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.

Fairview Baptist Church

There will be a Thanksgiving Night Service with Wayne Carpenter Nov. 26 starting at 6 p.m. at Fairview Baptist Church in Tazewell. Singers expected is the Botts Family from Jacksboro and Mountain Grace from Bean Station. Everyone is welcome. Pastor Mark Sutton.

FBC Deaf and Hearing Impaired Worship

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

FBC Ministry Center

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

Indian Creek Baptist Church

Indian Creek Baptist Church will have a singing on Nov. 29 at 10:30 a.m. Special singers will be the Heavenly Heirs from Tazewell. Lunch will be served following the service. Everyone welcome, Steve Moyers, pastor.

Midway Baptist Church

Midway Baptist Church will have a Thanksgiving Dinner on Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. It will be in the fellowship hall. Please bring a covered side dish or dessert and join us.

New Beginning Baptist Church

New Beginning Baptist Church is hosting a special Youth Service on Nov. 22 beginning at 6 p.m. Special guest speaker is Nick Wheland. All area youth are invited to attend.

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 Hope Baptist Church

The New Hope Baptist Church Living Nativity will be held Dec. 4 and 5 from 6-8 p.m. with rain dates Dec. 11 and 12 from 6-8 p.m. Drive through for viewing. The church is located on Hwy. 33 South in New Tazewell. Everyone is invited to join us in celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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.

Riverside Baptist Church

Riverside Baptist Church will host the Going Home Singers on Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Servolution Health Services

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

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.

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.

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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Candis Marie Hill – aggravated child abuse and neglect

John David Gaylor – domestic assault, resisting arrest

Darcy Randall Collins – domestic assault, failure to appear for public intoxication

Daniel Fletcher – misuse of the E-911 system, disorderly conduct, public intoxication

Coty Chumley – fraudulent use of a credit or debit card, citation for leaving the scene of an accident

Tracey Bussell – outstanding child support attachment

Kathy Patton – outstanding child support attachment

Travis Jeremy Chumley – driving under the influence (second offense), the manufacture, deliver, sell and possession of a schedule IV drugs, theft under $500, violation of the registration law

William Thomas Fultz – driving under the influence, failure to maintain traffic lane

Scottie L. Laws – violations of probation for theft over $1,000 and passing worthless check under $500

Michael Charles Wise – violations of probation for simple possession of marijuana and driving on a revoked license, failure to appear for domestic assault, violation of an order of protection, speeding 76/45 and simple possession of marijuana

Jennifer Lea West – violation of probation for simple possession of a schedule VI drugs

Amanda Marie Mathis – violation of probation for possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear for possession of drug paraphernalia

Kenny Wayne Phelps – failure to appear, violation of the driver’s license law

Christopher Levi Ramsey – failure to appear

Julie Ann Runions – failure to appear

James Robert Shoffner – failure to appear

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New Tazewell Police Dept.

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Jerry Lynn Inman Jr. – leaving the scene of an accident, failure to exercise due care, driving on a revoked license

Cameron Bruce Ford – contributing to the delinquency of a minor, public intoxication

Tiffany Lynn Thomas – criminal trespassing, two counts theft of merchandise under $500

Leslie Nechelle Ford – criminal trespassing, possession of drug paraphernalia

Dewey Ray Smith – domestic vandalism

Leonard Gary Vanover – domestic vandalism

Macie Marie Baker – driving under the influence, failure to yield, violation of the financial responsibility law

Morgan Miracle – speeding 66/45, violations of the seat belt and driver’s license laws

Cheyene L Gulley – speeding 69/45

Jeffrey Crumby – speeding 68/45

Jessie Burl Debord Jr. – speeding 61/45

Patrick Pridemore – speeding 60/45

Linda J. Cullins – violation of the seat belt law

Connie Taylor – violations of the traffic control device and financial responsibility laws

Christopher George Upton – violation of the traffic control device law

Jason Lynn Jones – outstanding warrant for theft of property under $500

Jason Michael Fowler – violation of probation for aggravated burglary

Glen Patrick Martin – failure to appear for failure to exercise due care, driving left of center and violations of the driver’s license and financial responsibility laws

Brenda Jean Bullins – possession of a schedule II drugs and drug paraphernalia

Nancy L. Flores – violations of the animal rabies vaccination and leash laws

Charles C. Daughtery – violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

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Tazewell Police Dept.

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Kathy Gail Marcum – domestic assault

Shantwan Alexander Wilson – two counts unlawful possession of a weapon while in the commission of a dangerous felony, one count each criminal impersonation, criminal trespassing, possession of a schedule II controlled substance and drug paraphernalia, failure to appear for a THP citation for violation of the financial responsibility law

Cameron Dale Powell – contributing to the delinquency of a minor, driving under the influence, violation of the implied consent law, failure to appear for leaving the scene of an accident, failure to report accident and violation of the implied consent law,

Ryan John Bonar – criminal trespassing, possession of a schedule II controlled substance and drug paraphernalia

Elizabeth Ann Smith – criminal trespassing, possession of a schedule II controlled substance and drug paraphernalia

Jodie Miranda Collins – criminal trespassing, possession of a schedule II controlled substance and drug paraphernalia

David Shackleford – outstanding warrant for aggravated domestic assault

Christopher Blake Fleeman – driving under the influence, failure to exhibit due care

Roger Warren Rose – driving under the influence, failure to maintain traffic lane

Allen Brock – speeding 76/45

Christopher Lee Larimer – speeding 75/45

Andrew Jackson Payne – following too closely

Jason Lynn Jones – failure to appear

Joshua Roscoe Marcum – disorderly conduct

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Servolution Health Services (SHS) is welcoming a new staff member to its ranks.

Michael Stephens, a physician assistant (PA), has joined the free health clinic on a part-time basis. The Claiborne County native is right at home in the tri-state area – he went to school in Claiborne County, transferred to Bell County, Kentucky, for high school and now lives in Lee County, Virginia, with his wife Rebecca and daughters Sarah and Chloe.

His introduction to SHS began when he spent three months with Dr. Lovie Stallworth on rotations while in school at Lincoln Memorial University to become a PA. Stephens would go to SHS when Stallworth volunteered her time there and he would work there as well.

Stephens made the decision to go back to school to become a PA after several years in the pharmaceutical industry. He was a “non-traditional” student – older than many of his peers.

He felt a need to give back to the community, even though he said it was a “big decision.”

“My wife and I have a young daughter with health problems,” he said, “and I wanted to help people who can’t help themselves. I want to make a difference in the world, and the Lord was leading me down that path.”

Stephens’ faith played a large part in his decision to go back to school then to work part-time for SHS. He said he was trying to make a decision as to what to do after graduation and he heard there was a part-time opening at SHS.

“Somehow I knew that was the Lord’s answer,” he said. “I knew it was a door opening that I had to walk through.”

Stephens works the rest of his time at Stallworth’s internal medicine and pediatrics practice in Middlesboro, Kentucky.

“We’re thrilled to have him,” said Alicia Metcalf, who serves as director of the SHS clinic. “We’re able to extend our hours to better serve the working uninsured.”

Servolution is a faith-based free clinic for the uninsured of the area – not only residents of Claiborne County, but surrounding counties as well. Servolution provides health and dental care as well as the Path to Peace Wellness Center and much more. The Wellness Center is open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday.

The clinic is open 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. most days, but will be open 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on days Stephens is there. Those days vary at the current time, so Metcalf encourages people to call and make an appointment. The phone number is 423-419-5070.

“It feels like it was meant to be,” Stephens said of his job at SHS. “It’s definitely a God thing.”

Servolution Health Services is located in the old Powell Valley High School Vocational Building in Speedwell. The physical address is Powell Valley School Lane, 245 School Road.

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

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Courtesy photo

Crislyn Bunch was crowned Miss CYFC (Claiborne Youth Football Cheer) last month. She is the daughter of Jack and Glenna Bunch and has a brother, Jaris. She attends Springdale Elementary School where she is in the sixth grade. Congratulations to Crislyn!

Courtesy photo Crislyn Bunch was crowned Miss CYFC (Claiborne Youth Football Cheer) last month. She is the daughter of Jack and Glenna Bunch and has a brother, Jaris. She attends Springdale Elementary School where she is in the sixth grade. Congratulations to Crislyn!

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Crislyn-Bunch.jpg Courtesy photo Crislyn Bunch was crowned Miss CYFC (Claiborne Youth Football Cheer) last month. She is the daughter of Jack and Glenna Bunch and has a brother, Jaris. She attends Springdale Elementary School where she is in the sixth grade. Congratulations to Crislyn!

Claiborne High School principal Jody Goins has resigned his position, effective Dec. 31. In the official resignation letter, dated Nov. 2, Goins expressed his appreciation for the “wonderful opportunity and honor ya’all provided me” in serving everyone connected with the school system and the community, at large.

Little was said about the matter during the regular monthly meeting last week of the Claiborne County School Board, who unanimously accepted the resignation.

As of press time, Goins could not be reached for comment.

Members of the Cumberland Gap High School girls and boys basketball teams will be receiving some valuable help in their game by certified trainer Matthew Garrett Robinson, who is employed by Pinnacle Performance.

The board unanimously approved the general service agreement during its board meeting. They heard about the proposal from company representative Heather Smith during a work session held earlier that day.

Apparently, the Cumberland Gap Booster Club will be donating cash during home basketball games to help cover the cost of athletic supplies incurred by Pinnacle Performance while providing the service.

The training will be held at all home games and during two or three practices each month.

Smith said plans are in the works to possibly widen the scope of the program to include those on the football team, as well.

“Just to be clear, we are not making any money on this,” said Smith.

There will be no need for the school system to take on additional liability insurance, she said, since the athletic trainer carries coverage.

Since the Boosters are picking up the tab, the service will be provided at no charge to the school, Smith said.

It looks as though the latest fashion trends may have to take a vacation from the halls of county schools. Apparently, recent “problems” having to do with clothing styles had the board scrambling to update the dress code.

Students must now wear their pants, skirts and shorts so that the waistbands are above the hips. Jeans sporting the popular holes above the knees must be worn with a leg wear undergarment like knit or spandex leggings, tights or under liner shorts.

Clothing must be worn appropriately. Students may not roll one pant leg or unfasten bib overalls, for instance. Tight fitting leg wear like knit or spandex leggings or tights must be worn with a shirt, top, dress or skirt that reaches the mid-thigh area in length.

A portion of the new code requires athletes to leave their equipment along with their team bags with a coach or teacher upon arrival at school.

The dress code continues to prohibit the depiction of profanity, obscenity, the use of weapons or violence on any clothing, head wear, jewelry, tattoos or other articles of personal appearance.

Those items must not promote the use of tobacco, drugs, alcohol or other illegal or harmful products. They cannot depict sexually suggestive messages or contain language or symbols that degrade gender, culture, religion, sexual orientation or ethnic values.

Examples of prohibited clothing include bare midriff, tube, mesh, tank and halter tops, belly shirts, spaghetti straps and off the shoulder tops, capes, dusters and trench coats.

Clothing with large pockets like the cargo style and those two or more sizes too large for the frame of the student are also prohibited. The wearing of short-shorts and miniskirts, hats, caps, bandanas and sunglasses is not allowed on school property.

No visibly pierced jewelry, except those worn in the ears, will be allowed.

The consequences of violating the dress code multiple times could result in detentions of one to three days. If found guilty a fourth time, the student could receive a one to three day suspension.

Upon the fifth offense, the student is required to attend a Discipline Committee meeting in which a decision could result in a ten day suspension or a 30 day transfer to the alternative school.

Or, the committee could agree to the expulsion of the student, altogether.

Apparently, county school students are taking a more serious approach to higher learning. Connie Holdway, director of schools, said her office had recently received a letter from Governor Bill Haslam commending the school system for the 100 percent enrollment by the students in the inaugural year of the TNReady Program, as part of Tennessee Promise.

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

Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress

Brittany Johnston and Kasie Stanley (sixth and fifth from the left), owners/operators of Pure Bliss Nails & Esthetics, held the official Grand Opening of their salon on Nov. 7. The two were joined by well-wishers including Claiborne County Mayor Jack Daniels, fourth from the left. The business owners say they have spent the last months since the July opening of their salon carefully creating just the right ambience to cater to their customer base. As certified nail technicians, both women offer a full line including acrylic, sculptured, gel, shellac and nail art for hands and feet. As a certified esthetician, Johnston is proficient in full body waxing, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, micro-dermabrasions, glycolic acid chemical peels and more.

The salon is located at 6144 Cumberland Gap Parkway, suite 7, of the Realty Group II building, sitting atop the hill nearby The Oasis in Harrogate.

For more information or to make an appointment, call Johnston at 606-302-6555 or Stanley at 276-237-7079.

The business website address is: www.pureblissnailsesthetics.com.

Walk-ins are always welcome. Gift certificates are available.

Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress

Brittany Johnston and Kasie Stanley (sixth and fifth from the left), owners/operators of Pure Bliss Nails & Esthetics, held the official Grand Opening of their salon on Nov. 7. The two were joined by well-wishers including Claiborne County Mayor Jack Daniels, fourth from the left. The business owners say they have spent the last months since the July opening of their salon carefully creating just the right ambience to cater to their customer base. As certified nail technicians, both women offer a full line including acrylic, sculptured, gel, shellac and nail art for hands and feet. As a certified esthetician, Johnston is proficient in full body waxing, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, micro-dermabrasions, glycolic acid chemical peels and more.

The salon is located at 6144 Cumberland Gap Parkway, suite 7, of the Realty Group II building, sitting atop the hill nearby The Oasis in Harrogate.

For more information or to make an appointment, call Johnston at 606-302-6555 or Stanley at 276-237-7079.

The business website address is: www.pureblissnailsesthetics.com.

Walk-ins are always welcome. Gift certificates are available.

Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Brittany Johnston and Kasie Stanley (sixth and fifth from the left), owners/operators of Pure Bliss Nails & Esthetics, held the official Grand Opening of their salon on Nov. 7. The two were joined by well-wishers including Claiborne County Mayor Jack Daniels, fourth from the left. The business owners say they have spent the last months since the July opening of their salon carefully creating just the right ambience to cater to their customer base. As certified nail technicians, both women offer a full line including acrylic, sculptured, gel, shellac and nail art for hands and feet. As a certified esthetician, Johnston is proficient in full body waxing, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, micro-dermabrasions, glycolic acid chemical peels and more. The salon is located at 6144 Cumberland Gap Parkway, suite 7, of the Realty Group II building, sitting atop the hill nearby The Oasis in Harrogate. For more information or to make an appointment, call Johnston at 606-302-6555 or Stanley at 276-237-7079. The business website address is: www.pureblissnailsesthetics.com. Walk-ins are always welcome. Gift certificates are available.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Pure-Bliss-pic-BW.jpg Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Brittany Johnston and Kasie Stanley (sixth and fifth from the left), owners/operators of Pure Bliss Nails & Esthetics, held the official Grand Opening of their salon on Nov. 7. The two were joined by well-wishers including Claiborne County Mayor Jack Daniels, fourth from the left. The business owners say they have spent the last months since the July opening of their salon carefully creating just the right ambience to cater to their customer base. As certified nail technicians, both women offer a full line including acrylic, sculptured, gel, shellac and nail art for hands and feet. As a certified esthetician, Johnston is proficient in full body waxing, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, micro-dermabrasions, glycolic acid chemical peels and more. The salon is located at 6144 Cumberland Gap Parkway, suite 7, of the Realty Group II building, sitting atop the hill nearby The Oasis in Harrogate. For more information or to make an appointment, call Johnston at 606-302-6555 or Stanley at 276-237-7079. The business website address is: www.pureblissnailsesthetics.com. Walk-ins are always welcome. Gift certificates are available.

Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Brittany Johnston and Kasie Stanley (sixth and fifth from the left), owners/operators of Pure Bliss Nails & Esthetics, held the official Grand Opening of their salon on Nov. 7. The two were joined by well-wishers including Claiborne County Mayor Jack Daniels, fourth from the left. The business owners say they have spent the last months since the July opening of their salon carefully creating just the right ambience to cater to their customer base. As certified nail technicians, both women offer a full line including acrylic, sculptured, gel, shellac and nail art for hands and feet. As a certified esthetician, Johnston is proficient in full body waxing, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, micro-dermabrasions, glycolic acid chemical peels and more. The salon is located at 6144 Cumberland Gap Parkway, suite 7, of the Realty Group II building, sitting atop the hill nearby The Oasis in Harrogate. For more information or to make an appointment, call Johnston at 606-302-6555 or Stanley at 276-237-7079. The business website address is: www.pureblissnailsesthetics.com. Walk-ins are always welcome. Gift certificates are available.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Pure-Bliss-pic.jpg Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Brittany Johnston and Kasie Stanley (sixth and fifth from the left), owners/operators of Pure Bliss Nails & Esthetics, held the official Grand Opening of their salon on Nov. 7. The two were joined by well-wishers including Claiborne County Mayor Jack Daniels, fourth from the left. The business owners say they have spent the last months since the July opening of their salon carefully creating just the right ambience to cater to their customer base. As certified nail technicians, both women offer a full line including acrylic, sculptured, gel, shellac and nail art for hands and feet. As a certified esthetician, Johnston is proficient in full body waxing, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, micro-dermabrasions, glycolic acid chemical peels and more. The salon is located at 6144 Cumberland Gap Parkway, suite 7, of the Realty Group II building, sitting atop the hill nearby The Oasis in Harrogate. For more information or to make an appointment, call Johnston at 606-302-6555 or Stanley at 276-237-7079. The business website address is: www.pureblissnailsesthetics.com. Walk-ins are always welcome. Gift certificates are available.

A New Tazewell man was arrested and jailed recently for aggravated child abuse or neglect. The alleged victim is a three-year-old female.

According to a report from the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Billy Daniels, 32, is accused of allegedly abusing a child in his care.

The report states that at the request of the Eighth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, the CCSO was asked to investigate an alleged child abuse case. Det. Tammy Reagan, Det. Gary Ruskowski and Det. Anthony Veillon investigated the situation, according to the report. They spoke with a representative from the Department of Children’s Services and went to the home where the alleged abuse occurred.

“Detectives then gathered evidence and spoke with Billy Daniels,” the report states, continuing, “Daniels lives in the home with the victim and is the caretaker for the victim and her two sisters.”

Daniels was taken to the Claiborne County Justice Center where he was interviewed by Ruskowski and Veillon.

“In this interview Daniels admitted to striking the victim out of anger,” the report states.

Reagan and the DCS representative went to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville to visit with the victim and collected more evidence.

“After all evidence was collected and the interview of Daniels was documented, Daniels was charged for the assault of the three-year-old victim,” the report states.

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

Billy Wayne Daniels

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Billy-Wayne-Daniels.jpg Billy Wayne Daniels

Harlan native Jordan Smith continues to top iTunes charts after his Monday night performance of the Jessie J hit “Who You Are” — a song about accepting and believing in yourself, an ongoing theme in Smith’s journey from the mountains of Appalachia to becoming a front runner in the hit reality show “The Voice.”

Starting the song out quietly and finished with his broad range, Smith turned the song into his own personal anthem. He explained to host Carson Daly the important message behind the song — it is okay to be who you are.

“It just feels good to just say it, it’s OK to be who you are, it doesn’t matter,” said Smith.

Smith once again seemed overwhelmed at the reaction to his performance, standing quietly on stage as coach Adam Levine was on his feet, his mom wept in the crowd and fans erupted in applause after the last note was sung.

Levine spoke briefly of Smith’s conviction, saying he mesmerizes the crowd who follows the performance every second of the way.

“You do the impossible, which is sing like you do but also do it with this conviction that keeps everyone completely in it and mesmerized and with you every second of the way,” said Levine.

Smith spoke out via his official Facebook page after the show, calling the performance freeing and saying he is proud of who he is.

“Wow! What a freeing performance,” said Smith. “I’m so thankful for this opportunity and so glad I had the chance to stand on the stage tonight and show that I’m proud of who I am and no one can change that!”

For the past several weeks, Smith has sailed through the live rounds, as his fans vote to send him on in his musical journey. This week is no different — the potential record deal awarded to the winner of the show is getting closer to Smith’s reach and it is up to his fans to push him closer to the prize.

As of press time, Smith continued to have four songs on The Voice iTunes chart, which means all four songs were listed in the top 200 iTunes charts.

‘Who You Are’ is topping both The Voice and Top 100 iTunes charts at No. 2 and 8, ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness’ is the next ranking performance, coming in at spots 8 and 39, followed by ‘Halo’ at No. 14 and 123, and his debut blind audition performance ‘Chandelier’ still ranking on both charts at No. 16 and 176.

Smith is continuing to acquire millions of new YouTube views on a daily basis as well — at press time on Tuesday, his collective performances on the hit reality show have been viewed over 32 million times, with that number rising by the minute.

Back home in Harlan, watch parties continue to take place as hometown supporters gather at the Harlan Center to watch Smith continue to shine a positive light on the hills of Appalachia.

Fans may follow Smith’s progress on his Facebook page and Twitter and can now download his performances on iTunes — which is factored into the voting process. There are several additional ways to vote for Smith. You can use “The Voice” app as well as vote via NBC.com and “The Voice” Facebook page.”The Voice” airs on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC.

Reach Reina P. Cunningham at 606-302-9091 or on Twitter @ReinaDailyNews.

Courtesy of NBC Jordan Smith performs on Monday’s episode of ‘The Voice.’

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_JordSmith.jpg Courtesy of NBC Jordan Smith performs on Monday’s episode of ‘The Voice.’

Known for its rugged terrain, Claiborne County is indeed a mixed bag topographically speaking. The hills and vales of the area can create problems when dealing with developing planned communities.

The Claiborne Regional Planning Commission met last week in its first session since July. The meeting netted the adoption of an appendix to the subdivision regulations having to do with hillside development.

Appendix A updates portions of Article III, which outlines the general requirements and minimum standards of subdivision design.

Any developer wanting to create a subdivision on more than 15 acres of land, with an average slope of greater than 15 percent, must now adhere to more stringent guidelines.

A geologic study must be obtained from a professional engineer or geologist and submitted to the Planning Commission for approval prior to the issuance of a preliminary plat.

According to the piece of legislation, the study must include a complete geological map, a slope analysis and a list of any physical features that might affect surface and subsurface development.

The study must also determine any overburden thicknesses and general permeability, which will be correlated with percolation tests for septic systems.

In general, property with an average slope greater than 75 percent will be deemed unusable for subdivision development, unless the developer can prove his plans are feasible via documentation.

Apparently, the planners are attempting in particular to alleviate some of the problems associated with a certain Lone Mountain subdivision development.

In a related matter, those commissioners who were present during the meeting last week unanimously approved updates to the cover and title pages for the Subdivision Regulations. The planners also approved the new page listing the amendments to the regulations.

During its previous meeting, the Planning Commission adopted the written format used by Sevierville for recording and placing new amendments inside the subdivision regulations. At that time, regulations for the Planned Unit Development (PUD) was added by unanimous vote to the back of the book.

The annual election of officers, also conducted during the July 7 meeting, netted a reelection of Jerry Brooks and Rodney Fugate as commission chairman and secretary, respectively. Gary Estes was elected vice-chairman. Lee Brame was reappointed to serve as the commission intermediary.

The Regional Planning Commission meets only when there is official business to conduct, such as granting plat approval or voting on commission agenda items. The schedule is tentatively set for meetings to occur on the first Tuesday of each month.

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

The official seal of Claiborne County

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Claiborne-County-Seal-BW.jpg The official seal of Claiborne County

Several pleas were approved by Judge Shayne Sexton recently during a session of Claiborne County Criminal Court, including one for Jonathan D. Gulley, 33, charged with attempted second degree murder, tampering with evidence and domestic assault.

Gulley, whose charges were reduced to aggravated assault and tampering with evidence, was sentenced to four years confinement with six years TDOC supervised probation. He was given credit for jail time served from Nov. 10, 2013, to Nov. 2 of this year. Gulley must pay at least $100 per month in court costs once his confinement is served.

Kevin Lutz, 53, charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and domestic assault, pled guilty to the attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Lutz was sentenced to a split confinement of two years TDOC supervised probation with one day confinement (credit for one day of jail time served). He must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and forfeits his firearms that were seized by the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office. He is barred from any contact with his victim and must stay at least 1,000 ft. from her residence.

Kenneth Enos Kerr, 39, charged with the aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor by multiple images, pled guilty to the attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. Kerr was sentenced to a split confinement of six years TDOC supervised probation with one year confinement. He was given credit for jail time served from March 11 to Nov. 2. Kerr must pay at least $100 per month in court costs beginning upon release from jail.

Michael Spencer Hash, 30, charged with the promotion of methamphetamine manufacture, was sentenced to a split confinement of four years TDOC supervised probation with six months confinement. Hash was given credit for jail time served from Sept. 23 to Nov. 2. He must pay at least $100 per month in court costs beginning 30 days after the release from jail.

Kathryn Anne Loft, 31, charged with violation of the habitual motor vehicle offense bar, was sentenced to a split confinement of two years community corrections and ten days confinement. Loft was given credit for two days jail time served. She must pay at least $50 in court costs per month beginning on Dec. 1. Her split confinement may be served on consecutive weekends beginning on Dec. 4.

Rocky Orville Bussell, 44, charged with driving under the influence (fourth offense) and attempted aggravated burglary, was sentenced to two years confinement with credit for 112 days jail time served. He must pay $70.03 in restitution to Southern Outdoors in Tazewell.

Rufus Shockley, 56, charged with driving under the influence (second offense), was sentenced to a split confinement of 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 140 days confinement. Shockley was given credit for 28 days jail time served. He must pay at least $200 per month in court costs and fines, including a $600 fine. Shockley must attend a MADD Victim Impact Panel. His driver’s license is revoked for two years.

William A. Cardwell, 39, charged with driving under the influence (second offense), pled guilty to the amended charge of public intoxication. Cardwell was sentenced to a split confinement of 90 days unsupervised probation with ten days confinement. He was given credit for 12 days jail time served. As a condition of his probationary status, Cardwell was ordered to pay all court costs in full by Feb. 1.

Christina Lee Surber, 37, was charged with driving under the influence with a child under the age of 18 present inside the vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia and violations of the implied consent and financial responsibility laws. Surber pled guilty to the reduced charges of driving under the influence with a child under the age of 18 years and possession of drug paraphernalia. She pled guilty on the remaining two charges. Surber was sentenced to a split confinement of 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 32 days confinement. She was given credit for ten days jail time served. Surber must pay at least $200 per month in court costs and fines, including a $1,350 DUI enhancement fine and a $150 fine for the paraphernalia charge. She must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel. Her driver’s license is revoked for one year.

Heather B. Wells, 33, charged with driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license and violation of the implied consent law, pled guilty to driving under the influence. The remaining charges were dismissed. Wells was sentenced to a split confinement of 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with jail time already served from Oct. 4 to Nov. 2. She must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines, including a $350 fine, beginning on Dec. 1. Wells must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel. Her driver’s license is revoked for one year.

Dana Thomas Davis, 51, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to a split confinement of one year unsupervised probation with two days confinement. Davis was given credit for any jail time served, per the Claiborne County Sheriff. As a condition of her probationary status, Davis was ordered to pay all court costs and fines, including a $350 fine, in full by Dec. 1. She must attend the MADD Forum.

Gary Wayne Oliver, 38, charged with reckless endangerment and felony evading arrest, was sentenced to two years confinement and four years TDOC supervised probation. Oliver was given credit for jail time from Sept. 22 to Nov. 2. He must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and fines, including a $350 fine, beginning 30 days after release from jail. His driver’s license is suspended for two years, per the Dept. of Safety guidelines.

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

Photos by Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress

Members of local Boy Scout Troop #508 discuss topics of interest while waiting for the beginning of the Tazewell Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting last week. The troop listened closely later while Mayor Wayne Jessie detailed some of the recent grants the city is undertaking. The governmental meeting was one of three required of the Scouts to attend.

A member of Boy Scout Troop #508 preparing to carry the Tennessee flag to its resting place as part of a ceremony held during the opening moments of the Tazewell board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting.

Photos by Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Members of local Boy Scout Troop #508 discuss topics of interest while waiting for the beginning of the Tazewell Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting last week. The troop listened closely later while Mayor Wayne Jessie detailed some of the recent grants the city is undertaking. The governmental meeting was one of three required of the Scouts to attend.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Troop-508-Tazewell-BMA-pic.jpg Photos by Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Members of local Boy Scout Troop #508 discuss topics of interest while waiting for the beginning of the Tazewell Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting last week. The troop listened closely later while Mayor Wayne Jessie detailed some of the recent grants the city is undertaking. The governmental meeting was one of three required of the Scouts to attend.

A member of Boy Scout Troop #508 preparing to carry the Tennessee flag to its resting place as part of a ceremony held during the opening moments of the Tazewell board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_508-flag-pic.jpg A member of Boy Scout Troop #508 preparing to carry the Tennessee flag to its resting place as part of a ceremony held during the opening moments of the Tazewell board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting.

Erika Rains, of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, was recently awarded the Lincoln Memorial University’s (LMU) R. Martin Peters Young Alumnus of the Year Award. LMU Alumni Director Sheliah Cosby presented Rains the award during LMU’s annual Homecoming celebration in October.

The award is named after Dr. Martin Peters, an LMU graduate who became a prolific supporter and ambassador of his alma mater. The recipient is a person who embodies those same qualities for which Peters was known.

Rains had already overcome amazing odds when she arrived at LMU in the fall of 1998. She had periods of homelessness in her youth and had dropped out of school at a young age. With the encouragement of extended family members, Rains earned her GED and applied to college. She enrolled at LMU as a single mother with four young children, only one of which was old enough to attend elementary school. Despite the pressures of raising children, working part time and attending class, Rains graduated from LMU in 2002.

“Erika was very inquisitive and was always the first person to ask questions, or ask how something applied in the class room, or why something didn’t work,” Dr. Okie Wolfe, Carter and Moyers School of Education Professor Emeritus, said. “As a student, Erika was driven and strived to do her best in everything. It was never a question if Erika would succeed, simply when it would happen.”

Rains has taught in grades six through 10 since moving to Florida in 2002. She has served as team leader, extended day program director and co-coach for reading in a middles school and lead Pre-College Summer Program teacher in high school. She opened the Somerset College Preparatory Academy as principal in 2012.

“LMU certainly prepared me well for my career. Without a doubt, the lessons I learned there has translated in every classroom I have taught in since,” Rains said. “Quite simply, LMU is where the rest of my life began.”

Rains earned a bachelor of science in liberal studies and human development at LMU, where she also minored in English literature. She would go on to earn a master of science in educational leadership from Barry University in Miami, Florida, and is currently pursuing a doctorate at Nova Southeastern University.

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.

Courtesy photo Lincoln Memorial University Director of Alumni Services Sheliah Cosby presents Erika Rains with the 2015 Martin Peters Young Alumnus of the Year Award.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_0065.jpg Courtesy photo Lincoln Memorial University Director of Alumni Services Sheliah Cosby presents Erika Rains with the 2015 Martin Peters Young Alumnus of the Year Award.

Courtesy photo Lincoln Memorial University Director of Alumni Services Sheliah Cosby presents Erika Rains with the 2015 Martin Peters Young Alumnus of the Year Award.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_0065-BW.jpg Courtesy photo Lincoln Memorial University Director of Alumni Services Sheliah Cosby presents Erika Rains with the 2015 Martin Peters Young Alumnus of the Year Award.

Special to Civitas Media

James R. (Dick) Nevils, of Harrogate, was inducted into the Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Professional Hall of Fame on October 9 during the University’s annual Homecoming celebration.

Nevils is part of a long legacy of Nevils who attended and graduated from LMU, including his grandfather, Walter P. Nevils; his father, James C. Nevils; his uncles, Jimmie Nevils and Burton Nevils; and his sisters, Gayle Cariethers and Sherrie Claiborne. He graduated from LMU in 1975 with a bachelor of science in biology and went on to complete his pharmacy training at Samford University in 1979.

Nevils returned to Harrogate and opened his pharmacy just across the street from LMU. His business, the Village Shops, contains The Prescription Shop, Village Market IGA and a hardware and variety store. The Village Shops has grown to represent one of Harrogate’s most thriving businesses, serving the community at large and the needs of countless LMU students for decades.

As a pharmacist, Nevils has a reputation of integrity and dedication. Medical professionals know they can depend on him for information and advice on prescribing medication. He is also known for helping his patients get the best medication and value, even if he has to call their prescribing physician or insurance company to discuss the situation.

His caring nature can also be seen in his actions as a dedicated philanthropist who supports the community he serves. He has served on boards of several organizations, including one term as alumni representative to the LMU Board of Trustees. He is generous with his time and finances, often donating to local schools and especially to athletic programs in the community and at LMU.

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.

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Those drivers whose vehicles are registered inside the county will now be paying an additional $25 each year for the privilege. The Claiborne Commission adopted the new wheel tax, earmarked for county infrastructure, during its regular monthly meeting last week. But, not before some minutes were spent in an apparent last-ditch effort to sway the commissioners against the adoption on second and final reading.

County resident Joe Brooks pointed to a statute within the Tennessee Codes Annotated having to do with funding capital projects and the maintenance of effort fund balance.

According to the code, the county must calculate an average dollar amount using totals from the previous five years when designating money for each department. It is unlawful to earmark less than that average amount, when preparing the new fiscal year budget.

That means, if you put the funds from the new wheel tax into the Road Department this year, Brooks said the county must put the same amount into that fund balance next year.

County attorney James Estep III said the funds are expected to go into a reserve balance, instead, for that very reason.

Brooks said he had a problem with putting the revenue into the 176 fund balance.

“That’s going to show a revenue strain of $725,000 dog-eared for capital projects. It is not going to show where that money is going to go,” said Brooks.

He proposed a scenario in which a lender might be enticed to loan more to the county for capital projects because of the extra funds showing in that balance.

“The problem is, if you get hooked on $12 million to $15 million to build the jail expansion – then you’re in debt. Then, you come back to the county commission, two-thirds, two times – you can amend that debt and say, ‘we’re going to use this money for the debt,’” said Brooks.

A second resident questioned the use of Road Department funds during the last 20 years. If just 44 miles of roadway had been paved per year, the total 840 miles of county roads would have been paved by now, he said.

Estep said the $5 million in question was used gradually over a period of years for equipment purchases, payroll and the payback of a bond issue. The Road Department receives the majority of its revenues from gasoline taxes, which do not generate enough funds to improve the roads, but to maintain them only, he said.

The call to vote, made by commissioner Dan Longworth and seconded by commissioner Juanita Honeycutt, occurred before the discussion seemed to wind down. An audience member asked to speak but was eventually barred from doing so.

Commission chairman David Mundy asked Estep to clarify the rules that might allow further discussion.

Estep said the commissioners could vote to amend the call. However, the amendment failed by a vote of 12 to nine.

Commissioners Whitt Shuford, Charlton Vass, Bill Keck, Gary Poore, Mitchell Cosby, Joan Cosby, Bill Johnson, Shawn Peters and Aimee Upton voted in favor of further discussion.

The wheel tax was adopted on second and final reading with a vote of 15 to six. Commissioners Shuford, Vass, Keck, Poore, Johnson and Upton voted against the adoption.

During a telephone interview, County Clerk Evelyn Hill said her office “was shooting for” the wheel tax to become effective on January 1, 2016.

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

Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress County attorney James Estep III answers questions put to him during the Claiborne Commission meeting.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Estep-pic.jpg Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress County attorney James Estep III answers questions put to him during the Claiborne Commission meeting.

Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress County resident Joe Brooks questions the Claiborne County Commission about the wheel tax issue.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Brooks-pic.jpg Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress County resident Joe Brooks questions the Claiborne County Commission about the wheel tax issue.

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.

Fairview Baptist Church

There will be a Thanksgiving Night Service with Wayne Carpenter Nov. 26 starting at 6 p.m. at Fairview Baptist Church in Tazewell. Singers expected is the Botts Family from Jacksboro and Mountain Grace from Bean Station. Everyone is welcome. Pastor Mark Sutton.

FBC Deaf and Hearing Impaired Worship

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

FBC Ministry Center

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

Indian Creek Baptist Church

Indian Creek Baptist Church will have a singing on Nov. 29 at 10:30 a.m. Special singers will be the Heavenly Heirs from Tazewell. Lunch will be served following the service. Everyone welcome, Steve Moyers, pastor.

Liberty Baptist Church

Liberty Baptist Church will have a Living Nativity outdoor mini drama about the birth of our Savior. We would like to invite everyone to come join us on Dec. 5 and 6 starting at 6 p.m. It will be in Liberty’s fellowship hall. Dress warmly and plan to sit on bales of hay as you help us celebrate what Christmas is all about. Should weather not permit, we will move the dates to December 11-12 at 6 p.m. Refreshments to follow.

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

The Mt. Pleasant Women’s Group will have a one day yard sale on Dec. 3 at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Great prices. Everyone is welcome.

New Beginning Baptist Church

New Beginning Baptist Church has new meeting times. We now meet for worship on Sunday at 10 a.m. and at 3 p.m. and on Sunday at 6 p.m. for Bible study. On Wednesday at 6 p.m. we have Visitation, Bridge Builders and Youth. On Sunday nights and other nights throughout the week we offer Life Application classes.

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 Hope Baptist Church

The New Hope Baptist Church Living Nativity will be held Dec. 4 and 5 from 6-8 p.m. with rain dates Dec. 11 and 12 from 6-8 p.m. Drive through for viewing. The church is located on Hwy. 33 South in New Tazewell. Everyone is invited to join us in celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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.

Riverside Baptist Church

Riverside Baptist Church will have a Christmas play on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. – “An Old Fashion Christmas.” Everyone welcome.

Servolution Health Services

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

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.

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.

Mr. Kazuo and Mrs. Emiko Hoshino of Yokohama, Japan, and Mr. Jay and Mrs. Sandy Kruse of Tazewell are proud to announce the wedding of their children, Yuki and Jacob. The couple was married on June 15, 2015, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Yuki is the granddaughter of Mr. Fusao and Mrs. Kin Suzuki of Tokyo, Japan, and Mr. Mitsuo and Mrs. Fusa Hoshino of Nigata, Japan. She is a 2008 graduate of Showa Women’s University in Tokyo, Japan, with a Bachelor of Art degree in Japanese History and Geography. Yuki is currently attending Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu, Hawaii for an Association of Art degree in Travel and Tourism.

Jacob is the grandson of Mr. Ray and Mrs. Jeanette Pillion of Tazewell and Mr. Hank and Mrs. Thelma Kruse of Salisbury, Maryland. Jacob is a 2006 graduate of Claiborne High School and served in the United States Army from Oct. 2009-2013. Jacob will graduate in December 2015 with a Bachelor of Science Business Administration degree in Finance from Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is continuing his education at Hawaii Pacific for his Master of Business Administration degree in Finance. The couple currently resides in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Mr and Mrs. Jacob A. Kruse

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Wedding-Kruse-and-Hoshino1.jpg Mr and Mrs. Jacob A. Kruse

Mr and Mrs. Jacob A. Kruse

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Wedding-Kruse-and-Hoshino-BW1.jpg Mr and Mrs. Jacob A. Kruse

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

Free GED/High Set Classes

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

Small Business Saturday and Tree Lighting

Special events will be held throughout downtown Middlesboro to celebrate Small Business Saturday. This is a great way for you to support small businesses in the area and to enjoy some fun and excitement in our historic downtown. The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. These will culminate with a tree lighting on Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. in Fountain Square. RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/915934045150525

Clairfield Christmas Parade

Clairfield is holding its annual Christmas Parade on Nov. 28 beginning at noon. A dinner will be held at the Fire Station immediately afterward.

Christmas Tree Lighting

A Christmas Tree Lighting will be held on Main Street in New Tazewell on Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m. There will be dancers, caroling, free hot chocolate and cookies. We would like to invite everyone and all churches to come and join in our Community Christmas Caroling.

Historic Speedwell Academy Christmas Open House

The Historic Speedwell Academy School will open its doors to the public for a “traditional” Christmas Open House. The open house will be held Dec. 5 and 12 from 1-5 p.m. Come and experience some local heritage and tour the building that served as headquarters to a general during the Civil War. Refreshments will be served. The Academy is located on Academy Rd. off Old Hwy. 63 in Speedwell.

Cumberland Gap Victorian Christmas

Victorian Christmas in The Historic Town of Cumberland Gap will be held on Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. with chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Father Christmas for the children, hot cider and cookies for everyone, carolers and the lighting of the Christmas tree. Everyone is welcome.

Middlesboro Christmas Parade

What better way to get in the holiday spirit than to come out for the Midddlesboro Christmas Parade? This favorite annual holiday event runs along Cumberland Ave. from 15th to 21st Street on Dec. 5 beginning at 3 p.m. The parade starts at Cumberland Ave. and 15th Street. Bring your whole family out to get a healthy dose of fun and entertainment, all culminating with Santa Claus riding down Cumberland Avenue! RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/880023695385536/

Tri-State Messiah Sing Along

The Tri-State Messiah Sing Along will be held Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. We’ll bring together professional soloists, an orchestra, and hundreds of audience members who will double as the chorus in a thrilling performance of Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah. The performance will be held at First Baptist Church in Middlesboro, located at 2300 Cumberland Ave. RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1659858844259161/

Claiborne County Office on Aging

It’s Annual Enrollment time for Medicare and Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. If you have questions about your Medicare coverage, are interested in seeing what plans are available to you, or would like to apply for extra help in paying your Part D premiums, please call the Claiborne County Office on Aging. The Annual Enrollment Period ends Dec. 7. Call 423-869-8080 ext. 2 for Denise West.

Claiborne County Coats For The Cold

The Claiborne County Family Resource Center is doing their annual new and gently used coat collection. The coats are given to residents and families that are in need of a coat who live in the Claiborne County area. If you have a coat you would like to donate, please contact the Family Resource Center at 423-626-1188 or The Alpha School at 423-626-3323. There is a great need for coats in sizes for little girls as well as larger sizes for men and women. There are several drop-off areas for your convenience. Harrogate locations: Citizens Bank and Commercial Bank; Speedwell location: Commercial Bank; Tazewell /New Tazewell locations: Citizens Bank, Corner Café, Sanderella’s, Claiborne Medical Center (hospital), Claiborne County Board of Education, Giles Industry, Pizza Inn, The Alpha School, Hair Etc., Fresh-N-Low and Commercial Bank. Coats will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis on Dec. 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Election Commission building on Main 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, Dec. 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.

Coats For The Cold

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

Leaf Disposal – New Tazewell

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

Leaf Disposal – Tazewell

There will be a curbside pick up of bagged leaves Nov. 30 through the month of December, for the Town of Tazewell residents. This is specifically leaves; no brush will be picked up. Please call the Tazewell City Hall to request your pick up at 423-626-5104.

Drug Test Kits Available

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

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.

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 Dec. 1, Jan. 19, Feb. 2 and Feb. 16 at Walters State Community College, 1325 Claiborne Street, Tazewell, in room 204 (top floor). The meetings will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. For more information call Tammy Wilson, facilitator, at 865-585-2917.

American Legion Post #109

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

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.

Bailey Cemetery

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

Claiborne County Historical and Genealogy Society

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

Estes Cemetery

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

Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project

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

Hopewell Cemetery

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

Riverview Cemetery

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

Rose Cemetery

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

Seals Chapel Cemetery

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

Shoemaker Cemetery

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

Thompson Chapel Cemetery

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

Town of Tazewell BMA

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

Tri-State Christian Academy

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

Woods Cosby Cemetery

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

Wylie Cemetery

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

Yoakum Cemetery

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

Claiborne County Sheriff David Ray has confirmed that the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is investigating an apparent murder in the Clairfield community.

The victim, a white male in his mid-50s, is from the Clairfield community. His identity is being withheld pending notification of family members.

According to Ray, various persons of interest are being questioned in connection with the incident. There are some witnesses and “good leads,” he said.

“It looks like charges will be coming soon,” he said, “and more than likely there will be more than one arrest.”

Investigators have been at the crime scene since around 2 a.m. today, said Ray.

Ray said it appears the victim was “beaten to death from all indications.” The official cause of death is unknown. The victim’s body was taken to University of Tennessee Medical Center for an autopsy.

Clairfield is in a remote area of Claiborne County, between Jellico in Campbell County and Middlesboro, Kentucky.

The Claiborne Progress will have more as information becomes available.

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

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Special to Civitas Media

Sonja Saylor, of Knoxville, was inducted into the Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Educators’ Hall of Fame on October 9 during the University’s annual Homecoming celebration.

A native of Sharps Chapel, Saylor graduated from Horace Maynard High School prior to enrolling at LMU where she would eventually earn three degrees. She earned a bachelor’s degree in teaching in 1987, a master’s of education in 2001 and educational specialist degree in 2007.

Saylor entered the classroom in 1987. For the next 16 years she proved to be a natural leader among faculty and staff, teaching first, third and fifth grades at Luttrell and Sharps Chapel Elementary schools. In 2003, Saylor was appointed principal of Luttrell Elementary School. It is a position she continues to hold. Of all Union County Public School principals, Saylor has the longest record of continual service.

Saylor has been recognized as a devoted citizen to her community. She has shepherded Luttrell Elementary School through growth periods which have enabled the community to prosper as well. Saylor has impacted the lives of countless students, colleagues and teachers throughout her tenure.

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.

Sonja Saylor

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Everyone is invited to a 90th birthday celebration party for Swann Bush on Dec. 5 from 1-4 p.m. at First Avenue Hall, across from Duncan Lumber Company in New Tazewell. Come and enjoy the food and fellowship. No gifts, please.

Everyone is invited to a 90th birthday celebration party for Swann Bush on Dec. 5 from 1-4 p.m. at First Avenue Hall, across from Duncan Lumber Company in New Tazewell. Come and enjoy the food and fellowship. No gifts, please.

Everyone is invited to a 90th birthday celebration party for Swann Bush on Dec. 5 from 1-4 p.m. at First Avenue Hall, across from Duncan Lumber Company in New Tazewell. Come and enjoy the food and fellowship. No gifts, please.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Swan-Bush.jpg Everyone is invited to a 90th birthday celebration party for Swann Bush on Dec. 5 from 1-4 p.m. at First Avenue Hall, across from Duncan Lumber Company in New Tazewell. Come and enjoy the food and fellowship. No gifts, please.

Everyone is invited to a 90th birthday celebration party for Swann Bush on Dec. 5 from 1-4 p.m. at First Avenue Hall, across from Duncan Lumber Company in New Tazewell. Come and enjoy the food and fellowship. No gifts, please.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Swan-Bush-BW.jpg Everyone is invited to a 90th birthday celebration party for Swann Bush on Dec. 5 from 1-4 p.m. at First Avenue Hall, across from Duncan Lumber Company in New Tazewell. Come and enjoy the food and fellowship. No gifts, please.