The drought afflicting the county last year coupled with more moderate temperatures through the winter could lead to severe weather throughout the next several months, according to David Breeding, director of Claiborne Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security.

Breeding updated those attending a recent LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Commission) meeting about the National Weather Service predictions that unstable air currents could lead to much heavier thunder storms and higher ranking tornadoes than previously experienced by local folk.

Getting word out about incoming severe weather could be a real problem, he said, especially for those living in subdivisions.

“How are we going to evacuate those people? How are we going to get word to them? Some of those homes are empty except in summertime. Part of them – people from out of state owns them and they have someone living in them, but nobody knows who that is,” said Breeding.

He estimated it would take from eight to ten hours to scour just the three major subdivisions – Rock Harbor, Cape Norris and Lone Mountain Shores – in the event of a major weather occurrence.

Denser populated areas could create devastating consequences, he said.

“Had the (F3) tornado that hit Speedwell been the one that hit Harrogate, then, there’s no doubt in my mind there would have been multiple fatalities,” said Breeding.

Each tornado that has touched down inside the county, over the last seven to ten years, has become stronger. Claiborne has not yet dealt with the aftermath of an F5, he said.

“But, there’s that possibility. Everyone thinks we’re okay because of the mountains, but if you remember, the one in Harrogate came over the mountain, out of Virginia,” said Breeding.

He recommended those with smart phones to acquire one of two weather apps – the ReadyTN or the FEMA app.

“The good thing about both of those apps is, they work off the GPS system. So, anywhere you’re at in the United States, if you’ve got phone service – if there’s a warning that goes out in that local area, then, it will come to your phone,” said Breeding.

During the latest major storm system, warning sirens were ‘burnt up.’

“The first question I had from all those tourists up there was, if the sirens were going off, would they know what it was. How do you know it’s an evacuation,” said Breeding.

Planning for severe weather and other emergencies, ahead of time, is the most important thing individuals, communities and towns, alike, can do. Experts agree, he said, that a person has 20-30 seconds to react, once a storm warning is issued.

“Graduations are in May. May is a big time for tornadoes. One year, we had a Republican Dinner over there (Harrogate) and we thought we would have to evacuate them,” said Breeding.

Roger Hager, director of Claiborne E-911, agreed with the assessment.

“It doesn’t take very much to put a strain on our system in this small community, to handle an emergency. Just this afternoon, we had a multi-car pileup in New Tazewell. Ten patients were transported. That’s a disaster for Claiborne County,” said Hager.

The National Weather Service still considers the county in a drought, Breeding said.

Firefighters had a hard time finding water to combat the rash of wildfires that broke out in the county during the height of the drought season, last year, he said.

“We had to look at some alternative sources, because we had wells and springs going dry. The fire departments – if they could get to hydrants, they were okay, but a lot of times, when they drafted out of water sources, the water sources weren’t there, anymore. So, they had to make backup plans,” said Breeding.

In other action, the county is in receipt of a backup generator to replace one that is 21 years old, located on the south tower. The new one, valued at $10,200, was purchased for just $8,300 with free shipping.

The public is invited to attend either of two 30 minute classes on narcotics addiction, scheduled for 3 p.m. on April 20 and May 18. The event will be held inside the Claiborne Courthouse.

The next LEPC meeting is tentatively scheduled for 1 p.m. on May 19, inside the Claiborne Justice Center training room. The public is encouraged to attend these bi-monthly meetings.

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

First Century Bank held its annual Easter Egg hunt on a cool, cloudy April 1 spring day.

The bank has now held 14 of these wonderful community events and this one was as special to the kids as any of them. The event was held at the Claiborne County Fair Association Jaycees Fairgrounds. The bank gave out numerous stuffed animals, prize eggs and several special Easter baskets.

There were face painting, pick up ducks, three in a row game, plinko and simple toss​-the-ball games for the kids to enjoy.

During the egg hunt itself the kids found plastic eggs containing various novelties. Some even had stuffed animals tied to them.

South Claiborne Fire Department had one of their fire trucks present for the kids to sit in and have pictures made with. Overall, the event brought smiles to everyone, young and old.

First Century Bank has a list of people to thank including the Jaycees, Ingles, Walmart, Food City, Walgreen’s, Shoe Show, Fresh-N-Low, McDonald’s, South Claiborne Volunteer Fire Department and Hettie Bailey for her artistic face painting. They express thanks to all who came out for the annual event.

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

The First Century Bank Easter Egg Hunt was a big success in its 14th year.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_The-First-Century-Bank-Easter-egg-hunt-was-again-a-big-success.jpgThe First Century Bank Easter Egg Hunt was a big success in its 14th year.

Photos by Allen Earl | Claiborne Progress Just under 75 kids participated in the annual First Century Bank Easter Egg Hunt.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_just-under-75-kids-participated-in-the-Easter-egg-hunt.jpgPhotos by Allen Earl | Claiborne Progress Just under 75 kids participated in the annual First Century Bank Easter Egg Hunt.

A woman died Wednesday morning as the result of a crash on Old Hwy. 63 in Powell Valley.

According to a preliminary report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, a 2002 Pontiac GFS driven by an unknown person traveled off the right side of the road into a residential yard, struck a tree as well as numerous objects in the yard. The vehicle continued into a second yard, where it came to rest.

The one-vehicle wreck occurred around 7 a.m. near the intersection with Sharp Acres.

A female occupant in the vehicle, Valerie Hill, 31, of LaFollette, Tennessee, was ejected and fatally injured, according to the report. Another occupant, Stacy Patterson, 36, of Harrogate, Tennessee, was uninjured.

Trooper Jeffrey Poore is the investigating office. At the time of the report it was unknown where anyone was sitting in the vehicle and it was also unknown who the driver of the vehicle was.

The preliminary report states that seat belts would probably have made a difference.

Criminal charges are pending, according to the report.

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CORBIN — There was a wreck with injury in Knox County involving a Tazewell man Thursday morning.

Acccording to a news release from the Kentucky State Police, Post 10 received a call at 11:11 a.m. about a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 25E and KY 830 in Knox County.

Troopers responded to investigate. The preliminary investigation indicates that a 2017 Volvo semi-truck operated by Rodney Fultz, of Tazewell, Tennessee, was stopped at the red light when a 2005 black Malibu struck the back of the truck, according to the release.

The report states that Leslie Fallis, 59, of Gray, was traveling northbound in the slow lane when she allegedly failed to stop, striking the rear of the truck. After the initial impact of the collision, Fallis’s vehicle slid off the roadway. She was trapped inside of her vehicle until West Knox Fire Department was able to free her from the vehicle.

Fallis was transported to Baptist Health Hospital in Corbin for non-life threatening injuries, the release states, and Fultz didn’t receive any injuries from the collision.

Drugs and alcohol are not suspected, according to KSP. The case is still under investigation by Tpr. Jay Sowders. Also assisting at the scene were Tpr. Russell Maynard, TFC Shane Jacobs, Det. Josh Bunch, Sheriff Mike Smith, West Knox Fire Department, Knox County EMS and Wallins Towing Service.

Photo courtesy of Kentucky State Police A woman from Gray, Kentucky, was extricated from her vehicle after a crash Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of Kentucky State Police A woman from Gray, Kentucky, was extricated from her vehicle after a crash Thursday morning.

Just home from a three-day intensive training session, Claiborne E-911 director Roger Hager outlined some of the current scares in internet technology to those attending the LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Commission) meeting last week.

Hager said every person should be aware of the risks for ‘hacking’ every time one logs onto the Internet. Even your home modem with wireless capability can create a privacy ‘leak,’ he said.

“It’s not just the professional organizations, anymore. It could be the 13-year-old kid that uses the ransom software. It’s a game to them. That’s how they get their kicks,” said Hager.

‘Ransomware’ has the potential to do real damage to any business by ‘locking down’ computers until a ransom is paid, he said.

“You cannot access your files, until you pay. They’re no longer requesting a million dollars to get your files back. They’re (returning access) for maybe $50, or $200…. Well, the question is, ‘can you afford to lose your records?’ And, the question is, ‘when was the last time you backed your stuff up?’ Can you afford to go without one week of history,” said Hager.

A current trend in hacking involves accessing individual health information.

“How much would you pay for your health records not to be released to the public,” said Hager.

One of the attending agencies at the seminar was recently ‘hit’ via their secondary system at their training facility. That agency, which does hiring and testing of candidates, had personal and testing information ransomed for over 500 applicants, he said.

“They didn’t have it backed up. They back it up, now. And, guess what they did. They paid the ransom,” said Hager.

Apparently, the worldwide ransoming of cyber network information is a lucrative job. Hager says ransomware has been used on federal and state agencies across the nation, including E-911 systems.

“There is no 100 percent computer network security. I don’t care what you buy. Somebody’s working against it before it ever hits the market,” said Hager.

Another current hacking technique involves denial of service, in which a person’s phone number is placed into a speed-dial system and repeatedly called, via computer, he said.

“And, by the way, a lot of this software that can do this stuff – it’s free,” said Hager.

He urged every computer user to ‘update, update, update’ and to insure that all available latest-version firewalls and malware is installed.

“That includes your iPhones and iPads. Those security updates come out for a reason. They’ve identified something that’s already happened,” said Hager.

He distributed a detailed, multi-paged handout of best practices when engaging with any Internet-based equipment. A portion of those practices follow.

When not being used, make sure your wi-fi, Bluetooth and personal hotspots are turned off.

Do not donate or throw away your computer or software after simply deleting its information. Data recovery software exists that may be able to retrieve your information, which is still on the device until the hard drive is either ‘wiped’ with special software or physically destroyed.

As for social networking, users should avoid posting work-related or personal information such as employer name, job location, security clearance, home address, phone number or email address.

Do not post current or future travel plans that broadcast when your home will be unoccupied. Don’t post personal information about family members, friends or co-workers.

Verify through other means if a friend request actually originated from the person it appears to have come from.

Occasionally ‘search’ for yourself online, even if you do not have an account with a specific social media site, to see if any data appears that you do not want out there ‘for public consumption.’ Look for ‘fake’ personal accounts created by someone using your name and information.

Once you post anything on the internet, it is there forever. Deleting it from your account and computer does not erase that information from the web. Some sites and applications can track what you type, even if you delete it before actually posting it.

Be aware that information posted on social networking sites has led to loss of job offers, employment terminations and has been used in civil and criminal proceedings.

Despite the ease and convenience of emails, the use of them can make you vulnerable to viruses. Be cautious of suspicious and unsolicited emails. Turn off the option to automatically download attachments. Turn on automatic disabling of hyperlinks to prevent them from being enabled within suspicious emails. Do not open attachments until scanned with antivirus software.

When using wi-fi, only send personal and financial information through hotspots that are encrypted. To determine if a website is encrypted, look for “https” as opposed to “http” at the start of a web address on every page you visit. Avoid using mobile apps in non-encrypted hotspots.

The use of Bluetooth technology can be made safer by setting up trusted users with known connections. The device can be set in a non-discoverable mode, which limits the ability of other Bluetooth devices to detect it. Turn the device off, completely, when not needed.

For more information, log onto www.dhs.gov/emergency-services-sector-cybersecurity-initiative.

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

Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Roger Hager, Claiborne E-911 director, discusses cybersecurity measures during the LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Commission) meeting.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Hager-pic.jpgJan Runions | Claiborne Progress Roger Hager, Claiborne E-911 director, discusses cybersecurity measures during the LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Commission) meeting.

Those who enjoy a little texting while driving will have to forego the ritual while cruising through New Tazewell. The city just adopted the latest version of the state traffic offenses that include mandates for acceptable rules of the road, during its regular monthly meeting of the board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA).

Ordinance 2017-327 effectively wipes the old city version of the rules clean and replaces them with class C misdemeanor violations, as ordered by the state legislature through recent amendments to its Tennessee Codes Annotated.

In other action, New Tazewell will be wielding a bit more power courtesy of a new city board. The Design Review Commission will have the authority to develop general guidelines for the exterior appearances of nonresidential and multi-family residential properties. Entrances to nonresidential developments will also be under the new guidelines, according to Ordinance 2017-328.

The BMA is following Tennessee Codes Annotated (TCA) §6-54-103 in designating the members of the current city planning commission as members of the Design Review Commission.

Those at odds with the decisions handed down by the new Commission may appeal before the municipality’s governing body, which is the BMA.

Police chief Ben Evans presented new policies to be followed when using body and in-dash surveillance cameras.

Section B of the policies state that non-employees wishing to review a surveillance tape must first gain written permission under the Tennessee Open Records Act. No video pertaining to open or pending investigations may be released except in cases in which judicial discovery is being conducted via the District Attorney General’s Office.

Evans was given permission to advertise for a replacement for former officer Brent Clark, who recently retired.

It appears the Tazewell-New Tazewell Fire Department will be applying for a 50/50 matching grant in the amount of $6,000.

The BMA approved audit contracts with Mitchell, Emert & Hill that will cover fiscal year 2016-17. The city audit will cost $19,900. It will cost the fire department $3,850 to be audited.

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

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Josilyn Rain McDowell is the daughter of Nikki and Brent Stone & Clyde and Kelly McDowell. Her grandparents are George and Statia McDowell & Bobby and Margo Goins of Valley Roofing. Josilyn attends school at TNT Primary. She also plays softball for New Tazewell Little League and is a Claiborne Bulldog Cheerleader.

Josilyn is blessed with many siblings: three sisters, Kelsey McDowell, Allee McDowell and Katelyn Gilliam; one brother, Gavin Gilliam and two step-sisters, Bristol and Lily Stone.

Josilyn’s dream is to become Miss Tennessee. She also wants to pursue a career as a veterinarian. Josilyn will be entering the Miss American Royalty State Pageant in May held in Kingsport. The family would appreciate community support in helping Josilyn achieve her dreams.

Josilyn Rain McDowell is the daughter of Nikki and Brent Stone & Clyde and Kelly McDowell. Her grandparents are George and Statia McDowell & Bobby and Margo Goins of Valley Roofing. Josilyn attends school at TNT Primary. She also plays softball for New Tazewell Little League and is a Claiborne Bulldog Cheerleader. Josilyn is blessed with many siblings: three sisters, Kelsey McDowell, Allee McDowell and Katelyn Gilliam; one brother, Gavin Gilliam and two step-sisters, Bristol and Lily Stone. Josilyn’s dream is to become Miss Tennessee. She also wants to pursue a career as a veterinarian. Josilyn will be entering the Miss American Royalty State Pageant in May held in Kingsport. The family would appreciate community support in helping Josilyn achieve her dreams.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_pageant-kid.jpgJosilyn Rain McDowell is the daughter of Nikki and Brent Stone & Clyde and Kelly McDowell. Her grandparents are George and Statia McDowell & Bobby and Margo Goins of Valley Roofing. Josilyn attends school at TNT Primary. She also plays softball for New Tazewell Little League and is a Claiborne Bulldog Cheerleader. Josilyn is blessed with many siblings: three sisters, Kelsey McDowell, Allee McDowell and Katelyn Gilliam; one brother, Gavin Gilliam and two step-sisters, Bristol and Lily Stone. Josilyn’s dream is to become Miss Tennessee. She also wants to pursue a career as a veterinarian. Josilyn will be entering the Miss American Royalty State Pageant in May held in Kingsport. The family would appreciate community support in helping Josilyn achieve her dreams.

In the Tri-State area, church is a big part of life. A big part of worship is music and New Tazewell native Chelsea Estes has made it her goal in life to bring gospel music and the word of God to people everywhere.

Estes uses gospel music to spread religion and God’s love. She has been singing at Midway Baptist Church since she was very young. When she was 13 she was part of the Tri-State Youth Choir, which is where she was first told that she had a gift.

“I got a solo at that age and I remember thinking that I guess I’m pretty good at this. I just love to sing and there’s nothing that brings me more happiness or joy than singing,” said Estes. “This is my dream and I wouldn’t want to sing anything other than gospel because God gave me this gift and I want to share His message.”

For those that have big dreams, Estes suggests to keep pushing and keep trying. As for those that want to ‘make it’ in the music world, she believes there is no venue too small to start with.

“With gospel music, you can feel the Holy Spirit in just the right song. You can’t do that with country music or pop music. You might enjoy singing a song, but He’s just not there. It’s a totally different experience all together,” said Estes.

She released her first CD, “Who Will Stand For God,” just over a month ago and has plans to release a single “I wouldn’t be caught dead without Jesus” with a company out of Nashville, Tennessee. Her music is available from major retailers online.

Steve Gulley, a name most in the Tri-State area know, was behind the production of her album, she said. Gulley’s musical talent is well-known across the country and internationally.

“He was the only way I was able to do something like this,” Estes said. “He is a wonderful guy and has taught me a lot.”

After graduating from Claiborne County High School in 2007, Estes received an Associate’s Degree in nursing from Walters State Community College. She continued her education at King University where she received a Bachelor Of Science degree in nursing.

She currently works for the Tennessee Department of Health as a nursing home inspector.

She has been married to her high school sweetheart, Josh Estes, for four years and they continue to live in New Tazewell. In her spare time she enjoys shopping and being outdoors.

More information about Estes can be found on her Facebook page or website at www.chelseaestes.com. She is available to sing at church events, services and personal events and can be reached via email at pressnell25@hotmail.com.

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

Photo submitted Chelsea Estes is a New Tazewell, Tennessee, native and gospel singer who released her first CD just over a month ago.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_estes.jpgPhoto submitted Chelsea Estes is a New Tazewell, Tennessee, native and gospel singer who released her first CD just over a month ago.

The town of Cumberland Gap will be teeming with life this spring and summer because of a schedule chock-full of new events and opportunities for visitors. There will be something for everyone ranging from art shows and the White Lightning Festival to the Genealogy Jamboree and music to fill the streets.

The Mountain Fiesta is a unique, first-time event for the town which is scheduled for April 22 beginning at 11 a.m. It aims to combine Latin American and Appalachian heritage while educating event-goers about the food, music and dance of both cultures. The event will be held in downtown Cumberland Gap and there is no entry fee.

On May 27, Papa Chum’s Music and Rarities will be hosting a concert with bluegrass music by the New Twang Revival. The tunes will begin at 4 p.m. Papa Chum’s is located at 522 Pinnacle Alley, near Festival Park in Cumberland Gap.

The Cumberland Gap Artists Co-op will be hosting an Artist Extravaganza on June 3. This event is complete with wine tasting, local art, music provided by Papa Chum’s and food from restaurants in town.

“Since we started this in the fall of 2014, things have started to happen here. We’ve gotten more businesses to come in, people are working together and there’s so much going on because we’re collaborating for festivals and events like this,” said Cora Pat Howard, Co-op organizer and artist.

The wine tasting will include several varieties of wines from the Great Valley Wine Trail, which includes wineries from across East Tennessee. The event is family friendly, however an ID will be necessary to participate in the wine tasting.

Art will be from local artisans, however the Co-op has invited artisans from across the Tri-state to participate in the Extravaganza. Lincoln Memorial University student artwork will also be on display in Festival Park, next to the Co-op.

Tickets for this event are free. If you are interested in participating or have questions, contact the Co-op at 606-269-1281.

“We want the whole community to take part in this so that’s what we’re hoping for. It’s their town and we want this to be a big event,” said Howard.

The year continues with a lineup of other events including the Genealogy Jamboree from June 7 through 10, the White Lightning Festival on June 23, the Harvest Moon Art Festival on Oct. 7 and the Victorian Christmas on Dec. 2.

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

Photo submitted Local artisans from the Cumberland Gap Artists Co-op will be hosting an Art Extravaganza on June 3. The event will include displays from local artisans who create everything from jewelry and crocheted doilies to paintings and hand-blown glass sculptures.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Gap-events-art.jpgPhoto submitted Local artisans from the Cumberland Gap Artists Co-op will be hosting an Art Extravaganza on June 3. The event will include displays from local artisans who create everything from jewelry and crocheted doilies to paintings and hand-blown glass sculptures.

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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Matthew Nelson Carey – eight counts of forgery, one count of theft under $1,000

Bridget Michelle Edwards – criminal impersonation, public intoxication

Richard McKinley Russell – criminal trespassing, possession of methamphetamine, public intoxication

Donna Kay Mullins – driving under the influence (second offense)

Jason Andrew Stragier – driving under the influence

Melissa Collins – reckless endangerment, criminal impersonation, escape, evading arrest, resisting stop/arrest, failure to exercise due care, theft under $1,000, driving on a revoked license, violations of the seat belt and financial responsibility laws, violation of probation on initiation of methamphetamine manufacture, failure to appear for violations of the seat belt, driver’s license, registration and financial responsibility laws

Kevin Eugene Dalton – possession of a schedule II and a schedule IV drugs, driving on a revoked license, violations of probation for driving under the influence (third offense), failure to appear for driving under the influence (second offense), criminal impersonation, evading arrest, possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, resisting arrest, driving on a revoked license (third offense) and violations of the implied consent, seat belt, light, registration and financial responsibility laws

Angela Faye Ellis – outstanding child support attachment, violation of probation for attempted introduction of contraband into a penal facility

Craig Steven Goins – outstanding child support attachment

Sam Herbert Shoffner – outstanding warrants for two counts possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and one count of theft of property up to $10,000, new charges of evading arrest and resisting stop, halt and frisk

Danielle Marie Atkins – capias/bench warrant for driving under the influence and violations of the implied consent, registration and financial responsibility laws

Lindsey Michelle Keck – capias/bench warrant for possession of a schedule II, a schedule III and a schedule IV drugs and possession of a legend drug and drug paraphernalia

Savonah Maree Washburn – capias/bench warrant for theft up to $500, violation of probation for theft of property involving merchandise, failure to appear for two counts of theft of property involving merchandise

Destiny Hope Ayers – violation of probation for driving under the influence

Nakisha Warf – violation of probation for promotion of methamphetamine

James Paul Harrell – violation of probation for the sell or delivery of a controlled substance

Timothy A. Lamb II – violations of probation for underage consumption and theft under $500, failure to appear for theft over $1,000 and theft of property over $500

Stacy Dwayne Patterson – violation of probation for driving on a suspended license

Roy Glenn Edwards – failure to appear for speeding and violation of the financial responsibility law

Robert Daton Wesley McDonald – failure to appear for driving on a suspended license and violation of the driver’s license law

Joseph Douglas Rouse – failure to appear for driving on a suspended license

Samantha Cecelia Renee Johnson – failure to appear for driving on a suspended license

Daryl Wayne Evans – failure to appear for driving on a suspended license

Dustin Ray McMurray – theft of property over $1,000

Tanner S. Flores – theft under $1,000

Anthony Wayne Dean – driving on a suspended license (third offense)

Terry Lee Lawson – possession of drug paraphernalia

Justin Lee Howard – public intoxication

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New Tazewell Police Dept.

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Kenneth Taylor – domestic assault

Terry Wayne Taylor – domestic assault

Emily R. Cole – leaving the scene of an accident, driving on a suspended license, violation of the financial responsibility law

Lawrence Heath Kelly – falsification of a drug screening, possession of methamphetamine

Jeffery Scott Fuson – criminal impersonation, possession of a schedule III controlled substance, speeding 64/45, driving on a suspended license, violation of probation for driving on a suspended license, failure to appear for driving on a suspended license

Jerry Lynn Cooper – criminal trespassing, theft under $1,000 (shoplifting), possession of drug paraphernalia

Darrell Dwayne Cooper – criminal trespassing, theft under $1,000 (shoplifting)

Harold Wayne Anglian – criminal trespassing, violations of probation for criminal trespassing, theft under $500 and resisting arrest

Dustin Lynn Collins – vandalism, two counts theft under $1,000

Teresa Ann Stidham – driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license, violation of the financial responsibility law

Miquel S. Carroll – speeding 63/45

Mason L. Hocker – speeding 61/45

James C. McMurry – violations of the seat belt, registration and financial responsibility laws

Chastity L. Rouse – violation of the seat belt law

Cathy S. Parsley – following a motor vehicle too closely

Jacob Parker King – improper start of a motor vehicle, violation of the financial responsibility law

Tannor D. Horton – failure to exercise due care

Yvonne Lynn Carroll – outstanding child support attachment

Shannon Jolene Smith – violations of probation for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and possession of a schedule II drugs

Mindi Walker – violation of probation for reckless endangerment

Christin Nicole Hash – violation of probation for aggravated criminal trespassing and theft under $500

Devin Tyler Gulley – possession of a schedule VI drugs for resale

Christopher Roger Cody – theft of property under $1,000, violations of the registration, financial responsibility and handicapped permit laws

Aaron Tyler Payne – theft under $1,000

Candace Danelle Capre – theft of merchandise under $1,000

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Tazewell Police Dept.

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Cody Wayne Holland – domestic assault, vandalism

DeQuan Paatterson – fugitive from justice, criminal impersonation

Adam Franklin Payne – passing a worthless check over $10,000

Irene Melissa Sweet – fraudulent use of a credit card, driving under the influence, theft under $1,000, violation of the implied consent law

Britnie Layne Hales – filing false reports

Nathan L. Bemis – failure to file immediate notice of an accident

Tosha Gail Helton – criminal trespassing

Dalton Lee Young – driving under the influence

Michael J. Bowman – speeding 66/45, driving on a suspended license

Mark Anthony Hembree – speeding 62/45, violation of the financial responsibility law

Travis A. Lovin – speeding 62/45

Larry R. French – speeding 61/45

Chong Suk Hagen – speeding 60/45

Corey Matthew Williams – capias/bench warrant for theft up to $500, outstanding warrant for child support attachment

Linda Fay McAlister – driving on a suspended license, possession of drug paraphernalia, violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Terry Lee Lawson – possession of drug paraphernalia

Janet Renee Hall – violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Gary A. Rains – violation of the financial responsibility law

Tyler Mix – violation of the financial responsibility law

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Tennessee Hwy. Patrol

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Chuck Anthony Welch – driving under the influence

Robert Lawrence Johnson – driving on a revoked license

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Twenty states already offer cheaper in-state college tuition to students who are in the United States illegally. Legislation making its way through the Tennessee Legislature would make that state the 21st.

Supporters in states where the tuition benefit is available say the policy has boosted Latino enrollment and has helped these students contribute to the economy. Opponents say the policy wrongly rewards immigrants who entered the country illegally.

The debate has been revived in some states as President Donald Trump pursues tougher immigration policies.

Some things to know about the issue:

THE TENNESSEE PROPOSAL

Under Tennessee’s current rules, immigrants who are in the country illegally are typically required to pay out-of-state tuition prices that can cost three times more than in-state prices. The Tuition Opportunity Bill would allow these students to pay the cheaper price if they attended a Tennessee high school for the two years immediately before graduating, earned a high-school diploma or equivalent certificate in the state, and have been accepted to a public college or university. It was proposed by Sen. Todd Gardenhire, a Republican from Chattanooga who argues that immigrants with college degrees will earn higher incomes and pay higher taxes, among other benefits. “The key to a lot of problems we have is education,” he said. Opponents worry that the bill would draw large numbers of immigrants to the state and become a financial burden to taxpayers. Gardenhire proposed a similar bill two years ago that failed by a single vote in the House.

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OTHER STATES

Sixteen other states have passed laws granting in-state tuition to students who are in the United States illegally, and university systems in four others have offered the benefit on their own, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Texas was the first when it passed a law in 2001, and Florida was the latest, approving a law in 2014.

States began adopting the policy in response to a 1996 federal law that bars such immigrants from getting college benefits that aren’t offered to all U.S. citizens. To comply with the law, states established criteria to be eligible for in-state tuition regardless of immigration status. Five states, including Texas, California and Washington, went a step further and offered financial assistance to immigrants here illegally. Conversely, six other states have barred immigrants in the country illegally from in-state tuition. Some other states have sought middle ground, offering in-state tuition to those who were granted temporary protection from deportation by President Barack Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, which aims to help those who were brought to the country as children.

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THE POLITICS

At first glance, Tennessee might seem like an unlikely state to adopt the policy. It’s a conservative state that voted heavily for Trump, who is working to clamp down on immigration and previously promised to end Obama’s protections for those who came to the United States as children. But experts say the idea has been accepted by states at both ends of the political spectrum, including New York and California but also Oklahoma and Nebraska.

“Investing in students makes sense both from a fiscal perspective and from a human perspective,” said Tanya Broder, senior attorney for the National Immigration Law Center.

Gardenhire, the Tennessee state senator, says it doesn’t make sense to punish students who were brought here by their parents.

Still, some states have revived a debate over the policy in recent months. Republican lawmakers in Texas and Florida have proposed bills to repeal in-state tuition for students who are in the country illegally, while state attorneys in Arizona have asked a state court to block colleges from offering the benefit. “It is an issue that’s perennially debated,” said Randy Capps, director of research for U.S. programs at the Migration Policy Institute. “It’s close in a lot of states, just like it has been close in the Tennessee.”

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WHAT SUPPORTERS SAY

Supporters say the policy offers a social good along with financial benefits. In states that passed the law, college enrollment rates among college-age Mexican noncitizens increased by 4 percentage points, from about 19 percent to 23 percent, according to recent research at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Graduation rates among those students increased similarly. Graduation rates among those students increased similarly. “It’s opened up higher education to a new group that otherwise wouldn’t get in,” Capps said. Enrollment growth has been even higher in states that offered student financial aid. Experts say even the lower in-state tuition costs can be too much for immigrants here illegally — who are not eligible for federal financial aid.

In Texas, the number of students granted in-state tuition under the law grew from 393 in 2001 to nearly 25,000 in 2015, according to state data. In Washington, the number grew from 25 to 1,500 students in a similar span, mostly enrolled at community colleges. In both cases that’s about 1 percent of the state’s total college enrollment. “It’s money well spent, because the students go back into the economy and pay taxes and participate like everyone else,” said Stella Flores, an associate professor of higher education at New York University who has researched the topic.

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WHAT OPPONENTS SAY

The policy can also bring costs. Past efforts to repeal the Texas law have focused on increased spending, with one state analysis predicting the cost would grow to $100 million by 2020. The cost to state and local governments in Maryland is estimated to be $7.2 million a year, although researchers at the University of Maryland say the long-term benefits are greater. “In most estimates the additional tax revenues to the state significantly outweighs the initial cost,” said Tim Gindling, an economics professor behind the research.

Opponents in some states argue that the law takes college seats away from U.S. citizens and makes their state a magnet for immigrants. Conservative groups also allege the policy violates the 1996 federal law limiting benefits for immigrants who came here illegally. In a 2011 report, the Heritage Foundation criticized the Obama administration for refusing to sue states that “are incontrovertibly and brazenly violating an unambiguous federal immigration law.”

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NEXT STEPS

The proposal in Tennessee has been passed by two lawmaker panels and is scheduled to be considered by a third on Tuesday. It still faces several hurdles, but has drawn support from Republicans, including Gov. Bill Haslam.

In many states, uncertainty over the future of Obama’s DACA program has worried immigrants. Students who qualify for in-state tuition because of their DACA status could lose that benefit if Trump repeals the program. Some schools including Arizona State University have said they will find financial help for students if the program is eliminated.

Tennesseans do not need to pay more tax on gas, according to State Rep. Jerry Sexton.

Sexton, who represents Claiborne, Grainger and part of Union counties as the elected representative of the 35th House District, is fighting hard to make sure the controversial “gas tax” isn’t passed.

Gov. Bill Haslam, a Republican, has proposed a transportation plan that has proven to be polarizing within the state and even within his own party.

Haslam’s plan calls for raising the gas tax by 6 cents per gallon over the next three years and diesel by 10 cents. It would also cut the sales tax on groceries, the tax on income from stocks and bonds and corporate taxes paid by manufacturers.

The plan is touted as a making deeper tax cuts than would be raised through the increase in fuel taxes. The added money for the highway fund would be used to chip away at the state’s more than $10 billion backlog in road and bridge projects.

Sexton disagrees with Haslam’s way of funding the state’s transportation infrastructure, and he is working with House Speaker Beth Harwell and other representatives to eliminate any increase on the price of gasoline.

“My view is that we do not need to raise taxes to fund these projects,” Sexton said. “We have a $2 billion surplus this year. My plan is to use that surplus to fund the projects.”

Sexton’s plan also includes “user fee tax revenue” which would charge fees for electric and hybrid cars that don’t use any or as much gasoline. He is also proposing using a portion of sales tax from new and used cars as some of the revenue.

Haslam’s plan proposes a small reduction, 1 percent, in food sales tax and decreases in the franchise and excise taxes as well as an income tax on investments.

“That won’t affect the average family,” Sexton said, adding that in his opinion the proposed increase per gallon will hurt the average family more than any cut will help.

“Over 90 percent of our families wouldn’t benefit,” he said. “It’s just not right.”

Sexton sits on each committee that has seen the bill thus far: the House Transportation Subcommittee, House Transportation Committee and House Local Government Committee.

He took a strong stance against the bill in the House Transportation Committee, saying the chairman, State Rep. Barry Doss, broke the rules of the House of Representatives to try to push Haslam’s plan (also known as the Improve Act) through the committee.

“We are calling on Speaker Harwell, House Leadership, and those that support this bill to hit the restart button in regards to the Improve Act and to send the bill back to Transportation Subcommittee to be debated fairly and openly,” Sexton announced afterward in a press conference.

“I let the Speaker know that when you silence me you are silencing the 65,000 people I represent,” Sexton told the Claiborne Progress in an interview, adding that several other representatives stood with him during the conference.

“We want it to be open and fairly debated,” he said.

Sexton said that the proposed plan he and the others are working on “will give more funds to cities and counties than the present plan.” He added that more funding will trickle down to local road departments, saying that just last year Claiborne County’s department was the recipient of $700,000 in grant funding.

The bill will be voted on this week, he said, adding that Haslam’s bill will be in the Finance Committee this week.

Members of the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee include: chairman Charles Sargent, vice-chair Kevin Brooks, David Byrd, Karen Camper, Mike Carter, Jim Coley, John Crawford, John J. DeBerry Jr., Craig Fitzhugh, Brenda Gilmore, David Hawk, Patsy Hazlewood, Gary Hicks, Matthew Hill, Curtis Johnson, Harold M. Love Jr., Susan Lynn, Gerald McCormick, Steve McDaniel, Larry J. Miller, Art Swann, Ryan Williams and Tim Wirgau.

“Our plan is to be an amendment to the gas tax, which would rewrite the bill and become the bill,” Sexton explained, adding that they need 12 members of the Finance Committee to vote for the amendment to Haslam’s plan.

If the bill, amended or not, passes the Finance Committee it will go to the Calendars and Rules Committee and then to the House floor for debate.

Eventually, the House and the Senate will have to agree on the particulars. If they don’t, either branch would have a hard time getting their version through.

Sexton said that he ran a poll to see where his constituents stood on the topic and over 70 percent were against an increase on gasoline tax. The majority of the remaining 30 percent were undecided, he said — not necessarily for an increase.

“An increase on the price of gas and diesel fuels will result in an increase in the cost of transporting goods, which will lead to an increase in the price of goods,” Sexton said. The Haslam plan “claims to make it up by lowering taxes, but that (decrease) won’t be tapped by the average person.”

Sexton is encouraging his constituents to make their voices heard to all members of the House, especially those on the Finance Committee. “Call all of them,” he said.

State Senator Frank Nicely, who represents Claiborne County, is against the Haslam plan, Sexton added, saying the two are “100 percent in agreement on this.”

The funding for transportation is necessary, Sexton said, but it needs to be spread equally among the state. Tennessee has the second best roads in the nation and no debt, he said.

“We’ve got the funding — we don’t have to raise taxes,” he said. “We’re growing in population and not raising taxes. I’m fighting to keep it that way.”

Last week, Senate Speaker Randy McNally, an Oak Ridge Republican who said he’s had no discussions with the House about any alternative plans, appeared to be surprised by the efforts to make significant changes to the bill, according to an article from the Associated Press.

McNally said the governor’s proposal is “a clear and undisputed tax cut for Tennesseans and offers additional cuts for the veterans and the elderly.”

Rep. David Alexander and Rep. David Hawk have also proposed changes to the bill.

“We’re committed to represent our people in the best way possible,” Sexton said in encouraging citizens to be vocal regarding their feelings on the issue.

Contact information for members of the House of Representatives can be found online at http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/. Contact information for members of the Senate can be found online at http://www.capitol.tn.gov/senate/.

Some information for this article from the Associated Press and tennesseestar.com. Reach Marisa Anders at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @newsgirl88.

State Rep. Jerry Sexton

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Jerry-Sexton-1.jpgState Rep. Jerry Sexton

Nashville legislators are scheduled to do battle this week over a myriad of bills that, if adopted, will amend certain state firearms laws. However, the more controversial ones have already bit the dust prior to making it to the full legislature.

In particular, the bills associated with the hotly contested constitutional and permit-free open carry laws have been pulled from the current session.

Also on the chopping block is a bill that would have eliminated gun-free zones.

Senators Mark Green and Joey Hensley cosponsored the now pulled SB131/HB493 which would have deleted language in current laws that prohibit the open or concealed carrying of weapons in public parks, playgrounds, civic centers and other public buildings.

The bill would have allowed the managing bodies of private schools to determine whether students and faculty can carry firearms and other weapons on school property.

This bill failed on March 29 during a vote taken in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee. It was subsequently ‘taken off notice’ on April 4 by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

A bill dealing with the allocation of handgun carry permit fees was also pulled from the calendar. SB308/HB48 would have required the donation of half the application and processing fees for handgun carry permits to one or more nonprofit organizations devoted to assisting the families of law enforcement personnel, firefighters or emergency medical staff who either lost their lives or were disabled or traumatized in the line of duty.

SB309/HB47 was yanked from the full session calendar by both the Senate and House subcommittees. This bill would have required mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of a crime while in possession of a semi-automatic weapon.

A bill that would allow a law enforcement officer to carry a firearm to public events failed on April 5 in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee. The Senate Judiciary Committee had previously sent the bill on to its Calendar Committee on March 21.

Quite a few bills slated for vote during the current legislative session made it through the subcommittees. SB24/HB27 exempts active-duty military and honorably discharged veterans with military police, special operations or ‘special forces’ experience from needing a handgun permit while inside a firing range.

The senate passed this bill on March 27. The house is set to vote on April 13.

Both the house and senate passed an amended bill that was initially written to exempt background checks for firearm transactions conducted between licensed importers, manufacturers, dealers, collectors and ‘bona fide’ law enforcement agencies.

The House amended this bill by deleting and rewriting it. The bill now effectively waives criminal background checks on transactions conducted on occasional sales or purchases of second-hand or used firearms by those not in the business of importing, manufacturing or dealing.

This bill was sent to the speakers of the house and senate for signatures on April 6.

A bill, sponsored by senator Frank Nicely and Representative Jeremy Faison, reduces the penalty for carrying a handgun without a permit to a Class C misdemeanor, on first offense. A second offense of this nature is considered a Class B misdemeanor, under this proposed bill.

An amendment to the bill would create a Class A misdemeanor for those offenders caught carrying a firearm in a public place with one or more persons present.

Both the Senate and House subcommittees were to have their chances at the proposed bill during sessions on April 11.

An amended bill was voted on April 6 by the state senate that would allow all those granted an Order of Protection the right to carry a firearm for seven days. During that seven day period, the recipient may apply to the Department of Safety for a temporary handgun carry permit, according to the amended bill.

The House had passed the initial bill on March 20, allowing the recipient the right to carry a weapon for 60 days.

A bill increasing the penalties for violating an Order of Protection was to be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 11. The House Civil Justice Committee will take its turn at the proposed bill on Jan. 1.

SB1139/HB876, if eventually adopted, will jump the violation from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. The proposed violations include possession of a firearm while subject to an Order of Protection and conviction of a misdemeanor crime for domestic violence.

Both the house and senate have passed an amended bill that allows loaded firearms and ammunition to be carried inside a motor vehicle or boat if that person is not prohibited from possessing the firearm and is in lawful possession of the approved transportation. This new bill excludes those vehicles and boats owned or leased by a governmental or private entity that has adopted a written policy banning firearms or ammunition.

This bill also excludes the possession of firearms and ammunition inside recreational vehicles, as amended by the House of Representatives.

A bill authorizing the carrying of firearms by all district attorneys general passed the Senate on March 27 and has been sent to the House Finance Department by the Civil Justice Committee.

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

As it now stands, the Claiborne Commission could have another ‘skimpy’ meeting this month, if the agenda is any indication. Seven items of interest are listed on the document, four of which are Board of Education (BOE) resolutions that are normally joined together under one vote.

However, as is the case many times, the commissioners could very well add items to the evening’s business once the meeting begins.

The only item under old business is the appointment of commissioner Whitt Shuford to the Claiborne Regional Planning Commission. Shuford beat out commissioner Danny Longworth last month by a vote of ten to eight, with one commissioner passing his vote.

Under new business, the commission will review the 2015 tax aggregate report, submitted by Claiborne County Trustee Alice Alexander.

According to that document, Alexander’s office managed to collect $13,006,233.26 in taxes, leaving some 2.445 percent of tax payments to be ‘filed in court.’

Commissioner Gary Poore is sponsoring a resolution that, if adopted, will effectively chop one-tenth of a mile of roadway from Moody Hill, adding it to Shipley Ridge Road. Apparently, the community referred to that section of road as a part of Shipley Ridge, prior to name designations made by Claiborne E-911.

Changing the name back to its original will allow emergency agencies and others an easier time in locating individual residences along that stretch of roadway.

The first of four BOE resolutions deals with funds received from the sale of surplus buses. If adopted, the resolution will allow the school system to use the $2,980 in revenue to purchase vehicle parts.

The second resolution will allow the system to deposit into the General Purpose budget $7,500 in Tobacco Settlement Grant funds that will be used for various expenditures that include salaries, benefits, travel, contracted services, supplies and materials.

The monies were generated via the ‘Teens against Tobacco Use’ program.

The third resolution effectively ‘re-classes’ certain line items in the General Purpose Budget to amend Community Health and Ready to Read Grant expenditures, in order to adhere to state guidelines.

The fourth resolution deals with the receipt of some $27,100 in School Board Mini Grant monies, which will be added to the General Purpose Fund.

None of the four BOE resolutions involve local tax dollars.

The next regular monthly meeting of the Claiborne Commission will begin at 6:30 p.m. on April 17, inside the large courtroom of the Claiborne County Courthouse. The public is encouraged to attend these monthly meetings.

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

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The Claiborne County Public Library could never be called a stuffy old place. There’s always something fun cracking inside its walls.

The friendly and helpful Library staff is working furiously to bring about one of its most popular events – the Spring Book Sale.

Bargain hunters will want to set aside a chunk of time during the week of May 1-6, when all manner of reading and listening materials can be had for a nominal fee. For just one single dollar, customers may purchase from a wide variety of musical recordings, puzzles, hardback and audio books. Just a slim dime will buy a paperback book or a magazine that will give even the most discriminating person an enjoyable time well spent.

The Library will also have on hand a selection of trade backs for just 50 cents each.

The event is slated for Monday through Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The advancement of the computer age has left some folks a little confused when attempting to navigate the ‘ethernet.’ The Library is continuing its popular series of beginner computer classes at the Tazewell location. Interested individuals may attend these weekly classes, held every Monday from 10:30 a.m. until noon.

From all indications, there’s nothing quite as enjoyable as being part of the popular LEGO Club. Bi-weekly sessions are currently being held on the second Monday and fourth Thursday of each month.

All supplies are provided by the Library staff. No sign-up is required and all ages are welcome.

Kids of all ages may attend the ever-popular ‘Story Time at the Library’ by simply dropping in during its weekly run every Friday morning, starting at 10:30 a.m., inside the Children’s Room.

Books, music and crafts are just a portion of the fun to be had.

For more information about these and other special programs, call 423-626-5414.

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

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UT-TSU Extension Partnership in Claiborne County is offering two separate Sewing Workshops for two different audiences beginning April 18 at the Claiborne County Extension Office. These classes are both six-week classes.

Youth ages 10 – 17 who would like to learn to sew or improve the sewing skills they have may attend the class from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. This class will take place over several weeks. Participants will learn basic skills, needed to complete projects for your home or projects to wear and improve the skills you have.

Adults wishing to learn to sew or improve their sewing skills so that you can Do It Yourself as the popular DIY programs encourage may participate in the class from 6-8 p.m. You will learn the basic skills necessary to read and follow a pattern as you complete a sewing project for your home or project to wear.

There is a $30 registration fee to participate in the class. Space is limited in each class so you will need to call before noon on or before April 18 at 423-626-3742 to register or if you have any questions.

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 claiboren.tennessee.edu, like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/extensionclaiborne), or follow us on Twitter @ClaiborneExt.

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.

National Library & Amnesty Week

Do you have outstanding fines or fees due to overdue materials from the Claiborne County Public Library? The library wants to welcome you back and help wipe the slate clean during its National Library Week celebration, April 9-15. The library is offering this opportunity to return any library materials found during spring cleaning. This includes books, DVDs, magazines and audio books. This does not apply to existing fines on previously returned material. In addition, during National Library Week if you have lost your library card you may replace it free of charge. We want everyone to be able to enjoy all the library has to offer. For more information, call the library at 423-626-5414.

Driver License Safety Checkpoints

The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting driver license roadside safety checkpoints during the week of April 9-15 on State Route 33 and Cave Springs Road, in Claiborne County. The safety checkpoints will also be held during the week of April 16-22 on U.S. Hwy. 25E, State Routes 33, 63, 90 and 345. 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.

Harrogate/Powell Valley Youth Cheerleading

Sign-ups for Harrogate and Powell Valley Youth Cheerleading will be held April 13. The sign-ups, for children ages 4-12, will be at the Harrogate/ Powell Valley Little League Football Field concessions (beside Livesay Middle School) from 5:30-7 p.m. Due to uniform orders, no sign-ups can be allowed after this date. Registration fee is $175 and includes: uniform (shell, skirt, briefs), bodysuit, socks, shoes, hairbow, warm-ups, Panthers cheer skirt, knit cheer short and insurance. Please bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate to sign-ups. Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/harrogatepvcheer or contact Cheerleading Coordinator Nikki Carter, 865-680-9735 for questions or more info. The Harrogate/ Powell Valley Youth Cheerleading Program is committed to teaching the fundamentals of cheerleading, the importance of teamwork, commitment and dedication, and build children’s confidence in the sport.

Claiborne County Republican Party

There will be a mass convention for the sole purpose of election of party officers. The meeting will be held in the small courtroom at the Claiborne County Courthouse, April 14 at 6 p.m. Interested candidates should send a letter of intent: c/o Stan Leonard, Chairman, 415 Russell Road South, New Tazewell, TN 37825.

Hopper Cemetery

Clean up time for Hopper Cemetery will be April 15 at 8 a.m. Send donations to Jack Johnson or Roger Beason, 1845 Goin Road, New Tazewell, TN 37825.

Pre-school Registration

Heritage Christian Academy will have pre-school registration for the 2017-18 school year on April 19 from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Heritage pre-school serves both three- and four- year olds. Birthdays must fall on or before August 15 to be eligible. For more information call the Academy at 423-526-2807.

Lunch and Learn

Claiborne Medical Center is having a free Lunch and Learn community education seminar on April 26 at noon. Dr. Daniel Anderson, internal medicine physician with Claiborne Medical Associates, will present information on “Living with Diabetes.” The seminar will be held in the hospital’s downstairs conference room, and lunch is provided. For more information, or to make a reservation for this event, please call Betsy Maples at 423-526-2192.

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. The next meeting is scheduled for April 27. 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.

Library Spring Book Sale

The Claiborne County Public Library will hold its Spring Book Sale the week of May 1-6. The event is slated for Monday through Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Hardback books, audio books, puzzles, movies and movies will be $1, tradebacks will be $0.50, paperbacks and magazines will be $0.10 and Bibles are free. Everything is sold as-is. The sale will be held in the library’s basement. For more information about these and other special programs, call 423-626-5414.

Benefit Event

There will be a benefit fundraiser for Kristie Shell on May 20, from 2-9 p.m. at the Jaycee Fairgrounds. Food, live music, face painting, T-shirts, a bounce house as well as an auction and raffle will take place. Proceeds go to Kristie Shell for medical expenses.

Clinch-Powell Head Start Registration

The Clinch-Powell Head Start Program is currently taking applications for children three and four years of age at all Head Start Centers in Claiborne County for the 2017-2018 program year. The child must be three years old by August 15, 2017 to be age eligible for the program. Services are provided five days a week with centers open 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Transportation services may be provided dependent upon availability. The program provides services to special needs children, including children with severe disabilities. For more information or to complete an application, please contact: Child Development Center, 626-6423; Ellen Myers Center, 869-4513; SMMS Center, 626-1622; TNT Center, 626-5708; Clairfield Center, 784-7700; Powell Valley Center, 869-0222; Springdale Center, 626-5152.

Claiborne County Kindergarten Registration

Children who will be five by August 15 are asked to pre-register for kindergarten. You are required to bring your child’s immunization record, a valid birth certificate, child’s social security number and food stamp or AFDC number, if applicable. School registration dates and times: Forge Ridge, April 12, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Midwa,y April 21, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Clairfield, April 28, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Powell Valley, May 5, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; TNT, May 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; TNT, May 11, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; Springdale, May 12, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Ellen Myers, May 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Claiborne County Pre-K Round Up

A Pre-K Round Up is available for qualifying children who will turn four by August 15 for the 2017-2018 school year. Classroom locations are at the Alpha School, Ellen Myers, Forge Ridge, Powell Valley and Midway. We are encouraging all parents to register for our high quality early learning programs. Our program will give your child the foundation for education success. For information contact The Alpha School at 423-626-3323.

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.

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.

River View Cemetery

Donations are needed for River View Cemetery. Send donations to: Hazel Gilbert, 537 Pump Springs Road, Harrogate, TN 37752.

Town of New Tazewell Meetings

The Town of New Tazewell board meetings for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen are conducted at New Tazewell City Hall at 413 First Avenue, the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen workshops are held one hour prior to the regular meeting. 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.

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

Small Group Bible Study beginning at New Beginning Baptist Church — A Life God Rewards will meet on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. through April 18. Everyone is welcome to attend. New Beginning Baptist Church is located at 2305 Highway 63, about four miles west of Highway 25E in Harrogate. For more information, please call the church office at 423-869-7378.

TNT Church of the Living God

TNT Church of the Living God, located at 790 Davis Drive in New Tazewell, is hosting revival which began on April 9 and is held 7 p.m. nightly. There will be a different speaker each night. Everyone is welcome, call 423-526-9837 for more information.

First Baptist Church of New Tazewell

Easter celebrations and events at FBC New Tazewell are coming up. A Living Last Supper will be held April 13 at 7 p.m. On April 15 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. activities will include an Easter Egg Hunt, egg dying, corn hole and more. Lunch will be provided. FBC New Tazewell will celebrate Easter April 16 with a 7:30 a.m. Sunrise Service. Breakfast will be served in the Fellowship Hall at 8 a.m. At 9 a.m., Sunday School will be available for all ages and an Easter Celebration Service will be held beginning at 10:15 a.m. (Please not time change of worship service.)

Full Gospel Church

Revival at Full Gospel Church of Springdale will be held April 13-16, beginning at 7 p.m. April 13-15 and at 6 p.m. on April 16. Everyone is welcome. Jason Saylor, pastor.

MCM Baptist Church

Come join us at MCM Baptist Church for an Easter Egg Hunt, food and fellowship on April 15 beginning at 2 p.m. We would also like to invite you to our Sunday morning Easter Service on April 16 – Sunday School at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Pastor, Tim Drummonds.

Little Sycamore Baptist Church

The monthly singing at Little Sycamore Baptist Church will be April 15 at 7 p.m. All singers are invited. Rev. J. C. Bull, pastor.

Wolfenbarger Baptist Church

There will be a food drive April 15 at Wolfenbarger Baptist Church from 10 a.m. until all food is given away.

Revival services at Wolfenbarger Baptist Church will be held beginning April 19 at 7 p.m. nightly. Joe Bray and Mark Campbell will be the visiting preachers. Gary Fletcher, pastor, invites everyone to attend.

Easter Sunrise Service

The annual Clinch Mountain Easter Sunrise Service on U.S. Hwy. 25E on top of Clinch Mountain will be held April 16 at 6:31 a.m., rain or shine. Everyone is cordially invited.

Taylors Grove Missionary Baptist Church

Taylors Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Sharps Chapel will have an Easter Sunrise Service on April 16 at 7 a.m. Breakfast will be served afterward. Church service will begin at 10:30 a.m. with an Easter Egg Hunt following services. Pastor Brian Liford invites everyone to attend.

New Bethel Tabernacle

Everyone is invited to the Easter program on April 16 at 6 p.m. There is an inspirational program planned entitled “Jesus Changes Everything.” We believe this program will touch your heart and soul. This program will remind you of the many blessings Christ has abundantly provided to his children. The church is located at the corner of Cedar Lane and Maple in Tazewell. Refreshments will be provided following the program.

Grace Missionary Baptist Church

Revival services at Grace Missionary Baptist Church will begin April 17 at 7 p.m. Visiting preachers will be Tommy Louthan Jr. and Lee Wayne Grubb. Everyone is welcome. Charlie Widner, pastor.

Heritage Christian Academy

Heritage Christian Academy will have pre-school registration for the 2017-18 school year on April 19 from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Heritage pre-school serves both three- and four- year olds. Birthdays must fall on or before August 15 to be eligible. For more information call the Academy at 423-526-2807.

Sugar Grove Baptist Church

The monthly singing at Sugar Grove Baptist Church will be April 22 at 7 p.m. Special singers will be the Cosby family. Everyone is welcome. Pastor, Tom Louthan.

Tri-State Youth Choir

The Tri-State Youth Choir is now performing in local churches. The choir, in existence for over 30 years, ministers to local churches and then travels on a mission trip to another area. Performances coming up include: April 23, Gap Creek; April 30, Underwood Grove; May 7, Midway Baptist; May 21, New Beginning Baptist and May 28, Pump Springs Baptist Church. All performances begin at 6 p.m. except Midway, which begins at 7 p.m. The annual dinner and auction, the choir’s major fundraiser, will be held April 28 at Pump Springs Baptist Church. On May 6 the choir will hold a yard sale in the parking lot of H.Y. Livesay Middle School. Everyone is invited to attend the performances and activities.

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

Revival services at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church will begin April 30 at 6 p.m. The rest of the week services will begin at 7 p.m. There will be special singers each night. Preaching will be Bill Kibert, Clayton Reece and Terry Herrell. Everyone is welcome.

Indian Creek Baptist Church

Indian Creek Baptist Church will have the fifth Sunday singing on April 30 at 10:30 a.m. Special singers will be the Thankful Hearts from North Carolina and others. Everyone is welcome. Lunch will be served following the service.

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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.

It may have been a 30-pounder Parrott Rifle, but to the Civil War soldiers at Cumberland Gap it was “Long Tom.”

Both Union and Confederate forces wanted to be in command of Cumberland Gap and of the Pinnacle during the four years of the Civil War. And, Long Tom was an important element in controlling the strategic location. Brought to the Gap by the Confederates, the cannon would become a part of the Union effort when the Federals had possession of the passageway. Each side claimed Long Tom twice during the period from 1861 to 1865.

Alternately referred to as a rifle, a cannon, or a rifled siege gun, it weighed 2.1 tons and with its carriage weighing 2,300 pounds required ten horses to pull it. Invented by Robert Parker Parrott in 1861, Long Tom was destined for a place in history and for a prominent place as an American legend.

Soldiers left their initials on the walls of Gap Cave (formerly Cudjo’s), and at least one of them left a drawing of “Long Tom” that is still visible to visitors to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Almost one hundred years after the rough drawing by a soldier, another artist illustrated the story of Long Tom in a magazine published by the State of Kentucky. The artist depicted soldiers helping force the cannon over the cliffs.

It was during the latter part of the nineteenth century, and considerable evidence points to the time of the Civil War, that “Cumberland Gap” was composed by a soldier in Kentucky. In that folk song there is a verse related to soldiers letting Long Tom drop over the cliffs.

Following the war, veterans returning home and visitors traveling through the Gap would talk about the battles of the war with specific reference to Cumberland Gap and the value of Long Tom in the battles. Some of the tales were likely embellished, but the legend was begun early and it lasts to this day.

Books that have incorporated references to Long Tom and that have influenced the continuation of the legend include The Wilderness Road (1949) by Robert L. Kincaid and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (2014) by Martha Evans Wiley.

In the fall of 1965, William B. Provine was featured in The Tennessee Historical Society Journal with a major article titled “The Legend of Long Tom at Cumberland Gap.”

Shortly before the Provine story, in the early 1960s, Long Tom was featured in a series of radio stories broadcast by radio stations in the Blue Grass State. These vignettes were collected by an advertising firm in Louisville on behalf of Kentucky’s Division of Tourist and Travel Promotion and provided yet another venue for the continuing legend.

The International War Veterans Poetry Archives includes a poem, “Long Tom,” by Faye Sizemore (2004).

She refers to the legend of a “…mighty Long Tom, a giant cannon used in the Civil War.”

For visitors to the Cumberland Gap National Park, there are many reminders of the Civil War battles including three cannon in place to help young and old alike focus on the importance of the Gap in the war and on the legend of Long Tom. The cannon are located at Fort McCook and Fort Lyon on the Pinnacle and at the Park’s Visitor Center.

These references more or less scratch the surface of recorded historical material. But, they remind us that the legend lingers for today’s population and for future generations as well.

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

Photo courtesy of Bridget Day

The girl’s basketball team at Midway School in 1964. Front row, Francis Cupp, Charlotte Lynch, Sandy Cardwell, Brenda Lynch, Bridget Fortner, Jeree Cupp, Alice Wilson. Back row, Jackie Keck, Blanche Watson, Jennie Minton, Verdi Wilson, Ann Minton, Joan Good, Peggy Robertson, Ruby Crockett.

Photo courtesy of Bridget Day

The boy’s basketball team at Midway School in 1964. Front row, J.R. McGeorge, Sammy Cardwell, Roy Keck, Trent Williams, Jimmy Cupp, Jimmy Poore, Mike Beason, Hoy Keck, Mark Cole. Back row, Lewis Atkins, Jackie Cardwell, Earl Dean Hickman, Ray Atkins, Roger Meyers, Eddie Turner, Charlie Widner, Mack Poore, Roger Beason, Dennis Moyers.

Photo courtesy of Bridget Day The girl’s basketball team at Midway School in 1964. Front row, Francis Cupp, Charlotte Lynch, Sandy Cardwell, Brenda Lynch, Bridget Fortner, Jeree Cupp, Alice Wilson. Back row, Jackie Keck, Blanche Watson, Jennie Minton, Verdi Wilson, Ann Minton, Joan Good, Peggy Robertson, Ruby Crockett.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Midway-girls-Bridget-Day.jpgPhoto courtesy of Bridget Day The girl’s basketball team at Midway School in 1964. Front row, Francis Cupp, Charlotte Lynch, Sandy Cardwell, Brenda Lynch, Bridget Fortner, Jeree Cupp, Alice Wilson. Back row, Jackie Keck, Blanche Watson, Jennie Minton, Verdi Wilson, Ann Minton, Joan Good, Peggy Robertson, Ruby Crockett.

Photo courtesy of Bridget Day The boy’s basketball team at Midway School in 1964. Front row, J.R. McGeorge, Sammy Cardwell, Roy Keck, Trent Williams, Jimmy Cupp, Jimmy Poore, Mike Beason, Hoy Keck, Mark Cole. Back row, Lewis Atkins, Jackie Cardwell, Earl Dean Hickman, Ray Atkins, Roger Meyers, Eddie Turner, Charlie Widner, Mack Poore, Roger Beason, Dennis Moyers.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Midway-boys-Bridget-Day.jpgPhoto courtesy of Bridget Day The boy’s basketball team at Midway School in 1964. Front row, J.R. McGeorge, Sammy Cardwell, Roy Keck, Trent Williams, Jimmy Cupp, Jimmy Poore, Mike Beason, Hoy Keck, Mark Cole. Back row, Lewis Atkins, Jackie Cardwell, Earl Dean Hickman, Ray Atkins, Roger Meyers, Eddie Turner, Charlie Widner, Mack Poore, Roger Beason, Dennis Moyers.