It was a pleasure receiving a Christmas well-wish from my good friend John Rice Irwin a few days ago. Irwin is the founder of the fabulous Museum of Appalachia which is located just 18 miles or so north of Knoxville just off of Interstate 75.

Irwin is a great American and great Tennessean. His life is rooted in the mountains and hills of Appalachia. A huge number of individuals have visited and enjoyed the Museum of Appalachia. John asked me to “spread the word, this Christmas story.”

“I found Thelma Phillips sitting before a warm fire watching over the food she was cooking on the hearth – country ham, parched corn, hoe cakes and such,” Irwin began. She graciously invited him to join her.

“I noticed that you often take leave of your culinary chores to make cloth balls, the size of oranges, from strips of worn out sheets,” he told her. “I was curious about the little notes that you write and place at the core of each of the cloth play-balls you make. I’m unable to restrain my curiosity any longer Thelma. If you don’t mind, tell me about the notes you write and place inside each of the play-balls.”

Thelma smiled broadly as if she expected the question.

“We were too poor to have any store-bought toys when I was a child,” she answered. “My Granny Phillips made each of us children a ball out of an old bed cover. What a great time we had playing with it until it finally unraveled and fell apart.

“I was sitting here the other day and studying about my own grandchildren and what I could get them for Christmas. I remembered the rag balls that my Granny made for us kids and decided to make one for each of my ten grandchildren.”

Irwin asked, “Tell me then, what is on those little notes you write and put in the balls?”

“I just write that I‘m thinking about them and tell how much I love them,” Thelma answered. “When the balls eventually fall apart, they’ll get that little extra Christmas wish.”

“Thelma, that’s such a great story and it has such meaning and love connected with it,” Irwin replied. He thought how wondrous it was that a child could be touched at some time later by an unexpected message, a special gift from the heart.

Thelma laid her cloth work aside and poked the fire while checking on her cooking. Irwin was so moved by what he learned he wanted to ask Thelma ‘about her raisin.’ He had been told that she grew up in one of the most remote places.

“They said my people were the first white people to live back there at the top of the mountain,” Thelma answered. “They called the area Sassafras where I was born and raised. There were no roads, or much of anything.

“My mother and daddy both died when I was twelve years old. I was on my own. I would work for a family for a few weeks for my room and board – taking care of kids, cleaning houses, carrying water or cutting wood. Then, for two or three years, I’d go from one family to another to work for a place to stay.

“We hardly heard of Christmas, but I feel blessed for all the Lord has provided for me and my family – all of the wonderful friends and neighbors and getting to meet thousands of people down at your Museum of Appalachia.”

Thelma is now 93 years old and is bedridden but she only counts her blessings and none of the hardships, including two bouts with cancer.

Irwin asked two of his close friends who worked with Thelma for decades, what they thought of her.

“If I had to choose a grandmother, I’d want her to be just like Thelma,” Andrea Fritts said almost immediately. Gene Purcell then responded as if he prepared his answer. “Thelma Phillips is the gentlest person I have ever met.”

Irwin said he hopes readers enjoy Thelma’s story and her special gift from the heart.

Anyone wishing to send this great American a greeting can do so at John Rice Irwin, 111 Acuff Lane, Clinton, TN 37716

Jadon Gibson is a freelance writer from Harrogate.

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Photo submitted Thelma Phillips Irwin making her gifts.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_Thelma-Phillips-Irwin-story-bw.jpgPhoto submitted Thelma Phillips Irwin making her gifts.

Photo submitted

Third grade students at Ellen Myers School in Harrogate recently took part in a community service project. The students were very generous and donated four boxes of personal hygiene items and socks to Maw’s Closet. Ms. Sarah Goad, Ms. Marilyn Minton and Mr. Don Dooley are very proud of their students.

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Photo submitted Third grade students at Ellen Myers School in Harrogate recently took part in a community service project. The students were very generous and donated four boxes of personal hygiene items and socks to Maw’s Closet. Ms. Sarah Goad, Ms. Marilyn Minton and Mr. Don Dooley are very proud of their students.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_Ellen-Myers-project.jpgPhoto submitted Third grade students at Ellen Myers School in Harrogate recently took part in a community service project. The students were very generous and donated four boxes of personal hygiene items and socks to Maw’s Closet. Ms. Sarah Goad, Ms. Marilyn Minton and Mr. Don Dooley are very proud of their students.

Photo submitted

Rev. Scott Cannon, center, brought the message of a special gift, the birth of Jesus, to a recent Christmas meeting of the Wilderness Road Kiwanis Club at the Gondolier Restaurant in Harrogate. Cannon is the pastor of Pump Springs Baptist Church in Harrogate. Betsy Maples and Joe Blascoe are shown visiting with the modern-day messenger.

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Photo submitted Rev. Scott Cannon, center, brought the message of a special gift, the birth of Jesus, to a recent Christmas meeting of the Wilderness Road Kiwanis Club at the Gondolier Restaurant in Harrogate. Cannon is the pastor of Pump Springs Baptist Church in Harrogate. Betsy Maples and Joe Blascoe are shown visiting with the modern-day messenger.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_Kiwanis-clr.jpgPhoto submitted Rev. Scott Cannon, center, brought the message of a special gift, the birth of Jesus, to a recent Christmas meeting of the Wilderness Road Kiwanis Club at the Gondolier Restaurant in Harrogate. Cannon is the pastor of Pump Springs Baptist Church in Harrogate. Betsy Maples and Joe Blascoe are shown visiting with the modern-day messenger.

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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Ivan Dale Kanefsky – domestic assault

John Robert Hayes – domestic assault

Carl Smith – capias/bench warrant for manufacture, possession, deliver, sell of a schedule II drugs, failure to appear for driving under the influence, driving on a revoked license, speeding 62/30 and violation of the financial responsibility law

Teresa Fay Weaver – violation of probation for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and driving under the influence

David Lee Johnson – violation of probation for possession of a schedule III drugs

Allison Marie Greene – failure to appear for theft under $500

Arnold Keith Chittum – failure to appear for violations of the seat belt, registration and financial responsibility laws

Stephanie Ann Willis – failure to appear on a traffic citation for violations of the seat belt and registration laws

Louetta Jane Turner – driving on a revoked license

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New Tazewell Police Dept.

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Michael Anthony Provenza Jr. – fugitive from justice

Sarah Elizabeth Miracle – criminal trespassing, possession of a schedule IV and a schedule V drugs, theft over $500 (shoplifting)

Larry Wayne Runions – burglary of a motor vehicle, theft of property over $1,000

Dustin Ray McMurray – outstanding child support attachment, driving on a suspended license, violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Rogeer Dale Coffey – two outstanding warrants

Eligtah Cole Pierce – two outstanding warrants

Stephanie Ann Willis – one outstanding warrant

Carl Edward Smith – one outstanding warrant

David L. Johnson – violation of probation

Bradley Chesney – violation of probation

Cathy Hoskins – speeding 60/45, violation of the financial responsibility law

John Franklin Shiver Jr. – violations of the light, registration and financial responsibility laws

Angela V. Asher – possession of a schedule II and a schedule IV drugs

Robert A. Stilson – driving on a suspended license, violation of the financial responsibility law

Katie R. Cinniamon – violations of the financial responsibility and license plates (improper display) laws

Hannah M. Harber – violation of the financial responsibility law

Daniel Thomas Sexton Jr. – falsification of a drug test

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Tazewell Police Dept.

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Lee Earnie Brown – domestic assault of a minor

James David Brown – resisting arrest, public intoxication

Jonathan Robert Gore – driving under the influence (second offense), possession of a schedule II and a schedule VI drugs and drug paraphernalia

Lynne F. Evans – speeding 75/45, violations of the driver’s license, registration and financial responsibility laws, failure to appear on a traffic case

Latoshia Lashay Holland – speeding 62/45, violation of the financial responsibility law

Akalpa Mukherjee – speeding 68/45

Jacob Green – speeding 65/45

Rockie Dean Miniard – speeding 65/45

Sherry Michelle Raines – violations of the light and financial responsibility laws

Dominique Rashad Justice – theft of merchandise under $500

Rachel Irene Inman – driving on a suspended license, violation of the financial responsibility law

Jerimiah Daniel Walker – violation of the financial responsibility law

Luke Andrew Evans – violation of the dog leash laws

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Tennessee Hwy. Patrol

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Sarah Donielle Jones – driving on a suspended license, failure to appear for violations of the seat belt and financial responsibility laws

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J. Frank White Academy Principal Jarryd Boster has announced the honor roll for the first nine weeks for grades four through 12 at the J. Frank White Academy on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University.

Students receiving High Honors (all As) include fourth graders Ellie Lintelman-Nadar, Alyssa Sharp and Shashi Verma; fifth graders Michael Begley, Grayson DeBusk, Olivia Johnson, Alexandra Snodgrass, Elnur Usmonov, Joshua Wilkerson and Ella Wynn; sixth graders Lexi Brock, Dalton Brown, Elizabeth Cooper, Olivia Cowan, Amanda Kotlar, Mary LeBoeuf and Steven Lintelman-Nadar; seventh graders Connor Foster and Makayla Leake; ninth graders Jadon Hopkins, Nicholas Lockhart, Tameka Lowe, Alan Luc, Katherine Messer and Simon Strickland; 10th graders Jayden Fisher, Alaina Graham, Bridget LeBoeuf, Rose Mountain, Sophia Nichols, Bailey Patton, Maximilian Slowinski and Ray Spade; 11th graders Isaac Duncan, Rachel Harville, Nicole Hasson, Shayla Poynter, Olivia Robertson, Brianna Tinnel and Alexander Wright; and 12th graders Cassidy Carroll, Cassidy Edwards, Leah Ellison, Rebecca Loveless, Isaiah Nichols, Lucas Payne, Shane Stevens and Emme Younce.

Students receiving Honors (all As and one B) include fourth graders Anna Graham, Evalyn Owens and Avery Thompson; fifth graders Taylor Kohlmeyer, Alisha Snodgrass and Jeremiah Williamson; sixth graders Sarah Bradley and Russell Robards; seventh graders Macy Caldwell, Gabriela Garcia and Jaymin Huddleston; eighth grader Talyn Dibrell; ninth graders Austin Boger, Beraya Piercy, Justin Poland, Anna Posey, Ethan Ramsey and Carson Shumate; 10th graders Madison Acuff and William DeBusk; 11th graders Bailey Brewer and Nolan Pratt; and 12th graders Kaylor Neely and Shayla Welden.

The J. Frank White Academy is a private coeducational college preparatory school located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University and serves students grades 4-12 from Claiborne, Union, Campbell and Hancock counties in Tennessee; Bell County, Kentucky; and Lee County, Virginia. For more information contact the Academy Office at 423-869-6234 or visit www.lmunet.edu/academy.

The Walters State Debate team’s fourth tournament of the semester led to more awards. The freshman team of Daniel Kish and Jake Muscari advanced to quarter finals at the Tennessee Porch Swing Tournament hosted by Carson-Newman University. Both debaters also captured awards for their speaking ability. The novice pair’s accomplishments are particularly impressive given that they were in the same bracket with varsity debaters. Walters State was the only two-year college in the field, which included Purdue University, Belmont, Covenant, North Georgia and the host school, Carson-Newman.

“The fact that our debaters performed so well against a tough field of four-year schools while our student leadership had other special opportunities that took them elsewhere is indicative of the depth our team is blessed to have,” said Robert E. Pratt, II who serves as director of debate and teaches speech communications at Walters State.

Other Walters State debaters participating in the tournament were Eve Winstead, Robert Sanchez, Rebekah Frith and Storm Heselschwerdt.

Last year, a school record 24 people debated for Walters State at least once and that growth is continuing with new arrivals joining the team each semester. Debate plans to host its second tournament of the year at Walters State’s Sevier County Campus on Feb. 3 and 4.

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.

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Photo submitted Jake Muscari and Daniel Kish advanced to the quarterfinals and received individual speaker honors at the Tennessee Porch Swing Debate Tournament.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_WSCCDebateTeam.jpgPhoto submitted Jake Muscari and Daniel Kish advanced to the quarterfinals and received individual speaker honors at the Tennessee Porch Swing Debate Tournament.

KNOXVILLE — More than 15 million Americans experience urinary incontinence, a condition characterized by the inability to control urine. Women experience incontinence twice as often as men. Pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, and the structure of the female urinary tract account for this difference.

Tennova Healthcare wants women to know that urinary incontinence is not an inevitable result of aging. Most women with this condition can be helped or cured.

“Urinary incontinence can be uncomfortable, inconvenient and, in some cases, embarrassing. It can also be treated,” said Gregory Glover, M.D., a urogynecologist with East Tennessee Women’s Specialists. Dr. Glover is part of an exclusive group of physicians nationally who is dual-certified in obstetrics/gynecology as well as female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. He performs gynecology surgery at Turkey Creek Medical Center in West Knoxville.

“Incontinence may be caused by a variety of factors, including urinary tract infections and pelvic support problems,” Dr. Glover said. “In fact, urinary incontinence can be broadly categorized into four different types—and figuring out which you’re experiencing can be the first step to managing these distressing episodes once and for all.”

Urinary incontinence is divided into four categories:

• Stress incontinence: Activities such as coughing, exercising, laughing or sneezing put pressure on your bladder and cause urine to leak uncontrollably.

• Urgency incontinence: You suddenly need to urinate and may not have time to make it to the bathroom.

• Overflow incontinence: You experience frequent and excessive leaking of urine. Additionally, your bladder may not empty completely when you go to the bathroom.

• Functional incontinence: Urine flow is normal, but you are not able to get to the bathroom in time because of a disease that makes it hard to move, such as arthritis.

As a result of pregnancy and childbirth, women may experience problems with the pelvic muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that support the bladder, uterus, rectum and other organs. Damage or stretching of the muscles can result in pelvic organ prolapse, a condition where the pelvic floor is no longer able to support the internal organs.

“With pelvic prolapse, the organs drop downward—often causing discomfort, urinary incontinence, bowel movement difficulties or painful intercourse,” Glover said. “Proper diagnosis may bring relief and a better quality of life. At Tennova, we have experience treating this condition and are well versed on the latest innovations, including pelvic prolapse surgery.”

If you are experiencing problems with urination, your doctor may complete a physical exam and ask questions about family history and lifestyle habits. Medication may be used to treat the cause of your urinary incontinence. Bladder training may be a good option if you have stress or urge incontinence. If nonsurgical methods of treatment do not prove effective, your doctor may recommend surgery.

“Urinary incontinence in women is widely underreported to health professionals, despite the obvious distress it can cause,” Glover said. “My advice: don’t suffer in silence. In many cases, urinary incontinence is treatable, meaning you can reclaim control over your body and start enjoying life again.”

For more information or a physician referral, call 1-855-TENNOVA (836-6682) or visit Tennova.com.

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Dr. Gregory Glover

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

Free Classes

The Claiborne County Adult High School is now offering free classes for students to earn credits to receive their Tennessee state high school diploma. Flexible scheduling is available for both day and evening classes. For more information, contact the Adult High School at 423-626-8222.

Town of Tazewell Meetings

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 Planning Commission Meetings are held at 5:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. The public is invited to attend these meetings.

Cumberland Gap Meetings

The regular monthly meetings for the Cumberland Gap Historical Zoning Commission will be held the first Tuesday (following the first Monday) of every month at 7 p.m. at the Cumberland Gap Town Hall, 330 Colwyn Street Cumberland Gap (if no items are to be discussed a meeting will not be held). The public is invited to attend.

The regular monthly meetings for the Cumberland Gap Planning Commission will be held the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Cumberland Gap Town, 330 Colwyn Street Cumberland Gap (if no items are to be discussed a meeting will not be held). The public is invited to attend.

The regular monthly meetings for the Town of Cumberland Gap Board of Mayor and Alderman will be held the first Monday evening of every month at 7 p.m. at the Cumberland Gap Town Hall, 330 Colwyn Street, Cumberland Gap. The Cumberland Gap Beer Board meeting follows the board meeting each month. At least one week before the regular scheduled meeting the board meets in a study session to review and finalize the agenda. That meeting starts at 6 p.m. and is usually held the Monday before the regular scheduled meeting. Both meetings are open to the public.

City of Harrogate Meetings

The following meetings are held at Harrogate City Hall, 138 Harrogate Crossing: Board of Mayor and Aldermen – fourth Monday each month at 6 p.m.; Work Sessions – each month on the Tuesday prior to the BMA meetings, at 6 p.m.; Parks and Recreation Committee – second Monday of the month at 6 p.m., on an as-needed basis; Planning Commission – second Monday each month at 6:30 p.m. The Book Station Committee meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. at the Harrogate Book Station, 310 Bristol Road. All meetings are open to the public.

Greene County Skills

Greene County Skills, Inc. is seeking individuals in Tennessee that have developmental or physical disability. Tennessee has a grant program offering assistance. For more information, call Greene County Skills, Inc. at 423-798-7137, ask for Karin Hagenburger or 423-798-7144 Teresa Crawford, Family Support Coordinator.

Narcotics Anonymous

NA meetings are held every Wednesday and Saturday at 6 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Middlesboro, Kentucky. For more information call 606-670-4356.

Bee Friends

Interested in beekeeping and meeting beekeepers? Whether you are looking for information or just curious, you are welcome to join Bee Friends, a local beekeeping group. Bee Friends meets monthly, on the first Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Tazewell Campus of Walters State in the auditorium. There will not be a meeting in December. The meeting is a great time to check the group out, just ask questions, and meet others with all levels of experience, especially if you are interested in learning more about bees next year. There will be a sign at the door from the parking lot. As always, coffee and dessert will be served. For more information call 423-648-4785.

Free Smoke Alarms

Springdale Volunteer Fire Department in partnership with the American Red Cross and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (Dept. of Commerce & Insurance) will provide and install free smoke alarms to eligible households. If you live in the Springdale VFD district and need smoke alarms in your home, please provide the VFD with the following information: name, address, number of bedrooms, (number of children, handicapped living in house), daytime and evening phone number, and if you presently have any working smoke alarms. If you are unsure what fire district you are in, send the information anyway and we will make that determination. (DO NOT CALL 911.) Send the information to: Springdale Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. 327, New Tazewell, TN 37924. Someone will contact you when we will be installing the alarms. If may take some time to compile the information and get to all the qualifying homes. However, this is a two-year project, so please be patient. The American Red Cross and Springdale VFD will decide the order of installation.

Weight Watchers Meetings

Weight Watchers meetings began Jan. 3 in the fellowship hall of the New Tazewell United Methodist Church. The meetings will be held each Tuesday at 5 p.m. The church is located across from Coffey Funeral Home. For more information call 423-489-9987.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, Alzheimer’s Support Group meets the last Thursday of each month at 3 p.m. at Laurel Manor Nursing Facility. 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.

American Legion Post #109

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

Beginner’s Computer Class

The Claiborne County Public Library is hosting a beginner’s computer class at the Harrogate Senior Citizens Center every other Friday at 1 p.m. For more information call the library at 423-626-5414.

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.

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.

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.

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.

HARROGATE — The Lincoln Memorial University Board of Trustees welcomed new members Roger A. Ball and Dr. Carroll E. Rose when it held its fall meetings Nov. 10-11. Additionally, Lynn Duncan rejoined the board following her retirement from the Division of University Advancement.

“Lincoln Memorial University is fortunate to attract such distinguished individuals to serve on our Board of Trustees. Roger Ball, Dr. Carroll Rose and Lynn Duncan bring tremendous experience and expertise to the leadership our fine institution. These new board members will be instrumental in developing the plans and policies that will continue the growth and prosperity of our University,” said President B. James Dawson.

Ball, a life-long resident of Claiborne County, Tennessee, graduated from LMU in 1966 and earned a masters degree from the University of Tennessee in 1970. Following college, he embarked on a career in public education, first serving as the cooperative education coordinator and then as director of vocational education for the Claiborne County School system. He later dedicated his career to his privately-held business interests, including Ball Realty and Auction Company, Ball Construction Company and many other successful endeavors.

Ball serves as president of Powell Valley Electric Cooperative and chairman of the board at Citizens Bank. He has contributed greatly to the economic growth of the region through his participation in organizations, including the Clinch Powell River Valley Association, the Claiborne County Chamber of Commerce, Claiborne County Planning Commission, Claiborne County Industrial Development Board, Workforce Investment Board and Lions Club.

Rose graduated from LMU in 1965, attending the alma mater of his mother, sister and brother. In 1967 he completed a masters degree in biochemistry from the University of Tennessee, and in 1971 he earned a medical degree from UT.

Following medical school, Rose joined former LMU Trustee Dr. Meredith Evans in his medical practice. Rose later served as Chief of Surgery at Middlesboro Community Hospital and Chief of Staff at Claiborne County Hospital. He serves on the board of directors at First Century Bank. The Jim Rose Computer Lab at LMU is named for his son, who passed away while he was a student at the J. Frank White Academy.

Rose and his wife, Janice, reside on a family farm in Tazewell, Tennessee, where they enjoy farming and cultivating native species and wildlife management techniques. They have hosted many educational and cultural events at the farm in partnership with county and state wildlife agencies.

Duncan, the wife of Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr., first served LMU as a trustee in the early 2000’s before joining the division of University Advancement as director of major gifts. During her tenure, she raised well over $1 million in gifts and grants. She retired in June. Duncan has served many other organizations in East Tennessee including the Boys and Girls Clubs. The Duncans reside on Norris Lake and have four grown children and 10 grandchildren.

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, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@lmunet.edu.

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Dr. Carroll Rose

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Roger Ball

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HARROGATE, Tenn. — Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) will host the Knoxville Opera for a community performance of Puccini’s La Boheme at 4 p.m. on Jan. 12 in the Sam and Sue Mars Performing Arts Center in the Duke Hall of Citizenship.

The presentation includes a 40-minute staged and costumed performance in English of the opera based on Henri Murger’s novel, Scenes de la vie de boheme, a collection of vignettes portraying young bohemians living in the Latin Quarter of Paris in the 1830s. The story is a tale of two passionate love affairs and one heartbreaking death as Mimi and Rodolfo fall in love, but her failing health and his abject poverty threaten their happiness. Puccini’s music depicts the joy of life and heartbreaks of struggling Bohemian artists. A question and answer session will follow the performance and the audience is invited on stage to take photos with the performers at the conclusion of the event.

The program will feature Executive Director and Conductor Brian Salesky, soprano Sonja Krenek as Mimi, tenor Oswaldo Iraheta as Rodolfo and soprano Brittany Robinson as Musetta. The high-energy, entertaining presentation is part of Knoxville Opera’s extensive community outreach initiative aimed at introducing opera to new audiences. For each of the past five years, Knoxville Opera has presented an abbreviated opera production in English for students in their schools.

The program is free and open to the public. LMU Board of Trustees Chairman Autry O.V. “Pete” DeBusk and his wife, Cindi, have sponsored the event.

For more information, contact Assistant Professor of Theatre and LMU Theatre Technical Director Joe Gill at 423-869-6265.

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Brittany Robinson

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Oswaldo Iraheta

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Sonja Krenek

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

Christ the King Catholic Church

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

FBC New Tazewell

First Baptist Church of New Tazewell is now offering free dinner on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. before Bible studies for kids to adults. The church is located at 814 Buchanan Rd., New Tazewell. For more information call 423-626-5401.

Liberty Baptist Church

Liberty Baptist Church will have its monthly singing service Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m. Visiting singers will be The Botts Family of Jacksboro. Everyone is welcome. Dennis Buchanan, song leader; Rev. Kenny Clark, pastor.

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church will have the Better Way Quartet at their 10 a.m. morning service on Jan. 15. Everyone is welcome. Come worship with us. Terry Herrell, pastor.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Regular services include: Sunday School every Sunday at 10 a.m. with worship at 11 a.m. Sunday night service every first and third Sunday at 7 p.m. We also have a fifth Sunday night singing at 7 p.m. Pastor Kenny Williams and the congregation invite everyone.

On Wings as Eagles

On Wings as Eagles is a non-denominational church located at 213A S. Broad Street, New Tazewell. Tuesday meeting is at 7 p.m. Thursday, youth services and drama are at 6 p.m. Sunday services are Sunday School at noon, worship service at 1 p.m.

Pump Springs Baptist Church

PSBC has added an early worship service. The early worship service is held at 8:30 a.m. Sunday School begins at 9:30 a.m. and morning worship is at 11 a.m. Everyone is invited.

Stand in the Gap

Free saliva-based drug testing kits are provided and sponsored through UNITE and Stand in the Gap Coalition (SIGCO). 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. Kits can be obtained at 44 different distribution points throughout the Tri-State area and at the SIGCO office. For more information call the SIGCO office at 423-300-1302. To pick up a kit, stop by on Mondays from 1-5:30 p.m. The Stand in the Gap Coalition office is located at 502 Pennlyn Ave. in Cumberland Gap.

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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.

Claiborne County Ministerial Association

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

Dogwood Heights Baptist Church

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

FBC Deaf and Hearing Impaired Worship

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

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.

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.

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.

Michelle Huddleston, Executive Vice-President, COO, and Chief Compliance Officer of Commercial Bank attended the FDIC’s Advisory Committee on Economic Inclusion (ComE-IN) which met in Washington, D.C.

Huddleston was a panelist in the Thursday afternoon session, where she spoke about Initial Lessons from FDIC Youth Savings Pilot. On Friday, Huddleston participated in a symposium on fostering youth savings, ”Learning to Save – Saving to Learn,” where she represented Commercial Bank. The bank has a Phase 2 Pilot Program called Smart Cents in Harlan County, Kentucky. Bank representatives, non-profits, and school partners shared their approaches to combining financial education with the opportunity to open a savings account.

“Speaking at the ComE-IN meeting is one of the highlights of my career,” Huddleston stated. “It was an honor to share ideas of how our industry can expand access to banking services to underserved populations. Smart Cents has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my 29 years as a banker. I really believe in the program and its impact on the next generation of consumers and business owners.”

Huddleston says Abby Walker from the Cumberland office was instrumental in campaigning to management to create the Smart Cents program. “She saw a need in her community and made Smart Cents happen.”

In the Smart Cents program, bank employees volunteer to speak in classrooms, pre-K through eighth grade, to educate students on the importance of setting financial goals, managing money, planning and preparing for the future, understanding the difference in debit versus credit, ways to invest and donate, careers in the financial industry and so much more. In addition to classroom activities and lectures, students are given the opportunity for hands-on learning by opening a savings account at their school and making deposits when a bank representative visits.

Huddleston lives in Harrogate with her husband, Scott, and their daughter, Jaymin. She is very active in the communities the bank serves and believes in giving back to the community. Michelle started with Commercial Bank in 1994, serving as Customer Service Supervisor and Internal Auditor prior to becoming COO in 2001. Michelle is responsible for the overall operations and compliance of the bank, which has 22 branches and one Loan Production Office in Kentucky and Tennessee.

Commercial Bank is a community bank with the financial services, capabilities, and resources of regional and national banks.

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Photo submitted Michelle Huddleston of Commercial Bank with Martin J. Gruenberg, Chairman of the FDIC.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_Michelle1.jpgPhoto submitted Michelle Huddleston of Commercial Bank with Martin J. Gruenberg, Chairman of the FDIC.

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Photo submitted Commercial Bank’s Michelle Huddleston recently participated on a panel discussing the Smart Cents Program implemented in the Harlan County, Kentucky, school system in 2015-16. She attended the FDIC’s Advisory Committee on Economic Inclusion (ComE-IN) which met in Washington, D.C.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_michellepanel.jpgPhoto submitted Commercial Bank’s Michelle Huddleston recently participated on a panel discussing the Smart Cents Program implemented in the Harlan County, Kentucky, school system in 2015-16. She attended the FDIC’s Advisory Committee on Economic Inclusion (ComE-IN) which met in Washington, D.C.

Photo submitted

Main St. Cafe held its grand opening and ribbon cutting recently. Located at 613 Main St. in New Tazewell, the restaurant serves breakfast all day plus a menu of other items, such as the Taz Burger. From left, Tony Brock, Justin Collett, New Tazewell Mayor Jerry Beeler, Christy Brock and Brandon Fulson. For more information call 423-626-4606.

Also there’s Jennifer Collett Justin’s Husband. Justin Jennifer Tony and Myself are owners. Brandon is the master cook lol.

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Photo submitted Main St. Cafe held its grand opening and ribbon cutting recently. Located at 613 Main St. in New Tazewell, the restaurant serves breakfast all day plus a menu of other items, such as the Taz Burger. From left, Tony Brock, Justin Collett, New Tazewell Mayor Jerry Beeler, Christy Brock and Brandon Fulson. For more information call 423-626-4606. Also there’s Jennifer Collett Justin’s Husband. Justin Jennifer Tony and Myself are owners. Brandon is the master cook lol.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_Main-Street-Cafe.jpgPhoto submitted Main St. Cafe held its grand opening and ribbon cutting recently. Located at 613 Main St. in New Tazewell, the restaurant serves breakfast all day plus a menu of other items, such as the Taz Burger. From left, Tony Brock, Justin Collett, New Tazewell Mayor Jerry Beeler, Christy Brock and Brandon Fulson. For more information call 423-626-4606. Also there’s Jennifer Collett Justin’s Husband. Justin Jennifer Tony and Myself are owners. Brandon is the master cook lol.

Those who break the law in Cumberland Gap could be attending town court, if officials decide to reinstate the practice. Mayor Neal Pucciarelli suggested the measure during the January board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting.

Town court would be a complement to the on-duty policing of the Gap, which now occurs from Thursday through Saturday, said the Mayor.

“We have to do some research on it to see the feasibility,” said Pucciarelli.

It looks as though town officials could be handling the granting of building permits a bit differently. Pucciarelli suggested giving those requesting permits ‘full disclosure’ upfront, to alleviate future confusion.

The idea, which was discussed during the town planning and zoning portion of the meeting, was bounced off the announcement that a resident had applied for a permit to create a driveway of sorts on Colwyn.

“I think we need to start with everything going through planning and zoning before we issue any permits or any applications for permits. Something comes up and Linda (city recorder Linda Moyers) will get complaints – ‘what is that?’ and, sometimes, we don’t even know,” said Pucciarelli.

The Mayor said he and Moyers had researched all the codes they could find and passed that knowledge on to the driveway builder, prior to that person completing his application.

“We need to give each person that’s applying for a permit as much information, upfront, as we can so that we aren’t having all of these issues on a monthly basis,” said Pucciarelli.

In other action, the Mayor will be meeting on Jan. 20 with the superintendent of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in reference to reopening a section of the walking bridge that runs into downtown.

Apparently, a portion of that bridge near or on Park property has been closed for a lengthy time due to disrepair. It looks as though a couple of boards is preventing safe travel along that section, according to alderman Chuck Coffey, who said many walkers were forced to make “a sketchy” way along the side of the roadway.

Pucciarelli said he had heard a “multitude of stories” about the walkway.

“I ran into a gentleman walking his dogs. It was about dusk by the time he got to the ‘million dollar’ parking lot. And, he was afraid to come down the hill with his dogs,” said Pucciarelli.

The walking trail is one of the most ‘well-traveled’ in the park, he said.

“I’m having a hard time figuring out why they can’t fix it,” said Pucciarelli.

In other action, the town will be addressing ongoing problems with groundwater ‘run-off’ into certain homes and businesses.

Coffey suggested putting the issue ‘on the back burner’ for a while, to allow time for the annual budget preparation to draw nearer.

About 15 manholes will need work, at a cost of about $105 per foot, he said.

The town may be looking into the way in which it handles past-due water bills. Pucciarelli suggested that the planning committee address policies surrounding the shutting off of water.

“This last time, we didn’t cut anybody’s water off until they were 17 days past due. We had a couple of complaints. Linda sent out notices that we are now ready to (accept) credit and debit cards,” said Pucciarelli.

There will be a four percent service charge attached to this method of payment, according to Moyers.

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

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Neal Pucciarelli

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_Pucciarelli-mug.jpgNeal Pucciarelli

Photo courtesy of Stacy Curry

Christmas was made special again for some young people by the local VFW Post #8779 in New Tazewell. Several people and businesses contributed to the annual event. Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to give out gifts to the children who attended.

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Photo courtesy of Stacy Curry Christmas was made special again for some young people by the local VFW Post #8779 in New Tazewell. Several people and businesses contributed to the annual event. Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to give out gifts to the children who attended.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_VFW-Christmas-Angels.jpgPhoto courtesy of Stacy Curry Christmas was made special again for some young people by the local VFW Post #8779 in New Tazewell. Several people and businesses contributed to the annual event. Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to give out gifts to the children who attended.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Expecting a baby? Congratulations! Better put plenty of money in your savings account.

The Department of Agriculture says the estimated cost of raising a child from birth through age 17 is $233,610, or as much as almost $14,000 annually. That’s the average for a middle-income couple with two children. It’s a bit more expensive in urban parts of the country, and less so in rural areas.

The estimate released Monday is based on 2015 numbers, so a baby born this year is likely to cost even more. It’s a 3 percent increase from the prior year, a hike higher than inflation.

Since 1960, USDA has compiled the annual report to inform — and probably terrify — budget-preparing parents. State governments and courts also use the information to write child support and foster care guidelines. The main costs include housing, food, transportation, health care, education, clothing and other miscellaneous expenses.

Things to know about how much it costs to raise a child:

HOUSING IS EXPENSIVE

Up to a third of the total cost is housing, accounting for 26 to 33 percent of the total expense of raising a child. USDA comes up with those numbers by calculating the average cost of an additional bedroom — an approach the department says is probably conservative, because it doesn’t account for those families who pay more to live in communities that have better schools or other amenities for children.

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URBAN VS. RURAL DIFFERENCES

The cost of raising a child varies in different regions of the country. Overall, middle-income, married-couple families in the urban Northeast spent the most ($253,770), followed by those in the urban West ($235,140) and urban South ($221,730). Those in the urban Midwest spent less ($217,020), along with those in rural areas ($193,020).

USDA estimates the annual housing cost per child in urban areas is $3,900, while it’s $2,400 in rural areas.

There were also differences depending on income. Lower-income families are expected to spend around $174,690 per child from birth through 17; higher-income families will spend a whopping $372,210.

The average middle-income family earns between $59,200 and $107,400 before taxes.

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CHILD CARE COSTS HAVE RISEN

After housing, child care, education and food are the highest costs for families. For a middle-income couple with two children, food costs make up about 18 percent of the cost of raising a child. Child care and education costs make up 16 percent.

Education costs have sharply risen since 1960, when USDA estimated that those expenses were around 2 percent of child-rearing expenses. The report says this growth is likely due to the increased number of women in the workforce, prompting the need for more child care.

The numbers don’t even include the annual cost of college, which the government estimates is $45,370 for a private college and $20,090 for a public college.

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OLDER KIDS ARE MORE EXPENSIVE

New parents may flinch at the costs of diapers and baby gear, but it’s going to get worse. While a child costs around $12,680 when he or she is between 0 and 2, a teenager between 15 and 17 costs around $13,900 annually.

USDA says food, transportation, clothing and health care expenses all grow as a child ages. Transportation costs are highest for the oldest children, perhaps because they start driving, and child care and education costs are highest for six and under.

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MORE KIDS, LOWER COSTS

There is some good news for big families. Families with three or more children spend an average of 24 percent less per child. USDA says that’s because children often share bedrooms in bigger families, clothing and toys are handed down and food can be purchased in larger and more economical packages. Also, private schools and child care providers may offer sibling discounts.

In contrast, one-child households spend an average of 27 percent more on the single child.

Weekend warriors, take a victory lap. People who pack their workouts into one or two sessions a week lower their risk of dying over roughly the next decade nearly as much as people who exercise more often, new research suggests.

Even people who get less exercise than recommended have less risk than folks who don’t break a sweat at all.

“If someone is completely inactive, the best thing they can do is even getting out and taking a walk,” said Hannah Arem, a health researcher at George Washington University. For people who think they don’t have enough time for small amounts of exercise to matter, the results are “encouraging or perhaps motivating,” she said.

She had no role in the study, but wrote a commentary published with the results Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Here are some things to know.

HOW MUCH EXERCISE DO WE NEED?

U.S. and global guidelines call for 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week, ideally spread out so you get some on most days.

That’s based on many previous studies suggesting a host of benefits beyond the risk of premature death that this study measured.

HOW THE STUDY WAS DONE

Researchers at Loughborough University in England used surveys by trained interviewers on nearly 64,000 adults in England and Scotland from 1994 to 2008. By last year, 8,802 had died.

Participants were grouped according to how much exercise they said they got the preceding month:

—Inactive (no leisure time exercise), 63 percent.

—Regular exercisers (meet the guidelines), 11 percent.

—Weekend warriors (get the recommended weekly amount but in one or two sessions), 4 percent.

—Insufficiently active (get less than the recommended weekly amount), 22 percent.

RESULTS

The risk of dying was about 30 percent lower in weekend warriors and insufficient exercisers versus those who were inactive. Regular exercisers lowered their risk a little more, by 35 percent.

Any amount of activity helped cut the risk of dying of heart disease by about 40 percent, compared to being a couch potato.

DOES THIS MEAN THE GUIDELINES ARE BUNK?

No, independent experts say. Exercise has many other benefits such as helping to prevent dementia, depression, high blood pressure, unhealthy sleep patterns and diabetes. Some of these effects are short-lived, so exercising more often gives more of them, Arem said.

“I don’t know that we’re ready to say, based on this study, that people shouldn’t try to exercise more than that if they can,” said Dr. Daniel Rader, preventive cardiology chief at the University of Pennsylvania. “People who exercise more regularly report that they feel like they have a better quality of life,” among other benefits, he said.

Still, the results are “quite fascinating and a bit surprising” on the “dose” of exercise needed for benefit, Rader said. “Even if you only have time to do something once a week, this study would suggest it’s still worth doing.”

CAVEATS TO THE STUDY

More than 90 percent of the participants were white, so results may differ in other racial or ethnic groups. Exercise was only assessed at the start of the study and could have changed over time.

The biggest limitation is that observational studies like this can only suggest exercise and health risks may be related; they cannot prove the point.

Marilynn Marchione can be followed at http://twitter.com/MMarchioneAP .

The traditional holiday season was changed for Steve Fergerson and his family when he went out to check on his cattle on Dec. 31.

Fergerson said he noticed a bird of some sort struggling to fly away. Thinking at first it was only a hawk, he realized after seeing it again two days later that it was most likely a juvenile eagle in need of help. Realizing that the raptor was not able to fly away he took a closer look. It was only able to hop away and simply could not take flight. Fergerson called a local Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency game official, Michael Cavins, who agreed to take it to the University of Tennessee Small Animals and Raptors Hospital if it could be captured.

Steve called for assistance from his brother Mike and sister-in-law Sandy Fergerson. They all dressed in thick coveralls and leather gloves to catch the eagle. After a few tries, the three managed to corner the eagle in the woods and finally gained control. After looking it over they noticed fishing line wrapped all around one wing. They also saw what they thought was a large fishing hooked that they assumed was left behind by a careless fisherman.

After placing the raptor into a pet carrier they contacted Cavins who transported it to Knoxville for treatment and to see if it was possible the eagle could receive rehabilitation. If everything was fine with the raptor it is traditional for the bird to be released near where it was found.

The Fergersons and all involved said they would like to use this as an opportunity to talk about trash left out around the woods and lakes in East Tennessee. Not only is it an eyesore, but it has a direct impact on local wildlife. Items such as six pack plastic, fishing lines, old cans and plastic bags can be deadly for many types of fish and wildlife. Countless animals are lost each year when careless people throw their trash out and litter.

It only takes a second to pick up your own trash or someone else’s left around our lakes and woods. You never know what good could become of caring for just a moment, he said.

When Cavins was asked about the eagle’s condition he contacted UT and replied, “It was only some soft tissue damage with no broken bones. As with most raptors it will soon be sent to the Eagle Foundation at Dollywood until it can once again fly. It will then be released.”

Many eagles and wildlife are not this lucky but this eagle got a second chance because the Fergersons took the time to care for the eagle. During the last ten years the Claiborne Progress has printed three different stories on injured raptors having to be taken for treatment and rehabilitation, one ended in the loss of a raptor and another ended with the bird unable to fly.

Cavins and other wildlife officials encourage people to be responsible and keep trash out of the beautiful outdoors.

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

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Photo courtesy of the Fergerson family Steve Fergerson with an eagle he and his family rescued after it got entangled in some fishing line.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_IMG_20170106_161722.jpgPhoto courtesy of the Fergerson family Steve Fergerson with an eagle he and his family rescued after it got entangled in some fishing line.

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Photo courtesy of the Fergerson family The eagle found on the Fergerson family farm with fishing line that prevented it from flying.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_IMG_20170106_161853.jpgPhoto courtesy of the Fergerson family The eagle found on the Fergerson family farm with fishing line that prevented it from flying.

NEW YORK (AP) — The State Department, which oversees the adoption of foreign children by American families, is under fire from scores of adoption agencies for drafting new regulations that critics depict as overly rigid and potentially budget-busting.

More than 80 agencies have co-signed a letter to the department, urging the regulations to be withdrawn. The agencies say more than 27,000 people have signed a petition supporting the request.

“We have seen the number of intercountry adoptions decline by 75 percent since 2004,” the agencies’ letter says. “The proposed rules would further restrict adoptions, leaving hundreds of thousands of children who may otherwise be adopted with no hope for a family.”

Among other complaints, the agencies say the proposed regulations would require an extra level of accreditation in order to operate in certain countries, further boosting costs for adoptive families. They also say the rules are overly rigid in regard to required training for adoptive parents, and in regard to fees charged to these parents for services provided in the country they’re adopting from.

The State Department acknowledged that it has received negative feedback about the regulations, as well as some positive input, and declined to offer specific responses at this stage.

In light of the comments, the department said it is working on a supplemental notice seeking to clarify the purpose of the new regulations, and how they would work in practice. Further public comment will be accepted during this process.

The dispute marks a low point in a long-running debate in the U.S. over the dramatic decline in the number of international adoptions. The State Department’s latest report, for the 2015 fiscal year, tallied 5,648 adoptions from abroad, about 75 percent below the high of 22,884 in 2004. The number has fallen every year since then.

The State Department says factors out of its control are responsible for most of the decline — including an increase in domestic adoptions in China, Russia’s suspension of adoptions by Americans, and corruption scandals that shut down international adoptions in several countries.

Susan Jacobs, the department’s special adviser for children’s issues, said she and her colleagues had been working hard to reopen the adoption systems in some of those countries, and expressed optimism about progress in Guatemala, Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan, among others

“I’m very proud of the record we have,” she said.

There’s a contrasting view at the National Council for Adoption, which represents many of the agencies upset by the proposed regulations.

Chuck Johnson, the council’s CEO, described the department’s adoption policies as “disastrous” and says there has been an explicit effort to make international adoptions more difficult.

“I don’t see any way of fixing intercountry adoption unless we have a complete shake-up in staff and policy,” Johnson said in an email.

Johnson said it was possible that under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, the State Department might adopt policies more to the liking of the adoption agencies. But he expressed frustration at the possibility that the proposed regulations, first made public last September, would be in place before a new secretary of state could reconsider them.

Follow David Crary on Twitter at http://twitter.com/CraryAP

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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Robert Brian Reece – domestic assault

Cynthia Ann Sharp – burglary, theft of property up to $60,000, theft over $1,000

Jason Andrew Mullins – outstanding child support attachment

Amber Renee Shore – outstanding state warrant for a parole violation involving conspiracy and possession of a schedule II drugs

Joseph Micheal Martin – capias/bench warrant for possession of a schedule II drugs and drug paraphernalia and driving on a suspended license

John Junior Pridemore – capias/bench warrant for theft and possession charges

Herbert Ricky Irvin – capias/bench warrant for violation of probation for a drug related offense

David Cody Johnson – violations of probation for burglary and vandalism over $1,000

Aimee Jo Brooks – violations of probation for driving on a revoked license and failure to appear

Juan E. Raygoza – violations of probation for driving on a suspended license, failure to appear for driving on a suspended license

Robert Joseph Schettler – failure to appear for possession of a legend drug, a schedule II controlled substance and drug paraphernalia

Tangia A. Ellison – failure to appear for simple possession of a schedule VI drugs and driving on a suspended license

Christopher Carter Cupp – failure to appear for disorderly conduct

DeWayne Edison Webb – failure to appear for a traffic citation

Jessie Lee Owens – possession of a schedule II and a schedule IV drugs

Kenneth Carl Rathbone – theft of property over $1,000 (auto theft)

Shay Archimedes Sterling – driving on a suspended license

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New Tazewell Police Dept.

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Joshua Bud Harvey – failure to appear for driving on a revoked license (third offense)

Adam Benjamin Daniels – failure to appear for speeding 94/55

Jonney Lee Sprouls – driving under the influence, reckless driving, failure to exercise due care, failure to yield traffic right of way

Zachary R. Johnson – speeding 64/45, violation of the financial responsibility law

Justin Dwayne Gilbert – speeding 62/45, violation of the registration law

Stephen Curtis Williams – speeding 54/30

Michael A. Mitchell Jr. – speeding 66/45

Edgar Matco Magdaleno – speeding 62/45

Dakota Austin Tolliver – speeding 61/45

Felicia Nicole Cupp – violation of the seat belt law (driver) (second offense)

Gabriel Henley – failure to yield traffic right of way

Matthew Ryan Edwards – theft involving merchandise under $500

Robert Adam Goins – theft involving merchandise under $500

Billy J. Johnson – violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Jessica Lynn Brown – violation of the registration law

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Tazewell Police Dept.

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Jennia DeVonne Phipps – criminal impersonation, driving on a suspended license, two counts of violations of the traffic control device law, violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Levi A. Maloney – felony evading arrest, underage consumption, violations of the light, open container and financial responsibility laws

Justin T. Parks – resisting stop, halt, frisk, violation of the open container law, public intoxication

Christa Jo Estes – driving under the influence

Haley Hopper – speeding 65/45, violation of the registration law

Hannah Ledford – speeding 64/45, violation of the financial responsibility law

Radwa Martin – speeding 63/45, violation of the financial responsibility law

Trevor Devon Brock – speeding 73/45

Brandon Scott Shupe – speeding 68/45

Samantha Francis Jinkins – speeding 67/45

Michael Cory Brock – speeding 65/45 (commercial vehicle)

Charlie T. Hounchell – speeding 65/45 (commercial vehicle)

Bobby Ric King – speeding 65/45

Katherine Reese Capps – speeding 64/45

Kevin D. Bussell – speeding 64/45

John Charles Wheet – speeding 63/45 (commercial vehicle)

Dennis J. Rosenbalm – speeding 63/45

Kayla Ruth Smith – speeding 63/45

Cesar Edgardo Bautista Hernandez – speeding 63/45

Bobby Grubbs – speeding 63/45

Joyce Ann Sturgill – speeding 62/45

Jeffrey Scott Deitsch – speeding 62/45

Devin E. Estes – speeding 61/45

Christine Daniels Fields – violation of the move over law (traffic)

Robin L. Foster – violation of the non – motor vehicle lights law

Haley LeAnn Justice – violation of probation for theft under $500

David Cody Johnson – violation of probation

Zachary E. Fietz – violation of the financial responsibility law

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Tennessee Hwy. Patrol

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Shawn Micheal Shepherd – vehicular assault, driving under the influence, possession of methamphetamine and a schedule II drugs, failure to exercise due care, violations of the seat belt, driver’s license, registration and financial responsibility laws

Lisa Renee Beason – violation of the habitual motor vehicle offender bar, driving on a revoked license, violations of probation for possession of a schedule II drugs and theft under $500

Terry Wayne Robbins – driving under the influence, reckless endangerment, improper passing of a motor vehicle in traffic

Darrell Wayne Elliott – driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license

Hannah Nicole Gibson – failure to appear for leaving the scene of an accident and possession of a schedule II drugs and drug paraphernalia

Randy Lynn Pratt – outstanding warrant for theft of property under $500

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