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And, the winner is…

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The Claiborne County School Board can now breathe a sigh of relief as plans are being made to welcome the new director of schools, slated to officially take office on July 1. Dr. Joseph Miller handily won the coveted seat, beating out three other finalists with a landslide vote of six to one.

Board chairman Neta Munsey was the holdout.

The roll call vote was officially taken during the opening moments of the regular monthly board meeting with a call by Munsey for nominations. Board members Shane Bunch and Justin Cosby made and seconded the motion to nominate Miller.

“I have to say that this board worked very, very hard to pick the person who is the one for our students, our parents, our teachers and our whole community,” said Munsey, just prior to the nomination.

Currently the director and principal of Career Technical Education in Morgan County – Wartburg campus, Miller will be picking up the reins handed over by Connie Holdway, who is retiring from the position on June 30.

The four finalists recently battled over a four hour stretch of time, during a previously held meeting, in the hopes of landing the director’s position. During his presentation, Miller outlined a five-year plan to enhance the school system. His top priorities include a supportive workplace for staff, shared leadership and community involvement.

He equated the directorship with the position of CEO, saying he would streamline efforts for the best use of resources and would maintain an air of open communication.

During the battle presentation, Miller said he envisions diversifying personnel where staff is trained to handle multiple jobs. Also on his short list is the creation of technical and career coach positions.

Turning to the ACT scores, Miller projected an improvement of .56 percent, per school year, bringing the score to state standards by the end of his five-year plan.

Cosby asked Miller, during the question and answer portion of the presentation, what inspired him to become an educator.

Miller, who had considered law school, said he came to a “crossroads in life.”

“I decided I didn’t want to spend my time in a courtroom or a law office. I would like to spend it helping kids before they face (life) choices,” said Miller.

When asked about his impressions of the Common Core curriculum, he said he has a problem with a student who achieves high school status but cannot recite the multiplication tables.

“Now, that’s wrong,” said Miller, during the presentation meeting.

He said he would like to see more time spent on the ‘basics’ of educational instruction.

“In Common Core, teachers are told what to teach. They’re not necessarily always told how to teach it. So, I think, sometimes a little bit of this could be intertwined with creativity by the teacher and, hopefully, students will walk away with a little more (liberal) education,” said Miller.

Miller beat out Lafollette Elementary principal Meredith Arnold, Cumberland Gap principal Linda Keck and Jim Shipley, who is the principal of Springdale Elementary School.

Second district board member Micheal Jo Gray took a moment near the end of the regular monthly meeting on Thursday evening to thank everyone involved in the directorship hunt.

“I’m not blind to this. There’s people that’s going to be happier than others with what took place tonight. But, I want us all to remember to look forward and come together – to work together and move forward.

“Sometimes, during this process, I found myself thinking about what I wanted and what I thought. I had to stop and realize it wasn’t about me. It’s about what’s best for this system and for the children. Let’s move forward and work together to make this the best school system in Tennessee,” said Gray.

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

Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Dr. Joseph Miller, who won the hotly-contested school directorship position, is shown during a recent battle between the four finalists in which their individual five-year plans were presented.
http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Miller-pic.jpgJan Runions | Claiborne Progress Dr. Joseph Miller, who won the hotly-contested school directorship position, is shown during a recent battle between the four finalists in which their individual five-year plans were presented.
Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Claiborne County Board of Education chairman Neta Munsey, left, begins the call for new director nominations. Connie Holdway, the current director of schools, listens.
http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Munsey-Holdway-pic.jpgJan Runions | Claiborne Progress Claiborne County Board of Education chairman Neta Munsey, left, begins the call for new director nominations. Connie Holdway, the current director of schools, listens.
Miller grabs school directorship

By Jan Runions

jrunions@civitasmedia.com


Public Records

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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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Timothy David Powers – nine counts of aggravated burglary, one count each of burglary, criminal impersonation and possession of a schedule II controlled substance

Shawn William Partin – criminal impersonation

Kayla June Partin – conspiracy to commit robbery, violations of probation for conspiracy to commit robbery and failure to appear for theft under $500, failure to appear for theft under $500

Jason A. Wynn – driving under the influence (third offense), possession of a schedule III and a schedule IV drugs and drug paraphernalia, driving on a revoked license, violations of the implied consent and financial responsibility laws, violations of probation for driving under the influence (third offense) and violations of the financial responsibility law

Benjamin Thomas Lake Evans – driving under the influence, violation of the implied consent law

David Roy Goin – outstanding warrant for driving under the influence and felony evading arrest

Adam Franklin Payne – outstanding warrant for writing/passing a worthless check over $10,000

Kourtney Sue Capps – capias/bench warrant for driving under the influence and violation of the implied consent law, new charge of possession of a schedule II drugs

Dylan DeWayne Williams – capias/bench warrant for aggravated burglary and burglary

Crystal Gayle Collins – capias/bench warrant for theft of merchandise (shoplifting)

Gerald Loyde Russell – violations of probation for driving under the influence (third offense) and theft under $500, failure to appear for domestic assault, theft of merchandise, public intoxication and the VOP for theft under $500

Paige Lindsey Russell – violations of probation for aggravated burglary and theft over $1,000

Jerry Wayne Bridges – violation of probation for simple possession of marijuana, failure to appear for speeding 73/55 and violation of the financial responsibility law

Christina Gayle Overholt – violation of probation for evading arrest

Fallon Denise Thacker – failure to appear for felony evading arrest

Randy J. Edwards – failure to appear for failure to yield traffic right of way and violations of the seat belt, driver’s license, registration and financial responsibility laws, new charges of violations of the driver’s license and registration laws

Matthew K. Barton – failure to appear for violation of the no parking zone law

Kylie Lynn Marlow – theft of property (shoplifting)

Derrick Allen Jennings – driving on a suspended license

Timothy Clyde Bolinger – driving on a suspended license

Samson Joseph Marlow – disorderly conduct

Lelia Marie Almaraz – public intoxication

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New Tazewell Police Dept.

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Tara Lynn Loop – criminal trespassing, theft involving merchandise under $1,000

Michael Woodrow Helton – criminal trespassing, driving on a revoked license

Harold Wayne Anglian – criminal trespassing, possession of drug paraphernalia

Irene Muncie Sweet – fraudulent use of a credit card

Wanda Sue Herbert – possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, public intoxication

Dustin Scott Bowlin – possession of methamphetamine, possession of a schedule II drugs

Michael Scott Brogan – possession of schedule II drugs

Bill Douglas Davidson – theft under $1,000

Katrina Nicole Gilpin – contributing to the delinquency of a minor

Alan Keith Yeary – driving under the influence (sixth offense)

Randy Martin Gulley – driving under the influence (second offense), driving on a revoked license (sixth offense), violations of the seat belt and implied consent laws, violation of probation for the violation of the habitual motor vehicle offender bar

Jeffery Lance Lewis – driving under the influence, evading arrest, speeding 68/45, simple possession of marijuana, violation of the implied consent law

Robert Wayne Collins – speeding 64/45, driving on a revoked license (second offense), violations for fighting or baiting exhibitions, violation of the financial responsibility law, capias/bench warrant for drug related charges, violations of probation for possession of a fighting cock, driving on a revoked license and violation of the financial responsibility law

William G. Sergent – speeding 49/20 (inside a school zone)

Samantha Rae White – speeding 39/20 (inside a school zone)

Tyler Smith – speeding 56/30

Harry Hale Hoe – speeding 66/45

Jonathan Christian – speeding 49/30

Arthur Jay Greer Jr. – speeding 63/45

Lance Singleton – violation of the seat belt law (driver)

Megan McDaniel – violation of the seat belt law (passenger)

Vennis Barnett – driving on a suspended license, violation of the financial responsibility law

Dalton Shurley – driving on a permit only, violation of the financial responsibility law

Bryan Sandefer – outstanding child support attachment, failure to appear for disorderly conduct

Ronnie Jason Reynolds – outstanding child support attachment

Kendell Dawn Kelly – violation of probation for theft under $500, failure to appear for three counts each of forgery and impersonation, one count of theft under $500

Richard Anthony Selover – violation of probation for theft under $500

William G. B. Hatfield Jr. – failure to appear for vandalism over $10,000 and theft of property over $1,000

Timothy Burl Wyatt – violation of the animal leash law (dog running at large)

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Tazewell Police Dept.

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Kenneth L. Spurlock – domestic assault

Clinton James Walker – driving under the influence, speeding 63/45

Victor L. Alvarado – speeding 61/45, violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Darrell Glen Morris – speeding 70/45

Adam M. Miller – speeding 68/45

David A. Kiper – speeding 67/45

Sherry Mae Neal – speeding 66/45

Leonides Lozarro Sanchez – speeding 65/45

Carl E. Perry Jr. – speeding 64/45

Kristin Amber Snodgrass – speeding 63/45

Jonothan Allen Sutton – speeding 62/45

Laura Begley – violation of the traffic control device law

Jessica Miracle – following a motor vehicle too closely

Ameythyst Elaine Daniels – violations of probation for possession of a schedule III drugs and violation of the financial responsibility law

Michael Frank DiGrigorio – public intoxication

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Compiled by Jan Runions

jrunions@civitasmedia.com

Estep decides plea agreements

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

David C. Jones, 31, charged with domestic assault and driving on a suspended license while on probation, was sentenced to a concurrent 11 months, 29 days at 75 percent confinement. Jones was given credit for any jail time served since the date of his offense including any time spent serving in Knox County while on hold via Claiborne County. He is barred from any contact with his victim. This case runs concurrently with a prior violation of probation case in which Jones failed to report to probation, to submit to random drug screenings, to complete an alcohol and drug assessment, to complete a batterer’s intervention course and for nonpayment of court costs, fines and supervision fees while on probation.

Michael Wade, 24, charged with evading arrest, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days TDOC supervised probation with 90 days confinement. Wade was given credit for 36 days of jail time already served. He must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines. This case runs concurrently with prior ones.

Jennifer Holt, 34, charged with driving under the influence and violation of the financial responsibility law, was sentenced to a concurrent 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 16 days confinement. Holt was given credit for any jail time already served. She was ordered to report to the Claiborne County Jail to serve the balance of her sentence on consecutive weekends. Holt 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 Department of Safety.

Benjamin McDaniel, 28, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with five days confinement. McDaniel was given credit for five days of 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 Department of Safety.

Cordell Reed, 68, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with two days confinement. Reed 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 Department of Safety.

Shelbie Pauline Hoskins, 25, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with two days confinement. Hoskins 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.

Peter Keyes, 76, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with two days confinement. Keyes was given credit for one day of jail time already served. He must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and fines and must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel. His driver’s license is revoked for one year.

Robert J. Bolden, 31, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with two days confinement. Bolden was given credit for any jail time already served. He must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and fines and must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel. His driver’s license is revoked per the Department of Safety.

Larry Ray Noe, 61, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with two days confinement. Noe was given credit for four hours of jail time already served. He must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and fines and must attend the MADD Victim Impact Panel. Noe is eligible for unsupervised probation once all monetary obligations are met and he is found fully compliant. His driver’s license is revoked per the Department of Safety.

Claudia Jo Marlene, 31, charged with driving under the influence, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days unsupervised probation with two days confinement. Marlene was given credit for any jail time already served. As a condition of her probationary status, Marlene must pay all court costs and fines by June 15. Her driver’s license is revoked per the Department of Safety.

Lester Ray Ramsey Jr., 45, charged with six counts of violation of community supervision, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days confinement. Ramsey was given credit for approximately 20 days of jail time already served. This case runs concurrently with prior ones.

Micheal D. Coffey, 36, charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance, was granted a deferred judgment of one year and sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 12 days confinement. Coffey was given credit for six days of jail time already served. He must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines. Coffey is eligible for unsupervised probation once found fully compliant.

David Lee Johnson, 52, charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days TDOC supervised probation.

Gregory A. Laws, 53, charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation. Laws must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines.

Christopher William Powell, 31, charged with theft under $500, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation. Powell must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines and forfeits $75 to the Economic Crime Fund. He must pay $140 in restitution to his victim and is barred from any contact with her. Powell is eligible for unsupervised probation once all monetary obligations are met and he is found fully compliant.

Delsia Faith Anglian, 24, charged with criminal impersonation, was given a deferred judgment of six months and sentenced to six months ETHRA supervised probation with seven days confinement. Anglian was given credit for seven days of jail time already served. She must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and fines.

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

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_gavel-2.jpg

By Jan Runions

jrunions@civitasmedia.com

Drop off unwanted prescriptions safely

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Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program prescription drug take-back boxes provide a secure location where unused and unwanted prescription drugs can be safely disposed. These permanent boxes prevent prescription and over-the-counter medications from getting into the hands of children and into Tennessee’s waterways and ensure they are disposed of in a safe, environmentally-friendly manner.

Locally, the Tazewell Police Department and Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office are drop-off points.

Medication collection events and programs are part of a nationwide effort to reduce the amount of pharmaceutical products being flushed or poured down drains. Promotion and use of this program helps support the Governor’s Prescription for Success plan which was created to prevent and treat the prescription drug abuse epidemic in Tennessee.

The great partnerships with USDA, Tennessee Department of Health, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Department of Safety and Homeland Security, US Drug Enforcement Agency, and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has allowed us to permanently place 224 take back boxes in all 95 counties. This program has safely disposed of 209,657.24 pounds of expired and unwanted household pharmaceuticals the past five years.

Find other take back locations by using an interactive map, http://tdeconline.tn.gov/rxtakeback/.

Photo submitted The Tazewell Police Department is a local drop-off point for unwanted prescription drugs. Pictured is TPD Chief Mark Lamb. The Claiborne County Sheriff’s Department is another local drop-off point.
http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_TPD-drug-take-back.jpgPhoto submitted The Tazewell Police Department is a local drop-off point for unwanted prescription drugs. Pictured is TPD Chief Mark Lamb. The Claiborne County Sheriff’s Department is another local drop-off point.

Special to the Claiborne Progress

Grand Jury indicts Poston

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A former Powell Valley Elementary School bookkeeper was indicted by the Claiborne County Grand Jury for allegedly embezzling school funds over a two-year period of time.

Teresa Poston, 58, is currently out on a $5,000 secured bond, which she obtained shortly after her arrest on April 17.

Poston allegedly stole at least $6,694 in funds generated through three methods. One of her schemes allegedly involved not recording and depositing cash collected by the school’s dance and cheer teams.

She allegedly stole money collected during a schoolwide fundraiser event, as well.

The third scheme allegedly involved substituting unrecorded checks for cash collections and pocketing the funds.

Poston apparently admitted to investigators that she had taken the cash for her own personal use. She officially resigned on Jan. 13 of this year.

According to the State Comptroller’s Office, there is ‘an extraordinarily high risk’ that Poston stole or misused additional school money. She allegedly created collection records from athletic events and fabricated teachers’ signatures on them. Poston allegedly counted, receipted and deposited the funds without anyone else verifying their accuracy.

“The key factor involved in so many of these cases is allowing one person to have total control of collecting, recording and depositing all of the money,” said comptroller Justin P. Wilson, with the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury.

The Grand Jury indicted Poston on one count of theft of property over $2,500.

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

Teresa Poston
http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Poston.jpgTeresa Poston
Former Powell Valley Elementary bookkeeper charged with embezzlement

By Jan Runions

jrunions@civitasmedia.com

Area Happenings

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

Driver License Safety Checkpoints

The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting driver license roadside safety checkpoints 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.

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.

Speedwell VFD Breakfast

The Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department Breakfast will be held April 22 from 7 a.m. until ? at Station No. 1 near Commercial Bank. There will be eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, gravy, milk, juice and soda. Come help support your fire department.

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.

Spring Clean Up for Tazewell

The week of April 24-28 is Spring Clean Up Fix Up Week for the Town of Tazewell residents. Please place all trash at curbside for pickup during this week. Keep regular weekly household trash in a separate pile. Place electronics in separate pile. No major appliances or hazardous materials will be picked up and there is a limit of four tires per household. No brush pick-up during this time. One scheduled pickup per household. Anything placed at curbside after noon on April 28 will not be picked up. You must call 423-626-7166 to request pickup.

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.

Rabies Clinics

Claiborne County Rabies Vaccination Clinics will be held April 29 at Livesay Middle School 2-2:45 p.m.; Commercial Bank in Speedwell 3:15-4 p.m.; May 6 at New Tazewell Citizens Bank 2-2:45 p.m.; Springdale School 3-3:45 p.m. The price is $10 for the one-year rabies vaccination for qualifying dogs and cats. Clinics are sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Health. Participating veterinarian: Michael Rowland, CVM. The clinics will be held rain or shine.

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.

Good Scout Award Dinner

The 2017 Claiborne Good Scout Award Dinner honoring Chancellor Elizabeth Asbury will be May 2 at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church in New Tazewell. The dinner is held to support Scouts of Claiborne County. Call Jeff Smith for more information and to RSVP at 865-237-9537.

Tazewell Planning Commission

The Town of Tazewell Planning Commission meeting on May 2 is rescheduled to May 9 at 7 p.m. The reschedule is for the month of May only and then the regular schedule will be resumed. The regular monthly meetings are the first Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Crazy Aunt Sadie’s Yard Sale

Crazy Aunt Sadie’s annual yard sale will be held in Cumberland Gap on May 13 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. There are 9’ x 18’ parking spaces available down the main street at $10 per space, $5 extra for electricity. You must bring your own table, tent and whatever you need to make your booth. Spaces are limited and reservations are recommended. Reserve your spot today by visiting the website https://www.crazyauntsadies.com/ There wil also be a Pancake Breakfast at $5 per plate. The space fee and pancake breakfast donations go to support the Cumberland Gap Volunteer Fire Department.

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.

Compiled by Marisa Anders

manders@civitasmedia.com

Church Events

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

Wolfenbarger Baptist Church

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

Grace Missionary Baptist Church

Revival services at Grace Missionary Baptist Church began 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.

Twin City Baptist Church

Teacher Appreciation Sunday will be May 7 at 11 a.m. We would like to invite you to this special service. It is designed to recognize and to encourage all those involved in teaching the next generation. Todd Peoples, Pastor, 1409 Tazewell Road, Tazewell. RSVP to Pastor.TwinCity@icloud.com or 423-626-2674 by April 28.

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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.

Compiled by Marisa Anders

manders@civitasmedia.com

A family affair

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A local family has started a new business that has been a lifelong dream for one member.

Jeff Pressnell’s dream, he said recently, has been to open his own florist and design arrangements. That dream was fulfilled at the first of the year when he and his siblings opened Pressnell Floral and Home Center.

They are holding a Grand Opening celebration on April 22 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. They’ll have food, live entertainment and a drawing for prizes.

The store, which is owned and operated by Jeff, his twin sister Jennifer Pressnell Maples and their brother Stanley, has a little bit of everything. It is a fully-stocked florist, with both fresh and silk arrangements. It also holds an abundance of home decor, from antiques and collectibles to furniture and water heaters.

They also stock jewelry, including large pendants, popular “snap” jewelry items and other unique pieces. The Precious Moments and Willow Tree Angel lines are available as well. Collectible knives can also be seen in their showcase.

“They go somewhere every weekend to get items,” said Jennifer, adding that there are different items available all the time. One could spend a good amount of time browsing the selection.

The family hopes to remain competitive with their prices.

“We’d love for people to come by and just see what we’ve got,” said Jeff. “We have a good variety at good prices.”

In addition to the business fulfilling a dream, it’s also something that can be handed down to Jeff’s son Joshua, they said.

“I want to give back to the community I grew up in too,” added Jeff. “I want to help people however I can.”

The business is located at 222 South Broad Street in New Tazewell, next to Mark’s Sandwich Shop. Before opening up, they had to completely renovate the building, which had been vacant for some time — much of which Stanley did, according to Jennifer. Stanley is retired and Jennifer still works full-time at another job in addition to helping at the store.

Free local delivery is available and delivery is available to other places at a charge, Jeff said.

Business hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday. They are closed on Sunday, but if a floral arrangement is needed Jeff is available via phone at 423-526-4189.

The store’s phone number is 423-526-6226. They take both debit and credit cards.

“We want everyone to come out and see us at our Grand Opening,” said Jeff.”

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

Marisa Anders | Claiborne Progress The store has an abundance of different items, including collectible knives.
http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Pressnell4.jpgMarisa Anders | Claiborne Progress The store has an abundance of different items, including collectible knives.
Marisa Anders | Claiborne Progress A local family has opened up business together. Pressnell Floral and Home Decor is owned and operated by family members from left, Stanley Pressnell, Joshua Pressnell, Jennifer Pressnell Maples and Jeff Pressnell. They are holding a Grand Opening celebration April 22.
http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Pressnell1.jpgMarisa Anders | Claiborne Progress A local family has opened up business together. Pressnell Floral and Home Decor is owned and operated by family members from left, Stanley Pressnell, Joshua Pressnell, Jennifer Pressnell Maples and Jeff Pressnell. They are holding a Grand Opening celebration April 22.
Marisa Anders | Claiborne Progress Pressnell Floral and Home Decor offers a variety of items, including fanned display quilts.
http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Pressnell2.jpgMarisa Anders | Claiborne Progress Pressnell Floral and Home Decor offers a variety of items, including fanned display quilts.
Marisa Anders | Claiborne Progress Jeff Pressnell’s lifelong dream, he said, has been to open up his own florist.
http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Pressnell3.jpgMarisa Anders | Claiborne Progress Jeff Pressnell’s lifelong dream, he said, has been to open up his own florist.

By Marisa Anders

manders@civitasmedia.com


Harrogate man arrested for threat

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An alleged knife threat led to the arrest of a Harrogate man recently.

According to a report from The Big One WRIL, Middlesboro Dispatch received a call of someone threatening a resident with a knife. The caller allegedly named Joshua Ryan Shackelford, 30, of Harrogate, as the suspect. The caller also stated that Shackelford had left the residence.

The citation states that Middlesboro Police Officer Jeremiah Johnson, on an earlier call at the west side location of McDonald’s, had observed Shackelford’s known girlfriend, Whitney Cain, recording video of the traffic stop. Johnson stated he believed Shackelford to be at that location.

Along with Johnson, Officers Quillen and Bradley made contact with Shackelford in regard to the current incident as well as outstanding warrants for allegedly trespassing on Middlesboro Housing Authority property while banned from the area since August of last year.

According to the report, Shackelford was in a vehicle and refused to comply with several orders to step out during the investigation, keeping his back to officers. Due to alleged non-compliance, Shackelford was forcibly removed from the vehicle and handcuffed.

During a search incident to arrest, the officers stated they found a spoon with residue field testing positive for methamphetamine and a syringe in Shackelford’s right front pocket. A search of the passenger seat where Shackelford had been sitting revealed a large stainless steel knife. The driver stated it had been left behind by a friend and was neither hers nor Shackelford’s.

Joshua Shackelford was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center and charged with first-degree possession of controlled substance, first offense (drug unspecified); buying/possessing drug paraphernalia; obstructing governmental operations; resisting arrest, second-degree disorderly conduct; and second-degree criminal trespassing.

An additional report from The Big One WRIL states that Officer Johnson arrested Shackleford’s girlfriend, Cain, Monday morning after a call came into Middlesboro Dispatch about a woman reporting a prowler around her home on East Lothbury Road.

The citation states that when Johnson arrived at the scene, Cain and another person, Robert Coffey, 33, of Middlesboro, were in the road near the home. Cain, 25, of Middlesboro, was allegedly found to be manifestly under the influence and Coffey was found to have outstanding warrants for his arrest. They were arrested and lodged in the Bell County Detention Center.

Cain was charged with possession of controlled substance (drug unspecified); buying/possessing drug paraphernalia; possession of marijuana; and public intoxication controlled substance (excluding alcohol).

Coffey was charged with unauthorized used of a motor vehicle, first offense; operating on a suspended or revoked operator’s license; failure to produce insurance card; child support issues; and he was served two warrants.

Robert Coffey
http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Robert-Coffey.jpgRobert Coffey
Joshua Shackelford
http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Shackelford.jpgJoshua Shackelford
Whitney Cain
http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Whitney-Cain.jpgWhitney Cain
Girlfriend later arrested in separate incident

Staff Report

Professor, sports writer attacked

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A well-known sports writer, photographer and Daily News contributor was attacked at his home the morning of April 12, according to a report from the Middlesboro Police Department and The Big One WRIL.

Jamie Vaught, who is a professor at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, was awakened along with his wife around 4:30 a.m. by their dog, which was inside, barking at something outside their home, states the report.

Vaught went to his front door and opened it to see what the the dog was barking at. The report states that a male suspect then stabbed Vaught three times in his neck and chest. The two struggled briefly and the suspect fled on foot.

The suspect was later identified as Harold Hatfield, also known as VonRoyce Hatfield, according to reports.

The MPD issued a warrant for Hatfield on Friday charging him with first-degree assault. Police say Hatfield lives in the same neighborhood as Vaught but they feel he left Middlesboro shortly after the attack.

Vaught talked with The Big One the day after the incident and said he received stitches as a result of the attack, but he is doing well.

“He also says thank you to everyone who has reached out to him during this time and for all the prayers,” the report states.

WRIL states it has spoken to two people who know Hatfield personally; they say he is allegedly a “skilled Marine and should be considered a threat,” which is similar to what the MPD released.

The public is warned that if anyone sees Harold Hatfield, do not engage him. You are advised to call 911 immediately as he has been entered into the national “wanted person” database. You can also call the Middlesboro Police Department at 606-248-3636.

Middlesboro Police Officer Joel Quillen is in charge of this investigation. He is assisted by Lt. Tom Busic and Officer Michael Bradley.

Harold Hatfield, a.k.a. VonRoyce Hatfield, is being sought in connection with the alleged assault on a man in the early morning hours of April 12.
http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Vaught-attacker-1.jpgHarold Hatfield, a.k.a. VonRoyce Hatfield, is being sought in connection with the alleged assault on a man in the early morning hours of April 12.
Harold Hatfield, a.k.a. VonRoyce Hatfield, is being sought in connection with the alleged assault on a man in the early morning hours of April 12.
http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Vaught-attacker-2.jpgHarold Hatfield, a.k.a. VonRoyce Hatfield, is being sought in connection with the alleged assault on a man in the early morning hours of April 12.
Suspect still at large

Special to the Claiborne Progress

School board consolidates committee meetings

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The Claiborne school board has agreed to consolidate its various committee meetings into a regularly-scheduled one. Vice-chairman Shannon England suggested the idea during a discussion in which a specific time would have been set for the property committee meeting.

The full school board will meet ‘in committee’ on the fourth Thursday of each month, beginning at 6 p.m., inside the Central Office conference room. The next one will be held on April 27.

The public is invited to attend these monthly committee meetings.

Pinnacle Performance was added to the agenda during the opening moments of the board meeting last week. Pinnacle athletic trainers Sarah Bean and Mara Brock spent a bit of time discussing their roles.

Bean spoke of the seriousness of repeat concussions.

“A concussion is more than a bump to the head. It is a traumatic brain injury which should always be taken seriously. In the event a student athlete is suspected of having a systemic concussion, Tennessee state law requires that the athlete be removed from play until it has been determined that the athlete does not have a concussion,” said Bean.

Removing the player prevents Second-Impact Syndrome, a very serious condition that could cause catastrophic consequences, she said.

Bean pointed to a recent incident, highlighted in an article concerning a North Carolina athlete who was returned to play before the concussive symptoms had subsided.

“Unfortunately, for the athlete and his parents, the athlete passed away that night,” said Bean.

Research suggests that injuries occur more often during practice sessions than during actual games, she said.

Bean praised the Claiborne school system for its willingness to allow student Lincoln Memorial University trainers to receive hands-on clinical experience during school games. The practice has improved the quality of the college’s sports medicine training, she said.

“If our county did not have certified athlete trainers, the Committee on Accreditation for Athletic Training Education would not allow the athletic training students to join Claiborne County schools and gain that valuable clinical experience,” said Bean.

The problem, she said, is delegating enough time to each of the various ball teams to become acquainted with the individual players and their particular health issues. The Pinnacle trainers have just 25 training hours allotted to them, she said.

Brock spoke of ongoing efforts to acquire donated supplies so that the county and the athlete parents do not have to pay for athletic tape, boots and other injury related items.

According to Brock, the owner of Pinnacle Performance recently donated over $500 in supplies to assist in the school program.

The company is now utilizing an online electronic medical records system, free of charge, that allows the trainers, parents, coaches and athletes to track their records.

A mini-grant from the American Heart Association is allowing both women to hold classes in emergency training. Once the classes are over, Brock said the school system will be able to keep those supplies, which include CPR ‘dolls’ and training videos.

Bean and Brock have created policy and procedure manuals, now installed at both high schools. The manuals will prevent any confusion in protocol in the event of an injury while on campus.

“So far, I have evaluated at the Gap, over 70 different injuries. Four of them were concussions, I referred to the ER,” said Brock.

Others, she said, were directed to physical therapy or to various orthopedic clinics.

Both women are graduates of the Claiborne school system and attained their degrees via LMU.

In other action, the board unanimously approved a motion to allow all grade levels to view a video on blood-borne pathogens.

The school system will be asking permission to re-appropriate $14,000 in grant funds that, if approved, will be used to purchase a mower. Claiborne High School has some 50 acres of grounds to keep clipped and just one mower to do so, according to CHS principal T. J. Sewell.

Clairfield Elementary School won the attendance award for the third time in as many months, pulling down a 94.8 percent attendance rate.

The Alpha School came in second, with a 93.5 average percentile.

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

Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress The Claiborne School Board recognized four students who recently attended the Tennessee School Board Association (TSBA) SCOPE Conference. Sarah Bailey, pictured, Corley Rogers, Alexis Evans and Preston England received plaques to mark their trip to the annual event.
http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Sarah-Bailey-pic.jpgJan Runions | Claiborne Progress The Claiborne School Board recognized four students who recently attended the Tennessee School Board Association (TSBA) SCOPE Conference. Sarah Bailey, pictured, Corley Rogers, Alexis Evans and Preston England received plaques to mark their trip to the annual event.
Hears from athletic trainers

By Jan Runions

jrunions@civitasmedia.com

ROHO fundraiser coming up

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Named after famous celebrity personality Archie Campbell, the ROHO organization has been in operation since 1965 and have been active in Middlesboro ever since. As an offshoot of The Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) the ROHOs are a group of dedicated gentlemen who strive to provide opportunities to local disadvantaged schoolchildren.

This year marks the 47th annual fishing derby and fundraising campaign. Held at the Beach Island Resort and Marina/Bubba Brew’s Sports Pub & Grill in Union County, the tournament will be take place on May 6 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and May 7 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 each or $130 for 30 tickets. Each contestant is eligible to win door prizes as well cash prizes.

The money raised from ticket sales will go toward an early December Christmas shopping spree for 370 children at the Middlesboro Walmart. The children were selected by faculty from 29 schools in five counties, including Claiborne. The children will be allotted $110 for new clothes and $40 for toys, totalling $150 each. As well as the money, the children will also receive a new pair of shoes courtesy of a generous local business. The children will be attended by adult volunteers from local schools, businesses and civic organizations.

The ROHO fishing derby and fundraising campaign is a time honored tradition for the community as well as a wonderful chance to give back and help those in need. You can purchase tickets from the Beach Island Marina, Rigsby Bait and Tackle, East End Pawn, Shylock’s Pawn Shop-Tazewell, Larry Carter at LMU, Rusty Peace at LMU, Kenneth Wilson Auto, First State Financial, Hillcrest Lanes, Tri-State Outfitters, Lost Creek Campground, Imperial Bait and Tackle, Pappy’s, Jim Brown Supply, Raymond Caylor-Tazewell, Long’s Pic Pac-Pineville, and Tuttle’s Grocery on Hwy 63. Tickets are also available from any ROHO member.

For more information on sponsors, participating schools and businesses contact ROHO Charitable Trust, Inc. at 606-248-3047 or visit their website at www.rohofishing.org.

Reach Tyler Eschberger at 606-248-1010 ext. 1126.

Ray Welch | Daily News Powell Valley Elementary School Kindergartner Kaitlin Brooks hugs a doll from Disney’s Frozen as part of her RoHo Christmas wish list. Brooks took part in last year’s festivities.
http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_thumbnail_DSC_9082web.jpgRay Welch | Daily News Powell Valley Elementary School Kindergartner Kaitlin Brooks hugs a doll from Disney’s Frozen as part of her RoHo Christmas wish list. Brooks took part in last year’s festivities.

By Tyler Eschberger

teschberger@civitasmedia.com

Criminal violators returned to custody

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Claiborne Criminal Court Judge E. Shayne Sexton recently found the following individuals in violation of their supervised release and remanded them into custody.

James Owens was previously convicted of attempted burglary and received a two-year sentence, which was suspended and which was to be supervised by TDOC. He was found guilty of violating the terms of his release and was sentenced to serve his two-year sentence in TDOC custody.

Donnie Seals was previously convicted of the charges of attempted rape and incest, and received an effective six-year sentence which was suspended and which was to be supervised by TDOC. He was found guilty of violating the terms of his release and was sentenced to serve his six-year sentence in TDOC custody.

Michael Hash was previously convicted of the charge of promotion of methamphetamine manufacture, and received a four-year sentence, which was suspended and which was to be supervised by TDOC. He was found guilty of violating the terms of his release and was sentenced to serve his four-year sentence in TDOC custody.

Curtis Russell was previously convicted of the charge of attempted introduction of contraband into a penal facility, and received a two-year sentence, which was suspended and which was to be supervised by TDOC. He was found guilty of violating the terms of his release and was sentenced to serve his two-year sentence in the custody of TDOC.

The violators were prosecuted by the Office of the 8th District Attorney General Jared Effler.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_gavel-2-1.jpg

Special to the Claiborne Progress

Public Records

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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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Patricia Ann Collins – aggravated domestic assault, possession of a schedule III drugs, driving on a suspended license

Jimmy Caleb Posey – domestic assault

Michael David Reece – domestic assault

Eddie Ray Lawson – possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, simple possession, accessory after the fact, vandalism under $1,000, two counts of theft over $1,000, capias/bench warrant for theft of merchandise (shoplifting)

Stacy Dawn Wright – driving under the influence, criminal impersonation, driving on a revoked license

Raymond Leonard – driving under the influence

Kathy Ann Lefevers – filing a false report

Kimberly Sherice Stevenson – criminal trespassing

Kenneth Tracy Noe – evading arrest, theft of property (motor vehicle) over $1,000, simple possession of a schedule II drugs, two counts of attempted theft over $500, violations of probation for evading arrest and two counts attempted theft over $500

Joshua Dwight Carnes – possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest, violation of probation for driving under the influence (second offense)

David Ray Miracle – the sale and delivery of a schedule II drugs

Adam Lee Ogle – theft of merchandise up to $1,000

Herbert Ricky Irvin – outstanding child support attachment

Ricky Marvin Shackles – violations of probation for possession of a prohibited weapon and criminal trespassing, failure to appear for possession of a weapon, criminal trespassing and public intoxication

Caleb Jessee Lee Robbins – violations of probation for burglary and theft over $1,000

Elizabeth Kathrine May Hensley – violations of probation for possession of a schedule II drugs, resisting arrest and public intoxication, failure to appear for resisting arrest, possession of a schedule II drugs and public intoxication

Christie Lynn Leach – violation of probation for possession of a schedule IV drugs, failure to appear for possession of a schedule IV drugs

Camilla Diane Brown – violations of probation for three counts of theft over $1,000 and one count each of theft over $10,000 and theft over $500

Mary Lee Birnbaum – violations of probation for driving on a suspended license, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of the financial responsibility law, failure to appear for contributing to the delinquency of a minor, possession of a schedule II and a schedule IV drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on a revoked or suspended license and violations of the light, registration and financial responsibility laws, new charges of driving on a revoked license and violation of the light law

Cynthia Irene Collett – failure to appear for assault, theft of property under $500, theft involving merchandise under $500 and driving on a suspended license, violations of probation for theft over $1,000, theft under $500 and driving on a suspended license

Jolynne Louise Mills – failure to appear for possession of a schedule II drugs

Anna Marie Painter – failure to appear for violations of the seat belt, registration and financial responsibility laws

Angela Denice Johnson – failure to appear for violation of the financial responsibility law

Matthew Daniel Painter – driving on a suspended license (second offense)

>>>>>>>

New Tazewell Police Dept.

>>>>>>>

Aaron Tyler Payne – harboring/hiding a child, contributing to the delinquency of a minor

Brandon Wayne Powell – felony evading arrest, driving on a suspended license

Brett M. Short – speeding 52/30

James D. Brown – speeding 51/30

Dolan Todd Kirk – speeding 63/45

Bradley L. H. Ray – violation of the safety belt law (driver)

Jason Lynn Tate – violations of the traffic control device and financial responsibility laws

Gloria Deanna Hipshire – violation of the traffic control device law

Kateland A. Williams – violation of the traffic control device law

Theresa Lynn Ingram – failure to yield traffic right of way

Tammy Sue Webb – violation of the handicapped parking law

William Eugene Sizemore – possession of a schedule III drugs, driving on a suspended license, violation of the financial responsibility law

Michael David Smith – possession of a schedule II drugs for resale

Angel Nicole June (Glenn) Coffman – theft over $1,000, violations of probation

Anita Latricia Roesch – two outstanding child support attachments, violation of probation for attempted introduction of contraband into a penal facility, failure to appear for resisting arrest, theft of merchandise over $500, violation of the seat belt law and public intoxication

Scarlette Lea Whitaker – outstanding child support attachment, shoplifting

Lindsey B. Hatfield – driving on a suspended license, violation of the financial responsibility law

>>>>>>>

Tazewell Police Dept.

>>>>>>>

Adam Franklin Payne – passing a worthless check over $2,500 (felony)

Danny Alan Wilcoxson – possession of a schedule I, a schedule II, a schedule III and a schedule IV drugs for resale, possession of drug paraphernalia

Cordelia Wallace – revoked bond, disorderly conduct

Joey Lee Sincell – violations of probation for two counts of forgery, three counts of theft under $500 and one count each theft of property under $10,000 and escape

Jessica N. Caddell – speeding 69/45

Arthur P. Agarunov – speeding 68/45

Joseph Michael Barrett – speeding 67/45

Brandon James Jackson – speeding 67/45 (commercial vehicle)

Walter H. Barrier – speeding 65/45

Travis David Carpenter – speeding 50/30

Travis Shane Nobel – speeding 64/45

Tommy Joe Turner – speeding 64/45

Larry R. Norton – speeding 64/45

Nabila Patel – speeding 64/45

Tammy Michelle Collins – speeding 63/45

Robert Chris Davis III – speeding 60/45

Patricia Turner – driving on a suspended license

Tyler Shane Hatmaker – violation of the financial responsibility law

Jacob Eldon Johnson – violation of the financial responsibility law

Jeffrey Eugene Madison – disorderly conduct

>>>>>>>

Tennessee Hwy. Patrol

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Curtis Edward Rowlett – driving under the influence, failure to maintain traffic lane, violation of the financial responsibility law

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CLARIFICATION: The Jeffrey Lewis listed in the Aug. 12 issue of the Records is not the Jeffrey Lewis who is employed with First State Financial.

>>>>>>>

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Public-Records-3.jpg

Compiled by Jan Runions

jrunions@civitasmedia.com

Against the abuse

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A child’s biggest worry should be who to sit with at the lunch table, which game to play during recess or learning their multiplication tables; however, thousands of innocent children are being forced to deal with bigger worries every day — adult feelings and emotions because of an abuser.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the serious reality of this is the many forms abuse can take — sexual, mental, verbal or physical. Abusers come in all shapes and sizes — strangers or trusted adults, women or men, young adults or senior citizens.

Tracy Crable is a Claiborne County resident who suffered from sexual abuse as a child. Now, her time is spent advocating for those who have suffered from abuse and speaking out against the abusers’ actions.

Crable’s abuse started when she was a toddler.

“It happened repeatedly. The (abuser) would single me out and tell me that I was special. He would take me into the bathroom or another room in the house while he told other kids not to bother us,” said Crable.

The abuser forced her to touch his genitalia and, when she told other children in the house, they told her it was part of a game they played.

“I felt bad about these things — confused but I didn’t realize it was abuse until years later,” said Crable. “It robbed me of my childhood and my innocence. I knew too much about adult things and was afraid everyone could tell. I thought there was something wrong with me.”

Crable believes the best way to help a child who might be abused is to listen to their story. She also believes the best thing a child can do if they have been abused is to tell a trusted adult who is willing to listen.

“As an adult, if you feel like something is amiss, don’t just ask once and then drop it. It takes a lot of courage for a child to tell about this — even if you think it won’t, it does,” said Crable. “Always believe your child. Don’t say anything that would hint that you don’t completely believe them and get them in with a good childhood trauma counselor.”

The Blue Ribbon Project is a non-profit organization geared toward the prevention of child abuse and support for those who have been abused. For more information about awareness and healing, visit www.blueribbonproject.org.

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

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_April-childabuseprevention.jpg
Local woman speaks out

By Kelsey Gerhardt

kgerhardt@civitasmedia.com


Celebration of Easter Miracles

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Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College’s Middlesboro campus hosted its third consecutive “Celebration of Easter Miracles” recently.

Approximately 130 students from Middlesboro Elementary, Ellen Myers, St. Julian, and H.Y. Livesay schools were in attendance to meet with the Easter Bunny who paid a special visit to the egg hunt held on campus.

This event is held in honor of Sheila Miracle, a former professor at the college who originally envisioned and began organizing it years ago in addition to similar ones for local school children held at Halloween and Christmas.

The events are now co-sponsored by her daughter, Lauren Wilson, who is a doctor of physical therapy employed at Claiborne Medical Center in Tazewell, and by Jeannie Hayes, human resources at Middlesboro SKCTC.

Miracle’s family and a number of volunteers at the college sponsored the Easter celebration and are looking forward to this year’s Candy Harvest and Christmas Miracles celebrations.

Photo submitted The annual Celebration of Easter Miracles event was recently held on the Middlesboro, Kentucky, campus of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College.
http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Southeast-Egg-Hunt.jpgPhoto submitted The annual Celebration of Easter Miracles event was recently held on the Middlesboro, Kentucky, campus of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College.

Special to the Claiborne Progress

Claiborne Grand Jury returns indictments

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The Claiborne Grand Jury returned several indictments during its April session.

James David Redmond, 52, was indicted on one count each of attempted second degree murder and possession of a handgun while under the influence during events allegedly occurring on Sept. 2.

A true bill was returned on Felicia LeAnn Watkins, 30, charged with violation of the sexual offender registry. Watkins allegedly violated the provisions of the Tennessee Sexual Offender and Violent Sexual Offender Registration Verification and Tracking Act of 2004, during an event allegedly occurring on Oct. 17 of last year.

The Grand Jury indicted Justin Adam Hopson, 31, on charges of domestic assault and theft under $500 during events allegedly occurring on Jan. 20 and Nov. 18.

Under two true bills, Chasity Rouse, 23, was indicted on a total three counts of forgery from events allegedly occurring on Sept. 2 and Oct. 31.

Tony Brown, 51, was indicted on two counts of reckless endangerment and one count each of leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, evading arrest, failure to yield right-of-way, driving on roadways lined for traffic and violation of the financial responsibility law during events allegedly occurring on June 4.

A true bill was returned on Charles Lewis Jones, 25, for driving under the influence (second offense) during an event allegedly occurring on June 25.

The Grand Jury indicted Dylan DeWayne Williams, 20, on two counts of aggravated burglary and one count each of theft over $10,000 and theft over $1,000 during events allegedly occurring on May 1 and May 15 of last year.

Under two true bills, Heather Nicole Twigg, 28, was indicted on one count each of aggravated burglary, theft over $1,000 and possession of a schedule IV controlled substance during events allegedly occurring on Jan. 13 and Oct. 5.

Justin Webb, 30, was indicted on one count each of auto burglary, obstruction of law enforcement (preventing a service of process) and theft over $1,000 during events allegedly occurring on Sept. 21 and June 23 of last year.

The Grand Jury returned an indictment on Bob Edward Widner Jr., 40, charged with one count each of burglary and theft over $1,000 during events allegedly occurring on Oct. 28.

A true bill was returned on Tiffany Ann Slezak, 27, indicted on one count of theft over $1,000 during a series of events allegedly occurring from Sept. 12 to Sept. 24.

Brandon Wayne Powell, 39, was indicted under two true bills for driving on a suspended license, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of the child restraint device law during events allegedly occurring on May 21 and May 27 of last year.

An indictment does not indicate guilt. It does indicate that the Grand Jury found enough evidence to warrant turning the case over for trial.

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

By Jan Runions

jrunions@civitasmedia.com

Remembering a pioneer

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It was mid-April, 1750, when a distinguished physician-explorer and five companions discovered what is today Cumberland Gap. The physician was Dr. Thomas Walker, a name familiar to residents of the Tri-State area surrounding the gap. Perhaps not as familiar to other parts of the country as Daniel Boone, who twenty-five years later with thirty axmen assisting him blazed the Wilderness Road and passed through the Gap in 1775.

Dr. Walker’s explorations resulted in his choosing the name the Cumberland River in honor of England’s Duke of Cumberland, a popular national military hero of the time and son on King George II of Great Britain. Prior to this journey, the river had been known as the Shawnee River by the last permanent Indian residents in the region. Hunters following this venture would name the mountains and the gap “Cumberland.”

From that point, cities and towns, colleges and schools, and streets and avenues would bear the name so that Cumberland became a common part of the geography and the history of a growing nation.

Dr. Walker kept a detailed journal of the discoveries by the first known group of white men to seek promising lands for the future of the country and its citizens. He referred, for instance, to the “gap cave” where he and his associates rested. The cave was generally known as the “Cumberland Gap Cave” for years, then as “King Solomon’s Cave” until early in the twentieth century when it was called “Cudjo’s Cave,” a name that lasted until The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park reverted to the name “Gap Cave.”

The cave was believed by many to be the locale for a Civil War novel by J. T. Trowbridge which he titled “Cudjo’s Cave.” The book was published in 1863, but historians believe that the author never visited the region and that Cudjo, an escaped East Tennessee slave, was a fictional character.

Not far from the gap is the Thomas Walker High School, near Ewing in Lee County, Virginia. The students who participate in school sports there are known as Pioneers.

At Barbourville in Knox County, Kentucky, the successes of the explorer are incorporated in the Dr. Thomas Walker State Historic Site. Dr. Walker built the first cabin in what is now Kentucky, and a replica of that cabin stands on the site today.

In Pineville, there is a much different venue that was established in 1931 to pay tribute to the first frontiersman in what is now the Blue Grass State. Mrs. Annie Walker Burns advocated a festival as a way to honor her famous ancestor, Dr. Thomas Walker. As a result, the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival was inaugurated to accomplish that goal. This year in late May that festival will be celebrating its 87th year as a major attraction for Pineville, Bell County, the Tri-State area, and indeed for the State of Kentucky.

Within the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park visitors find a Thomas Walker Trail and a Thomas Walker Parking Area, designated to honor the surveyor who in mid-April, 1750 “…became the first white man to explore, describe, and document the route to the gap.”

The legacy of the man lives on for the thousands who will visit this year and for the generations to come who will be able to follow Dr. Thomas Walker’s footsteps through the gap.

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

By William Baker

Contributing Writer

PV homecoming royalty crowned

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Photo submitted

Powell Valley Middle School’s homecoming activities were a success. Miss Emily McNew, center left, was crowned the 2016-17 Sports Queen. She is the daughter of Kenneth and Jenny McNew. Emily was escorted by Jake Osborne, the son of Brent and Kelly Osborne.

Miss Brett Asbury, center right, was crowned 2016-17 Homecoming Queen. She is the daughter of Rob and Laura Asbury. She was escorted by Aiden Shankleton, the son of Joe and Heather Meyer and the late Jeff Milosch. Congratulations to everyone!

Photo submitted Powell Valley Middle School’s homecoming activities were a success. Miss Emily McNew, center left, was crowned the 2016-17 Sports Queen. She is the daughter of Kenneth and Jenny McNew. Emily was escorted by Jake Osborne, the son of Brent and Kelly Osborne. Miss Brett Asbury, center right, was crowned 2016-17 Homecoming Queen. She is the daughter of Rob and Laura Asbury. She was escorted by Aiden Shankleton, the son of Joe and Heather Meyer and the late Jeff Milosch. Congratulations to everyone!
http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_PV-Sports-Queen.jpegPhoto submitted Powell Valley Middle School’s homecoming activities were a success. Miss Emily McNew, center left, was crowned the 2016-17 Sports Queen. She is the daughter of Kenneth and Jenny McNew. Emily was escorted by Jake Osborne, the son of Brent and Kelly Osborne. Miss Brett Asbury, center right, was crowned 2016-17 Homecoming Queen. She is the daughter of Rob and Laura Asbury. She was escorted by Aiden Shankleton, the son of Joe and Heather Meyer and the late Jeff Milosch. Congratulations to everyone!

Hot wooden art

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When adding heat to wood, many would think of a campfire — used for warmth, making s’mores or even heating a home. When New Tazewell resident Jennifer Grana adds heat to wood she creates beautiful, intricate artwork through the technique of pyrography, or wood burning.

The art has been around for hundreds of years and was originally used to decorate and customize wooden instruments. More modernly, electric metal pens or soldering irons are used to burn even finer lines into the piece of artwork.

Grana purchased a wood burning kit while in college and was encouraged by friends and family to give it a try.

“I saw a kit one day and decided to try it. I enjoy experimenting with different mediums and I adapted quickly to wood burning,” said Grana.

She appreciates the texture of wood in artwork and has perfected the inconsistencies in her pieces.

“I enjoy some of the unpredictability of the medium. You can only plan so much for a design in wood burning,” said Grana. “The texture and type of wood as well as the heat and pressure of the tool are all contributing factors that impact the overall outcome of the final product.”

In wood burning the artist typically takes a flat, sanded cross-section of wood and burns images or designs onto the wood using a soldering iron. The artist typically uses a pattern applied to the wood for the design, or the design can be free-handed.

“I enjoy intricate line designs over realistic subject matter in my wood burning artwork,” said Grana.

In her wood burning, Grana uses more abstract ideas and geometric work. Her pieces can be purchased at the Cumberland Gap Artists’ Co-op.

Grana, originally from Zion, Illinois, also enjoys landscape painting, drawing, gardening and writing. She works from home as an assistant designer for Walt Disney World Creative Costuming.

Grana and her husband, who is also an artist, have been married for 10 years and they have a 9-year-old daughter.

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

Photo submitted New Tazewell resident Jennifer Grana is a wood burning artist with several years of experience. She has her artwork for sale at the Cumberland Gap Artist Co-op.
http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_woodburn.jpgPhoto submitted New Tazewell resident Jennifer Grana is a wood burning artist with several years of experience. She has her artwork for sale at the Cumberland Gap Artist Co-op.
Local artist uses woodburning to showcase her talent

By Kelsey Gerhardt

kgerhardt@civitasmedia.com

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