Coming off an overwhelmingly successful opening weekend, the Karlan Country ChristmasFest at Wilderness Road State Park will be hosting an iconic holiday character on Dec. 5 when Santa and his wife, Mrs. Claus, stop by the popular event. Children ages 10 and under are encouraged to share their Christmas wishes with Santa, who will offer each child a small gift for visiting with him.

More than 200 guests enjoyed the opening weekend festivities which are also highlighted by 28 trees uniquely decorated by the local community, businesses and churches, that are on display throughout the Karlan Mansion each day of the event. Guests can browse the unique tree displays while listening to uplifting holiday music and enjoying refreshments.

“We had a wonderful turnout,” stated Special Events Coordinator Mike Brindle. “We received so many wonderful compliments on the trees, the music, really the entire environment the event created. You could see each person being filled with the Christmas spirit as they gazed at the trees.”

The event is open to the public December 5-6 and December 12-13. Admission is just $1 per person, children ages 10 and under are admitted free. The Mansion will be open from 5-8 p.m. each Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. The trees may be viewed each day of the event, with entertainment to be provided each Saturday.

The entertainment schedule is: December 5 – Santa and Ms. Claus with gifts; and December 12 – dinner with the Grinch ($5 advanced tickets required, for ages 10 and under) Due to high demand and limited spacing, the park is allowing only two persons per group of children inside the solarium during the Grinch’s event.

“This time of year, people get an extra bounce in their step, knowing Christmas is ‘just ‘round the corner’,” stated Brindle. “We were able to contact Santa Claus at the North Pole and he has agreed to take time from his busy schedule to make a special visit to the park. Although his stay will be short, he wanted to give the local children a chance to meet him and allow them to tell him first-hand what they would like for Christmas.”

Each child will have an opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for a magical evening as he prepares for his Christmas journey ‘round the world. They can have their picture taken with Santa who will grant each child an early gift to hold them over until Christmas.

Also, beginning Dec. 5 and throughout the month of December, Christmas trees decorated with handmade ornaments from the local elementary schools will be on display at the park’s Visitor Center, which is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

For more information, please call the park at 276-445-3065, via email: wildernessroad@dcr.virginia.gov or by visiting the Friends of Wilderness Road State Park’s website: www.friendsofwildernessroad.org.

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

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

The Maj. George Gibson Chapter NSDAR met Nov. 14 at the Flatwoods United Methodist Church in Jonesville, Virginia. Chaplain Manerva Watson hosted this catered traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Present were Regent Nancy Britton, Charlotte Brooks, Joy Burchett, Andrea Cheak, Dolores Ham, Sharon Harrell, Rebecca (Becky) Jones, Linda Lawson, Agnes Marcum, Myra Richardson, Augusta Sinon and host Watson. Richardson, a member of the Kentucky Path Chapter, was welcomed as our newest associate member.

Britton called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. The group participated in the DAR Ritual and traditional patriotic exercises. Watson based devotion on an article from the November 2015 issue of Guideposts, entitled “Live Gratefully!” by Joel Osteen. She ended with a prayer and blessing for the meal.

Following the meal and a period of fellowship, the meeting resumed with approval of the secretary and treasurer’s reports. For the American Heritage Minute, Watson showed a silk and velvet pillow given to her by the late Lena Frazier in exchange for crocheting around the edges of an Irish linen tablecloth and napkins.

Cheak read from the President General’s November 2015 online message. The President General covered several topics including Veterans’ Day and Thanksgiving. She expressed appreciation for the veterans who served our country so valiantly, and was thankful for the chapters that had become commemorative partners of the United States Vietnam War Commemoration.

Burchett presented the National Defense minute by reading about “Wreaths Across America,” an organization that places holiday wreaths on veterans’ graves. She showed a picture of these wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. Our chapter voted to contribute to this project at the Mountain Home National Cemetery.

Becky Jones, Mary Sprinkle, and Nancy Britton worked the Veterans’ Breakfast at the Jonesville Middle School. Joy Burchett attended Veterans’ Day activities at her grandson’s school. Agnes Marcum and Sharon Harrell placed flags on all 25 veterans’ graves at Pleasant Point Cemetery at Goin, Tennessee. Other members also placed flags on veterans’ graves.

For the Indian Minute, Marcum reported that November is Native American Heritage Month. The first such proclamation was in 1915 when the president of the American Indian Association declared the second Saturday of each May as an American Indian Day. Several years later and after several other designations, President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 as “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations have been issued each year since 1994.

The NSDAR supports two Indian schools. Marcum’s DAR School Report was a short history of each one: Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma; and Chemewa School in Washington State.

Marcum also presented the Thanksgiving Program. She began by reading that the English colonists we call Pilgrims celebrated days of thanksgiving as part of their religion, but these were days of prayer, not days of feasting. Our national holiday stems from the feast held in the autumn of 1621 to celebrate the colony’s first successful harvest.

Thanksgiving proclamations were issued in 1676 and by President George Washington in 1789. Years later, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a National Day of Thanksgiving even though the country was in “the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity…”

Thanksgiving was proclaimed by every President after Lincoln. The date was changed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the next-to-last Thursday in November in order to create a longer Christmas shopping season. Two years later, public uproar caused Roosevelt to return Thanksgiving to its original date. In 1941, Congress sanctioned Thanksgiving as a legal holiday, with the date being the fourth Thursday in November as it remains today.

Britton gave the Women’s Issues Minute and the Celebrating Good Women Minute. She read that “Gratitude is the new Attitude.” Practicing gratitude can increase your happiness by 25 percent. When you are thankful, say it aloud and write it down; this will improve your mood, ability to exercise, creativity, problem solving skills, and health. December is Cervical Health Awareness Month and National Birth Defects Prevention Month.

Harrell was the winner of the day’s door prize, a wooden snowman, made by Watson’s granddaughter from old tobacco sticks.

Our next chapter meeting will be the Christmas Tea on Dec. 12. The annual DAR Good Citizen and Community Service Awards are to be presented during the following meeting, currently scheduled for Jan. 30, 2016.

A Bell County man died in a single-vehicle crash Friday evening at Frakes.

According to a press release from the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, Bell County Dispatch received a call of a single-vehicle crash with injuries in the Frakes community on KY 3483.

Responding to the collision was Bell County Sheriff’s Deputy Patrick Brooks assisted by Sgt. Jared Smith and Nick Capps, who discovered a black 1994 Ford, driven by Donald Jones, 70, of Jack Powers Road, over a small embankment.

The release also states, the preliminary investigation determined that Jones was operating the vehicle when he apparently lost control, traveled over the embankment, with the car landing on its side in a field adjacent to the road. Due to the severity of the incident, Bell County Deputy Coroner Jason Steele was called to the scene to officially pronounce Jones dead at the scene.

Assisting on scene was Frakes Volunteer Fire Department, Bell County Rescue Squad and Bell County EMS. The cause of the collision is still pending investigation.

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The Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Pool in the Annan Natatorium, adjacent to Mary Mars Gym, reopened to limited use on Dec. 1.

The pool will be open for limited use for the remainder of the fall semester while additional staff is hired. Lap swim will be available on weekdays from 6 to 9 a.m. and recreational or open swim will run from 4 to 7 p.m. The pool will be open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; with lap swim designated from 10 to noon., and recreational swim set for noon to 2 p.m.

The LMU Pool closed following a damaging storm on April 28, 2014, and its fate was uncertain as the University explored options including repair and building a new pool on campus. While a new pool may still be an option down the road, LMU repaired the storm damage, installed a new pool liner and refurbished the pump and heater over the few months.

Andrina Ryhlick, a certified pool operator, will manage the maintenance and upkeep of the pool and its facilities while Jensen Ropp, an American Red Cross certified life guard and instructor, will train and schedule the guard staff and teach swim lessons. Ropp and Ryhlick are working on a full slate of aquatic activities that will be available following the grand reopening in January.

Pool memberships will be available to community members for $75 a semester which includes all aquatic classes except for swimming lessons. Four-week swimming lessons will be offered four times each semester. LMU students, faculty, staff and their immediate families can access the pool for free with an LMU ID.

The pool will host a life guarding class January 9-13. The class is $200 and would result in Red Cross certification for those who pass.

The Annan Natatorium, named for Mary S. Annan, was dedicated in June of 1954 in a lively ceremony where then president Robert Kincaid declared: “May all that bathe in these healing waters be refreshed in body and mind and enjoy the blessings of good health… and joyful living.”

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.

Three former staff members of correctional facilities in East Tennessee have been indicted following a joint investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Scott County Sheriff’s Department.

According to a report from the TBI, on Oct. 24, at the request of Eighth District Attorney General Jared Effler, TBI Special Agents joined the investigation into allegations involving three staff members of the Scott County Jail and the Scott County Juvenile Detention Center, both in Huntsville.

During the course of the investigation, authorities developed information that Deana Keith allegedly had sexual contact with a male inmate inside the jail while on duty earlier this year. The investigation further revealed Marie Elizabeth Gilreath allegedly opened cell doors to allow Keith access to have sexual contact with the inmate. Authorities additionally developed information that Tabitha Eloise Wilson, a corrections officer at the Scott County Juvenile Detention Center, allegedly had multiple sexual encounters with an adult male inmate inside the facility. The county subsequently terminated the employment of all three women.

Last week, the Scott County Grand Jury returned indictments for the women, charging Keith, 28, of Oneida, with one count of sexual contact with an inmate and one count of official misconduct. Gilreath, 31, of Whitley City, Kentucky, faces one count of facilitation of sexual contact with an inmate and one count of official misconduct. The indictments returned charge Wilson, 27, of Oneida, with one count of official misconduct.

Authorities booked the three women into the Scott County Jail on $1,000 bond each.

Photo courtesy of TBI Three former staff members of correctional facilities in East Tennessee have been indicted following a joint investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Scott County Sheriff’s Department.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_mugs-Scott-Jailers.jpg Photo courtesy of TBI Three former staff members of correctional facilities in East Tennessee have been indicted following a joint investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Scott County Sheriff’s Department.

Lincoln Memorial University-College of Veterinary Medicine (LMU-CVM) held its first Research Day at the Hamilton Math and Science Building on Nov. 13. Over 200 students, faculty and staff attended the event as well as faculty from the University of Kentucky.

Kicking off the event, Dr. David Horohov, chair of the Department of Veterinary Science and director of the Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky (UK) and professor of immunology at LMU-CVM spoke about available research opportunities to veterinary students. Dr. Craig Carter, director of the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UKVDL), a full service animal health diagnostic facility, also shared information about research projects and the UKVDL facility. A keynote presentation on Equine Sperm Lipidomics was made by Dr. Paul Wood, professor of pharmacology at LMU-CVM. The day concluded with poster presentations from 12 students on their summer research projects.

“We are most appreciative of the strong support of Dr. Horohov and Dr. Carter and their faculty who participated in the student research and in the presentations. Research day highlighted the integration of research that has resulted from the cooperative agreement between University of Kentucky and LMU,” said Dr. Glen F. Hoffsis, dean of LMU-CVM.

The students who presented posters included Jordan Bradley, Lorrin Cheeney, Sarah Elzinga, Lindsey Kudlack, Taylor McConnell, Kelly Murphy, Mariah Pearson, Meredith Rice, Bradley Rohleder, Casey Skowron, Lydia Titus, Kayla Wielgus and Jason Wilton.

An awards presentation, sponsored by Fisher Scientific, included two $100 gift cards for the top two poster presentations. The winners were Rohleder for his presentation titled, “Effects of the common sweetener stevioside on glucose and insulin dynamics, and inflammation in horses with equine metabolic syndrome vs. controls” and Wielgus for her presentation titled, “Prevalence and mean intensity of Baylisascaris procyonis in raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Warren County, Kentucky.”

Lincoln Memorial University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is located on the LMU main campus in Harrogate, with additional academic facilities in nearby Lee County, Virginia. LMU-CVM is an integral part of the University’s medical programs and provides real-world, community-based education in a collaborative learning environment. For more information about LMU-CVM, call 800.325.0900, ext. 7150, or visit us online at vetmed.LMUnet.edu.

Courtesy photo LMU-College of Veterinary Medicine Students presented their summer research projects at LMU-CVM’s Annual Research Day.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_LMU-CVM-Annual-Research-Day.jpg Courtesy photo LMU-College of Veterinary Medicine Students presented their summer research projects at LMU-CVM’s Annual Research Day.

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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Billy Wayne Daniels – aggravated child abuse, outstanding child support attachment

Brandon Micheal Dutcher – domestic assault, vandalism under $500

Barbara Kay Featherstone – domestic assault

Cassie L. Wyrick – domestic assault

James Alva Ball – criminal impersonation, violation of probation for failure to report to probation officer, failure to appear for vandalism over $500

Marlin Edward Thomas – possession of methamphetamine (7.5 grams) for resale

Tonya Mae Carpenter – outstanding child support attachment, capias/bench warrant for a drug related violation of probation, failure to appear for possession of drug paraphernalia

Jamie Lee Ridenour – outstanding child support attachment

Chasity Marie Phipps – capias/bench warrant for driving on a suspended license

Frank Gilbert Morton – revocation of bond

Harold Wayne Anglian – violation of probation for violations of the seat belt, driver’s license and financial responsibility laws, failure to appear for violations of the seat belt and driver’s license laws, new charge of driving on a suspended license

Tony Ray Brown Jr. – violation of probation for driving under the influence (third offense), aggravated burglary and theft under $500

Paul Travis Gibson – violations of probation for receiving new charges including driving on a revoked license (fifth offense)

Shelly Renee Roberts – violation of probation, failure to appear on multiple occasions

Donald Ray Ellis – failure to appear for violation of the child restraint law and speeding 59/35

Nancy Kynn Bush – failure to appear for speeding 40/25, new charge of public intoxication

Earl Adam Howard – failure to appear for digging ginseng out of season

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New Tazewell Police Dept.

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Josh Stephen Collins – three counts criminal simulation

Christal Lee McVey – criminal trespassing, outstanding warrants for criminal trespassing, theft of property (shoplifting) under $500 and violation of probation

Jennifer Lee Ray Tribell – criminal trespassing

Michael Joseph Haas – driving under the influence, violation of the implied consent law, outstanding warrant for aggravated assault

Kayle A. Harlen – speeding 46/30, violations of the registration, financial responsibility and ten day address change laws

Raven Sierra Haywood – speeding 61/45, violation of the financial responsibility law

Aaron Lee Smith – speeding 63/45

Logan A. Capps – violations of the light, registration and window tinting laws

Adam Konrad Collins – capias/bench warrant for driving on a suspended license, new charge of outstanding child support attachment

Jeffery Scott Sutton – outstanding warrants for forgery and theft of property under $500

Curtis Scott – outstanding child support attachment

Bryant Edward Maiden – violation of probation for assault, failure to appear for domestic assault and two violations of probation

Sammie Zackery Carroll – theft involving merchandise under $500

Ernest Harold Johnson – driving on a revoked license, violation of the financial responsibility law

Matilda Lynn Barnett – driving on a suspended license, violations of the financial responsibility and proper display of license laws

Joshua Matthew Daniels – violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Joshua B. Carver – violation of the financial responsibility law

Paula Michelle Maiden – public intoxication

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Tazewell Police Dept.

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Lisa Mae Staley – possession of methamphetamine, criminal impersonation

Rhonda Renee Drummonds – possession of methamphetamine, violation of the seat belt law

Shelia Ann Dummett – possession of methamphetamine, driving on a suspended license, violation of the financial responsibility law

James Alva Ball III – criminal impersonation, outstanding warrants for violation of probation and failure to appear

Robert Dean Smith – driving under the influence, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, driving on a revoked license (fourth offense)

Timothy Scott Evans – driving under the influence, capias/bench warrant for driving under the influence, simple possession and violation of the implied consent law

Jacob Wesley Miracle – speeding 75/45, violation of the financial responsibility law

Thomas Couch – speeding 65/45

Shawn Christopher Surber II – speeding 62/45

Arba Ray Richardson – violation of the traffic control device law

Crystal D. Burchett – violation of the texting while driving law

Curtis Patrick Scott – outstanding child support attachment

Stanley Baker Jr. – outstanding Tennessee Hwy. Patrol warrant

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Tennessee Hwy. Patrol

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Leonard Nichols – driving under the influence (second offense), failure to exhibit due care, failure to appear for possession of a schedule II drugs for resale, new charges of driving on a revoked license and violations of the registration carry and financial responsibility laws

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Judge Robert Estep processed several plea agreements recently in Claiborne County Sessions Court including one for Jimmy Joe Rose, 31, charged with one count each of assault and vandalism.

Rose was sentenced to two years confinement. Any court costs, fines and restitution will be determined during a hearing on Jan. 14. He is barred from contact with his victims and ordered to stay at least 1,000 ft. from them and their property. Rose may be released from supervision after serving one year if all monetary obligations are met and he is found fully compliant.

Asa Bryan Minton, 24, charged with assault and speeding, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation. Minton must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and fines and must continue to pay all monetary obligations in two other cases. He must remain compliant with all the requirements from the Department of Children’s Services and Juvenile Court.

Sandra K. Cline, 59, charged with one count of assault, was sentenced to unsupervised probation with the condition all court costs were paid the day of her plea hearing. Cline is barred from contact with her victim.

Micheal Charles Wise, 32, charged with attempted assault, was sentenced to six months confinement. This case runs concurrently with a violation of probation case in which Wise was initially sentenced to 11 months, 29 days at 75 percent confinement. In this VOP case, Wise was given credit for time served in Claiborne County since Aug. 2, 2012, plus 14 days in Hamblen County. The affidavit states Wise violated his probation in Aug. 2013 when he failed a first drug screening and for nonpayment of court costs, fines and supervision fees while on probation.

Milton Leroy Shaul Jr., 45, charged with leaving the scene of an accident and driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with four days confinement (credit for four days jail time served). Shaul must pay at least $50 per month in court costs and fines and must attend the MADD Forum and DUI School. Restitution will be determined during a hearing on Dec. 17. His driver’s license is revoked per the Dept. of Safety.

Gregory Scott Miller, 56, charged with driving under the influence (third offense) and driving on a suspended license, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 120 days confinement (credit for time served). Miller must pay at least $200 per month in court costs and fines. His driver’s license is revoked for six years.

Zachery Owen Cobb, 33, charged with driving under the influence (second offense) and violation of the financial responsibility law, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 60 days confinement (credit for 33 days jail time already served). Cobb must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines and must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel. His driver’s license is revoked for two years. This case runs concurrently with a violation of probation case in which Cobb initially failed to submit to a random drug screening, to report to his probation officer and for nonpayment of supervision fees.

Dwight Dalton, 52, charged with driving under the influence (second offense), was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 45 days confinement. Dalton must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines and must complete a MADD Victim Impact Panel. His driver’s license is revoked per the Dept. of Safety.

Stacy Lowe, 32, charged with driving under the influence and public intoxication, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with four days confinement (credit for any time already served). Lowe must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines.

John Miller, 49, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with two days confinement (credit for one day jail time already served). Miller must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines and must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel. His driver’s license is revoked for one year.

Lori Lee Knisley, 53, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with two days confinement (credit for one day jail time already served). Knisley must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines and attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel and DUI School. Her driver’s license is revoked per the Dept. of Safety.

Erica R. Cowan, 32, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with two days confinement (credit for any jail time already served). Cowan must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines and must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel and DUI School. Her driver’s license is revoked for one year.

Sean Bennett, 30, charged with reckless driving, was sentenced to six months probation. As a condition of his probationary status, Bennett must pay all court costs and fines in full by Jan. 26. He must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel.

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

Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) is one of three regional osteopathic medical schools that has committed to combine their efforts in a consortium aimed at improving health care access for medically underserved populations in central Appalachia.

LMU-DCOM Interim Dean Michael Wieting, D.O., has joined officials from colleges in Ohio and Kentucky in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU), affirming the three schools as founding members of the Central Appalachian Consortium of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (CACCOM). The other two are Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine based in Athens, Ohio. (Heritage College); and University of Pikeville – Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pikeville, Kentucky. (KYCOM).

LMU President B. James Dawson, Ed.D., applauded the agreement. “Our mission is to serve the Appalachian region, and this agreement allows us to continue our efforts to provide health care for a dramatically underserved population,” Dawson said. “It is our belief that this consortium will increase our efficiencies and expand our ability to respond to the needs of this region. We continue to keep ever before us the goal of preparing individuals who will provide exemplary health care and become leaders in the communities they serve.”

All three member colleges are based in parts of central Appalachia with high levels of medically underserved communities and significant health professional shortages, and all make it part of their mission to take some responsibility for the health of their home areas. Through involvement in CACCOM, they hope to coordinate their efforts to supply more well-trained health professionals ready to work in underserved areas.

The MOU lays out a plan for an initial collaborative effort, in which researchers from the three colleges will assess the region’s health care workforce. The Consortium will produce a publication summarizing its findings, and provide tools and methods schools can use to create new, region-specific strategies for improving physician workforce preparation. The schools will be looking at factors they can control, such as admissions policies and curriculum, and will focus on activities that they can do better together than alone.

Funding for this initial research and consortium development will come from the historic $105 million gift made to the Heritage College in 2011 by the Ohio-based Osteopathic Heritage Foundation. Of that award, $1.7 million has been directed to this initiative.

Stephen C. Shannon, D.O., M.P.H., president and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, said the new group “will help the osteopathic medical community explore the many possibilities for innovation focused on primary care research and medical education. The Consortium also has the potential to foster a strong culture of collaboration, empowering colleges of osteopathic medicine to more effectively synergize resources, share research-based innovations, and ultimately improve patient outcomes in the areas of primary care.”

CACCOM has the support and engagement of federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; directors of the Office of Rural Health Policy, National Center for Health Workforce Analysis, Office of Planning and Evaluation, multiple Rural Health Research Centers and the staff of the Appalachian Regional Commission. Marcia Brand, who during her 2009-2015 service as deputy director of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) was a strong supporter of the Consortium, said the project has great potential for positive change.

“I look forward to hearing about the Consortium’s progress and its impact on the health outcomes of people living in Appalachia,” Brand said. “The collaboration between the three colleges of osteopathic medicine has tremendous potential to leverage community, state and federal resources. It is my hope that this effort will be the catalyst for significant and sustained improvements in region’s health care.”

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

Looking for a different way to celebrate the New Year? Tired of that same old routine? Every year, we watch on television how people far to the North bring in the New Year by celebrating with a Polar Bear Dip. These brave souls dare to take the dip while hundreds bundle up in fur blankets and watch.

“Well, we say, why watch it on television when you can be part of it right here in your own backyard?” said R.E. McClanahan II of Cumberland Gap.

The Little Congress Bicycle Museum, located in Cumberland Gap, has been celebrating the New Year in just this way for over a decade by dipping in Gap Creek.

“This famous creek, flowing straight out of Gap Cave since long before Thomas Walker walked the hollowed grounds, is the source of Cumberland Gap Spring Water, and provides the surrounding households with necessary libation all year long,” he said.

Each year on January 1, at noon, onlookers and jumpers gather at Gap Creek in front of the Little Congress Bicycle Museum in downtown Cumberland Gap to add a sense of splash to their lives by joining this embracing ritual, setting their new year’s resolutions and taking the plunge with hopes of new beginnings.

This year will mark the 15th annual event.

“Bring a towel and join the crowd,” McClanahan invites. “If you haven’t seen this, you won’t want to miss it. If you have seen it, we look forward to seeing you again this year. It’s becoming a reunion crowd that grows every year. Don’t miss out, hundreds could be in attendance!”

For more information, contact the museum at 423-869-9993.

Courtesy photo Everyone is invited to take part in the annual Cumberland Gap Polar Bear Dip.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_IMG_0252.jpg Courtesy photo Everyone is invited to take part in the annual Cumberland Gap Polar Bear Dip.

The manhunt for 26-year-old Gary “Josh” Mills of Knox County continues, as authorities from numerous agencies work together to track the man they say is a suspect in multiple vehicle thefts occurring in Bell, Harlan and Knox counties.

The number of alleged vehicle thefts has risen again as troopers in Knox County believe Mills stole a red pickup truck from the Stinking Creek area of Knox County on Monday.

According to a report from the Kentucky State Police, at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Monday, troopers in Knox County received a call that Mills was driving a red pickup truck with a diamond shape decal on the door, in the Stinking Creek area of Knox County. Troopers responded but were unable to locate the truck.

The report goes on to say that at approximately 7 p.m., Kentucky State Police Post 10 received a call that a truck was stolen off of KY 92 in Bell County. Trooper George Howard responded and began an investigation.

According to the report, Howard’s investigation revealed the vehicle that was stolen was a red 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. Authorities say the vehicle has a diamond shape decal on the driver’s door with the word “Explosives” on it and the passenger’s side has an approximately 5-inch gash mark down the side of the vehicle.

The theft of red Dodge Truck is still under investigation by Howard.

Mills has been wanted by numerous law enforcement agencies since Sunday morning when he allegedly stole a 2010 Ford Mustang in Harlan. Since that time, police say Mills has been involved in numerous vehicle thefts and a home invasion in Bell County.

Mills is a white male, 5 foot 10 inches and 150 pounds, with red hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing brown coveralls and a camouflage hat.

Post 10 says they are continuing to ask assistance from the public about any information on Mills. He was last seen operating this vehicle in Knox County. Police caution that if you see Mills, do not engage him. Anyone with information about where he may be located is asked to contact Post 10 Harlan at 606-573-3131 or their local police department.

Gary Mills

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_Gary-Mills.jpg Gary Mills

Jordan Smith is so good at so many things that when he was a senior in high school he had a hard time deciding on which career path to choose.

Smith, who recently was labeled as Harlan County’s “gift to the world” as a result of his success on the popular music competition NBC’s “The Voice,” seems to have found his niche.

He graduated from Harlan County High School with academic honors, was a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Drama Club, band, First Priority, and was formally identified as gifted in several areas, including visual and performing arts.

“He puts his whole heart into everything he does and pursues each endeavor with such passion that success is guaranteed,” said an elated Jeanne Ann Lee, who got to know Smith as she directed the Harlan County Children’s Choir and Harlan County High School Choir in which he participated.

During Monday night’s performance, the audience saw a little glimpse of Jordan’s fantastic personality, said Lee.

“He’s funny and his quick wit reveals his keen intelligence,” said Lee, noting this was evident in Jordan’s quick-witted response to Adam Levine in the coaching session. Adam referenced Jordan’s continuous lag behind Adele at the No. 2 spot on iTunes. “Jordan responded, Yeah, she’s like Hello!,” which was a reference to the name of Adele’s song that continued to beat him out at No.1.

Last night Jordan’s rendition of Queen’s cover of “Somebody to Love” bumped Adele’s “Hello” out of the No. 1 spot on iTunes. As of Tuesday afternoon he had three songs in the top 50 on iTunes and four additional songs on the chart as well.

During the clip of Levine’s session, Jordan spoke of his love for choral music.

“Choir has been part of Jordan’s life for many years,” Lee said. In the early years of the Harlan County Children’s Choir Jordan sang with the choir in St. Paul’s chapel in New York City shortly after the tragic events of 9-11.

As a high school student Jordan sang in many auditioned choirs including Kentucky All-State Choir for three years.

“Jordan loves performing with others. While he has always been the standout talent regardless of the style, genre or venue, Jordan never minded standing back and enjoying watching others shine,” she recalled. When he was a senior, he sang The National Anthem with a trio at the Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s Girls Sweet Sixteen. Then, more recently and while attending Lee University, he has performed before dignitaries such as the president of the United States as well as the pope.

“It was no surprise to me that singing with a full gospel choir showcased Jordan’s immense vocal gift. He was in his element,” she said.

Lee said the silent communication between Jordan and Levine during this week’s performance was “magical.”

“The twinkle in Jordan’s eye as he seemed to signal to Levine, ‘You’ve asked for it, get ready, here it comes!’ was the audience’s clue that something amazing was about to happen,” she said.

As for the final week and anticipation of the winner of this year’s competition, Lee has faith in her former student.

“You’ve heard the saying, ‘so and so can sing the phone book.’ That saying must have surely been designed to describe Jordan Smith. As has been proven during his time on ‘The Voice.’ Jordan can sing anything from gospel, to pop, to rock. It doesn’t matter if it’s slow, fast, high, low, tender or robust — Jordan has it covered,” she said. “Each week Jordan gets better and better and we all keep wondering how he can possibly top the previous performance. That question was circulating last night at the watch party immediately after his stellar performance. I can’t even imagine what he might do next, but this I know, it will blow our minds!”

Jordan Smith

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_Jordan-Smith.jpg Jordan Smith

Kentucky State Police Det. Josh Howard is investigating the discovery of a body at Calvin in the Bell County area on Tuesday evening.

KSP Public Affairs Officer Shane Jacobs announced in a press release that authorities from Wisconsin and Georgia contacted the Kentucky State Police, Post 10 office in Harlan about a homicide that occurred in Wisconsin.

Jacobs said authorities also gave the state police a location where the body may be located on Industrial Road in Bell County. The area is widely known as “The Bridge to Nowhere” on Mountain Drive.

“Troopers from Post 10 responded to the location and located two large boxes over an embankment,” Jacobs said in the release. “Detectives began processing the scene and contacted the Bell County Coroner’s Office. Detectives from Post 10 located a deceased individual in one of the boxes. The body will be sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for identification.”

Jacobs said the Kentucky State Police has no information on the homicide that occurred in Wisconsin.

Howard will be in charge of the investigation here in Kentucky.

Howard was assisted at the scene by the Bell County Sheriff’s Office and members of the Bell County Rescue Squad.

Reach Debbie Caldwell at 606-573-4510 or on Twitter @raiders42

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The Kentucky State Police reported Tuesday night that Gary Mills was apprehended in Knox County after being on an alleged vehicle theft spree since Sunday.

According to KSP Public Affairs Officer Shane Jacobs, Trooper Kelley Farris with Kentucky State Police Post 10 and Knox County deputies captured Mills in the Woolum community of Knox County. He was taken into custody without incident.

Jacobs said a stolen Polaris ATV was recovered.

According to KSP Sgt. Jason Bunch, Mills was seen operating the ATV when he was apprehended.

Numerous agencies have worked together to track Mills they say was a suspect in multiple vehicle thefts occurring in Bell, Harlan and Knox counties.

According to an earlier report from the Kentucky State Police, at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Monday, troopers in Knox County received a call that Mills was driving a red pickup truck with a diamond shape decal on the door, in the Stinking Creek area of Knox County. Troopers responded but were unable to locate the truck.

Mills allegedly stole a 2010 Ford Mustang in Harlan. Since that time, police say Mills had been involved in numerous vehicle thefts and a home invasion in Bell County.

Mills was lodged in the Knox County Detention Center by the Kentucky State Police on Tuesday night.

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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.

Food Collection

Citizens Bank is collecting food for the Claiborne Hunger Ministries Dec. 1-18. We need your help in the collection of canned and non-perishable food items. There are drop off bins at the three Claiborne County branches.

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.

Christmas Service

There will be a Christmas Service at Green Hills Funeral Home in Middlesboro, Kentucky, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be Rev. John Hatfield and singing will be by The Heavenly Heirs.

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.

Claiborne Animal Shelter Benefit

Claiborne County’s Miss Fairest of the Fair, Callie Corum, will be at the Claiborne Animal Shelter on Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. She urges everyone to come by and meet her and bring a donation of money or items the shelter needs. For more information, call the Animal Shelter at 423-626-2686.

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. 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.

Jail Committee Meeting

The Claiborne County Correctional Partnership Act Committee (Jail Committee) will meet at the training room of the Claiborne County Justice Center on Dec. 17 at 4:30 p.m.

Christmas Babysitting Service

Need help with the kids so you can get your Christmas shopping done? Let us help! The parents and players of AYSO Region 551 girls’ U14 soccer will offer sitting services for your school age children, grades K5 through eighth, on Dec. 18 from 4-8 p.m. at The Bounce House in Tazewell. The cost is $5 per hour, per child, but you may ask about a sibling discount. Bring eligible kids to The Bounce House, sign the routine waiver and shop, shop, shop away while we watch your kids bounce, bounce, bounce! All bouncers MUST wear socks! Regular rules and restrictions of The Bounce House apply. Pizza will be available for $1 a slice and drinks for $1 each. This event is a fundraiser for the non-profit AYSO team.

Story Time At Library

The Claiborne County Public Library invites children of all ages to Story Time with Mrs. Karen and to meet Santa on Dec. 19 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The library is located at 1304 Old Knoxville Road in Tazewell. For more information call 423-626-5414.

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.

Broken Spur Line Dance Club

Broken Spur Line Dance Club will be teaching an Ultra Beginner’s (six-week) Line Dance Class starting on Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. Classes are $5. Come on out and learn some basic line dances! It’s a good way to get some healthy exercise. We are located in the American Legion Building – top floor next to SMMS.

American Legion Post #109

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

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 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.

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.

Free GED/High Set Classes

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

Arthur Community Center Association

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

Free Classes

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

Claiborne County Historical and Genealogy Society

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

Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project

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

Town of Tazewell BMA

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

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.

Christmas Service

There will be a Christmas Service at Green Hills Funeral Home in Middlesboro, Kentucky, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be Rev. John Hatfield and singing will be by The Heavenly Heirs.

Christ the King Catholic Church

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

Claiborne County Ministerial Association

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

Dogwood Heights Baptist Church

Dogwood Heights Baptist Church will present the Christmas play “The Christmas Window” on Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. Come as you are – everyone is welcome. Pastor, Travis Pressnell.

FBC Deaf and Hearing Impaired Worship

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

FBC Ministry Center

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

Leatherwood Church

Leatherwood Church will have their Christmas Play on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Claiborne High School multi-purpose room. We hope to see you there. We will be canceling our third Saturday night singing for Dec. 19. We will be going caroling to two local nursing homes.

MCM Baptist Church

MCM Baptist Church will be having their annual Christmas play “He’s Alive” on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. The MCM Youth Choir and cast will take you on a journey throughout the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Everyone is welcome to attend. Pastor: Tim Drummonds.

Midway Baptist Church

On Dec. 13, First Baptist Church of New Tazewell and Midway children will present the play “An Out-of-the-box Christmas.” The program will be at Midway Baptist Church at 6 p.m. 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 Bethel Tabernacle

New Bethel Tabernacle will have their Christmas play on Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. Refreshments to follow. Everyone welcome.

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.

Pleasant Point Community Baptist Church

Pleasant Point Community Baptist Church will begin revival on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. Everyone welcome.

Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church

Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church will have their Christmas Play on Dec. 20 beginning at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited. Refreshments to follow. Come join us as we walk through the life of Jesus. John Hall, pastor.

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.

Shawanee Missionary Baptist Church

The 16th Annual walk through the Journey To Bethlehem at Shawanee Missionary Baptist Church will be held Dec. 10, 11 and 12 from 6-8:30 p.m. This is an indoor event. There will be low lighting, many things to hear and see, including angels, merchants, live animals and more. There will also be music and a story to listen to. There is no admission fee and the facilities are handicap accessible. The church is located at 780 Shawanee Road in Harrogate.

Sugar Grove Baptist Church

Sugar Grove Baptist Church will have a Christmas play on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. The theme is “The Christmas Guest.” Tom Louthan, pastor.

Taylors Grove Missionary Baptist Church

Taylors Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Sharps Chapel invites everyone to their Christmas Play Dec. 13 at the church beginning at 6 p.m. Pastor Brian Liford invites everyone to attend.

Thompson Chapel United Methodist Church

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

Twin City Baptist Church

Twin City Baptist Church 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.

Wolfenbarger Baptist Church

Wolfenbarger Baptist Church will have a food drive on Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. until the food is gone. First come, first serve. Call 423-489-5787 for more information. The church is located at 3704 Powell River Road.

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.

Over 300 elementary aged children from 25 schools in Bell County, Lee County, Virginia and Claiborne and Union Counties in Tennessee, participated in the annual Roho Christmas shopping spree at Walmart in Middlesboro on Tuesday morning.

The children were selected by faculty members at each school and brought to the shopping spree via buses and church vans. Volunteers from the Bell County Chamber of Commerce, First State Financial, Home Federal Bank, Commercial Bank of Harrogate, Mountain View Nursing Home and Rehab Center, East End Pawn Shop, Community Trust, Kiwanis of Middlesboro, Pappy’s, Lincoln Memorial University Athletic Department, Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Southeast Community and Technical College, Middlesboro High School Key Club and J. Frank White Academy greeted the children once they arrived at the store.

Children were partnered with volunteers to help with their shopping spree. Each child was allotted $150 with approximately 60 percent of their money to be spent on clothing and 40 percent on toys. In addition to the $150 shopping spree, each child will receive a new pair of shoes from Walmart.

President of Roho, Bill Dean, says the children chosen to participate in the shopping spree often think of others before picking out gifts for themselves.

“These kids are not selfish at all, they try to get things for brothers or sisters or their mom or dad,” said Dean.

The annual event started in 1970 with five children and has since expanded from year to year as contributions from Roho members, business sponsors and volunteers increase.

The Roho Club sponsors a fishing tournament the first weekend in May each year, with all of the proceeds used for the shopping spree in December. Individual tickets for the fishing tournament are $5 each and many door prizes are awarded. Participants do not have to be present or fish to be eligible for door prizes.

Walmart and its associates begin preparing for the event in September and according to Store Manager Doug Napier, they all look forward to the annual event. In addition to the yearly luncheon and Santa Claus visit provided by Walmart, children also got to meet Olaf from Disney’s popular movie ‘Frozen.’

For more information about the club, visit www.rohofishing.org.

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

Reina P. Cunningham|Daily News Roho volunteers let the children pick out clothes at Walmart on Tuesday.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_girl-roho.jpg Reina P. Cunningham|Daily News Roho volunteers let the children pick out clothes at Walmart on Tuesday.

Reina P. Cunningham|Daily News Roho volunteers greeted the groups of children as they arrived at Walmart.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_Group.jpg Reina P. Cunningham|Daily News Roho volunteers greeted the groups of children as they arrived at Walmart.

Reina P. Cunningham|Daily News Walmart ensured the kids had a terrific time on their shopping spree — they had Olaf on hand to take pictures and talk to kids while the shopped.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_Olaf.jpg Reina P. Cunningham|Daily News Walmart ensured the kids had a terrific time on their shopping spree — they had Olaf on hand to take pictures and talk to kids while the shopped.

Reina P. Cunningham|Daily News Roho volunteers helped the children find clothing and toys at the annual event.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_rohogirl.jpg Reina P. Cunningham|Daily News Roho volunteers helped the children find clothing and toys at the annual event.

Officials are at the Harrogate Post Office this morning, investigating what is being described only as a suspicious package.

According to Emergency Management of Homeland Security Claiborne County Director David Breeding, authorities were notified of a suspicious package on Friday Morning. Upon arrival, the area of and around the post office was evacuated as a precaution.

Breeding says that bomb squads and bomb dogs are en route from Knoxville but they currently do not have an estimated time of arrival.

In addition to Emergency Management, officers with the Claiborne County Sherriff’s Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol are on scene making sure the area stays secure.

No further details are being released at this time.

The Middlesboro Daily News and Claiborne Progress will have more information as it becomes available.

Businesses were closed and buildings evacuated this morning as officials investigated what was described as a “suspicious package” at the Harrogate Post Office.

According to Claiborne County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (CCOEMHS) Director David Breeding, the package was found at approximately 8:45 a.m. Friday. When authorities arrived at the scene, the Post Office and buildings around it were evacuated as a precaution. Lincoln Memorial University’s buildings closest to U.S. Hwy. 25E and the J. Frank White Academy were evacuated as a precaution as well.

“As I was coming into the Post Office a group of employees were coming out,” said eyewitness Brandon Fricke of Harrogate. “They told me I couldn’t go in because they’d found a suspicious package and they locked the door so no one else could enter.”

The Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) quickly arrived on the scene, and Sheriff David Ray said they took the incident seriously.

“We’re not treating this as a hoax at all,” he said. “We’re treating it as a very, very serious possibility that it’s harmful.”

In addition to the CCOEMHS and CCSO, other officials were called in, including the United States Postal Inspectors, Knox County Bomb Squad, Knox County Sheriff’s Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Claiborne County EMS and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP).

A man was spotted being questioned at the scene by several of the law enforcement agencies.

“We have a person of interest,” confirmed Ray. The man was later taken by Ray and other officials to the Claiborne County Justice Center for further questioning.

Once the Bomb Squad arrived, they got the device out of the Post Office building and detonated it in the open area behind Hardee’s, which is next to the Post Office. A small explosion could be heard around the area.

It is unknown whether the package actually contained a bomb, said Breeding, adding that there may be further testing done to determine that.

There were no injuries at all during the incident, Breeding confirmed.

A explosives K-9 dog from Knox County was used to inspect the perimeter and the Post Office building before personnel were allowed back inside, he said.

The situation was cleared and people were allowed back into the buildings at approximately 12:15 p.m.

Breeding stated that the FBI, postal inspectors and the CCSO were likely to investigate the situation further. Another official statement is expected regarding charges, if any, against the man named as a person of interest.

“The Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office and others involved worked together well,” said Breeding. “The Sheriff’s Office did a good job of picking him (the person of interest) up very quickly.”

The person of interest was picked up at his home, Breeding added.

The Claiborne Progress and Middlesboro Daily News will have more information as it becomes available.

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

Marisa Anders | Claiborne Progress A member of the Knox County, Tennessee, Bomb Squad walks back to his truck after looking at the package.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_Bomb-squad-guy.jpg Marisa Anders | Claiborne Progress A member of the Knox County, Tennessee, Bomb Squad walks back to his truck after looking at the package.

Marisa Anders | Claiborne Progress Officials inspected a backpack at the scene, which was said to belong to the person of interest being questioned about the incident.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_Officials-inspect-backpack.jpg Marisa Anders | Claiborne Progress Officials inspected a backpack at the scene, which was said to belong to the person of interest being questioned about the incident.

Marisa Anders | Claiborne Progress Officials were on the scene Friday morning after a suspicious package was found at the Harrogate Post Office.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_Suspicious-package-scene.jpg Marisa Anders | Claiborne Progress Officials were on the scene Friday morning after a suspicious package was found at the Harrogate Post Office.

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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Tommy Lynn Hurst – criminal homicide

Vanassa Anne Hurst – criminal homicide

Wanda Lee Boone – forgery, theft of property under $500

Joshua Ryan Brown – violation of probation for possession of a schedule II drugs for resale and delivery, failure to appear for possession of a schedule II drugs for resale and delivery, possession of drug paraphernalia and misuse of registration

David C. Jones – failure to appear for aggravated domestic assault, new charge of theft of property under $500

Kayla June Partin – two counts theft under $500

Victoria (Veronica Ann) Brooks – theft involving merchandise under $500

Julius Robinett III – disorderly conduct, public intoxication

Ronnie J. Hurst – disorderly conduct

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New Tazewell Police Dept.

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Tabetha Eve Patrick – criminal trespassing, theft involving merchandise

Alan Charles Sanford – criminal trespassing, public intoxication

Anita Lutricia Roesch – resisting arrest, theft over $500, public intoxication

Jeffery Lynn Widner – driving under the influence, following too closely, violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Mario Macias Jr. – speeding 63/45, violations of the light, registration and financial responsibility laws

Morgan B. Johnson – violations of the traffic control device and registration laws

Barbara Jean Hatfield – violation of the traffic control device law

Brandon Wayne Powell – outstanding child support attachment, driving on a suspended license, violations of the traffic control device, registration and financial responsibility laws

Danny Floyd Hubbard – failure to appear for possession of a schedule II drugs and drug paraphernalia

Rebecca Ann Callebs – theft involving merchandise under $500, driving on a revoked license

Isaac Dale Crowe – driving on a suspended license, violation of the handicapped parking law

Raymond Lester McGinnis III – driving on a suspended license

Jonathan Michael Griffin – violation of the financial responsibility law

Michael Murphy – violation of the financial responsibility law

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Tazewell Police Dept.

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Ernest Harold Johnson – reckless endangerment, possession of a schedule II drugs and drug paraphernalia

Kacee Denise Johnson – reckless endangerment, possession of a schedule II drugs and drug paraphernalia

Kiplin Dale Evans – reckless endangerment, possession of a schedule II drugs and drug paraphernalia

Raymond Lester McGinnis – violations of the seat belt, registration and financial responsibility laws

Kristofer J. Moses – violation of the financial responsibility law

Nola M. Shipman – violation of the financial responsibility law

CLARIFICATION:

The Phillip Wayne Greer cited in a recent Public Records for domestic violence, etc. is not New Tazewell Mayor Phil Greer.

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