Citizens Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for Citizens Bank, announced last week it will transition two branches to ATM only locations.

“Upcoming changes for Citizens Bank will come in forms large and small, including the transition of some banking locations. Citizens Bank is a team dedicated to delivering better banking solutions with agility, speed and innovation. Due to this we have pledged to evolve in steps with the communities we serve while operating the bank soundly and profitably. The moves we are making over the next several months will put that promise into action,” stated Ken Jones, president and CEO of Citizens Bank.

The Tazewell branch located at 1582 North Broad Street is less than two miles from another Citizens Bank location.

These two locations will be combined, according to a release from Citizens Bank. The other location is the Bean Station branch located at 2250 Broadway Drive. This location will transition to the Morristown office which is only six miles away. Both locations will be transitioned to ATM only branches. The transitioning of the two branches is scheduled for July 1.

“This shift is part of a “No More Banking As Usual” growth plan that we have developed over the past two years and are now beginning to implement. Making the decision to consolidate and transition branches is never easy. However, we carefully considered our customers’ needs while looking towards the future growth of the bank. Citizens Bank now offers services that enable our customers to take care of their banking needs without making daily visits to a branch. Over the past few years, we have noticed customers are favoring our services that offer the greatest convenience and our goal is to deliver those services that fit our customer’s needs. Because of the advances in technology through online banking, mobile banking, online bill pay, and mobile check deposit, our customers can conveniently bank with us anytime from anywhere,” stated Jones.

Customers were notified by letter that all accounts will be transferred after closing on July 1 to nearby branches.

“The board has a long-held loyalty to our customers and communities, and we actively seek opportunities to improve as a company,” said board chairman Roger Ball. “This change enables the bank to provide customers with a superior experience, quality products and beneficial services. With our new convenient services, we are confident in our ability to continue to serve our customers and this decision underscores our commitment to increasing shareholder value.”

Citizens Bank has branch offices in the East Tennessee communities of New Tazewell, Harrogate and Morristown.

For more information, please visit the Citizens Bank website at www.citizensbanktn.com or call 1-800-977-2265 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/citizensbanktn.

Tazewell officials are in the midst of mulling the creation of an Industrial Development board for their city. However, some on the board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA) would rather drop the idea.

A motion was made by alderman Ben Enix during the regular March meeting to table the matter, making it clear he would prefer having the entire board present to discuss the issue.

Alderpersons Dot Patterson and Patrick Hurley were absent during the meeting, which would have laid the heavier burden of the decision on the backs of just four council members.

Alderwoman Betsy Shoffner, who seconded the motion, said the creation of a city industrial board seems a bit much, considering there are no properties to create new industrial endeavors and no funds in the city coffers to buy more land.

Shoffner said that all members of the board had not discussed the proposal and that she would like more information on the subject.

“We’ve not even discussed who would be on that board,” said Shoffner.

Craig Whitaker, who is the chairman of the Tazewell Planning Commission, said during a recent telephone interview that the creation of an industrial development board would bring new opportunities to the city from the state level.

“We stand to lose millions of dollars in grant money because we have no industrial board. The government is focusing on economic community development, right now,” said Whitaker.

The Planning Commission created and the BMA approved an Economic Corridor within the Tazewell city limits. That corridor provides no property taxes and “works off” only the sales taxes generated from those businesses, he said.

The BMA is expected to pick up this matter for discussion during the regular monthly meeting in April.

In other action, the council unanimously approved the addition of police officer Jacob Day to the Tazewell force.

The recent rock slide on I-75 and its subsequent influx of traffic through town prompted a change in timing of the lights at the intersection of 25E heading toward Morristown.

Police chief Mark Lamb said the timing of the left turn lane, which has been increased from 27 seconds to 50 seconds, is helping to move the traffic along.

The BMA unanimously approved a $5,000 police department equipment grant that will go towards the purchases of cameras, laptops and smaller gear like flashlights.

The city received a clean bill of health during its audit report, completed by Mitchell, Emert & Hill.

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

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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Johnny Lee Baker – domestic assault

Jessica Renee Gent – three counts simple assault

Zacari Dalton Cupp – warrant for statutory rape

Gary Wayne Lawton – violation of the protection to life laws

Joey Honeycutt Jr. – unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, filing a false report, pending federal charges

Robert Brandon Poore – introduction of contraband into a penal facility, outstanding warrants for felony evading arrest, resisting stop, halt, frisk and driving on a revoked license, violation of probation for leaving county residence or state without permission and failure to pay probation fees

April Lauren Hammond – introduction of contraband into a penal facility

Jennifer Alicia Hare – driving under the influence (second offense), introduction of contraband into a penal facility, possession of a schedule II drugs and drug paraphernalia, violation of the implied consent law

Jason Lynn Moore – outstanding child support attachment

Clint Luke Short – capias/bench warrant, violation of probation for failure to appear, new charges for failure to appear

Jonathan Dwayne McDonald – violation of probation for attempted statutory rape

Gryphon Scott Buis – violations of probation for driving under the influence and theft under $500, failure to appear for driving under the influence

Candace Dawn Thomas – violation of probation for attempted theft under $500, failure to appear for theft of property under $500

Susan D. Scearce – violation of probation for driving on a suspended license, failure to appear for possession of drug paraphernalia and driving on a suspended license

Jennifer Lee Ray – failure to appear for criminal trespassing, new charge of driving on a revoked license

Larissa Nicole Walters – failure to appear for violation of the driver’s license law (citation)

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New Tazewell Police Dept.

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Estill Herman Yaden – domestic assault, resisting arrest

Heather Marie Knuckles – tampering with evidence, possession of a schedule II and a schedule IV drugs

John Lewis Daniel II – tampering with evidence, possession of a schedule IV drugs

Charles Coty Littrell – reckless driving, disorderly conduct

Travis Lee Seals – speeding 71/45, violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Ashlynn Paige Estep – speeding 81/45, driving on a suspended license

David Wayne Taylor – speeding 68/45

Benjamin Kyle Hoskins – speeding 53/30

Adam Hollis Rasnic – speeding 50/30

Micheal P. Reece – speeding 65/45

Creed Cail Caylor – speeding 61/45

Sherry Mea Neal – violations of the light and driver’s license carry laws

Sheri Marie Painter – violation of the light law

Bryce Anthony Dalton – violation of the light law

Randy Allen Dobbs Jr. – violation of the traffic control device law, driving on a suspended license

Peggy A. Cook – violation of the traffic control device law

William Cody Lemarr – violation of the seat belt law (driver), failure to exercise due care

James David Muse II – violation of the seat belt law (driver) (second offense)

Joey Douglas Brooks – violation of the seat belt law (driver) (second offense)

Joyce B. Hensley – violation of the seat belt law (driver)

Anthony Douglas Jones – violation of the seat belt law (driver)

Jessica Mae Eads – violation of the seat belt law (driver)

Thomas Casey Mosingo – violation of the seat belt law (driver)

Bobby Lee Seals – violation of the seat belt law (driver)

Elizabeth Diane Ellis – violation of the seat belt law (driver)

Anthony Dewey Mobley – violation of the seat belt law (driver)

Emma Sue Cox – violation of the seat belt law (driver)

Chelsea Rena Greer – violation of the seat belt law (driver)

Craig Sanford Farmer – violation of the seat belt law (passenger) (fourth offense)

Erica J. Walker – violation of the seat belt law (passenger)

Donald R. Noah – violation of the seat belt law (passenger)

Rozelio Dominguez – violations of the seat belt, light and registration laws

Adam Joseph Kitts – violations of the seat belt, registration and financial responsibility laws

Clinton Dale Buchanan – violations of the seat belt and registration laws

Micheal Anthony Meyers – violation of the seat belt law (second offense)

Gina Marie Healy – violation of the seat belt law

Jeffery F. Chittum – violation of the seat belt law

Tabitha Johnson – violation of the seat belt law

Jacob Tyler Walker – violation of the seat belt law

Ashley Nicole Pendleton – violation of the seat belt law

Sherry Renee Billingsley – violation of the seat belt law

Daniel Ray Johnson – violation of the seat belt law

Adam Wesley Yeary – violation of the seat belt law

Allison Collins – violation of the seat belt law

Mary Ann Delph – violation of the seat belt law

Travis Scott Baker – violation of the seat belt law

Della L. Greer – violation of the seat belt law

Jamie L. Mullins – violation of the seat belt law

Casey D. Hill – violation of the seat belt law

George Horace Yoakum Jr. – violation of the seat belt law

Billy Ray Allen – violation of the seat belt law

Anthony Wayne England – violation of the seat belt law

Tony Russell Gilbert – violation of the seat belt law

Blake DeWayne Fuson – violation of the seat belt law

Billy Joel Collins – violation of the seat belt law

Cody Lee Elliot – violation of the seat belt law

Leroy Cheek – violation of the seat belt law

Anna Lee Bolden – violation of the seat belt law

Charles Douglas Hoskins – violation of the seat belt law

Abby Mary Chittum – violation of the seat belt law

Kristy Lynn Davis – violations of probation for theft under $500, failure to appear for criminal trespassing and theft involving merchandise, new charge of criminal trespassing

Cynthia Ann Sharp – violation of probation

Kevin Eugene Dalton – driving on a revoked license (second offense), violation of the financial responsibility law

Mary Elizabeth Goins – driving on a suspended license, violations of the seat belt and financial responsibility laws

Dustin Rimmer Sanders – violation of the registration law

Tony Russell Gilbert – violation of the financial responsibility law

Tina Marie Seabolt – disorderly conduct

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Tazewell Police Dept.

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Herbert Ricky Irvin – outstanding child support attachment, capias/bench warrant

Michael Jerry Kolodin – speeding 66/45

Gary John Wagner – speeding 62/45

Jaclyn Beth Moore – speeding 62/45

James L. Robinette Jr. – speeding 60/45

Kristen Dakota Dixon – failure to yield right of way

Brandi Renee McGhee – possession of a schedule IV with intent to sale and deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia

Matthew Joseph Lucas Hopson – failure to appear for violations of the seat belt and registration laws

Ashley Patterson – violations of the driver’s license, registration and financial responsibility laws

Rachel Michele Mason – violations of the registration (altered license plate) and financial responsibility laws

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Public-Records-3.jpg

The Division of Humanities at Walters State Community College invites area residents to enjoy its spring cultural events. Unless otherwise noted, events are free.

• Ashton Ludden exhibit: A printmaker from Knoxville, Ludden’s artworks explore how humans relate to the animal world. The exhibit continues through April 8 in the Catron Gallery of the R. Jack Fishman Library. Ludden will discuss the processes involved in creating her prints on March 23 at 10 a.m. in the Judge William H. Inman Humanities Complex Theatre.

• The Sensations Pops Concert is scheduled for April 1 from 2-7:30 p.m. in the Judge William H. Inman Humanities Complex Theatre. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for students. For reservations, call 423-585-6922.

• The play “Proof,” by David H. Auburn, opens on April 14 in the Judge William H. Inman Humanities Complex Theatre. Shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on April 14, 15 and 16, and for 2:30 p.m. on April 16 and 17. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for students. For reservations, call 423-585-6922.

• The Eighth Annual Cliffy Awards will be held in the Student Services Building Lyceum on April 21 at 4 p.m.

• The Tennessee High School Speech and Drama Tournament is scheduled for April 22 and 23 in the Judge William H. Inman Humanities Complex Theatre. The tournament begins at 1 p.m. on April 22 and at 8 a.m. on April 23.

• The Community Band Concert is set for April 23 at 3 p.m. in the Jack E. Campbell College Center, “Z” Buda Gymnasium.

• The Spring Choral Concert is set for April 29 at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Morristown.

• An opening reception for the Walters State Student Art Exhibition is set for April 29 from 5-7 p.m. in the Catron Gallery in the R. Jack Fishman Library. The exhibit continues through Sept. 16.

• The Walters State Community Chorale Concert is set for May 3 at 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Morristown.

Sevier County Campus

• The 9th Annual Evening of Bluegrass with Chip McLain and the High Lonesome Senate is set for May 3 at 7 p.m. in the Connor-Short Center, (CAPE)-104. Admission is by donation to the Walters State Folklore Club.

For more information on any of these events, call the Division of Humanities at 423-585-6922.

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.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — An American couple missing since the terrorist attack at the Brussels international airport were confirmed dead Saturday, according to statements from their employers.

Justin Shults, 30, a Gatlinburg, Tennessee native, and his wife Stephanie Shults, who grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, had not been seen since Tuesday.

Shults’ employer, Clarcor, said in a post on its website Saturday that he died in the bombing.

“We grieve with the family and continue to offer our support as they mourn this unimaginable loss,” the company wrote. Shults has been with the company, which makes filtration products, since 2012. He was a member of the global finance team and had lived with his wife in Brussels since 2014.

Mars, Incorporated, Stephanie Shults’ employer, wrote in a Facebook post Saturday evening that they learned from her family that she and her husband were both killed in the attack.

“We are mourning the loss of our colleague and friend. Our hearts and thoughts are with their families, and with all those who are suffering during this terrible time,” the Facebook post said.

The announcement brings to an end their family’s agonizing search for the couple.

Shults’ brother, Levi Sutton, wrote on social media Saturday that Shults had “traveled the world, leaving each destination better than when he arrived.”

“We found out today that cowards took my brother’s life just weeks after his 30th birthday,” Sutton wrote in a Twitter post. “He worked hard his whole life and achieved goals that most could only dream about.”

Relatives described them as generous and kind, who moved to Brussels for work and made the most of their European lives. They traveled to a new country every month and invited their American relatives to visit.

The couple graduated together from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management in 2009.

They were dropping Stephanie’s mother off at the airport. They waved goodbye to her just moments before the bombs went off, a family member said. Her mother, Carolyn Moore, was knocked to the ground by the explosion. She searched but could not find them in the chaos.

The suicide bombings at the airport and a city subway station killed 31 people, though the death toll could rise as more people are identified.

“Today, we are heartbroken to learn that Stephanie and Justin Shults are among the many lives cut short as a result of the barbaric terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium,” Kentucky congressman Andy Barr wrote in a statement. “We will never forget this daughter of Kentucky, the anguish felt by her family, nor the evil that took her from us.”

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis is celebrating Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, where tens of thousands of faithful are patiently enduring tight security to be near him.

Police are checking the handbags and backpacks of tourists, pilgrims, Romans and journalists who are streaming toward the square for the pontiff’s traditional noontime blessing and speech on world affairs.

For years, Islamist extremists in social media have listed as potential targets the Vatican and Rome, which hosts the headquarters of the Roman Catholic church.

Francis last week in two public appearances denounced those carrying out “terrorist acts” while profaning God’s name.

The pope appeared solemn Sunday as he sprinkled incense around the altar set up on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Christians in the Holy Land and across the world are celebrating Easter, commemorating the day followers believe Jesus was resurrected in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago.

The cavernous Holy Sepulcher church in Jerusalem was packed with worshippers on Sunday. The site is where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.

A Mass is expected later in Bethlehem’s Nativity Church, built atop the site where Christians believe Jesus was born.

At the Vatican, Pope Francis presided over a solemn vigil service Saturday night. In his homily, Francis said darkness and fear must not prevail and “imprison” the world with pessimism. The call to hope on the eve of the most joyful celebration in the Christian calendar contrasted sharply with his condemnation of the attacks in Belgium and elsewhere by Islamic extremists.

Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) has been ranked No. 2 by U.S. News and World Report in medical schools that produce the highest percentage of primary care residents. The ranking is based on 2013-2015 data averages.

“LMU-DCOM was founded with a mission to address the critical health care shortages in Appalachia and beyond,” said Brian A. Kessler, DO, FACOFP, vice president and dean of LMU-DCOM. “Clearly, this U.S. News and World Report data illustrates that the University and its graduates are fulfilling this mission. We are proud to be delivering as promised, but we aren’t sitting on our laurels. The provider to patient deficits in primary care are a real threat to the health care system of our country, and as one of the largest medical schools in the United States, LMU is taking new and innovative approaches to meeting these needs.”

Approximately 80 percent of the members of the class of 2015 LMU-DCOM entered their first year of residency training in a primary care residency, including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, emergency medicine, osteopathic manipulative medicine and transitional year/traditional rotating internship. In 2015, 60.69 percent of graduates were placed into osteopathic residency programs. 36.55 percent accepted residency positions with allopathic programs and 2.76 percent are going into military programs. Approximately 25 percent of the graduating class placed into programs within the Appalachian region, and 7 percent within the state of Tennessee.

According to the American Osteopathic Association, 56 percent of doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.s) in active practice are primary care physicians. D.O.s are one of two types of fully licensed physicians in the United States. Both D.O. and M.D. schools offer similar, rigorous medical education, but approach the practice of medicine from distinct philosophies. D.O.s emphasize a whole-person approach to treatment and care, and focus on prevention to help people get healthy and stay well. D.O.s also receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment used to diagnose, treat and prevent illness and injury. Osteopathic medicine continually ranks among the fastest-growing disciplines in health care in the United States.

The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate. LMU-DCOM is an integral part of LMU’s values-based learning community, and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians to provide health care in the often underserved region of Appalachia and beyond. For more information about LMU-DCOM, call 1-800-325-0900, ext. 7108, email dcom@lmunet.edu, or visit us online at www.lmunet.edu/dcom.

Judge Shayne Sexton processed several plea agreements recently during hearings in Claiborne County Criminal Court, including one for Jacob Hurst, 26, charged with burglary, vandalism under $500, theft over $10,000, theft over $1,000 and theft over $500.

Hurst was sentenced to a concurrent six years confinement with credit for 309 days jail time already served. Monetary obligations and restitution will be determined during a hearing on April 4.

Chad James Dean McDaniel, 31, initially charged with robbery, had his case amended to aggravated burglary. McDaniel was sentenced to five years Community Corrections. He forfeits $75 to the Economic Crime Fund. Restitution will be determined during a hearing on April 4.

Basil DeWayne Gilpin, 39, charged with burglary other than a habitation, was sentenced to six years at 35 percent confinement. Gilpin must pay $75 in restitution through parole to Kentucky Pawn in Middlesboro. He must stay at least 1,000 ft. away from the Tazewell Church of God.

Morgan Patterson, 21, initially charged with criminal conspiracy, introduction of contraband into a penal facility and possession of a schedule III controlled substance, had her charges reduced to attempted introduction of contraband into a penal facility. Patterson was sentenced to two years at 30 percent confinement. This sentence runs concurrently with all prior convictions.

Pamela Gail Brooks, 54, initially charged with theft of property under $60,000, had her charge amended to accessory after the fact. Brooks was sentenced to a split confinement of four years TDOC supervised probation with 30 days confinement. She was given credit for 19 days jail time already served. Brooks must pay at least $100 per month in court costs beginning 30 days after release from confinement and forfeits $75 to the Economic Crime Fund.

Christopher Allen Vanover, 28, charged with attempted aggravated burglary, theft over $1,000 and joyriding, was sentenced to a split confinement of four years TDOC supervised probation with 60 days confinement. Vanover was given credit for 18 days jail time already served. He must pay at least $50 per month in court costs beginning 30 days after release from jail. Vanover forfeits $75 to the Economic Crime Fund and is barred from any contact with his victims. As a condition of his probationary status, he must enroll in adult literacy classes.

James Howard Owens Jr., 59, charged with attempted burglary, was sentenced to a split confinement of two years TDOC supervised probation with 37 days confinement. Owens was given credit for 37 days jail time already served. He must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and was ordered to vacate the property owned by one of his victims within 30 days. He is barred from any contact with his victims and must stay at least 1,000 ft. from them and their property.

Herbert Ayers, 43, charged with possession of a schedule III controlled substance with the intent to sell, was sentenced to a split confinement of four years TDOC supervised probation with one day confinement. Ayers was given credit for one day jail time already served. He must pay at least $150 per month in court costs and a $2,000 fine.

Joey Lee Sincell, 31, charged with escape and theft over $1,000, was sentenced to a concurrent two years confinement. This case runs consecutively to a prior criminal court case.

Kayla Danielle Johnson, 24, charged with theft over $1,000, was sentenced to four years at 30 percent confinement. Johnson was given credit for any jail time already served since the offense date of June 12, 2015. Johnson is eligible to apply to Drug Court. If she is accepted, this sentence will be suspended and she will be released to that facility. Restitution will be determined during a hearing on April 4. This sentence runs concurrently with a prior violation of probation case.

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

Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) President B. James Dawson recently announced that Dr. Jonathan Leo has been appointed vice president for student and enrollment services.

“Dr. Leo played an integral role in launching our medical school a decade ago and has become an important asset to the university as a whole,” Dawson said. “He is well-respected among the students, faculty and staff as well as the community, and will provide the leadership needed to meet the growth of LMU over the next decade.”

Prior to his appointment, Leo served as assistant provost for medical programs, chair of the anatomy department and professor of neuroanatomy at Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM). Leo came to LMU in 2006 as the associate dean of students for LMU-DCOM and served in that capacity until 2015. During that time, applicant numbers for LMU-DCOM grew from over 2,000 for the first class, translating to 13 candidates for each seat, to over 5,000 applicants for the Class of 2020, or 20 applicants per seat. He launched the Anatomy Boot Camp program which has grown from 40 students to nearly 100. Leo also has been involved in helping create international partnerships between LMU and universities in China and Australia.

Leo received his Ph.D. in anatomy from the University of Iowa and his B.A. from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Leo has written numerous textbook chapters including chapters on neurophysiology and neuropharmacology for several leading textbooks. He has also been published in numerous scientific journals. His articles have been published in the Public Library of Science, Medicine (PLoS Medicine), Issues in Science and Technology, Chronicle of Higher Education, Slate, Society, Psychological Medicine, and Developmental Brain Research and covered by numerous media outlets including WebMD, Medscape, Nature, Forbes, Slate, The Scientist and The Wall Street Journal.

Leo will draw on his over 20 years of experience in higher education in his new position at LMU. He will be a member of the President’s Cabinet and will oversee the Student and Enrollment Services division which includes undergraduate admissions, student retention, student services, financial aid and student support services.

“I have truly enjoyed being part of launching LMU’s medical school and working with our staff to grow its enrollment,” Leo said. “LMU has an extraordinary opportunity for growth in its enrollment for all programs, and I look forward to continue upholding its mission while working to grow our institution with the faculty, staff and students in my new role.”

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.

Dr. Jonathan Leo

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Leo-Jonathan.jpgDr. Jonathan Leo

Tito Charles, 30, of Greeneville, Tennessee, was sentenced to serve 15 years in federal prison by the Honorable J. Ronnie Greer, U.S. District Judge on March 14. Upon his release from prison, Charles will be supervised for 10 years by U.S. Probation.

According to a news release, Charles pleaded guilty to a federal indictment charging him with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. He was obtaining high purity methamphetamine from sources of supply near Atlanta, Georgia, and Chattanooga, and distributing the drug in East Tennessee. In February 2015, Greene County deputies arrested Charles in a parking lot in Greeneville, with approximately one pound of methamphetamine and $31,391 in cash. He was released on bond later that same day. In March 2015, a multi-agency team investigating the drug trafficking network that Charles was a part of and arrested him again as he was transporting an additional pound of methamphetamine into Greene County via Highway 172.

This investigation was a collaborative effort of several law enforcement agencies including the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office, Third Judicial Drug Task Force, Greeneville Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance in the prosecution of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Christian Lampe represented the United States.

The Claiborne County Extension Office would like to announce that the annual 4-H Steer and Heifer Show will be held on April 21 at 6 p.m. The show will be at the Claiborne County Fairgrounds in Tazewell.

We invite everyone to come out and see our hard working 4-H members and their project animals. These young people have put in a lot of hard work to train, groom, and care for their animals and they would like for you to see what showing cattle is all about. It is a fun way for everyone involved to gain knowledge and experience while making new friends.

Our steer and heifer show is also a great time to talk with the 4-H members and parents about buying a beef animal for your home freezer. If you wait until the end of the show season, all the steers may be sold. This will be the best beef you’ve ever eaten. These 4-H members will be selling choice beef at the end of the show season and a whole beef or a half a beef may be available for you and your family. Get your name on the list now, you won’t regret it! If you have any questions call 423-626-3742 and ask for Kallie Hopper or Matt McGinnis.

Come on out and enjoy a visit with tomorrow’s farmers, today.

Courtesy photo 4-H youth proudly show their beef cattle at multiple shows yearly with the support of family and friends. Great job everyone!

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_IMG_3873.jpgCourtesy photo 4-H youth proudly show their beef cattle at multiple shows yearly with the support of family and friends. Great job everyone!

The Claiborne Jail Committee decided during its regular monthly meeting last week to move forward with some $700,000 in state mandated renovations – updates that had been worked into the original costs of the jail expansion project.

Most of the committee members seemed a bit dejected while discussing the prospect of losing the ability to acquire some $12.2 million in bonds to cover the expansion.

The project is in limbo while the 4,000 plus signatures from the recent referendum petition drive are counted by the Claiborne Election Commission. Just 1,557 signatures are needed to be certified as belonging to registered county voters to bring the issue to the ballot.

According to the state, the Election Commission may stop the count once 1,800 signatures are certified, said David Mundy, who is a member of the jail committee and the chairman of the full Claiborne Commission.

The county commissioners will then have the option to either take a vote on the referendum resolution or “do nothing,” he said.

“It will be voted down, either way. It will be a dead issue,” said Mundy.

However, according to county mayor Jack Daniels, that might not necessarily be the case.

“If it’s taken to a public vote, it could pass,” said Daniels.

The committee spent a bit of time discussing the possible decertification of the jail, if the expansion project is stopped.

Daniels asked for a time limit on decertification if the bond issue is voted down and jail overcrowding continues.

“Right now, it’s an educated guess,” said Wayne Lee, chief deputy of the Claiborne Sheriff’s Office.

Lee, Sheriff David Ray and Officer Larry Martin are scheduled to appear before the Board of Control in June to present a Plan of Action. At that time, the three men will need to convince the state board that the county is showing measurable progress in addressing the issue of overcrowding, Lee said.

“We’ll need to explain what we’ve done during the last year. The board will then decide whether to grant us another year of accreditation,” said Lee.

Losing certification will mean losing the ability to house federal prisoners and the revenues generated from those inmates, he said.

Committee chairman Steve Mason addressed the possibility of being sued if overcrowding continues. He asked whether another bond issue could be granted “down the road” if the county is forced to expand its jail at a later date.

“This petition for a referendum vote applies only to this particular bond issue,” said Sam Owens, county finance officer.

If a federal judge decides to mandate the jail expansion after decertification of the jail, an alternative source of funding will have to be found, he said.

The debt service, he said, would cost about $1 million per year. He estimated a probable property tax increase of 19 cents to 20 cents per hundred to replace revenues lost from the housing of federal prisoners.

“It will be hard to scratch up $1 million,” said Owens.

On March 24, there were 36 federal inmates lodged inside the Claiborne County Jail. Lee estimated a consistent 20 to 55 federal prisoners are housed inside the facility, at any given time.

“Our jail is simply a holding facility for those inmates between the time of the court action and the time they are transported to the federal penitentiary,” said Lee.

The Jail Committee will meet in regular session at 4:30 p.m. on April 28, inside the Claiborne Justice Center training room.

Among other topics, the committee will review with project architect Peter Ludman the plans and costs of the mandated renovations.

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

Speedwell native and ex-marine Cody Evans will be holding the keys to his brand new 4,000 square feet, disabled-friendly home on May 21 if all goes as meticulously planned by the nonprofit organization ‘A Soldier’s Journey Home’ (ASJH).

Mike Fitzpatrick, president of ASJH, spoke about the project during the regular monthly meeting last week of the Claiborne Commission.

Volunteers from 16 states across the nation will gather on May 14 at the property, located on Back Valley Road in Speedwell. Fitzpatrick said the home will be completed in just one week.

He thanked the state and county governments for waiving the necessary permits.

Part of the project will entail the offloading within one day of some 65 walls, which he says would be a good team building exercise for local high school coaches to consider.

Those in charge of the project will need to find sufficient parking and a way to transport volunteers during the construction phase. Some 100 eager workers are expected on site, he said.

There are still quite a few items needed to complete the structure including plumbing and electrical supplies, drywall, flooring, appliances, doors and landscaping.

Fitzpatrick said his nonprofit organization is not affiliated in any way with “that other organization” that has in recent months come under fire.

Those interested in donating to the cause may log onto the organization website at: www.asoldiersjourneyhome.org.

In other action, a New Tazewell resident addressed the commission concerning the recent drive to gain enough signatures on a petition to force the jail expansion bond issue to a referendum vote.

“I know that it’s (the referendum petition) strictly to put on the ballot for people to vote on but, I feel that’s why we have you commissioners sitting here, to do that work. If we were to nitpick, we would be asking to put these (other) projects on the ballot,” said Paul Wingate.

It is a bit late, he said, to be adding the referendum issue to the ballot with some $750,000 already ‘tied-up’ in the project.

A lot of misinformation is floating around about the expansion project, he added.

“People are going around, trying to scare people about taxes going up. Well, I know that all the income from the state and federal government – all the prisoners – all that income will strictly be put to work to the debt service. It’s not going to come here, to the general fund, and you guys put it into a sewer program, or something like that. It’s got to go back into the jail,” said Wingate.

Joe Brooks, who spearheaded the petition drive, responded to Wingate’s concerns. Brooks said he and others have, from the beginning discussions about a jail expansion, attempted to convince the commission to have the matter placed on the ballot for public vote.

“You can’t just pick and choose one thing,” said Wingate.

“We are picking and choosing on how our tax dollars are spent, as a county,” said Brooks.

He addressed rumors circulating that people were apparently signing the petition and adding their spouses’ names, as well.

“That’s news to me. I assure you that (Carolyn O’Dell), beginning tomorrow morning, is going to be looking at every one of those registered cards of voters and, if that signature does not match, it’s not counted,” said Brooks.

Commissioner Charlton Vass reminded those on the board and in the audience that the right to petition for a referendum vote is guaranteed by both the United States and the Tennessee Constitutions.

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

Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Mike Fitzpatrick, president of the nonprofit organization ‘A Soldier’s Journey Home,’ details plans to build ex-Marine Cody Evans a disabled-friendly home in the Speedwell community with the help of an all volunteer labor crew and donations.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Fitzpatrick-pic.jpgJan Runions | Claiborne Progress Mike Fitzpatrick, president of the nonprofit organization ‘A Soldier’s Journey Home,’ details plans to build ex-Marine Cody Evans a disabled-friendly home in the Speedwell community with the help of an all volunteer labor crew and donations.

We hope students have enjoyed their spring break and the Easter holiday, as we are currently nine weeks away from the end of the school year.

Project graduation is under way, if you are interested in helping or donating to Project Grad 2016 please notify me as soon as possible.

Baseball will be playing April 1 against Union County at 6 p.m. They will also be playing April 4 against Grainger County. They currently have a 2-6 record.

Softball will be playing Cumberland Gap at 5 p.m. on March 31. They will also be playing Grainger County April 4 at 4:30 p.m. They currently have a record of 4-2.

Boys’ Soccer will play host to Grainger County April 5 at 6 p.m. Track will have a meet at Morristown West on April 5.

Tennis matches for the following week include: Cumberland Gap on March 31 at 4 p.m., Jellico on April 4 at 4 p.m. and Union County on April 5 at 4 p.m.

Prom tickets are still on sale! They are currently still $25, but they will increase to $35 soon. Prom is May 13.

Yearbooks are still available for purchase. Purchase your prom tickets, get your yearbook, support your clubs, survive the last nine weeks and ‘Go Bulldogs’!

The Tazewell Police Department is currently seeking information on the whereabouts of Brandon Wayne Powell.

According to a statement from the TPD, Powell is wanted on several outstanding warrants and most recently on burglary and theft over $10,000 in the city of Tazewell.

Powell is a white male approximately 5’8” and 173 pounds. The statement says he has red/auburn hair and occasionally wears glasses.

Powell is a resident of New Tazewell.

“Any information on the location of Powell would be greatly appreciated,” said Cpl. Jeremy Myers.

If you have any information, you are asked to call the Tazewell Police Department at 423-626-5104 or non-emergency dispatch.

Brandon Wayne Powell

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Brandon-Powell.jpgBrandon Wayne Powell

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

Dogwood Heights Baptist Church will be hosting The Springdale Singing Convention on April 3 at 6:30 p.m. Come sing with us or come and listen!

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 Missionary Baptist Church

There will be a benefit singing for Skylar McMurray, April 10 at Indian Creek Missionary Baptist Church. Dinner will be served from 5-6 p.m. and will be hot dogs, chips, desserts, drink. Pay with a donation. Singing begins at 6 p.m. The Beason Family from Maynardville, Mt. Gilead Choir, Journeymakers and others. Skylar is four years old and has been having unexplained seizures for over a year. He will soon be seen by doctors at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for lots of tests and will be checked for cancer and brain tumors. All money raised will go toward medical and travel expenses and caring for Skylar and his family. Prayers for Skylar and his family are much appreciated.

Knoxville Day Aglow Lighthouse

There will be an outreach meeting April 5 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at New Covenant Fellowship Church, located at 6828 Central Ave. Pike in Knoxville. The speaker will be Ernestine Cody, an evangelist and community children’s advocate. Please bring a dish to share if you can. Beverages and child care will be provided. For more information call Judy Burgess at 865-696-1363.

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.

Pump Springs Baptist Church

The Well Bookstore and Gift Shop is open Mon., Tues, Thurs. and Fri. from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., Wed. from 11 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. and Sun. from 9:30-11 a.m. Someone has made a pledge to purchase a Bible to give away for every purchase made from The Well through March 31. The Well has gifts and books, along with new discipleship studies and Bibles. Through March 31 is also “find an egg discount,” so come in and browse around, find your discount and support by getting a Bible in every home by making a purchase.

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.

Servolution Health Services

The Servolution Health Services free medical and dental care clinic is 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. 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

“Stand in the Gap Coalition” (SIGCO), will have its quarterly meeting April 10 at 3 p.m. at the office/church headquarters, located at 502 Pennlyn Ave., Cumberland Gap. A highlight of this meeting will be updates on the “Decision America Tours 2016” (DAT 2016) that are ongoing and growing in stature across America. Led by Rev. Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, DAT 2016 commenced on January 7 in Iowa. All 50 states will be toured and Christians will be challenged to “Pray-Engage-Vote.” Come and hear the details of our KY-TN-VA rallies. DAT 2016 “Pastor Info Packets” will be available for distribution. Keeping up the the fight and “Standing in the Gap” against Drug/Alcohol Abuse and Family Violence is the purpose and mission of SIGCO. Second Chronicles 7:14 is the SIGCO foundation. Visit our website “SIGCO.org” and review our current events and multiple links to resources that can help our communities. Make your plans now to attend our quarterly meeting. Bring some friends with you and help us engage our Tri-State communities for God’s purposes. Never has there been a greater time for Christians to “Stand in the Gap” and be heard throughout our region and across America. We look forward to visiting and sharing with you soon. For additional information, please call 423-300-1302 or email Standntgap@gmail.com.

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.

Straight Creek Church

Straight Creek Missionary Baptist Church will present the play “Gates of Heaven” April 3 at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

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 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.

Victory Assembly Church of God

Victory Assembly Church of God will have a yard sale, April 1-2, from 9 a.m.-?? The church is located on Hwy. 33, across from DeRoyal.

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.

Clinch-Powell Head Start Registration

The Clinch-Powell Head Start Program is currently taking applications for children 3 and 4 years of age at all Head Start Centers in Claiborne County for the 2016-2017 program year. The child must be 3 years old by Aug. 15, 2016 to be age eligible for the program. Services are provided five days a week with centers open 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Transportation services may be provided dependent upon availability. The program provides services to special needs children including children with severe disabilities. All services, meals and snacks are provided at no cost to the family. For more information or to complete an application, please contact: Child Development Center – 626-6423; Clairfield Center – 784-7700; Ellen Myers Center – 869-4513; Powell Valley Center – 869-0222; SMMS Center – 686-1622; Springdale Center – 626-5152; TNT Center – 626-5708.

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.

Pre-K Program

The Claiborne County Pre-K Program is now accepting applications for the 2016-2017 school year. You can fill out an application at any of the classroom locations or contact The Alpha School at 423-626-3323. Locations: The Alpha School, Ellen Myers, Powell Valley, Forge Ridge, Midway and Springdale.

Free Tech Classes at Library

Need help with technology? Would you like to learn more about your mobile device? You can now schedule an appointment at the Claiborne County Public Library for free help sessions. The library will be able to help with the following: Computers, tablets, phones, use of apps, etc.

Come prepared with: The device you need help with; any necessary usernames and passwords needed to access your device and/or accounts; the device fully charged, if not, please bring a charger; questions and/or concerns about your device.

The library staff will not: Run diagnostics; troubleshoot or fix any malfunctioning devices (unless related to library services); run antivirus scans; computer maintenance; replace parts on a device; credit card transactions.

Call for information, more details or to schedule an appointment at 423-626-5414 or email at claibornelibrary@gmail.com. One-on-one or group appointments are available.

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.

Emergency Communications District

The Claiborne County Emergency Communications District will meet in regular session on April 1 at 11:30 a.m. at the Claiborne County Justice Center training room.

Story Time at Library

The Claiborne County Public Library will be having a Story Time every week in the Children’s Room. Story Time will be held on Fridays beginning April 1 at 10:30 a.m. with books, music and crafts. Children of all ages are welcome. Call the library at 423-626-5414 for more information.

Broken Spur Dance Club

There will be a Silent Auction, Bingo and Dinner Fundraiser for the Broken Spur Dance Club and American Legion Building on April 1 from 6-9 p.m. Chili, hot dogs, nachos and cheese, sweets and drinks will be available to eat. Wreaths, scarves and sugar scrub will be available to purchase. Bingo will be $20 for unlimited play or $1 per game. The building is located at 335 Fulkerson Street in Tazewell, below SMMS. For more information call 865-567-7431. Broken Spur is non-alcoholic, non-smoking and family friendly.

Boy Scout Fundraiser

There will be a yard sale at New Tazewell United Methodist Church from 8 a.m. until ? on April 2. There will also be a Camp Card (local discount card) sale at Food City in Tazewell from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on April 2. The Camp Cards cost $5 each and are worth much more in discounts. All proceeds will benefit local Boy Scout Troop 508.

Benefit Yard Sale

There will be a yard sale at the Advance Auto Parts parking lot on April 2 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Several family and friends will be participating in this fundraising event for the Claiborne High School marching band. All proceeds will go toward new uniforms.

Hopper Cemetery

It’s time to clean up Hopper Cemetery, located on Goin Road in New Tazewell, April 2 beginning at 8 a.m. Send donations to Jack Johnson, 1845 Goin Road, New Tazewell, TN 37825.

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.

Taylor’s Grove Cemetery

The annual meeting of the Taylor’s Grove Cemetery committee will be April 4 at 7 p.m. Anyone who has relatives buried there is welcome to attend. For information you may contact Elizabeth Williams at 865-992-8944 or Darrell Beason at 865-278-3515. We are in need of donations for this year’s mowing season. Any donations will be greatly appreciated.

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.

Regional Planning Commission

The Claiborne County Regional Planning Commission will hold its next scheduled meeting at 12:30 p.m. on April 5 at the Chamber of Commerce Office, 1732 Main Street, Tazewell, TN 37879. The public is welcome to attend.

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 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.

Beekeeping Group

Interested in beekeeping and meeting beekeepers? Whether you are looking for information, want to get started or have been beekeeping for years, you are welcome! BEE FRIENDS is your local beekeeping group. We meet monthly, on the first Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Tazewell Campus of Walters State in the auditorium. April 7 will be our next meeting. Club members will be discussing their experiences of this spring season and exchanging ideas and answering questions. Even if you are not a beekeeper, these subjects may be of interest to you. The meeting is open to everyone and this meeting a great time to check the group out, just ask questions, and meet people from the area with all levels of beekeeping experience. There will be a yellow banner at the door from the parking lot. As always, coffee and dessert will be served.

Claiborne ECD Meeting

The next meeting of the Claiborne Economic and Community Development Board will be April 8 at noon at the Old Town Grill in Tazewell. The public is invited to attend.

Claiborne County Kindergarten Registration

Children who will be five by August 15 are asked to pre-register for kindergarten. You are required to bring your child’s immunization record, a valid birth certificate, child’s social security number and food stamp or AFDC number, if applicable. School registration dates and times: Midway, April 8, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.; Forge Ridge, April 15, 9 a.m.until 2 p.m.; Springdale, April 22, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.; Clairfield, May 3, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.; TNT Primary, May 11, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and May 12, 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.; Powell Valley, May 6, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.; Ellen , May 13, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

VFW Fish Fry

It’s time again for the annual fish fry at the VFW Post #8779. The event will be April 9. Take-out is $8, beginning at 11 a.m. In-house all you can eat is $10 and starts at noon. This includes fish, fries, hush puppies, cole slaw, dessert & drink (non-alcoholic). Come on out for some great catfish. All proceeds go to the Christmas Angel Fund. Thank you for supporting our local VFW Post #8779.

Rabies Clinics

The annual Claiborne County Rabies Vaccination Clinics will be held April 9 at the following locations and times: New Tazewell Citizens Bank, 1-1:45 p.m.; Springdale Elementary School, 2-2:45 p.m. On April 23 clinics will be held at HY Livesay School, 1-1:45 p.m.; Servolution, 2-2:45 p.m. The price is $10 for the one year rabies vaccination for qualifying dogs and cats. Clinics are sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Health. Participating veterinarian: Michael Rowland, D.V.M. Clinics will be held rain or shine.

Lily Grove Cemetery

The Lily Grove Cemetery annual clean-up will be April 9, beginning at 10 a.m. Afterward, a covered dish lunch will be served. Donations can be made to Bridget Day or Roy Fortner, 1318 Locust Grove Road, New Tazewell, TN 37825. If you have loved ones buried there, please help in the care of the cemetery.

Dog Obedience Classes

Dog Obedience Classes begin at 6:30 p.m. on April 11 at Harrogate Hospital for Animals outside in the parking area. Bordetella vaccine required for participation. For info, call 865-585-1998, 423-201-2438 or 606-246-1753.

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.

Bulldog Jog

The Claiborne High School Track & Field Team will be holding a Bulldog Jog 5K and 10K run/walk on April 16 beginning at 9 a.m. at Claiborne High School. The cost is $20-30 (student discount available). For more information contact Amy Munsey at CHS at 423-626-3532 or amy.munsey@claibornecsd.org.

Powell River Regatta

Powell River Kayak & Canoe Regatta in Tazewell will be held April 23. The race will begin at the Well Being Conference Center and end 12 miles downstream at Riverside Rentals. Non-racers are also welcome. Cash prizes of $150 for first place and $50 for second in each category. Return shuttles will be provided. More info at www.PowellRiverBlueway.org and www.Facebook.com/PowellRiverRegatta. The regatta is a production of the Claiborne County Chamber of Commerce.

Crazy Aunt Sadie’s Yard Sale

The annual Crazy Aunt Sadie’s Yard Sale will be held in Cumberland Gap April 30 from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Bring your own table, tent and whatever you need to make your booth. The spaces are 9’ by 18’ down Main Street. The fee for Cumberland Gap residents is $10, $15 for non-residents. Spaces are limited and reservations are recommended. Call 760-574-1052 to reserve a space. Proceeds go to the Cumberland Gap Volunteer Fire Department. There will also be a pancake breakfast for purchase to support the fire department. The cost for the breakfast is $5.

VFW Christmas Angel Ride

It’s time for the Annual VFW Post #8779 Christmas Angel Ride. This is the eleventh year of helping the less fortunate kids in our community have a better Christmas. Registration is at 11 a.m. on May 21 and kickstands up at 1 p.m. Registration fee is $15 per single rider and $5 for a passenger (includes meal and one free door prize ticket). T-shirts will be available for $13 and $15 for XXL & up. We are offering women’s shirts this year. (Pre-sale will be available). Poker hand is optional for $5, plus 50/50 for $1 a ticket. There will be door prizes (extra tickets available for $1 each) and auction items. Sponsorship is available again for $100. This gets your name on the T-shirts and one free T-shirt. We are proud to announce that Bad Decision will be the entertainment this year starting around 8 p.m. All the proceeds go to the Christmas Angel fund and as always thank you for supporting your local VFW Post #8779. For more information call the VFW at 423-626-3220.

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.

Those suspected of the robbery and murder in late November of a Clairfield man will be brought to trial. The Claiborne Grand Jury indicted six individuals allegedly connected to the death during the early morning hours of Nov. 27 of Hershel Wayne Gulley.

The two alleged frontrunners in this case, Vanassa Ann Hurst, 26, and Tommy Lynn Hurst, 50, were indicted for first and second degree murder and voluntary manslaughter, respectively. True bills were also returned on Adam Michael Barton, 24, Kayla June Partin, 28, Brandon James Partin, 26, and Michael Alan Chesney, 27, for conspiracy to commit robbery. Vanassa Hurst was also indicted on robbery charges.

In his Affidavits of Complaint, CCSO detective Bradley Duncan detailed the apparent sequence of events that led to Gulley’s murder. The initial plan to commit robbery was allegedly hatched during the late night hours of Nov. 26 at the Partin residence by the two siblings along with Barton, Chesney and Megan Graziosi, according to Duncan.

“Gulley is contacted and asked if he would like to purchase some methamphetamine. Gulley later arrives at the Partin’s residence, and Kayla Partin gets into his vehicle. According to Brandon Partin, before leaving the residence, Brandon provides Adam Barton with a can of mace to use in the robbery, and was, in fact, used in the robbery,” reads one of the Affidavits of Complaint, in part.

According to a statement provided to Duncan by Brandon Partin, Kayla Partin and Vanassa Hurst were planning to “coerce Gulley out of his pants, but if unsuccessful, Barton would mace Gulley so the others could take his money.”

Just after midnight, Chesney drove Graziosi, Adam Barton, James Partin, and Vanassa Hurst to an empty church parking lot, located over the Kentucky border, to meet with Gulley.

According to the Affidavits, the group then forcefully robbed Gulley of $45 in cash, taking his car keys before leaving the scene.

In an effort to retrieve his belongings, Gulley apparently followed the group to the residence of Tommy Lynn Hurst, who is the uncle of Vanassa Hurst.

Prior to Gulley’s arrival, Vanassa Hurst told her uncle she had been sexually assaulted by Gulley, according to one of the Affidavits.

Tommy Hurst allegedly “struck the victim in his face, knocking him to the ground, where he, along with (Kayla) Partin and his niece, continued to assault the victim by kicking him. The defendant (Tommy Hurst) also stated that his niece used a mop handle during the assault, and that, afterwards, he realized that Partin and his niece were removing items from the victim’s pockets,” reads the same affidavit, in part.

Vanassa Ann Hurst is incarcerated under a $250,000 bond. Tommy Lynn Hurst is currently without bond and is scheduled for arraignment on April 4.

Duncan and CCSO Captain David Honeycutt were first on scene. This case was also worked by CCSO Sgt. Carl Mozingo, detectives Gary Ruszkowski and Anthony Veillon, Sgt. Jason Henegar and deputy Blake Laws.

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

Vanassa Ann Hurst

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_Vanessa-Anne-Hurst.jpgVanassa Ann Hurst

Tommy Lynn Hurst

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_Tommy-Lynn-Hurst.jpgTommy Lynn Hurst

The ‘Volunteer State’ nickname certainly fits when it comes to people helping out Cody Evans, a local retired Marine who was injured during service.

Marine LCpl Cody Evans of Speedwell was injured in Afghanistan on December 15, 2011 by an IED explosion. He served in Afghanistan from July 2011 until his injury on Dec. 15. He was a reservist with the 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, Delta Co, of Knoxville. Cody is now medically retired and is a double amputee. He spent 11 months at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

He got to move home on Nov. 16, 2012, to his family home which volunteers had renovated during his medical stay. He is now attending college at Lincoln Memorial University. His home was modified to help make it more convenient for him when he is in his wheelchair; however, he has dreamed of owning his own specially-adapted home.

Through a program called A Soldier’s Journey Home (ASJH), that dream is coming true. A groundbreaking ceremony was held recently for Evans’ new home.

“I’m thankful that there are people out there that want to do things like this for people,” said Evans of the volunteers pitching in to renovate his family home and now building his own home. “I’m very grateful for our community.”

Cody’s mother Regina has been right by his side during everything and is happy to see her son’s dream come to fruition.

“I’m very grateful that we live in a community that continues to support Cody and are trying to help make his future easier for him,” she added.

Cody entered LMU after his return but has taken some time off from school — his field of study is history — to focus on this project, he said, because he’s been so busy with it.

Going to college and now getting his own home are major milestones in anyone’s life, and Cody has worked hard to accomplish both.

“Cody has worked very hard from the beginning to be as independent as he can be,” Regina said. “I am extremely proud of all he has been able to accomplish.”

Cody will be holding the keys to his new 4,000 square feet, disabled-friendly home on May 21 if all goes as planned by those with ASJH.

Mike Fitzpatrick, president of ASJH, told the Claiborne County Commission recently that volunteers from 16 states across the nation will gather on May 14 at the property, located on Back Valley Road in Speedwell. Fitzpatrick said the home will be completed in just one week.

There are still quite a few items needed to complete the structure, including plumbing and electrical supplies, drywall, flooring, appliances, doors and landscaping.

Those interested in donating to the cause may log onto the organization website at: www.asoldiersjourneyhome.org. You can also contact Fitzpatrick at 502-803-5499 or check the ASJH Facebook page.

Jan Runions contributed to this story. Reach Marisa Anders at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @newsgirl88.

Courtesy photo Retired Marine Cody Evans is seeing a dream come true as ground was broken recently for his new home, which will be adapted to his needs. Evans and his mother Regina are at far right, along with volunteers and others with A Soldier’s Journey Home, the nonprofit organization making the project possible.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_Evans-groundbreaking-ceremony.jpgCourtesy photo Retired Marine Cody Evans is seeing a dream come true as ground was broken recently for his new home, which will be adapted to his needs. Evans and his mother Regina are at far right, along with volunteers and others with A Soldier’s Journey Home, the nonprofit organization making the project possible.