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.

Harrogate Book Station

Come join us Feb. 11 from noon until 2 p.m. for Valentine’s Day games, crafts and snacks. The book station is located at 310 Bristol Road in Harrogate. For more information call 423-869-9777.

Driver License Safety Checkpoints

The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting driver license roadside safety checkpoints during the week of Feb. 12-18 on State Route 33 and Cave Springs Road, in Claiborne County. Recognizing the danger presented to the public by unqualified drivers, Troopers will concentrate their efforts on vehicles being operated by drivers who would violate the driver license laws of Tennessee. The Tennessee Highway Patrol has found these driver license roadside safety checkpoints to be an effective means of enforcing driver license laws of Tennessee while ensuring the protection of all motorists.

New Tazewell Little League Signups

Signups for the New Tazewell Little League will be held every Tuesday in February at Hardee’s in Tazewell from 6-8 p.m. Remaining dates are Feb. 14, Feb. 21 and Feb. 28. The tryout date is March 4 and opening day will be held April 1. Tryout times will be announced at signups. Tryout and opening day rain dates will be announced later, and opening day game times will be announced later as well. Anyone who has an interest in becoming a paid umpire for the 2017 Little League season, please stop in at Hardee’s during the signup nights for more information.

ECD Meeting

There will be an Economic & Community Development meeting Feb. 10 at noon at Pizza Inn. The meeting is open to the public.

Benefit Blood Drive

There will be a replacement blood drive for Jamie Vanover-Fischer Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Commercial Bank in Harrogate. The MEDIC Mobile will be at the bank, located at 6710 Cumberland Gap Parkway. All donors will receive a free T-shirt and coupon for a free appetizer at Texas Roadhouse.

Indoor Yard Sale

There will be a indoor yard sale at the VFW Post #8779 in New Tazewell on March 4 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Anyone can rent a table for $5. Everything must be packed up and gone by 3 p.m. The VFW is located at 203 S. Broad Street.

Bass Fishing Tournament

Mark your calendars — the Claiborne County Volunteer Rescue Squad’s 16th Annual Bass Fishing Tournament is scheduled for April 1. Entry forms are available by email (roghager@yahoo.com), pickup at Claiborne 911 center at the Claiborne Justice Center, at Rigsby’s Bait & Tackle, at Southern Outdoors, boat docks in Claiborne County or by calling 423- 626-5339. Come out and support your volunteer Rescue Squad.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, Alzheimer’s Support Group meets the last Thursday of each month at 6 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.

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.

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.

Sycamore Valley FCE Club

The Sycamore Valley FCE Club still has pecan pieces for sale at $9 per pound. This is our fundraiser to help 4-H Club and CEASE shelter. Contact Jane Fugate at 423-626-7496.

Weight Watchers Meetings

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

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.

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.

Bee Friends

If you are thinking about keeping bees, whether you are new to the idea, have been around bees a lot, or anywhere in between please join us at our next meeting. All are welcome.We are BEE FRIENDS, the local beekeeping group. We meet monthly, on the first Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Tazewell Campus (the old high school) of Walters State Community College. As you enter the parking lot for Walters State, there will be a banner at the door to the auditorium. Coffee and dessert will also be available at no cost.

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.

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.

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.

Free Adult High School 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

TNT Church of the Living God

There will be a singing fundraiser on Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be sold. The church is located across from Claiborne High School in New Tazewell. For more information call 423-526-9837.

Indian Creek Baptist Church

The regular monthly singing will be Feb. 12, at 6 p.m. Special singers will be the Gospel Lights and others. Everyone is welcome.

New Beginning Baptist Church

New Beginning Baptist Church is hosting a “Movie Date Night” on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.). Join us to view the movie “War Room.” This is a free event. “War Room” explores the power that prayer can have on marriages, parenting, careers, friendships, and every other area of our lives. Please register by calling 423-869-7378 and let us know if you need childcare. Movie refreshments will be served. Everyone is invited and welcome to attend. The movie is rated PG and lasts for two hours.

New Beginning Baptist Church presents “The Art of Marriage” Conference on Feb. 24-25. “The Art of Marriage” consists of six video sessions and an accompanying manual that provides couples with projects to help apply the principles taught during each session. The manual is also designed for use after the event by offering articles, date night ideas, and useful tips for continuing to strengthen your marriage. Cost is $20 per couple or $10 for individuals. Scholarships are available if needed. Singles, engaged couples and married couples are all invited to attend. Pastors and wives may attend free of charge. Please register by calling 423-869-7378 and let us know if you need childcare. The conference will be held from 6-8:30. .pm on Friday night and from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday. Snacks, light breakfast, and lunch, along with all conference materials, will be provided.

The church is located at 2305 Highway 63, about 4-1/2 miles west of Highway 25E in Harrogate. More information can be found on our website at www.nbbctn.com.

Riverside Baptist Church

The Warwick family will be singing on Feb. 19. Sunday School begins at 10 a.m., worship service begins at 11 a.m. Pastor K.J. Zumbrum welcomes everyone.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Regional Education Center

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

Servolution Health Services

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

Stand in the Gap

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.

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.

Spring is just around the corner and people are looking for ways to get more active with warmer weather on the horizon. The Three Corners Trail Committee is working to provide more cohesive trail opportunities for bikers, hikers, horseback riders and ATV enthusiasts in the area.

The committee met recently to focus on how to go about accomplishing their goals and discuss the next step for the project that will extend and connect trails in Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky for an overarching trail system.

“We want to do this today for our children and grandchildren for generations to come. We’re working today for the future,” said Russ Clark with the National Park Service.

The meeting was a workshop led by Clark to focus on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the project which were identified by local supporters of the project.

“One thing we’ve got going for us now is that we’re working together to get things done. It wouldn’t have been too long ago that we’d have been competing for grants and working against each other, but this is how we get things done now and I think it’s a good thing, really,” said Grace.

Some of the strengths identified include the diversity of the wildlife, tourism opportunities and terrain in the area, historical significance of the Cumberland Gap and the different park systems which encompass these. Weaknesses identified include project funding, a depressed local economy and the complexity of the project. Opportunities for the project included the diversity of the trails and the overwhelming amount of community support the project has, but threats to the project included regulations and the many hoops the committee would need to jump through to complete the project.

This meeting is part of an ongoing effort by the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance grant which was received by the Three Corners Trail Committee last year. Work began on the project in 2014.

Reach Kelsey Gerhardt at 606-302-9093 or on Twitter @kgerhardtmbdn.

Kelsey Gerhardt|Daily News Trails in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park will connect to state park trails in the area to provide many more opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, ATV enthusists and cycling thanks to efforts from the Three Corners Trails Committee.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_gap.jpgKelsey Gerhardt|Daily News Trails in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park will connect to state park trails in the area to provide many more opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, ATV enthusists and cycling thanks to efforts from the Three Corners Trails Committee.

Judge Robert Estep heard several plea agreements recently, during Claiborne Sessions Court.

Rachel Rae Blankenship, 21, charged with attempted forgery, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days confinement. Blankenship was given credit for 32 days of jail time already served. She must pay $175 in restitution to her victim. This case runs concurrently with prior violations of probation cases in which Blankenship failure to report to probation, nonpayment of court costs, fines and supervision fees, theft of property under $500, forgery and public intoxication while on probation.

Kenneth D. Kibert, 46, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 48 hours confinement. Kibert was given credit for time served. He must attend DUI School. His driver’s license is revoked for one year.

Alex Dalton Reece, 19, charged with possession of a schedule VI drugs, was granted a one year deferred judgment and sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation. He must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines.

Tyler Johnson, 19, charged with possession of methamphetamine, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 30 days confinement. Johnson was given credit for six days of jail time already served. He must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and fines. This case runs concurrently with a violation of probation one.

Curtis DeWayne Slusher, 68, charged with simple possession of Opana, a schedule II drug, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation.

Lonnie A. Bridges, 58, charged with theft under $1,000, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation. Bridges must pay at least $50 per month in court costs and fines beginning on May 21. He forfeits $75 to the Economic Crime Fund and must pay $1,028 in restitution to Shylock’s Pawn. As a condition of his probationary status, Bridges must appear in court on April 21 for review of his compliance to his sentence requirements. He is eligible for unsupervised probation once found fully compliant. This case runs concurrently with all prior ones.

Gregory Allen Goins Jr., 29, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, was granted a one year deferred judgment and sentenced to 11 months, 29 days unsupervised probation. As a condition of his probationary status, Goins was ordered to pay all court costs and fines in full the day of his hearing.

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

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Internal Revenue Service’s battle against fraud and identity theft is intensifying as the tax filing season opens, and some of the neediest taxpayers are getting caught in the middle.

The agency is barred from issuing refunds before Feb. 15 on any returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit. Congress mandated the delay to give the IRS more time to review returns to try to catch fraudulent ones before refunds are paid out.

In reality, taxpayers taking these credits will probably have to wait even longer to get their refunds — until the week of Feb. 27, the IRS says, because of weekends and the President’s Day holiday.

Dave DuVal, vice president of customer advocacy at TaxAudit.com, says the impact on these taxpayers could be tremendous. “They live paycheck to paycheck, and this is money they’re counting on,” he said.

Still, the attempt to reduce fraud “is a positive thing overall,” said Greg Rosica, tax partner at Ernst & Young.

The IRS will begin accepting returns on Jan. 23, and tax experts recommend that Americans continue to file their returns early, even with the refund delays.

“For this tax season, it’s more important than ever for taxpayers to plan ahead,” IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said in a statement.

This year’s filing deadline is Tuesday, April 18, since the traditional April 15 date falls on a Saturday, and D.C. Emancipation Day is observed on April 17.

Of course, taxpayers who need longer can request an extension. “Getting a filing extension avoids the late filing penalty, but it doesn’t avoid the late payment penalty,” said Barbara Weltman, a consultant and author of books on taxes, law and finance.

So the advice from tax experts: To avoid the late payment penalty, estimate the amount due and pay it before the April 18 filing deadline. But even with that, you won’t be able to avoid interest on payments made after the deadline.

Last year, the IRS processed more than 152 million returns. Electronic filing was up 2.4 percent, continuing a long-term trend. The average refund was $2,860, up 2.3 percent or $63 from the previous year, the agency said.

The IRS continues to see an increase in taxpayers requesting direct deposit for their refunds. That’s the fastest way to get a refund, the agency advises.

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WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR

“Because so many provisions have been made permanent and we have such modest inflation, there are not dramatic new things,” Weltman said.

The personal exemption has been increased to $4,050. But that amount is phased out for taxpayers at higher income levels. Similarly, those with higher adjusted gross income might not be able to get the full value of their deductions.

The alternative minimum tax is still around, but the exemption has increased to $53,900 for single taxpayers, $83,000 for those married filing jointly and $41,900 for married filing separately.

People who have been issued an individual taxpayer identification number, or ITIN, instead of a Social Security number may have to renew it before filing their tax returns. The IRS says current ITINs will no longer be valid if they weren’t used at least once in the last three years or if the number was issued before 2013.

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HEALTH INSURANCE

For those who didn’t have health insurance in 2016, the penalty, or “shared responsibility” in government parlance, is $695 for each adult and $347.50 for children under 18, or a maximum of $2,085. But remember there are two ways to compute the penalty — per person or as a percentage of household income. “You’ll pay whichever is higher,” the government says on its website www.healthcare.gov .

About 6.5 million taxpayers paid penalties in tax year 2015 because they didn’t have health insurance, about 20 percent lower than the previous year, IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said in a letter to Congress. The average penalty was about $470.

But there are exemptions that might help you avoid penalties if you didn’t have health insurance. Among them: financial hardship, membership in a federally recognized tribe or religious group with objections to insurance, or living overseas. Check the government’s health care website for the full list.

The health insurance law also provides assistance for people to pay their health insurance premiums.

Last year, about 5.3 million taxpayers claimed that premium tax credit for 2015, Koskinen said. The average credit was $3,620.

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PROTECTING AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT AND FRAUD

Make sure you have last year’s tax return handy when you prepare to file your taxes this year.

“Taxpayers who are changing tax software products this filing season will need their adjusted gross income from their 2015 tax return in order to file electronically,” the IRS said. “The electronic filing PIN is no longer an option.”

That, too, is part of the agency’s attempt to battle tax fraud and identity theft.

“The IRS has gotten much, much better in identifying ID theft before the money goes out the door,” Olson said.

Another step is pushing up the deadline for employers to submit wage data to the IRS, enabling the agency to build a database sooner to crosscheck returns with those W-2 forms.

Previously, wage forms had to be sent to taxpayers by Jan. 31 and to the Social Security Administration a month or two later, depending on whether they were being filed by paper or electronically. “That meant the filing season was over by the time the IRS got the most fundamental data,” Olson said.

Now, the deadline is the same, Jan. 31, for the employer to get the form to both the employee and the government.

The IRS says that working with states and the tax industry, ID thefts were cut in half last year.

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EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT

The IRS describes the credit as a “benefit for working people with low to moderate income.”

As such, eligibility is based on marital status, income and the number of qualifying children in the household. The maximum credit for the 2016 tax year ranges from $6,269 for those with three or more children to $506 for those with no children.

For the 2015 tax year, the credit was claimed on about 26 million returns, totaling about $65.6 billion, according to the IRS. The agency said the average credit was more than $2,482.

The IRS estimates that as many as 26 percent of EITC claims may be paid erroneously. “Some of the errors are unintentional, caused by the complexity of the law, but some of the claims are intentional disregard of the law,” the agency said.

Or as Duval put it, “Any time you have refundable money, it brings out the creeps, the criminals, the bad folks.”

Like the Additional Child Tax Credit, the EITC is refundable, meaning that even if you have no tax liability you can get a refund.

“Note that the Additional Child Tax Credit is not a credit for additional children. It is a credit in addition to the regular Child Tax Credit,” the IRS says.

So what’s the difference?

Since the regular Child Tax Credit is not refundable, you may not be able to collect the full amount if it reduces your tax liability below zero.

“Basically, if you have any portion of your Child Tax Credit ‘left over,’ you may be eligible to receive some or all of it as a payment through the Additional Tax Credit,” the IRS explains.

We are into February, a short month with long nights and cold weather, a good time for a good book. How about an Abraham Lincoln book to relate to the observance of his birthday this month? There are plenty of Lincoln books to choose from!

Since the death of the sixteenth President of the United States in 1865, more than 16,000 books have been written about Abraham Lincoln, his family, his leadership during the Civil War, and his assassination. Imagine! More books than about any other American and maybe more than about any other individual in history. And, the list continues to grow with new books each year for a new generation of readers.

With so much having been written about this great leader, are there new thoughts or words, new insights, in 2017 as we remember the former President who is so closely associated with the Cumberland Gap area and with Lincoln Memorial University in particular? Leaving that question for historians to answer, I found two books that I have kept close by for reading and re-reading.

One of those is entitled The Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln containing “the best stories by and about America’s most beloved President.” In the second, entitled Lincoln for the Ages, seventy-six distinguished Americans wrote about almost every facet of Lincoln’s life from his boyhood years to the his death. The book was conceived by Carl Haverlin, President of Broadcast Music, Inc. and former LMU trustee. It was edited by Ralph G. Newman, 1952 recipient of LMU’s Lincoln Diploma of Honor. Beyond that many of the authors were University officials and friends including Robert L. Kincaid, R. Gerald McMurtry, and Wayne C. Temple.

Since first reading about Lincoln years ago, I have been fascinated with both his unusual wit and his great wisdom highlighted in the first book. And with the discovery of the second book I was impressed with the diversity of authors and topics. It contained information about almost every phase of Lincoln’s life, and the articles were written by individuals that LMU students and alumni had met or heard in various settings from graduation speakers [Illinois Governor William Stratton], to classroom professors [Drs. McMurtry and Temple], to Lincoln Day Banquet speakers [Iowa Congressman Fred Schwengel].

The wit and wisdom of Lincoln often showed up in unusual circumstances and for various purposes. He liked to talk, he enjoyed reading, and he knew human nature. He seemed always to have a story to illustrate his position on a matter or his thoughts about almost any topic. A few examples illustrate those characteristics:

On one occasion some of Lincoln’s friends were talking of the diminutive stature of Stephen A. Douglas, and in an argument as to the proper length of a man’s legs. During the discussion Lincoln came in, and it was agreed that the question should be referred to him for decision. “Well,” said he reflectively, “I should think a man’s legs ought to be long enough to reach from his body to the ground.”

At the White House, a New Yorker said to the President that it seemed strange that the President of the United States and the President of the Confederate States should have been born in the same State. “Oh, I don’t know about that,” laughed Mr. Lincoln. “Those Kentucky people will tell you that they raise ‘most anything in their State, and I reckon they’re mighty near right.”

Civil War General O.O. Howard commented that “In the first speech I ever saw of Mr. Lincoln’s he said, ‘Many free countries have lost their liberties, and ours may lose hers; but if she shall, be it my proudest boast not that I was the last to desert, but that I never, never deserted her.”

General Howard was close to President Lincoln and figured prominently in the establishment of Lincoln Memorial University, primarily because of the words of Abraham Lincoln. In September, 1863, during a visit with the President at the White House, Lincoln rolled a map down from the wall and pointed to Cumberland Gap: “General, can’t you go through here and seize Knoxville?” as they discussed the Civil War and the military situation in the West.

As the conversation neared an end, Howard said the President remarked, “General, if you come out of this horror and misery alive, and I pray to God that you may, I want you to do something for those mountain people who have been shut out of this world all these years. I know them. They are loyal there! If I live I will do all I can to aid, and between us perhaps we do the justice they deserve. Please remember this.”

And Howard did remember those words and Lincoln’s wishes. Working with the Reverend A. A. Myers, who had brought the General to Cumberland Gap, they were able to secure the support necessary for the chartering of Lincoln Memorial University on February 12, 1897.

Why not use the occasion of the birthdays of both Lincoln and the University to lead you to finding a good Lincoln book for winter reading?

William H. Baker, Claiborne County native and former resident of Middlesboro, may be contacted at wbaker@limestone.edu

Abraham Lincoln

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Abraham-Lincoln.jpgAbraham Lincoln

Judge Shayne Sexton processed several plea agreements last week, during hearings in Claiborne County Criminal Court.

Danny Runions, 58, charged with one count each of assault and felony evading arrest, was sentenced to a concurrent two years at 30 percent confinement. This case runs concurrently with one from Union County.

Jennifer Lee Ray, 34, was initially charged with two counts of vehicular assault and one count each of driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license and failure to maintain traffic lane. Ray was sentenced to a split confinement of six years TDOC supervised probation with one year at 75 percent confinement on one count each of reckless aggravated assault and vehicular assault. Sexton dismissed the charges of driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license and failure to maintain traffic lane. She was given credit for jail time from July 12 to Jan. 23. Ray must pay at least $150 per month in court costs beginning 30 days after release from jail. She must pay $10,000 in restitution to her victim and must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel. Her driver’s license is revoked for one year.

Chad Allen Green, 28, initially charged with one count each of aggravated burglary and forgery, was sentenced to four years at 30 percent confinement on the one count of aggravated burglary. The forgery charge is nolle. Green was given credit for 71 days of jail time already served. This case runs consecutively with a parole sentence.

Christopher Scott Middleton, 30, was initially charged with two counts of aggravated burglary and one count each of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, theft of property up to $60,000, criminal impersonation and driving on a revoked license. Middleton was sentenced to a split confinement of ten years TDOC supervised probation with one year confinement on the one charge of aggravated assault. He was given credit for any jail time served since April 9. Middleton must pay at least $100 per month in court costs beginning 30 days after release from jail. He is barred from any contact with his victim and must stay at least 1,000 ft. away from her, her property, her place of employment or any other place she is likely to be.

Larry Wayne Runions, 37, charged with one count of auto burglary, was granted a hearing on Feb. 27 to determine alternative sentencing to the recommended two years at 30 percent confinement. Runions was given credit for 29 days of jail time already served. This case runs concurrently with prior ones.

Danny Thomas Dennison, 36, charged with one count of auto burglary, was sentenced to two years confinement. Dennison was given credit for 47 days of jail time already served. As part of his plea agreement, Dennison will serve six months of a violation of probation case concurrently with this one.

Gregory Scott Reed, 31, charged with one count of vandalism over $1,000, was sentenced to three years at 30 percent confinement. Reed was given credit for jail time already served since March 25. He must pay $250 in restitution to the Claiborne County Jail.

Brittany Brooks, 20, charged with two counts of criminal impersonation and one count each of promotion of methamphetamine manufacture (property) and failure to appear, was sentenced to a split confinement of three years TDOC supervised probation with 35 days confinement. Brooks was given credit for 35 days of jail time already served. She must pay at least $100 per month in court costs beginning on Feb. 24.

Martin Lynn Bolden, 33, charged with accessory after the fact, was sentenced to one year confinement and given credit for 82 days of jail time already served. This case runs consecutively to a current criminal sentence.

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

Cancer can strike fear, confusion, and helplessness in individuals diagnosed with the disease and their caregivers. Cancer patients and survivors must deal not only with their disease, but also with the impact this has on their lives and emotions. A self-management approach to cancer education gives cancer patients and survivors the knowledge, tools and confidence to take day-by-day control of their health and treatment decisions.

On Feb. 22, the Claiborne County Health Department and University of Tennessee Extension will be offering a free Cancer: Thriving and Surviving workshop. The six-week program is designed for people with cancer and caregivers to learn basic skills necessary to self-manage their disease and work effectively with their health care professionals.

The Cancer: Thriving and Surviving Program is conducted by two leaders certified by Stanford University Cancer: Thriving and Surviving Trainers. Classes will be held every Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. at the Tazewell Senior Citizens Center.

For more information, or to sign up for the program, please contact Carol Brandon, Extension Agent at 423-626-3742. You need to register for the class by Feb. 16 so that we can have class materials ready for everyone.

This workshop and all programs offered by Extension are open to anyone who would like to participate. If you would like to learn more about how UT-TSU Extension serves Claiborne County you can visit the office, call us at 423-626-3742, visit our website at claiborne.tennessee.edu, like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/extensionclaiborne), or follow us on Twitter @ClaiborneExt.

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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Roy M. Ford – second degree murder

Arlen Shane Lambert – aggravated domestic assault

Adam Jeffery Parkey – domestic assault, failure to appear for speeding and violation of the driver’s license law

Adam Reuben Johnson – domestic assault

Carrie Sue Johnson – domestic assault

Tessa Blake Laws – child endangerment, possession of methamphetamine

Larry Keith Poore – aggravated burglary, burglary, theft of property over $10,000, theft over $1,000, theft of property under $1,000 (charges generated on two separate dates)

Hunter M. Hassler – possession of methamphetamine for sell and/or delivery, violation of the Drug Free School Zone Act, two counts possession of a schedule IV drugs for sell and/or delivery, one count each possession of a schedule III drugs for sell and/or delivery and possession of drug paraphernalia

Marty Allen Collins – outstanding child support attachment

Kenneth Ray Powers – capias/bench warrant for resisting stop, search, violations of probation for driving on a revoked license and violation of the financial responsibility law, failure to appear for driving on a revoked license (second offense) and violation of the financial responsibility law

Steven C. Roesch – violation of probation for child endangerment

William Jason Davidson – failure to appear for violation of the seat belt law

William Earl Calhoun – driving on a suspended license, violation of the financial responsibility law

DeWayne Edison Webb – driving on a suspended license

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Cumberland Gap Police Dept.

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Rodney Duane Walker – failure to appear for criminal trespassing

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National Park Service

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Johnny Lee Sprouls – driving under the influence, failure to exercise due care, failure to report

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New Tazewell Police Dept.

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Anthony Martinez – aggravated domestic assault, criminal trespassing, vandalism

Tina Lynn Jackson – domestic assault

Tracy Dee Pry – domestic assault

Terrandalum Scott Litton – child endangerment, felony evading arrest, reckless driving, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on a suspended license, violation of the child restraint law, failure to appear for driving on a suspended license and violation of the financial responsibility law, violation from Union County for possession of drug paraphernalia

Delsia Faith Anglian – criminal impersonation, failure to appear for public intoxication

Brad Lee Collins – auto theft over $1,000, vandalism over $1,000, violation of probation for indecent exposure

Timothy Wayne Munsey – driving under the influence

Rachel Michele Patterson – felony evading arrest, three counts reckless endangerment, one count each reckless driving, driving under the influence, speeding 67/45, possession, sell, delivery of a schedule II drugs and driving left of the traffic center line (charges generated inside New Tazewell and Tazewell)

James Austin Lynch – speeding 61/45

Cynthia Ann Gerrells – failure to appear for two counts of reckless endangerment and one count of disorderly conduct

Matthew Adam Kirkland – failure to appear for violation of the seat belt law

Jason D. Wilt – possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of the littering law, capias/bench warrant from Union County for driving on a revoked license

Ralph Seals Jr. – violations of the light and financial responsibility laws

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Tazewell Police Dept.

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Samantha Marie Singleton – fugitive from justice on grand larceny from Virginia

Jason Henry Butler – driving under the influence

Debra Nicole Davis – speeding 6945

Joseph Jacob Mills – speeding 69/45

Jordon Alice Partin – speeding 69/45

Antoinette Boggs – speeding 66/45

Becky Hawk – speeding 64/45

James Alex Welch – speeding 63/45

Lance M. Johnson – speeding 63/45

Nichole Althea Seal – speeding 62/45

Johnny Peter Horton – speeding 61/45

Teresa Lynn Nichols – speeding 61/45

Thomas A. Reagan – speeding 60/45

Shelley Renee Roberts – capias/bench warrant for criminal trespassing, possession of a schedule II drugs, theft under $500 and public intoxication, failure to appear for possession of a schedule II drugs, theft under $500 and theft involving merchandise, violations of probation

Reina Cunningham Parker – theft of property under $500

Amber Shay Dixson – driving on a suspended license, violation of the financial responsibility law

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Tennessee Hwy. Patrol

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Chasity Ann Thomas – driving under the influence, violation of the open container law

James Anthony Reeves – possession of methamphetamine, suboxone and drug paraphernalia, failure to appear for driving on a suspended license

John Ray Elrod – violation of probation

Jessee Lynn Gilliam – failure to appear for speeding, violation of the seat belt law and driving on a suspended license

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Public-Records-1.jpg

The Lincoln Memorial University Department of Multicultural Student Services and Black Student Union will welcome Ambassador George Staples for a lecture to celebrate Black History Month at 1 p.m. on Feb. 16 in the Arnold Auditorium of the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum.

Staples has served as the U.S. ambassador to several African nations during his 25-year foreign service career. He served as ambassador to the Republic of Rwanda from 1998-2001 and later served as ambassador to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. Additionally, he was deputy chief of mission in Bahrain and Zimbabwe.

Most recently, Staples served as a political advisor to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) for NATO in Belgium. His career also included a tenure as senior watch officer in the State Department’s Operation Center and senior Turkey desk officer in the Bureau of European Affairs during the first Gulf War. Staples has also served as a national security fellow at the Hoover Institution.

Prior to joining the State Department, Staples served as a military officer in the U.S. Air Force, and a manager in private industry. Today, he is a commissioner on the Kentucky Human Rights Commission and teaches a course in African development challenges at the University of Kentucky’s Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce in Lexington, Kentucky. Staples holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree from Central Michigan.

The event is free and open to the public.

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 email at admissions@LMUnet.edu.

U.S. Ambassador George Staples

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_ambassador-staples.jpgU.S. Ambassador George Staples

The Lincoln Memorial University Community Organic Garden in Harrogate will open the spring growing season later this month with a “Meet and Greet” session for new members at 6 p.m. on Feb. 20. The garden is taking a limited number of applications for garden plots in 2017.

Open to adults and children, the organization offers individual raised bed gardens and a large community garden where members plant, work and share in the harvest at no cost. The Garden is 100 percent organic and does not utilize chemical pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. Garden members meet every Monday at the garden center for updates and discussion, gardening education and informal time for fellowship and networking. Additionally, members are encouraged to attend to their beds as needed and assist on Wednesday work sessions when weather permits.

Through Nov. 30, 2016, the Garden produced over 21,000 pounds of food. Members continue to enjoy broccoli, greens, turnips and radishes from the fall garden. In 2016, 48 families participated in the program, growing organic produce and attending educational programs. Membership includes a mix of novice and experienced gardeners.

In addition to the raised beds and community garden, the organization grows several varieties of plants in two green houses and utilizes a 240 foot high tunnel. The tunnel allows garden members to plant tender garden crops earlier in the season and extends the harvesting season by nearly 50 days at the end of the growing season.

The LMU Organic Garden facilities are located on the south side of campus down the boulevard from LMU-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine near the roundabout. Meetings are held in the classroom/kitchen facility on the grounds. Classes are led by gardening experts, extension agents from the University of Kentucky and University of Tennessee and area leaders. Upcoming classes will cover topics such as pruning fruit trees, garden planning, edible and medicinal plants, sweet potato slips and heart healthy cooking from the garden.

The mission of the LMU Organic Community Garden is to offer a place to learn about gardening, healthy eating and preparation and preservation of food in healthy ways. Initiated by the LMU Board of Trustees, the organization is self-governed by its members and is supported by grants and funds from Grow Appalachia and other foundations. Funded by the generosity of John Paul Dejoria, co-founder and CEO of John Paul Mitchell Systems, Inc., Grow Appalachia is an outreach education and service project of Berea College. For more information about the LMU Organic Community Garden contact Bill Clayton (prganichillbilly_lmu@yahoo.com) at 423-441-9133.

Photo submitted The LMU Organic Community Garden will have a meet & greet Feb. 20.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_gardenphoto.jpgPhoto submitted The LMU Organic Community Garden will have a meet & greet Feb. 20.

An ongoing investigation recently led to several felony arrests, including charges for kidnapping and trafficking of a person for a commercial sex act, according to a news release from the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff David Ray states in the release that the Criminal Investigations Division was lead to two separate residences for which search warrants were obtained.

Nathan G. Taylor, 47, Steven Daniel Moore, 43, and Steven Coty Lee Moore, 24, all of Tazewell, were located at the residences and placed into custody on Feb. 13.

Several items of evidence were located in reference to the charges at both residences, stated lead investigator Tim Shrout in the release.

According to the release, two victims involved in the case “were (allegedly) bound by their hands and feet, held against their will and threatened with a deadly weapon for several hours.”

The investigation revealed that the victims were allegedly transported by the suspects from one residence to another during the time of their captivity, the release states.

“Phone calls were forced upon the victims in order to obtain monies for their release,” states the release.

Each man was charged with two counts of especially aggravated kidnapping and two counts of aggravated assault. In addition, Taylor was charged with two counts of extortion and trafficking of a person for a commercial sex act, as well as possession of a schedule II controlled substance for resale and delivery.

The suspects were taken to the Claiborne County Jail. Each was arraigned on Feb. 13 and given a bond of $250,000 each.

Nathan G. Taylor

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Nathan-G-Taylor.jpgNathan G. Taylor

Steven Coty Moore

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Steven-Coty-Moore.jpgSteven Coty Moore

Steven Daniel Moore

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Steven-Daniel-Moore.jpgSteven Daniel Moore

This photo and article was in the April 22, 1987 issue of the Claiborne Progress. It told of a lost community, Combs.

This photo and article was in the April 22, 1987 issue of the Claiborne Progress. It told of a lost community, Combs.

This photo and article was in the April 22, 1987 issue of the Claiborne Progress. It told of a lost community, Combs.

This photo and article was in the April 22, 1987 issue of the Claiborne Progress. It told of a lost community, Combs.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_old-article.jpgThis photo and article was in the April 22, 1987 issue of the Claiborne Progress. It told of a lost community, Combs.

This photo and article was in the April 22, 1987 issue of the Claiborne Progress. It told of a lost community, Combs.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Article-part-1.jpgThis photo and article was in the April 22, 1987 issue of the Claiborne Progress. It told of a lost community, Combs.

This photo and article was in the April 22, 1987 issue of the Claiborne Progress. It told of a lost community, Combs.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Article-part-2.jpgThis photo and article was in the April 22, 1987 issue of the Claiborne Progress. It told of a lost community, Combs.

Max Money and all of the Medical Center Clinic staff are proud to be welcoming a new provider, Angela Thornsbury, who is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner.

Thornsbury has been a resident of Claiborne County her entire life and continues to live here with her husband and six children. She is a three-time graduate of LMU where she earned her Associate, then Bachelor and lastly her Master’s degree in nursing. With 14 plus years in nursing she brings experience in pediatrics, geriatrics, medical/surgical medicine, emergency medicine, and internal medicine to the practice.

When ask about her philosophy on health and caring for others she said, “I believe the Lord intends for us to love one another. What I mean is, health care is just an extension of how our Lord intends for us to treat one another. Kindness and a non-judgmental attitude can be crucial in helping someone achieve better health. In that same mindset, I believe everyone deserves a health provider that takes the time to listen to them and respect their mind, body, and soul. That’s not really a philosophy, but it’s how I try to treat every person I come in contact with. I am not special or better than any other person, I have simply been blessed in the life God has given me. What I hope is to be a help to this community that I love. I became a nurse to help people, becoming a Nurse Practitioner is just an extension of that desire to help the people around me in the new role of primary care provider.”

Thornsbury offers primary care, including pediatrics, women’s health, internal medicine and geriatric care. She is now taking appointments for new patients.

Medical Center Clinic is located at 606 North Broad Street in New Tazewell. The operating hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to noon. You can call Medical Center Clinic at 423-526-5622 to schedule your appointment today.

Photo submitted Angela Thornsbury has joined Medical Center Clinic as a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Angela-Thornsbury.jpgPhoto submitted Angela Thornsbury has joined Medical Center Clinic as a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner.

Crocheting is becoming one of the many lost mountain arts; however New Tazewell resident Susan Grana is helping to keep the tradition alive by making afghans, toys and doilies. Her story is as unique as her skills and every bit as interesting.

When Grana was 17 years old, she sold everything she owned and moved to live in a campground in Wisconsin. At the time, she and her one-year-old daughter lived in a tent for the summer. During her time there, the owners of the campground took her under their wing and gave her crocheting lessons.

“They were great. They sat me down and bought me some yearn and taught me. After that, I bought some books and taught myself the fancier stitches,” said Grana.

After moving out of the campground, she taught her grandmother Mary the skills she had learned to crochet.

“Usually it’s the other way around, but I think it just gave her something to do so she wanted to learn. She was always doing something with her hands and she saw what I was doing so I wanted her to learn, too,” said Grana.

Currently, Grana is making a lacy Irish crocheted afghan with cotton thread. This is quickly becoming her favorite and most intricate piece she has ever made.

Before moving to Claiborne County, she retired from working as a veterinarian tech and since she is an animal lover, she has used her talents to crochet sweaters for shelter pets before they’re adopted.

“So many times (animals) come in to the shelters and their hair is matted. They get shaved down and then they’re cold so maybe it just helps them feel more comfortable for their time in the shelter,” said Grana.

She decided to move here after retiring because she loves the mountains and the friendly people, which she said are like no where else she has ever been. Her extended family also recently moved to the area and live together on the same property in New Tazewell.

Grana is selling her crocheted items at the Cumberland Gap Artist Co-op. They are open with new winter hours from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday through the end of February.

Reach Kelsey Gerhardt at 606-302-9093 or on Twitter @kgerhardtmbdn.

Kelsey Gerhardt|Daily News Crocheter Susan Grana makes doilies and afghans that are as interesting as her life’s story.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_sew.jpgKelsey Gerhardt|Daily News Crocheter Susan Grana makes doilies and afghans that are as interesting as her life’s story.

Recently at Claiborne High School we held our ninth annual Pink Out for Black event. Special guests included Miss Tennessee 2016, Miss Food City 2016 and Tracy Love.

Donations of $2,500 were given to Bright Pink, the only national nonprofit organization focused on early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women. Donations were also given to locals Jamie Vanover-Fischer and Colson Keller, who both suffer from cancer. CHS would like to recognize Hayden Ayres, Crystal Johnson, Keylee Shoffner, Larissa Moraes, Matthew Walker and Tandy Derreberry for their hair donations to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. Miss Tennessee, Grace Burgess, made appearances at TNT Elementary and Soldiers Memorial Middle School to speak about character.

While we missed some school for sickness, CHS is prepared for a healthy week ahead and encourages all students to take precautions such as hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home if you are experiencing symptoms of the flu.

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.

Driver License Safety Checkpoints

The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting driver license roadside safety checkpoints during the week of Feb. 12-18 on State Route 33 and Cave Springs Road, in Claiborne County. THP will also be conducting driver license roadside safety checkpoints during the week of Feb. 19-25 on U.S. Hwy. 25E, State Route 63 and State Route 33, in Claiborne County. Recognizing the danger presented to the public by unqualified drivers, Troopers will concentrate their efforts on vehicles being operated by drivers who would violate the driver license laws of Tennessee. The Tennessee Highway Patrol has found these driver license roadside safety checkpoints to be an effective means of enforcing driver license laws of Tennessee while ensuring the protection of all motorists.

New Tazewell Little League Signups

Signups for the New Tazewell Little League will be held every Tuesday in February at Hardee’s in Tazewell from 6-8 p.m. Remaining dates are Feb. 21 and Feb. 28. The tryout date is March 4 and opening day will be held April 1. Tryout times will be announced at signups. Tryout and opening day rain dates will be announced later, and opening day game times will be announced later as well. Anyone who has an interest in becoming a paid umpire for the 2017 Little League season, please stop in at Hardee’s during the signup nights for more information.

Benefit Blood Drive

There will be a replacement blood drive for Jamie Vanover-Fischer Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Commercial Bank in Harrogate. The MEDIC Mobile will be at the bank, located at 6710 Cumberland Gap Parkway. All donors will receive a free T-shirt and coupon for a free appetizer at Texas Roadhouse.

Honey Convention

Interested in honeybees, or just want to learn more about honeybees? There will be a Honey Convention March 3-4 at Walters State Community College in New Tazewell. The event will be held Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Early admission is $15 for one day and $20 for both days, per person, before Feb. 15. Admission at the door is $20 for one day or $25 for both days, per person. Several local bee clubs, including Heritage Beekeepers of Hawkins, Bee Friends of Claiborne, and Clinch Valley of Hancock will be sponsoring a Short Course for Beginning Beekeepers. Other classes will include What you need to get started in beekeeping, How to build bee equipment, What is happening with our bees in Tennessee, Honey judging, Products made from the hive, All about wildflowers and many more. Please come and enjoy a fun day of honeybee knowledge. For more information or a registration form contact Wanda Coleman at 423-944-3230 or check us out on Facebook ,www.facebook.com/easttnhoney.

Gospel Concert

The Singing Cookes and The Cooke Brothers will be in concert March 4 at the Middlesboro High School gym. The concert will also feature The Heavenly Heirs.

Indoor Yard Sale

There will be a indoor yard sale at the VFW Post #8779 in New Tazewell on March 4 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Anyone can rent a table for $5. Everything must be packed up and gone by 3 p.m. The VFW is located at 203 S. Broad Street.

Bass Fishing Tournament

Mark your calendars — the Claiborne County Volunteer Rescue Squad’s 16th Annual Bass Fishing Tournament is scheduled for April 1. Entry forms are available by email (roghager@yahoo.com), pickup at Claiborne 911 center at the Claiborne Justice Center, at Rigsby’s Bait & Tackle, at Southern Outdoors, boat docks in Claiborne County or by calling 423- 626-5339. Come out and support your volunteer Rescue Squad.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, Alzheimer’s Support Group meets the last Thursday of each month at 6 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.

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.

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.

Sycamore Valley FCE Club

The Sycamore Valley FCE Club still has pecan pieces for sale at $9 per pound. This is our fundraiser to help 4-H Club and CEASE shelter. Contact Jane Fugate at 423-626-7496.

Weight Watchers Meetings

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

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.

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.

Bee Friends

If you are thinking about keeping bees, whether you are new to the idea, have been around bees a lot, or anywhere in between please join us at our next meeting. All are welcome.We are BEE FRIENDS, the local beekeeping group. We meet monthly, on the first Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Tazewell Campus (the old high school) of Walters State Community College. As you enter the parking lot for Walters State, there will be a banner at the door to the auditorium. Coffee and dessert will also be available at no cost.

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.

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.

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.

Free Adult High School 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Mr. and Mrs. Tip Venable celebrated their 70th anniversary with their family: Daughters Jo-Ann Bunch and Mary Lou Mallicoat; grandchildren Charles Tipton Bunch and Jo-Anna and Mitch Burke; great-grandchildren Lily and Noah Burke, the joy of their life.

Tip and Lillie began their journey together Feb. 10, 1947. They were married by P.M. Parson in Middlesboro, Kentucky.

Mr. and Mrs. Tip Venable celebrated their 70th anniversary with their family: Daughters Jo-Ann Bunch and Mary Lou Mallicoat; grandchildren Charles Tipton Bunch and Jo-Anna and Mitch Burke; great-grandchildren Lily and Noah Burke, the joy of their life. Tip and Lillie began their journey together Feb. 10, 1947. They were married by P.M. Parson in Middlesboro, Kentucky.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Venable-70th.jpgMr. and Mrs. Tip Venable celebrated their 70th anniversary with their family: Daughters Jo-Ann Bunch and Mary Lou Mallicoat; grandchildren Charles Tipton Bunch and Jo-Anna and Mitch Burke; great-grandchildren Lily and Noah Burke, the joy of their life. Tip and Lillie began their journey together Feb. 10, 1947. They were married by P.M. Parson in Middlesboro, Kentucky.

Happy anniversary to us! This year marks the 130th anniversary of the Claiborne Progress! To commemorate our anniversary, we are having a year-long celebration. We will include historical stories and photos in each issue for the rest of this year. We need your help, though – there is so much history here in Claiborne County and we want you to share yours. Send us your stories and/or photos, and we will use as much as possible in print and/or online. If you know of someone who has a story to tell, let us know. We want to highlight Claiborne County’s colorful history. Send your ideas and submissions to manders@civitasmedia.com.

Those who suddenly find themselves caring for a grandchild or other school-aged relative may find assistance through the Relative Caregiver Program. Funded via a grant through the Department of Children’s Services, the program offers a myriad of ‘helps’ for those opening their homes to a child who has been abandoned, abused or neglected by its parent.

Those enrolled in the state program receive information, referrals, access to support groups, respite care, assistance with family advocacy issues and can participate in educational workshops.

The program also offers quarterly ‘enrichments’ to the caregivers and those being serviced. The enrichments may include tickets to current movies or other various attractions.

Mindy Sidwell, family advocate with Omni Community Health, gave a short synopsis of the innovative program last week during the regular monthly meeting of the Claiborne County Board of Education. Sidwell said her office is currently searching for a location in Tazewell or New Tazewell in which to host monthly support group meetings.

To qualify for the program, the caregiver must be related by blood, marriage or adoption and must have primary care of the child, aged 18 years or under. The age requirement may be extended to 19 years if that particular child is expected to complete high school or an equivalent vocational or technical training program before the age of 20.

“We do ask that they have custody of the child. I’ve gotten a few calls where the parent is living in the home with the grandparent, and they (the caregiver) still have custody of the child. It’s great that they have a resource of the parent still there. But, we’re not allowed to step in unless they (the caregiver) have power of attorney or custody of that child.

“That doesn’t mean the parent isn’t allowed to see them,” said Sidwell.

To qualify for the program, the caregiver’s income must be at least 200 percent below the current poverty line, she said.

For more information, call Sidwell at 865-216-7541.

In other action, the annual Clinch-Powell Regional Science Fair will be held on March 10. Sixth grade winners from each school will congregate at 9 a.m. sharp inside the Tex Turner Arena, located on the Lincoln Memorial University campus in Harrogate. The budding scientists will display their expertise in the hope that their hard work will earn them a winning spot in the finals.

The board approved the seventh and eighth grade Panther Middle School football cheerleaders, along with volunteers Christy Capps and Amber Morris. Capps is a teacher at Cumberland Gap High. Morris was approved, pending a background check.

Clairfield Elementary won the monthly attendance competition between schools. Despite living in a rugged, isolated location, the students managed to pull down a solid 96.2 percent attendance record for the month of January.

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

Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Angie Estes, Claiborne elementary education supervisor, showcases the T-shirt worn by sixth graders who participated in the annual BizTown program, sponsored each year by First Century Bank. Eleanor Yoakum, chairman of the bank board of directors, holds the plaque of appreciation she accepted on behalf of the institution.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Yoakum-Estes-pic.jpgJan Runions | Claiborne Progress Angie Estes, Claiborne elementary education supervisor, showcases the T-shirt worn by sixth graders who participated in the annual BizTown program, sponsored each year by First Century Bank. Eleanor Yoakum, chairman of the bank board of directors, holds the plaque of appreciation she accepted on behalf of the institution.

Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Neta Munsey, chairperson of the Claiborne school board, stands to the right of three of the four teachers who recently earned tenure status. From the left are HY Livesay teacher Sherry Smith, Forge Ridge instructor Mary Ramsey and Tazewell-New Tazewell Primary teacher Lucinda Drummonds. Livesay instructor Christy Brooks, who was the fourth teacher to recently earn tenure, was not present to accept her plaque.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_tenured-teachers-pic.jpgJan Runions | Claiborne Progress Neta Munsey, chairperson of the Claiborne school board, stands to the right of three of the four teachers who recently earned tenure status. From the left are HY Livesay teacher Sherry Smith, Forge Ridge instructor Mary Ramsey and Tazewell-New Tazewell Primary teacher Lucinda Drummonds. Livesay instructor Christy Brooks, who was the fourth teacher to recently earn tenure, was not present to accept her plaque.