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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Richard McKinley Russell – aggravated assault, theft of property under $1,000

Donna Alexandria Alvarado – possession of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine

Lawrence Daniel Rice – driving under the influence (second offense), driving on a revoked license

Jennifer Ann Johnson – driving under the influence, criminal impersonation, violation of the implied consent law

Meghan Louise McDaniel – driving under the influence, driving on a revoked license, violations of the financial responsibility and ten day address change laws, violation of probation

Ronald E. Jones – outstanding child support attachment

Jonathon Frank Maples – capias/bench warrant for reckless driving, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving on a suspended license

Michael Dale Coffey – capias/bench warrant for possession of a schedule II drugs and violation of the driver’s license law

Randall Ray Rogers – capias/bench warrant

Anthony Samps Brock – outstanding warrants for evading arrest and possession of a schedule VI drugs

James Robert Miller – violations of probation for burglary, theft over $1,000 and theft under $500

Kaitlyn Paige Hatfield – violation of probation for theft of property under $500

Jamie Lee Lankford – violation of probation for possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear for a violation of probation for possession of drug paraphernalia

Cody Lynn England – failure to appear for violation of the light law

Neal Anthony Welch – sale of a schedule II controlled substance (indictment)

Mickey DeVin Marlow – driving on a suspended license

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New Tazewell Police Dept.

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Phillip Wayne Greer – aggravated domestic assault, felony evading arrest, reckless driving, resisting stop, halt, frisk, arrest or search

Christina Taretha Day – assault

Jonathon Thomas Sutton – possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of methamphetamine for resale, possession of drug paraphernalia

Thomas Dean Cole – aggravated burglary, failure to appear for vandalism, possession of methamphetamine, theft involving merchandise over $500 and possession of drug paraphernalia

Gregory Lynn Harding – accident resulting in damage to a vehicle, failure to exercise due care, driving on a revoked license (ninth offense), failure to report an accident in a timely manner, violation of the financial responsibility law

Heather Nicole Twigg – introduction of contraband into a penal facility, possession of methamphetamine, capias/bench warrant for public intoxication, possession of a schedule II drugs and drug paraphernalia, outstanding warrants for aggravated burglary and theft of property over $1,000

Sarah Jessica Middleton – fraudulent use of a credit/debit card, theft of property over $10,000 (motor vehicle), violations of probation for theft under $500 and violation of the financial responsibility law, failure to appear for possession of a legend drug, theft under $500, theft involving merchandise, speeding and violations of the light, driver’s license and financial responsibility laws

Hazel England – criminal impersonation, theft involving merchandise under $1,000

Clint Luke Short – criminal trespassing, aggravated panhandling

David Thomas Hall – criminal trespassing

Eric Michael Lambert – driving under the influence

Jacob Allen Morris – speeding 91/45, two counts reckless endangerment, one count each reckless driving, drag racing and evading arrest by a motor vehicle

Riley Jessie Thompson – speeding 91/45, reckless driving, drag racing, evading arrest by motor vehicle

Beau E. Bennett – speeding 55/30, violations of the financial responsibility and proper display of license plates laws

Jordan Kelly Smith – speeding 55/30, violation of the financial responsibility laws

Lonnie A. Miracle – speeding 52/30, violations of the driver’s license and financial responsibility laws

Wayne Collett – speeding 49/30, driving on a suspended license, violations of the financial responsibility and muffler laws

Vamuyan Sheriff – speeding 68/45

Beth Ann Johnston – speeding 52/30

Vonnie Edward Seals – speeding 66/45

Lara A. Vineyard – speeding 60/45

Paul Travis Gibson – possession of a schedule III controlled substance, theft under $1,000 (shoplifting), violations of probation for failure to appear, failure to appear for driving under the influence, driving on a revoked license (fifth offense) and failure to drive a motor vehicle right of the center line

Glenda Kay Thacker – theft of merchandise under $1,000

Jessica Nicole Bussell – theft involving merchandise under $1,000

Amber LeAnn Malone – driving on a revoked license, violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Matthew Douglas Young – driving on a revoked license

Morgan S. Cook – driving on a suspended license, violation of the financial responsibility law

Johnnie Kelley Hall – public intoxication

Cleon Dale Hall – public intoxication

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Tazewell Police Dept.

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Greg Lynn Collins – leaving the scene of an accident

Haley LeAnn Justice – capias/bench warrant for a drug related violation of probation

Amber D. Johnson – capias/bench warrant

Rodney Hiram Greene – violation of probation from Hamblen County

Bruce K. Pierce – speeding 70/45, failure to yield motor vehicle right of way

Anita Yvonne Wilder – speeding 43/30, driving on a suspended license, violation of the financial responsibility law, failure to appear for violation of the seat belt law

Rochelle Black Jr. – speeding 71/45

Jane C. Howe – speeding 65/45

Kayla Noel Martins – speeding 65/45

James Edward Walker – speeding 64/45

Chad Everette Yeary – speeding 63/45

Kenneth L. Boggs – speeding 62/45

Cortney R. Booth – speeding 61/45

Diana Lucille Hurst – speeding 61/45

Sabina M. Lin – failure to yield traffic right of way

Kayla M. Beavers – following a motor vehicle too closely

Ronald Todd Boling – driving on a revoked license

Matthew Cureton Welch – violation of the registration law

Robin Michelle Capps – violation of the financial responsibility law

Justin Adam Hopson – disorderly conduct

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Tennessee Hwy. Patrol

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Frederick Scott Douglas – driving on a revoked license, violations of the seat belt, registration and financial responsibility laws, violations of probation for driving under the influence, failure to appear for driving under the influence

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The J. Frank White Academy, located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University, will hold a Student Preview Day on Feb. 20. The event is designed to give area parents and students a glimpse of what attending a private college preparatory academy would be like.

“This is a great opportunity for families to take a closer look at their children’s education,” said JFWA Principal Jarryd Boster. “If their students are not thriving in their current setting, then the personal attention, small class sizes and family atmosphere available at the J. Frank White Academy may be just what their students need.”

The morning will kick off at 8:15 a.m. with an information session followed by class preview and lunch for the prospective students. Parents and guardians will be given an opportunity to meet administrators and teachers and review the curriculum. At least one parent or guardian must be in attendance, and application fees will be waived for all attendees.

JFWA is accredited by AdvancED. JFWA students enjoy small class sizes, a dedicated and caring faculty and access to LMU’s library, arena, science labs, dining hall and other facilities. Since its founding in 1989, the Academy has had a 100 percent college placement rate.

Located in Farr-Chinnock Hall, JFWA classrooms are state-of-the-art and equipped with advanced learning technology. Designated online learning days enable the students to continue lessons at home when weather disrupts travel. A modified block schedule affords students more time for science lab and other complex subjects.

The school offers a tiered tuition structure with inclusive rates that include a buffet style meal plan and tablets as supplemental learning tools for each student. The rates vary by grade level. Each student can also earn up to 30 hours of college credit prior to graduation with no additional fees.

Advance reservations can be obtained by calling Chris Campbell at 423-869-6452.

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

The Lincoln Memorial University School of Business is once again offering free basic tax preparation services through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

School of Business students will be preparing taxes under the supervision and guidance of Assistant Professor of Business Roger Holt, a retired IRS employee, Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., through the IRS tax deadline on April 17. Holt and his students have been trained on the IRS tax software and are certified to e-file returns.

The services are available for very basic returns, including state income tax reporting. VITA has set up a temporary office in room 117 of the Business and Education Building on LMU’s main campus in Harrogate, Tennessee. Services are available on a first-come, first-served basis for individuals or families with income below $56,000 (no farming, no self-employment and no business). No appointments are necessary. Filers should bring proof of identification, tax documents including wage and earning statements from all employers (W-2 and 1099 forms), social security cards for household, interest statements, health insurance statements and a copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available. For more information contact Holt at 423-869-6699 or 423-737-2828.

The LMU School of Business is accredited by The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). LMU offers undergraduate business majors and programs in accounting, finance management, marketing, professional golf management and small business and entrepreneurship; a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) program including traditional, online and executive MBA options; dual degree programs; a Master of Science in Business Analytics; and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program. For more information about undergraduate and graduate programs in business at LMU call 423-869-6254.

As a child during the Great Depression years of the 1930s, there isn’t a lot I remember about the hardships of that decade. My family was living on a farm in the western part of Claiborne County. We were isolated from much of the larger world and somewhat isolated from neighbors. By the time I was six or seven, a part of the outside world was brought to us and the folks who lived in part of the Speedwell community: a Rolling Store! I do remember that as an important part of my early childhood years.

Parts of both Claiborne and Campbell Counties were served by the store on wheels. It was operated by George Smith, a cousin of my father’s, who used his energy and entrepreneurship to use either a modified truck or bus to launch his door-to-door grocery service. The store contained built-in storage bins, shelves that reached to the top of the vehicle, drawers for smaller items, and scales for the convenience of the grocer and the customer.

The owner was gearing his business to those rural families who didn’t get out often to the stores on the nearest highway. He had a good customer base, because he also knew it was not easy for the housewives to get to the closest towns, LaFollette and Middlesboro. There wasn’t much money for gasoline to make the trips or for buying groceries. No second car, and often there might be no car at all for them to use.

The customers liked the reliability of the rolling store owner. He showed up at every house along his route regardless of the season or the weather conditions, and he was there on the same day of each week, at approximately the same time of day. At our house, his stop was generally just after lunch time. The store seemed to stay on schedule in the heat of summer, the cold of winter, and through the mud and water left after heavy rainfall or recent snow.

A large garden adjacent to our house provided most of the vegetables our family needed during much of the year, and garden vegetables and fruits that could be canned, dried, or stored were carefully prepared and preserved to provide meals through the winter months. We had cellars where potatoes and apples could be stored, for example. Canned goods were also stored on shelves in a cellar.

The store that rolled into our lives once a week for several years had a supply of staples including sugar, coffee, salt and pepper, and most of the kitchen needs that weren’t available from our garden. Corn was grown on the farm and was taken to the nearest grist mill for grinding into meal. For our family, the closest mill was a few miles away near the Cawood School.

Sometimes, when there wasn’t enough money to purchase treats and the children had done a good job with their farm chores, they might be allowed to take an egg or two to the rolling store and trade them for cookies, gum, or candy—-in limited quantities! George Smith would always take eggs for pay and would also accept chickens for pay. It was a good example of barter in the Great Depression days when cash was very limited.

The rolling store that served portions of the Speedwell community probably stopped its service as World War Two erupted in 1941 and able-bodied men were called to military service. During the war, gasoline and tires were rationed. The demise of the store on wheels brought an end to a very important and much appreciated addition to life in a remote rural portion of both Claiborne and Campbell Counties.

The years following the end of the Second World War were years of greater prosperity and greater change for Tennesseans and for all Americans. Dramatic changes were witnessed in both rural and urban life, not the least of which were the large super markets that became more easily accessible to families from Speedwell and other communities. They were no longer isolated from the main stream of commerce and activity. And to them and future generations, the rolling store became a memory of the Great Depression.

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

Judge Robert Estep considered several plea agreements recently during hearings in Claiborne County Sessions Court.

Rondal Keith Brock, 55, charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days unsupervised probation. As a condition of his probationary status, Brock was ordered to pay all court costs in full by May 4.

Robert Seal, 27, charged with one count each of assault of a law enforcement officer and driving under the influence, was sentenced to a concurrent 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with two days confinement. Seal was given credit for any jail time already served. He must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines. He must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel. His driver’s license is revoked per the Dept. of Safety.

Jennifer Ann Johnson, 36, charged with one count each of criminal impersonation and driving under the influence, was sentenced to a concurrent 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with two days confinement. Johnson was given credit for two days of jail time already served. She must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines beginning on March 7. Johnson must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel. Her driver’s license is revoked for one year.

Joshua Dwight Carnes, 31, charged with driving under the influence (second offense), was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 45 days confinement. Carnes was given credit for any jail time already served. He must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and fines beginning on March 2. Carnes must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel. His driver’s license is revoked for two years.

Penny Ann Johnson, 34, charged with driving under the influence (second offense), was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 45 days confinement. Johnson was given credit for any jail time served at arrest. She must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines. Johnson must complete the MADD Victim Impact Panel and must attend DUI School. Her driver’s license is revoked for two years. Johnson is eligible for 28 days of credit for jail time in exchange for serving an inpatient rehabilitation program.

Billy L. Nole, 40, charged with driving under the influence with a child inside the vehicle, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 32 days confinement. Nole will serve his jail time on consecutive weekends. He 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. Nole is eligible for unsupervised probation once found fully compliant.

Betty J. Brooks, 31, charged with one count each of driving under the influence (with enhancement) and driving on a revoked license (second offense), was sentenced to a concurrent 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 32 days confinement. Brooks was given credit for 23 days of jail time already served. She must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and fines and attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel. Brooks must also attend DUI School. Her driver’s license is revoked for one year.

Cherry Whitaker, 53, charged with one count each of driving under the influence and violation of the financial responsibility law, was sentenced to a concurrent 11 months, 29 ETHRA supervised probation with two days confinement. Whitaker was given credit for any jail time already served. She must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines and must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel. Her driver’s license is revoked for one year.

Julio Martin Domingo, 18, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with two days confinement. Domingo was given credit for any jail time already served. He must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines beginning March 2. His driver’s license is revoked for one year, if applicable.

Wilbur Thomas Davis, 58, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with two days confinement. Davis was given credit for any jail time already served. He 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 per the Dept. of Safety.

Lindsey R. Epperson, 30, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with two days confinement. Epperson was given credit for any jail time already served. She must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines and must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel. Her driver’s license is revoked per the Dept. of Safety.

Michael Joseph Gilbert, 53, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with two days confinement. Gilbert was given credit for any jail time already served. He 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 per the Dept. of Safety. Gilbert is eligible for unsupervised probation once found fully compliant.

Darrell J. Hendrickson, 46, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with two days confinement. Hendrickson was given credit for any jail time already served. He must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines and forfeits a handgun. Hendrickson must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel. His driver’s license is revoked per the Dept. of Safety. Hendrickson is eligible for unsupervised probation once found fully compliant.

Heather Pauline Jean Cupp, 26, charged with reckless driving, was sentenced to six months unsupervised probation. As a condition of her probationary status, Cupp was ordered to pay all court costs in full the day of her hearing.

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

The Claiborne Animal Shelter is now going to be known as the Glenn W. and Ann Shumate Bowling Animal Shelter.

Family, friends and distinguished guests from near and far gathered recently in the auditorium of the Walters State Community College Claiborne Campus to honor the work of Ann Shumate Bowling and her commitment to the Claiborne Animal Shelter. Previously dedicated as the Glenn W. Bowling Animal Center, in memory of Ann’s late husband, the large crowd on Saturday showed their appreciation for Ann as the Animal Shelter Board of Directors rededicated the center as the Glenn W. and Ann Shumate Bowling Animal Shelter to honor both.

Carl Nichols, secretary of the board of directors, opened the program and introduced Virginia Caperton, president of the board of directors. Caperton encouraged the group to visit the shelter and spread its mission throughout the community, and she stated that she had some very “big shoes to fill” in her new position.

Kathy Zimprich was next to address the crowd as she provided some very enlightening information regarding Ann’s diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Her presentation was incredibly thoughtful and sensitive, but also quite frank, as she described the daily obstacles and challenges facing those who battle ALS.

Shelter Director, Misti Roberts, shared some amazing statistics with the guests regarding the number of animals taken in at the shelter, adopted out, transported, and those reunited with their owners. Roberts praised Ann’s work and dedication to the mission of the shelter, and she shared her personal appreciation of Ann’s support of her role at the shelter and the leadership that Ann has provided over the years.

Nichols then presented his original poem, “While You’ve Been Away.” In this poem, Ann talks to thousands of shelter animals who have been served by the Claiborne Animal Shelter as they accompany her to join Glenn in heaven and are excited to tell him about his legacy and the shelter’s progress. Then, in Glenn’s memory, Janice Derreberry sang one of his favorite songs, “Amazing Grace.”

Liza Martz, former shelter director and member of the board of directors, then took to the stage to provide a history of the shelter and some of her early memories of getting the shelter up and running. She told some humorous stories of how she and Ann spent time “politicking” to raise funds and garner support for the shelter during the earliest stages. She, too, thanked Ann for her untiring and unwavering devotion throughout every phase of the shelter’s development and ongoing mission.

Thomas McAfee, longtime friend of Glenn and Ann, took to the podium to deliver Ann’s personal message to those in attendance. Thomas began with his own expression of appreciation for Glenn and Ann’s support of his personal endeavors and how much it meant to him to be able to be Ann’s voice on this most important day.

Ann’s comments to those gathered included her sincere appreciation for the honor being bestowed upon her through the rededication of the shelter. She thanked individuals who have supported her personally and the many volunteers, board members, businesses, county officials, and private donors who have supported the shelter from its inception. Ann encouraged everyone to step up and do what they could to ensure that the shelter continues to not just survive but thrive by making charitable donations, volunteering, attending fundraisers and spreading the word about the work of the shelter.

She challenged the guests to leave this world a better place than they found it and to replace their own personal “2 a.m. Worry Lists” with a “2 a.m. List of Gratitude,” two practices that she herself has employed and credits with giving her a sense of peace and control. She stated, “How we view the life we have been given, I believe, determines what we do with it.”

In closing, she reminded the crowd of a comment that her prior pastor, Dr. Ray Penn, once made that, “All dogs, and some cats, go to heaven.” She wanted to revise his commentary to state that, “All dogs and all cats go to heaven, and their very presence makes it a better place,” and she added that she hopes when she gets there, Glenn will take time out from bossing God to tell her how proud he is of everyone for the job they’ve done.

Following Ann’s touching remarks, Carla Fortner Brewer, Assistant District Attorney, presented a plaque to Ann from District Attorney General Jared Effler and his staff in appreciation of her many years of service to the Claiborne Animal Shelter and cooperation with the 8th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office.

In a personal tribute to Ann and her inspiring spirit, Janice Derreberry returned to the stage to perform a stirring rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings.”

The program concluded with personal comments and a benediction by Claiborne County Mayor Jack Daniels.

If you would like more information about ALS, consult webmd.com, and for more information about how to help or make donations to the Glenn W. and Ann Shumate Bowling Animal Shelter, go to claiborneanimalshelter.com.

Photo submitted The Claiborne Animal Shelter was recently rededicated in memory of Glenn and in honor of Ann Bowling, both of whom have been driving forces behind the shelter and its success.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_shelter-pic.jpgPhoto submitted The Claiborne Animal Shelter was recently rededicated in memory of Glenn and in honor of Ann Bowling, both of whom have been driving forces behind the shelter and its success.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security has announced that the current Morristown Driver Services Center will close and relocate to a new center to better serve the citizens of Hamblen and surrounding counties. The new location will be located at 1551 East Morris Boulevard, east of Liberty Road.

The Morristown Driver Services Center, currently located on Buffalo Trail, will stop serving customers at the close of business on Feb. 23 and will reopen in the new location on Feb. 27 at 8:30 a.m. The new center will provide a larger space to accommodate the growth in the area, and offer comfortable furnishings. This center will also have a separate testing room, iPads, and the new Alico self-service check-in kiosk.

“Driver Services Centers are constantly being updated by the state to provide a better customer service,” Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner David W. Purkey said. “Obviously, Morristown continues to serve as a regional hub for folks in the Lakeway Region who need in person transactions that can’t be comfortably handled online. I challenge the staff here at this new Center to serve our customers with a smile. I encourage citizens with renewal needs only, to visit our partner at the Hamblen County Clerk’s satellite office on Davy Crockett Parkway for even quicker service.”

The new Morristown center is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. This facility is a full-service center handling driver license issuance, identification card issuance, motor vehicle records, vision testing, knowledge and skills testing, handgun permit applications, voter registration, and organ donor considerations.

There will be grand opening on March 3 at 11:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend.

The mission of the Driver Services Division is to promote safe, knowledgeable, and competent drivers in the State of Tennessee. Using diversified program offerings, the Division is able to provide various services to Tennessee Citizens. The Driver Services Division is responsible for testing and issuing driver licenses as well as offering voter registration and issuance of driving records. For a full listing of center location and online driver services visit our website at www.tn./gov/safety and click on our Driver Services page.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.

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The Claiborne Commission is expected to honor the Powell Valley Elementary School girls’ varsity basketball team during its regular monthly meeting. The Lady Indians have proved themselves worthy opponents throughout the season, culminating in the 2017 Division I, Area 2 District Championship win.

The team went on to represent District 2 in the State Tournament, under the leadership of coaches Sandy Smith, Jeremiah Bean and Mandy Ausmus.

The PVES Lady Indians team consists of Taya Ausmus, Alana Bean, Olivia Williams, Brooklyn Sizemore, Kayli Hinckley, Emily McNew, Leslie Crumpler, Brett Asbury, Cayden Walker and Makayla Cutcher. Team manager is Sierra Patterson.

The commissioners will be appointing a replacement to fill the third district seat on the board. Former commissioner Ann Shumate Bowling submitted her letter of resignation earlier this year. The commission formally accepted that resignation during its regular January session.

As part of her commissioner duties, Bowling also sat on the planning commission, and the jail and buildings, grounds and personnel committees. Those seats are also ‘up for grabs.’

Also on the agenda is a resolution that, if adopted, will allow county property assessor Shane Breeding to begin the next five-year cycle of land appraisals.

Resolution 2017-010 calls for the reappraisal cycle to begin on July 1 of this year, with a revaluation of all county properties to be concluded in time for tax year 2022.

In other action, the commission is expected to adopt a resolution in support of a confirmation letter to the ‘ThreeStar’ Program. The letter affirms that the county is in compliance with all the requirements necessary to remain a member. Some of the requirements include filing a county debt management policy and cash flow forecast with the state comptroller.

Many times, the commission will add items to the agenda during the opening moments of the session.

The Claiborne Commission will meet inside the large courtroom of the Claiborne County Courthouse at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 27. The public is encouraged to attend these monthly meetings.

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

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. 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.

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.

New Tazewell Little League Sign-ups

Sign-ups for the New Tazewell Little League will be held every Tuesday in February at Hardee’s in Tazewell from 6-8 p.m. The remaining date is Feb. 28. The tryout date is March 4 and opening day will be held April 1. Tryout times will be announced at sign-ups. 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 sign-up nights for more information.

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.

Commodity Food Distribution

ETHRA Community Action Agency funded in part by an agreement with the Department of Agriculture, will distribute USDA Commodities for Claiborne County on March 10 at the Tri-State Growers (Farmers Market) in Tazewell, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. or until food is gone. You will need a commodity card to pick up commodities; the current commodity cards are purple. Please call the office at 973-3669, extension 5304, 5305 or 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. Staff 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.

Great American Clean-up

Claiborne County Mayor Jack Daniels will sponsor the Great American Clean-up on April 1 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Citizens Bank in New Tazewell, City of Harrogate and at the Volunteer Fire Department in Clairfield. This event will be part of Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup™, which is the largest volunteer event in America. Last year an estimated 4.2 million volunteers in all 50 states participated in litter pickup, beautification, recycling and educational events. Groups and individuals are encouraged to help make our communities a more beautiful place to live and work. Contact Robin Mason at 423-626-5236 or rmason71@gmail.com or Judy Robertson at 423-851-1258 or judyrobertson06@gmail.com for further information and to sign up group participants.

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.

New Beginning Baptist Church

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.

Sugar Grove Baptist Church

The regular monthly singing will be Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. Visiting singers will be the Beason family and Large family. Tom Louthan, pastor, welcomes everyone to attend.

Taylors Grove Missionary Baptist Church

A Community Revival will be held at Taylors Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Sharps Chapel nightly beginning at 6 p.m. on Feb. 26. Services will start at 7 p.m. each night thereafter. Pastor Brian Liford invites everyone to attend.

Indian Creek Baptist Church

There will be a Fish Fry March 3 from 4-8 p.m. You can dine in or carry out for $6 per meal. Dinner includes fries, cole slaw, hush puppies, dessert and drink. All proceeds go to Indian Creek Youth.

The regular monthly singing at Indian Creek Baptist Church will be March 12 at 6 p.m. Special singers will be the Botts Family from Maynardville.

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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.

File photo

The Cumberland Gap High School Panthers had a winning week while their rivals, the Claiborne High School Bulldogs, had a tough loss on the road Oct. 12, 2007.

File photo The Cumberland Gap High School Panthers had a winning week while their rivals, the Claiborne High School Bulldogs, had a tough loss on the road Oct. 12, 2007.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Sports.jpgFile photo The Cumberland Gap High School Panthers had a winning week while their rivals, the Claiborne High School Bulldogs, had a tough loss on the road Oct. 12, 2007.

During the Feb. 14 basketball games Cumberland Gap High School took time out to recognize their 2017 seniors that have achieved a 24 or higher score on the GEARUP Tennessee, Claiborne County A.C.T. program.

GEARUP TN has been a great program that is helping students from both Claiborne County high schools prepare better for college. Twenty-one seniors were awarded medals for their efforts including Jackson Ayers, Emily Ball, Joseph Barnette, Presleigh Carmichael, Megan Daniels, Mikayla Daniels, Andrew Dishner, Jordan Dunn, Preston England, Dallas Griffith, Molly Hale, Hannah Hatfield, Nicole Hatmaker, Alexa Livesay, Mikayla Lovin, Brittany Mabes, Maxwell Madon, Jared McKinney, Joseph Serrenho, Sarah Stephens and Morgan Welch.

Cumberland Gap High School would like to congratulate these students for their efforts.

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

Allen Earl | Claiborne Progress These Cumberland Gap High School seniors were recognized during a recent ballgame for achieving a 24 or higher score on the GEARUP Tennessee, Claiborne County A.C.T. program.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_2017CHSbasketballvsPanthers-game-2-163.jpgAllen Earl | Claiborne Progress These Cumberland Gap High School seniors were recognized during a recent ballgame for achieving a 24 or higher score on the GEARUP Tennessee, Claiborne County A.C.T. program.

It appears that Cumberland Gap Mayor Neal Pucciarelli is all for learning as much as possible in preparation for any and all circumstances that might arise in his new town role. Pucciarelli recently traveled to Luttrell to attend a two-day overview course at the Elected Officials Academy. Pucciarelli participated in Level One, designed to give municipal officials a ‘leg-up’ in understanding the various aspects of their individual roles while allowing them time to network with other local officials.

While there, the Mayor was able to share ideas and gain new insight from his peers while covering various topics of interest. Included in the two-day workshop were courses covering the foundations and structure of Tennessee Municipal Government, municipal charters, codes, open records and meetings laws.

The group also studied ethics, municipal finance and ways in which to be an effective council.

The Academy is a component of the Comprehensive Municipal Training Program, provided by the University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS). MTAS, a public service agency, provides technical assistance and training to cities and towns across the state through their governing bodies, mayors, managers, recorders and departmental heads.

A $200 fee for attending the workshop was paid out-of-pocket by Pucciarelli. The Gap Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA) voted unanimously to reimburse the mayor.

In other action, ongoing concerns with the town’s wooden walkway were discussed during the regular monthly council meeting. Pucciarelli said he had met with representatives from the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. He said the park officials, who technically own a portion of the walkway, felt a real safety concern could be avoided by closing it during the inclement winter months.

The mayor said they had discussed possible alternatives to current plans to close the stretch of trailway from October to March of each year.

The group, Pucciarelli said, discussed spraying a sand mixture on the walkway to create traction. Building a trail alongside the walkway, designated for winter use only, was another viable option, he said.

Alderman Phillip Waller said the main purpose for the walkway is for fitness. It was never intended to be a tourist attraction, he said.

The council discussed adding signage to the walkway. However, several on the board said that signs are already been erected.

The board agreed to draft a letter to the Park Service, asking them to repair its side of the walkway so that the town may reopen its side.

Meanwhile, Pucciarelli encouraged citizens to call the Park Service with their comments.

Apparently, Gap residents are making use of the new credit/debit card option when paying their water bills. City recorder Linda Moyers said there have been several people paying by phone while others have set up recurring payments with either a credit/debit card or an ACH/bank transfer.

The convenience fee for using the credit/debit card option is four percent, per transaction. The ACH/bank transfer method carries a convenience fee of 50 cents, per transaction, Moyers said.

The Gap continues to struggle with water leaks. It was reported that the percentages for water losses went from 27 percent in December to 33 percent in January.

The Planning and Zoning Commission nailed down new procedures for issuing building permits, during its last meeting. Permit applications may be picked up at Town Hall. Building plans must be included with the completed application. The Planning and Zoning Commission will then review and approve the application and its corresponding plans prior to issuing the building permit.

The rededication ceremony of the Gap Off-Leash Dog Park was held on Feb. 15. The ceremony officially renamed the dog park in memory of the late Kaitlyn DeVries, a Lincoln Memorial University School of Veterinary Science student who passed away last year during a tragic automobile accident.

The BMA approved a motion to pay $200 to advertise on the new county map drafted by the Claiborne Economic Partnership. The advertisement will be included on the print version and on the Partnership website.

The Artists’ Cooperative is considering the purchase of a tree that will be permanently displayed at Festival Park. The new tree, if purchased, will be used for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, as well.

Alderpersons Teresa Fuson and Jerry Hopson were absent from the February BMA meeting.

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

Photo submitted Cumberland Gap Mayor Neal Pucciarelli attended level one of a two-day Elected Officials Academy in Luttrell late last month. Pucciarelli is shown first from the left in the back row. Others attending the academy include UT-MTAS representatives Dawn McMillen and Laura Ogle-Graham. Harrogate representative Jennifer Ramsey (second from the left in the front row) and others from the towns of Rocky Top, Dandridge, Plainview, Decherd, New Market and Blaine were also in attendance.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Pucciarelli-pic.jpgPhoto submitted Cumberland Gap Mayor Neal Pucciarelli attended level one of a two-day Elected Officials Academy in Luttrell late last month. Pucciarelli is shown first from the left in the back row. Others attending the academy include UT-MTAS representatives Dawn McMillen and Laura Ogle-Graham. Harrogate representative Jennifer Ramsey (second from the left in the front row) and others from the towns of Rocky Top, Dandridge, Plainview, Decherd, New Market and Blaine were also in attendance.

From a hard life on the streets to a world-class boxer, Middlesboro resident Owen Beck has opened a business to give a similar opportunity to locals.

Fist of Fire Boxing opened on Feb. 1 in Harrogate and offers boxing lessons, kick boxing classes and a version of boxing for students under 18.

Beck has won multiple noteworthy matches and awards — world titles, seven-time Caribbean Champion, gold medals at the Junior Olympics and several others — however, he had humble beginnings.

“I just had what I had on and a few things and as I walked by windows, I’d see boxing matches on TV. I wanted to do that. I wanted to learn so I did,” said Beck.

At the age of 10, Beck had been living on the streets of Jamaica, homeless, with the tattered clothes on his back.

“As a homeless kid in a homeless shelter, I’d always have kids that would beat me up daily,” said Beck. “Now, I love the game because it keeps you in a good frame of mind and keeps you in good physical condition and good health. It helps keep you from being overexcited and keeps down your stress level and keeps you disciplined.”

In 2000, Beck moved to America after living in Europe for a while. He now works for the Middlesboro Housing Authority by day and teaches boxing lessons by night.

Fist of Fire Boxing is located behind Hillcrest Lanes in Harrogate. Beck has plans to expand his operations into other towns and to extend hours from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Currently, Fist of Fire is open from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Kickboxing classes are Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. There is no prior training or experience needed before taking lessons or classes.

The kids’ classes are $25 per month and are for children from ages 8 to 17 years old. They are taught by Beck’s business partner Aaron Huff.

“This gives kids something to do to keep them busy and something positive to work towards. With kids, you can use boxing as discipline, self control and it’s something they can take with them for the rest of their life,” said Huff.

For more information about classes or lessons, contact Beck at 606-670-5826.

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

Kelsey Gerhardt | Daily News Owen Beck stands in the ring with business partner Aaron Huff at newly opened Fist of Fire in Harrogate.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_boxing.jpgKelsey Gerhardt | Daily News Owen Beck stands in the ring with business partner Aaron Huff at newly opened Fist of Fire in Harrogate.

The Claiborne County Grand Jury returned several true bills during its Feb. 15 session, including one for Nona Elliott, 53, indicted on one count of aggravated assault during an event allegedly occurring on Oct. 14.

A true bill was returned on Dan Lawrence Rice, 45, for one count each of introduction of contraband into a penal facility, conspiracy to introduce drugs into a penal institution, criminal trespassing, the sale of a schedule III controlled substance in a drug-free school zone, the possession of a schedule III controlled substance and evading arrest during incidents allegedly occurring on Nov. 1.

Christopher Ramsey, 30, was indicted on one count each of introduction of contraband into a penal facility and conspiracy to introduce drugs into a penal institution during event allegedly occurring on Nov. 1.

The grand jury indicted Wanda Gibson, 62, charged with one count each of introduction of contraband into a penal facility and conspiracy to introduce drugs into a penal institution during events allegedly occurring on Nov. 1.

Benjamin Wayne Hopson, 30, was indicted on one count each of introduction of contraband into a penal facility and conspiracy to introduce drugs into a penal institution during events allegedly occurring on Nov. 1.

A true bill was returned on Elaine Marie Hopson, 56, indicted on one count each of introduction of contraband into a penal facility and conspiracy to introduce drugs into a penal institution during events allegedly occurring on Nov. 1.

The grand jury indicted Anthony Wayne Dean, 38, charged with one count each of introduction of contraband into a penal facility and conspiracy to introduce drugs into a penal institution during events allegedly occurring on Nov. 1.

Jina Ward, 46, was indicted on one count each of driving under the influence (second offense) and simple possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana) during events allegedly occurring on Sept. 21. Ward had been previously convicted of driving under the influence on June 1, 2009.

A true bill was returned on Tobby Walker, 45, indicted on one count of driving under the influence during an event allegedly occurring on Aug. 19.

The grand jury indicted Jason Thomas Carbone, 39, charged with two counts each of burglary and theft over $1,000 during a series of events allegedly occurring from Aug. 8, 2015 to Aug. 11, 2015.

George Collier, 54, was indicted on one count each of criminal trespassing, theft over $1,000 and conspiracy to commit theft over $1,000 during events allegedly occurring on Dec. 9.

A true bill was returned on Brandon Rose, 32, indicted on one count each of theft over $1,000, conspiracy to commit theft over $1,000 and evading arrest during events allegedly occurring on Dec. 9.

The grand jury indicted David Mikels, 46, charged with one count of evading arrest during an incident allegedly occurring on Aug. 13.

Floyd Allen Dalton Jr., 44, was indicted on one count of theft over $1,000 during an incident allegedly occurring between June 25 and July 1.

A true bill was returned on Megan Bussell, 24, indicted on one count of simple possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana) during an event allegedly occurring on June 13.

An indictment does not indicate guilt. An indictment does indicate that the grand jury found enough evidence to warrant sending the case to trial.

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

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_grand-jury-indictments.jpg

To ‘let go and let God’ is a common saying that Harrogate resident Doris Stanley has lived and believes in faithfully. After a handful of bouts with breast cancer and several rounds of radiation therapy, she turned to the healing power of prayer to help her in one of the toughest times imaginable.

Stanley is a three-time cancer survivor, and says it was cured with both surgery and radiation therapy. In July 2015, Stanley noticed herself reaching up near her neck, on her collarbone, to scratch.

“I immediately called the oncologist and set up an appointment. I’d been under his care and he ordered a biopsy. After a month, he called me back in to tell me it was malignant and aggressive,” said Stanley.

After speaking with him further, he suggested several rounds of treatments and additional tests that did not have any effect on the cancer cells.

“He told me that there was nothing he could do but watch me. You know, through it all I had perfect peace that God had to give to me and that’s not natural to have,” said Stanley.

She spoke with her pastor at Old Straight Creek Trinity Tabernacle who suggested an anointing with oil and prayers with the congregation.

“That’s what the scripture says and that’s what we did,” said Stanley. “Now I went back to the doctor after a few weeks and he said that they almost seem smaller. I told him that God is bigger than cancer.”

After a few more trips to the doctor, there were no more lumps.

“He said that it couldn’t be explained medically, but it can be explained by faith. It’s a miraculous thing,” said Stanley.

Stanley has been married to her husband James for 53 years, who suffers from a degenerative back condition. He is in a lot of pain, but is using prayer, rest and rehabilitation services at Appalachian Regional Hospital in Middlesboro to cope.

“We’ve always been firm believers and even when you don’t feel like it, you go to church. That’s just how we feel and it’s our faith,” said Stanley.

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

Photo submitted Harrogate resident Doris Stanley is a four-time cancer survivor who says she has been healed by the power of prayer.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_survivor.jpgPhoto submitted Harrogate resident Doris Stanley is a four-time cancer survivor who says she has been healed by the power of prayer.

File photo

Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Medicine will celebrate its tenth year this year, as it was dedicated Oct. 20, 2007. Many special guests and dignitaries attended the event. The opening set the stage for tremendous growth at LMU and in Claiborne County.

File photo Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Medicine will celebrate its tenth year this year, as it was dedicated Oct. 20, 2007. Many special guests and dignitaries attended the event. The opening set the stage for tremendous growth at LMU and in Claiborne County.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_DCOM-opens.jpgFile photo Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Medicine will celebrate its tenth year this year, as it was dedicated Oct. 20, 2007. Many special guests and dignitaries attended the event. The opening set the stage for tremendous growth at LMU and in Claiborne County.

This wildfire can be seen from U.S. Hwy. 25E and Hwy. 63 in Harrogate and appears to be burning behind Lincoln Memorial University. According to Steve Roark, Claiborne County forester, it appears to have started on the Tiprell side of the ridge and is burning on LMU and Cumberland Gap National Historial Park property. Roark was headed to the scene around 9:30 p.m. Friday. We will have more information as soon as it becomes available. (Photo courtesy of Sara Hoolsema)

This wildfire can be seen from U.S. Hwy. 25E and Hwy. 63 in Harrogate and appears to be burning behind Lincoln Memorial University. According to Steve Roark, Claiborne County forester, it appears to have started on the Tiprell side of the ridge and is burning on LMU and Cumberland Gap National Historial Park property. Roark was headed to the scene around 9:30 p.m. Friday. We will have more information as soon as it becomes available. (Photo courtesy of Sara Hoolsema)

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_Fire-on-ridge-behind-LMU-Sara-Hoolsema.jpgThis wildfire can be seen from U.S. Hwy. 25E and Hwy. 63 in Harrogate and appears to be burning behind Lincoln Memorial University. According to Steve Roark, Claiborne County forester, it appears to have started on the Tiprell side of the ridge and is burning on LMU and Cumberland Gap National Historial Park property. Roark was headed to the scene around 9:30 p.m. Friday. We will have more information as soon as it becomes available. (Photo courtesy of Sara Hoolsema)

Jackie Gwenn Ellis, a Thomas Walker High School senior, was honored in January as a DAR Good Citizen by the Major George Gibson Chapter of NSDAR.

Regent Nancy Britton and Treasurer Charlotte Brooks presented Ellis with a DAR Good Citizen Certificate of Achievement, pin and identification card in recognition of her outstanding qualities in the areas of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism.

Each year, the Thomas Walker faculty and senior class make the selection for this award. Thomas Walker High School is located in Ewing, Virginia. Ellis read her essay and described some of her achievements to DAR members.

Her mother, Karen Clouse, and grandmother, Georgia Roy, attended the award presentation.

Photo submitted Jackie Gwenn Ellis, center, recently received the DAR Good Citizen award. It was presented to her by Nancy Britton, left, and Charlotte Brooks, right.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_DAR-good-citizen.jpgPhoto submitted Jackie Gwenn Ellis, center, recently received the DAR Good Citizen award. It was presented to her by Nancy Britton, left, and Charlotte Brooks, right.

The Major Gibson Chapter of NSDAR met Jan. 28 at the Flatwoods United Methodist Church in Jonesville, Virginia. Members present were Regent Nancy Britton, Charlotte Brooks, Joy Burchett, Andrea Cheak, Dolores Ham, Sharon Harrell, Judy Hounshell, Rebecca Jones, Agnes Marcum, Rebecca Royal, Augusta Sinon and Manerva Watson. Also present were DAR Good Citizen honoree Jackie Gwenn Ellis, her mother Karen Clouse and her grandmother Georgia Roy.

Regent Britton called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. She began the DAR Ritual with customary participation by Chaplain Watson and members. Dolores Ham led the Pledge to the Flag of the United States of America, Rebecca Jones began The American’s Creed, and Sharon Harrell started the Preamble to the Constitution. Charlotte Brooks led singing of the National Anthem. Nancy Britton read a Flag Quote.

The January program was entitled “Introduction of DAR Good Citizen.” Jackie Gwenn Ellis, a Thomas Walker High School senior, was presented with a DAR Good Citizen Certificate, pin, and identification card in recognition of her outstanding qualities in the areas of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism.

For devotion, Chaplain Watson read an article from Guideposts entitled “Let Hope Light Your Way” written several years earlier by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. The devotion ended with a prayer.

Rebecca Royal hosted and served several delicious foods. Following the refreshments and a period of fellowship, the meeting resumed with approval of the Secretary and Treasurer’s reports.

For the American Heritage Minute, Hostess Royal showed a small bell given to her by a great-grandmother.

Andrea Cheak summarized the President General’s message from the January/February 2017 issue of the American Spirit magazine. The focus was preservation of historical documents.

The National Defense Minute, presented by Joy Burchett from the National Defender, related to the 100th anniversary of World War I and how DAR can assist in building the first WWI memorial in our nation’s capital.

Agnes Marcum gave the Flag Minute by reading several quotes about our United States Flag. Her Indian Minute related to the impact of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Marcum also presented her final DAR School report for 2016. Both she and Sharon Harrell told of the progress in making and collecting items for this year’s Veteran’s Stand Down.

Regent Britton provided the Conservation Minute by naming multiple gardening, recycling, and other tips. She also gave the Women’s Issues and Health Minute with several topics related to personal health and household safety.

Andrea Cheak updated members on the progress of the 100th Year Celebration Committee in preparing for the Major George Gibson Chapter’s Centennial Celebration in July 2017.

The next chapter meeting is planned for Feb. 25, at which time the DAR Community Service Award is scheduled for presentation.