 43 cents per one hundred. And, that’s a very big ‘if,” because there’s no contract or anything guaranteeing that that revenue source (the housing of federal prisoners) is going to be here for the duration of the bond or the loan,” said Shuford.

One resident asked why the old Claiborne Courthouse Jail could not be used as an overflow area, of sorts, to house the less violent offenders.

Shuford said that proposition had been discussed several times during past Jail Committee meetings. The logistics and higher costs, he said, of keeping prisoners in two entirely different locations are just not feasible.

The county could increase its revenues by about $100,000, Shuford said, by reducing the amount paid to each of the 21 county commissioners.

Currently, each commissioner receives $350 per month. That amount could be whittled to $100 per month, he said.

That savings could go to replace any revenues lost from discontinuing the housing of federal inmates, said Shuford.

“We are backing this petition to give the taxpayers the ability to vote and decide whether they want the jail expansion – not to quash the project,” said Shuford.

There must be a minimum 1,600 signatures from registered county voters to insure the drafting of a resolution calling for a public vote. If the signatures are acquired, the county commission will then decide whether to adopt the referendum resolution.

If the resolution fails, by state law the county will not be able to move forward to acquire the necessary bonds to build the jail expansion.

Anyone interested in signing the petition, helping with the drive or has questions about the issue may contact Joe Brooks at 865-898-3592.

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

Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress First district county commissioner Whitt Shuford, right, speaks with a concerned resident about the controversial Claiborne Jail expansion project during a referendum petition drive last Thursday at the Springdale School.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Shuford-petition-drive-pic.jpgJan Runions | Claiborne Progress First district county commissioner Whitt Shuford, right, speaks with a concerned resident about the controversial Claiborne Jail expansion project during a referendum petition drive last Thursday at the Springdale School.

Two men ended up behind bars Sunday evening after a Bell County officer followed up on a text message he received on his cell phone.

According to a press release from the Bell County Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Patrick Brooks received a text message on his cell phone Sunday afternoon. The content of the text message led Brooks to believe the sender was attempting to sell morphine, a first-degree controlled substance. After receiving the text message, Brooks, along with deputies Joel Quillen and Michael Bradley and Det. Doug Jordan, arranged a meeting for a drug buy with the sender of the text message.

Officials say two males – identified as Jerry Jones, of Middlesboro, Kentucky, and Joseph Brooks, of Harrogate, showed up at the prearranged meeting location of the First State Financial parking lot. Officers say upon the two men arriving at the meeting location they initiated a traffic stop on their vehicle.

According to the officers, they identified themselves to the two gentlemen and the pair failed to comply with their orders. The release goes on to state a search of the vehicle located the morphine pills discussed in the text message sent to Brooks as well as the cell phone which was used to send the text message to the officer. Jones and Brooks were subsequently arrested at 8:42 p.m., and were then lodged in the Bell County Detention Center.

Jones was charged with first-degree trafficking a controlled substance, first-degree possession of a controlled substance and prescription controlled substance not in original container. Brooks was charged with first-degree trafficking a controlled substance, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, prescription controlled substance not in original container and tampering with physical evidence.

Joseph Brooks

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Joseph-Brooks-mug.jpgJoseph Brooks

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.

Dogwood Heights Baptist Church

Weekly services at Dogwood Heights Baptist Church include: Tis So Sweet Café Worship, Sunday from 8:30-9:45 a.m.; Sunday School at 10 a.m.; Worship Service at 11 a.m.; Evening Worship at 6 p.m. Wednesday evening – Bible Study at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited. Pastor, Travis Pressnell, Youth Pastor, Charlie Longworth.

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.

Indian Creek Baptist Church

Indian Creek Baptist Church’s regular monthly singing will be March 13 at 6 p.m. Special singers will be the Scott Family from Ewing, Virginia. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Meyers Grove Primitive Baptist Church

Meyers Grove Primitive Baptist Church will have Women’s Bible Study every Saturday at 4 p.m. All ladies and their friends are invited to come and study together.

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.

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

A new Weight Watchers meeting is starting Wednesdays at 5 p.m. and a new Zumba class has started every Thursday and Saturday at 9 a.m. at the New Tazewell United Methodist Church. Classes are $3 each. They will meet in the Fellowship Hall of NTUMC. For information call Vickie at 423-801-3335.

Regional Education Center

The Regional Education Center, an FBC Ministry Center, is located at 1724 Epps Street in Tazewell. They distribute 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.

Riverside Baptist Church

Riverside Baptist Church will welcome the Warwick Family March 13 at 11 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend. Pastor, K.J. Zumbrum.

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.

Stand In The Gap

Please join the Stand in the Gap Coalition for prayer the first Tuesday of each month from 5-6 p.m. at the Stand in the Gap Coalition office located at 502 Pennlyn Ave. in Cumberland Gap. The next prayer meeting will be April 5.

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.

TNT Church of Living God

TNT Church of Living God, located at 790 Davis Drive, New Tazewell, invites everyone to come and hear Rev. Anthony Noe preaching Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.

Twin City Baptist Church

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

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 cookbooks are available. We have just received our new cookbooks. They have 500 wonderful recipes and sell for $10 each. There will be a limited number of cookbooks, so get your copy now, before they are sold out. It would make an excellent Christmas or shower gift. There will be several people in the area selling them, or you can call 423-626-2674 or 865-278-6882 or 865-352-9965. Thank you so much for your support.

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 Spay and Neuter

The Animal Welfare League of Claiborne County is sponsoring a free spay/neuter for dogs and cats in the Claiborne County area for families with income less than $30,000 per year, depending upon the number of people in the household. Pick up applications at Harrogate Hospital for Animals, Russell Veterinary Services or Rowland Veterinary Services. You can also request spay applications at awlccspay@gmail.com . Complete application, including proof of income and mail to AWLCC, 200 Hatfield Morgan Lane, New Tazewell, TN 37825 or scan/email to email address above. Be sure to include a phone number.

Town of Tazewell Brush Pickup

Brush pickup for the residents of the Town of Tazewell is resuming. A maximum quantity of two brush piles 4 ft. wide x 4 ft. tall x 10 ft. long will be collected from each household per visit. Brush and limbs shall be neatly stacked in 4 ft. x 4 ft. piles with the ends facing the same direction. Exceptions: Leaves or other debris may not be mixed with brush. No stumps will be picked up or limbs larger than 6 inches in diameter. Brush must be brought to the curbside and not placed in the street or on sidewalks. Lumber or construction waste materials will not be collected. No commercial, industrial, construction, or land clearing projects are included in the brush collection program. To schedule pickup call the Tazewell City Hall at 626-5104.

Claiborne County School Board

The Claiborne County Board of Education will meet at Cumberland Gap High School on March 10 at 6 p.m. for the purpose of the regular monthly session. The public is invited to attend.

Commodity Distribution

ETHRA Community Action Agency, funded in part by an agreement with the Department of Agriculture, will distribute USDA Commodities for Claiborne County on this date: Friday, March 11, at the Tri-State Growers (Farmers Market), Tazewell, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. As a reminder to Clairfield residents you can only pick up commodities in Tazewell. You will need a commodity card to pick up commodities. The current commodity cards are yellow. Please call the office at 973-3669 extension 5304, 5305 and 5313 to make sure staff is available to take commodity applications if you don’t have a card. No applications will be taken at the Friday distribution. The ETHRA staff will be working out of the office during the week of the commodity distribution and may not be available for applications. We will be at the distribution site during the above hours or until the food supply is gone. Tazewell distribution will be Friday only. Please bring a box or bag.

Egg Hunt

First Century Bank’s Annual Egg Hunt will be held at the Jaycee’s Fair Barn on March 12. Activities will start at noon with the Egg Hunt following at 1 p.m. The rain date will be March 19, same place and time.

CCSWA Board

The Claiborne County Solid Waste Authority Board will meet for the regular monthly meeting on March 14 at 6 p.m. in the large courtroom at the Claiborne County Courthouse.

Bereavement Support Group

The death of a loved one by suicide presents special problems in grieving. There is often more shock, a greater sense of injustice, more guilt and blame and a heightened sense of helplessness – and these all tend to complicate the healing process for survivors. You are not alone.

There is a safe place in this community for survivors (families and loved ones of suicide victims) to share their loss with others who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings. Surviving Our Loss After Suicide (SOLAS) is a bereavement support group that will provide help, hope and healing. Groups are open to all adult survivors of suicide and will be held at The Well Being Foundation, 557 Narrows Road, Tazewell, TN 37879. To reach Well Being, go approximately 8.1 miles from the stop light at Cedar Fork Road then turn left on Narrows Road. The meetings will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Upcoming dates are March 15, April 5, April 19, May 3, May 17, June 7, June 21, July 19, Aug. 2, Aug. 16, Sept. 6, Sept. 20, Oct. 4 and Oct. 18. For more information call Tammy Wilson, facilitator, at 865-585-2917.

Lunch and Learn

Claiborne Medical Center is having a free Lunch and Learn community education seminar on March 16 at noon. Dr. Philip Serbin, a urologist with Hamblen Urology Clinic and a member of the CMC medical staff, will present information on ‘Urology/Prostate Issues and Treatment Options’. The seminar will be held in the hospital’s downstairs conference room, and lunch is provided. For more information, or to make a reservation for this event, please call Betsy Maples at 423-526-2192.

Clinch Valley Beekeeping Association

Clinch Valley Beekeeping Association will meet March 19 from 1-3 p.m. at the Treadway Fire Hall on Highway 131. For registration and information contact Wanda Coleman at 423-944-3230.

Finance Committee

The Claiborne County Finance Committee will meet at the Claiborne Finance Office on March 21 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

Jail Committee

The Claiborne County Correctional Partnership Act Committee (commonly known as the Jail Committee) will meet at the training room of the Justice Center on March 24 at 4:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, Alzheimer’s Support Group will meet the last Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Laurel Manor Nursing Facility. The next meeting will be March 31. Community partners: Alzheimer’s Tennessee; Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice; Laurel Manor Nursing Facility; Lambert Bookkeeping & Financial Services; Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, Inc.; Claiborne-Overholt Funeral Home; Eastridge Apartments LLC; Claiborne County Office on Aging. Everyone welcome.

Claiborne Animal Shelter

The annual Claiborne Animal Shelter Fundraiser will be held April 2 at the Cumberland Gap Convention Center. The cost is $100 per plate for the banquet and silent auction. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. To reserve your seat, you may call the Shelter at 423-626-2686. To reserve a spot and pay in advance, go online to: www.claiborneanimalshelter.com.

Free Computer Classes

The Claiborne County Public Library will be offering free computer classes starting April 4. These classes will introduce first-time computer users to common computer terms and features, such as: How to use a computer; parts of a computer; email, Facebook, etc.; Microsoft Word; TEL; R.E.A.D.S. All classes will last for six weeks and participants will need to call and sign up beforehand. Classes will be held Mondays from 10 a.m. until noon. For more information and to register call the library at 423-626-5414. There will be no class the week of May 2 due to the library’s annual spring book sale.

American Legion Post #109

All veterans are invited to attend monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is April 12. Activities begin at 6 p.m. with a meal. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at 335 Fulkerson Street in Tazewell.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.