Photo submitted

Happy 90th birthday to Marie Lane! Sunday afternoon, May 21, Marie and her family will celebrate. Marie said she has enjoyed every year of a wonderful, healthy, happy life, blessed by God in every way and she is praying for many more. The family is looking forward to a great day of celebration with Marie — happy birthday and many more!

Photo submitted Happy 90th birthday to Marie Lane! Sunday afternoon, May 21, Marie and her family will celebrate. Marie said she has enjoyed every year of a wonderful, healthy, happy life, blessed by God in every way and she is praying for many more. The family is looking forward to a great day of celebration with Marie — happy birthday and many more!

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Marie-Lane-90th-bday.jpgPhoto submitted Happy 90th birthday to Marie Lane! Sunday afternoon, May 21, Marie and her family will celebrate. Marie said she has enjoyed every year of a wonderful, healthy, happy life, blessed by God in every way and she is praying for many more. The family is looking forward to a great day of celebration with Marie — happy birthday and many more!

Photo submitted

Raymond and Ann Collins of New Tazewell celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary with family and friends on May 1. They were married on May 1, 1943 by Justice Parsons.

Photo submitted Raymond and Ann Collins of New Tazewell celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary with family and friends on May 1. They were married on May 1, 1943 by Justice Parsons.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Collins-74th-Anniversary-photo-page-0.jpgPhoto submitted Raymond and Ann Collins of New Tazewell celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary with family and friends on May 1. They were married on May 1, 1943 by Justice Parsons.

Lincoln Memorial University School of Business doctoral student Maria Haun, of Knoxville, gained a seat in the 10th class of the Greater Knoxville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.

The Greater Knoxville Business Journal 40 Under 40 honors 40 individuals younger than 40 years of age who are leaving an imprint on the Knoxville area through their professional and philanthropic efforts. The group of individuals range from physicians, lawyers, bankers, entrepreneurs and more.

Haun serves as the chief marketing officer at Commercial Bank. In that role, she has managed a rebranding for the bank. Haun has developed a new logo, tagline, mission statement and expanded community outreach. Under her direction in marketing, Commercial Bank has sponsored the annual Phillip Fulmer Golf Tournament to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, The Philip Fulmer Roast benefiting Second Harvest, the American Heart Association in Tri-Cities, Alzheimer’s Tennessee and supported WWE wrestler Kane’s anti-bullying campaigns in schools through the Kindness Revolution.

“I’m proud because what we set out to do as a team for Commercial Bank is being accomplished. With the rebrand, we focused on the good that Commercial Bank does because that is the heart of the company and every employee that works here,” Haun said. “If I am being recognized for such things, it is because we as a team are accomplishing them, no one person can do it on their own.”

Haun began her career as an assistant regional manager for DeVry University in 2000 where her talent for marketing developed. While there, she gained experience in rebranding companies and leading corporate marketing strategies for a range of businesses. She ran her own marketing consulting business prior to joining Commercial Bank in May of 2015. The bank tasked Haun with exploring a new brand and building a stronger market presence in the communities of East Tennessee and Kentucky.

Haun earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from LMU and is currently pursuing a doctorate of business administration from LMU.

The School of Business faculty is proud to see Maria’s career achievements recognized by the Greater Knoxville Business Journal,” DBA Program Director Jacob Fait said. “She has dedicated herself as a lifelong learner. It is exciting to watch her take lessons and theory from our DBA program and apply them to her work at Commercial Bank.”

Marketing was not always in the plan for Haun, who aspired to be a cardiologist before realizing her dream came with a very emotional side of medicine and she switched gears to concentrate on her creative background. “I have always been creative with drawing, painting murals, designing floral arrangements and enjoyed interior design so I decided to look into something that could use those talents” said Haun.

Haun is a MarCom Platinum Award recipient (2016), MarCom Gold Award recipient (2013, 2016), Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals member, American Marketing Association member, Graphic Design USA member (2013), and a AMA Crystal Award finalist (2013).

Future goals for Haun include finishing her own book on marketing strategy and completing her doctorate in December of 2018. With the degree from LMU, she aspires to teach others to be proactive in their management, business strategy, marketing and company growth. Haun currently resides in Knoxville with her husband, Robby, and three daughters, Sydney, Kendyl and Blakely.

Maria Haun

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Maria-Haun.jpgMaria Haun

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.

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. Remaining school registration dates and times: Ellen Myers, May 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; TNT, May 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tri-State Youth Choir

The Tri-State Youth Choir is now performing in local churches and raising funds for their summer mission trip. 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: May 21, New Beginning Baptist and May 28, Pump Springs Baptist Church. All performances begin at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend the performances and activities.

Benefit Event For Kristie Shell

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 and family for medical expenses.

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 May 25. 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.

McDowell Reunion

The McDowell Reunion will be held May 27 from noon until ?? at the residence of Carolyn McNew, 1559 Back Valley Road, Speedwell. For more info, call Carolyn at 865-278-0539 or Roy at 423-851-2932.

Greer’s Chapel School Reunion

The reunion will be May 27 at 10:30 a.m. Bring a covered dish and drink. Everyone is welcome.

Driver License Safety Checkpoints

The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting driver license roadside safety checkpoints during the week of May 28-June 3, on State Route 33 and Cave Springs Road, in Claiborne County. Recognizing the danger presented to the public by unqualified drivers, Troopers will concentrate their efforts on vehicles being operated by drivers who would violate the driver license laws of Tennessee. The Tennessee Highway Patrol has found these driver license roadside safety checkpoints to be an effective means of enforcing driver license laws of Tennessee while ensuring the protection of all motorists.

Bass Tournament

Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice First Annual Bass Tournament will be held June 3 at Brogan Hollow Boat Ramp in New Tazewell from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. All proceeds go to Relay For Life. There will be awards for winners – first place will receive $500, second place will receive $300 and third place will receive $200. An entry fee of $50 per boat must accompany the registration form on the day of tournament. You can register the day of the tournament. an additional $10 you can enter the big fish contest. Call 423-626-2622 for more information.

DAV Meeting

DAV Chapter 35 is meeting June 6. We would like to encourage all members to attend.

Benefit Motorcycle Ride

There will be a benefit motorcycle ride for Mary Muse of Harrogate on June 17. There is no charge to ride; participants are encouraged to give a donation from the heart. The ride will begin and end at TN Iron Cycle Sales, 527 Main St., Ste. 16, New Tazewell – the indoor flea market. There will be door prizes and live music provided by the TN Iron Band starting at 7:30 p.m. A hot dog or BBQ sandwich, chips and drink will be available for $5. All proceeds will go to Muse, who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer, for medical bills and expenses. In case of rain the ride will be postponed until June 24.

New Tazewell Public Meeting

The Town of New Tazewell will hold a public meeting on June 20 at 6 p.m. at New Tazewell City Hall, 413 First Avenue. The purpose of the meeting is to have a workshop to review the 2017-2018 fiscal year operating budget. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting and make their comments known.

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 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.

American Legion Post #109

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

Arthur Community Center Association

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

Bee Friends

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

Beginner’s Computer Class

The Claiborne County Public Library is hosting a beginner’s computer class at the Harrogate Senior Citizens Center every other Friday at 1 p.m. For more information call the library at 423-626-5414.

City of Harrogate Meetings

The following meetings are held at Harrogate City Hall, 138 Harrogate Crossing: Board of Mayor and Aldermen – fourth Monday each month at 6 p.m.; Work Sessions – each month on the Tuesday prior to the BMA meetings, at 6 p.m.; Parks and Recreation Committee – second Monday of the month at 6 p.m., on an as-needed basis; Planning Commission – second Monday each month at 6:30 p.m. The Book Station Committee meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. at the Harrogate Book Station, 310 Bristol Road. All meetings are open to the public.

Cumberland Gap Meetings

The regular monthly meetings for the Cumberland Gap Historical Zoning Commission will be held the first Tuesday (following the first Monday) of every month at 7 p.m. at the Cumberland Gap Town Hall, 330 Colwyn Street Cumberland Gap (if no items are to be discussed a meeting will not be held). The public is invited to attend.

The regular monthly meetings for the Cumberland Gap Planning Commission will be held the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Cumberland Gap Town, 330 Colwyn Street Cumberland Gap (if no items are to be discussed a meeting will not be held). The public is invited to attend.

The regular monthly meetings for the Town of Cumberland Gap Board of Mayor and Alderman will be held the first Monday evening of every month at 7 p.m. at the Cumberland Gap Town Hall, 330 Colwyn Street, Cumberland Gap. The Cumberland Gap Beer Board meeting follows the board meeting each month. At least one week before the regular scheduled meeting the board meets in a study session to review and finalize the agenda. That meeting starts at 6 p.m. and is usually held the Monday before the regular scheduled meeting. Both meetings are open to the public.

Free Adult High School Classes

The Claiborne County Adult High School is now offering free classes for students to earn credits to receive their Tennessee state high school diploma. Flexible scheduling is available for both day and evening classes. For more information, contact the Adult High School at 423-626-8222.

Free Spay and Neuter

The Animal Welfare League of Claiborne County is sponsoring a free spay/neuter for dogs and cats in the Claiborne County area for families with income less than $30,000 per year, depending upon the number of people in the household. Pick up applications at Harrogate Hospital for Animals, Russell Veterinary Services or Rowland Veterinary Services. You can also request spay applications at awlccspay@gmail.com . Complete application, including proof of income and mail to AWLCC, 200 Hatfield Morgan Lane, New Tazewell, TN 37825 or scan/email to email address above. Be sure to include a phone number.

Free Tech Classes at Library

Need help with technology? Would you like to learn more about your mobile device? You can now schedule an appointment at the Claiborne County Public Library for free help sessions. The library will be able to help with the following: Computers, tablets, phones, use of apps, etc.

Come prepared with: The device you need help with; any necessary usernames and passwords needed to access your device and/or accounts; the device fully charged, if not, please bring a charger; questions and/or concerns about your device.

The library staff will not: Run diagnostics; troubleshoot or fix any malfunctioning devices (unless related to library services); run antivirus scans; computer maintenance; replace parts on a device; credit card transactions.

Call for information, more details or to schedule an appointment at 423-626-5414 or email at claibornelibrary@gmail.com. One-on-one or group appointments are available.

Greene County Skills

Greene County Skills, Inc. is seeking individuals in Tennessee that have developmental or physical disability. Tennessee has a grant program offering assistance. For more information, call Greene County Skills, Inc. at 423-798-7137, ask for Karin Hagenburger or 423-798-7144 Teresa Crawford, Family Support Coordinator.

Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project

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

Town of 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.

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Judge Shayne Sexton heard several plea agreements during the April 24 session in Claiborne Criminal Court.

Louis Ruben Wolfe, 57, charged with vehicular homicide, was sentenced to 7.2 years at 20 percent confinement. Wolfe was given credit for 172 days of jail time already served. His driver’s license is suspended for eight years.

Jonathan Whitaker, 26, was charged under three separate plea agreements with assault, driving under the influence (second offense) and theft over $1,000. Whitaker was sentenced to a concurrent three years at 30 percent confinement. He was given credit for 184 days of jail time already served.

Eric Scott Reed, 31, charged with aggravated assault, was sentenced to five years at 30 percent confinement. Reed was given credit for any jail time served since Jan 25, 2016. This case runs concurrently with prior ones.

Herbert Ancle Shoffner, 59, charged with felony evading arrest and resisting arrest, was sentenced to a concurrent one year of confinement. Shoffner was given credit for 33 days of jail time already served. This case runs concurrently with prior ones.

Charles Franklin Wray, 50, charged with violation of the sexual offender registry law, was sentenced to two years at 30 percent confinement. Wray was given credit for 55 days of jail time already served. This case runs concurrently with a prior violation of probation case.

Kevin D. Lawson, 33, charged with the violation of the habitual motor vehicle offender bar, was sentenced to two years of Community Corrections. He must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines. As a condition of this agreement, Lawson pleads guilty to a violation of probation case and agrees to serve the balance of that sentence prior to serving the full sentence in this case.

Robert David Southerland, 47, charged with driving under the influence (fourth offense) and driving on a suspended license, was sentenced to a concurrent two years at 30 percent confinement.

Rebecca Sue Rouse, 47, was initially charged under two separate plea agreements with introduction of contraband into a penal facility, theft of services, tampering with evidence, simple possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple possession of a schedule VI drugs, aggravated burglary and theft over $1,000. Rouse was sentenced to an effective split confinement of eight years TDOC supervised probation with six months confinement for the introduction of contraband, tampering with evidence and aggravated burglary charges. She was given credit for 162 days of jail time already served. Rouse forfeits $75 to the Economic Crime Fund. Court costs, fines and restitution will be determined during a hearing on June 5.

James Truitt, 33, initially charged with aggravated burglary, vandalism over $500 and theft over $500, was sentenced to a concurrent two years confinement on burglary and theft charges. Truitt was given credit for 228 days of jail time already served.

Randy Trevor Ayers, 27, charged with accessory after the fact, was sentenced to a split confinement of two years TDOC supervised probation with 15 days of confinement. Ayers was given credit for 15 days of jail time already served. He must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and forfeits $75 to the Economic Crime Fund. Ayers is barred from any contact with his victims and must stay at least 1,000 ft. away from one of his victim’s property or anywhere she is likely to be.

Sonnie Boone Hall, 34, was initially charged with introduction of contraband into a penal facility and conspiracy to introduce drugs into a penal institution. Hall was sentenced to a split confinement of five years of TDOC supervised probation with 365 days confinement on the conspiracy charge. The introduction of contraband charge is nolle. He must pay at least $100 per month in court costs beginning 30 days after release from jail. This sentence runs consecutively to a current TDOC one.

Mark Alan Brewer, 24, was charged with driving under the influence, felony evading arrest, possession of methamphetamine under one-half ounce and possession of a schedule III drugs for resale. Brewer was sentenced to a concurrent four years confinement. He was given credit for 45 days of jail time already served. This case runs concurrently with a prior violation of probation case and agreed to serve the balance of that sentence as a condition of his status.

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

Louis Wolfe

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Louis-Wolfe-1.jpgLouis Wolfe

The Claiborne County Health Expo was recently held at Pump Springs Baptist Church in Harrogate.

The room was full of citizens eager to take advantage of the knowledge and services the various vendors such as Tennova and Humana the expo provided.

Carol Brandon, Claiborne County extension agent for family and consumer sciences, stated that “the goal of the health expo to is provide free health screening and provide our county residents and neighboring residents information about health opportunities.”

The expo featured various free health screenings that included blood pressure, blood glucose, bone density and carotid Doppler imaging. There was also free food tasting and information about a healthier diet and food was also available for all in attendance.

When asked if knowledge about all of the health care programs and opportunities was lacking in the area, Brandon stated “Probably…it’s just getting the knowledge out there and letting them know of new services.”

On the importance of the expo to small communities like Claiborne and neighboring counties, Brandon said, “I think it’s very important. A lot of folks have decent health care coverage, but a lot of them don’t. It’s good for them to know whats available.”

“It’s a great way to serve the community and proved this service way to get the message out,” she said.

The expo, an annual event, was sponsored by the Claiborne County Health Council, Claiborne Senior Citizens Center and Pump Springs Baptist Church. It is open to all residents of the Tri-State area.

Reach Tyler Eschberger at 606-248-1010, ext. 1126 or on Twitter @TylerEsch89

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It looks as though the county property tax hike of ten cents last year was just a warm-up for bigger things to come. The Claiborne Budget Committee spent nearly two hours Tuesday evening crunching the new fiscal year numbers in an attempt to squeeze every ‘unnecessary’ penny from the totals.

Squeeze, though they did, the budget came up short, prompting the ‘t’ word from the braver members of the group.

The proposed budget is far from being cemented. However, it is likely that either a property tax increase will be levied or, another wheel tax will be adopted to cover the shortfall.

At first glance, it looked as though the county property owners could be in for a tax hike of some 40 cents.

Committee member Mike Campbell said he could not “in good conscience” present to the Claiborne Commission a budget that included a 40 cents tax levy.

After a bit of wrangling, the members managed to slice the proposed increase to just 25 cents.

However, everything but the proverbial kitchen sink would need to go. That would cut virtually everything on the county ‘wish list’ except the costs of acquiring two E-911 repeater sites and surveillance cameras for the Claiborne County Jail – safety factors that the members refused to cut from the budget.

At one point, the committee considered lowering the proposed tax hike to 20 cents. However, county finance officer Sam Owens reminded the group that doing so would cause the budget to only “break even,” placing the county finances in a perilous position by bringing about a ‘zero’ fund balance.

Committee member Shawn Peters said it is “irresponsible” to propose a budget with a zero fund balance. He said the group needs to find a way to further cut the budget.

Owens cautioned the committee to beware that using every penny in the current balance would mean an automatic 19 cents tax hike going into the 2018-19 fiscal year budget battle.

Campbell proposed an idea that could prevent a property tax hike. He suggested eliminating the Road Department’s use of the wheel tax currently in place and switching the revenue from that tax to the county general fund balance at the end of the calendar year.

However, that idea was quashed by a vote of five to four. Committee members Charlton Vass, Bill Keck, Mitchell Cosby, Dennis Estes and James Hatmaker voted against the motion.

County Mayor Jack Daniels protested the vote, saying he felt that property owners have already paid enough.

“I’m for a $25 wheel tax. I don’t agree with another property tax increase. A lot of people rent in this county. Everyone with a car buys tags,” said Daniels.

After more debate and crunching of the numbers, the committee decided to postpone any further meetings until the annual Tennessee tax aggregate report is received.

Earlier in the meeting, the committee did accept the Claiborne County Board of Education budget, pending adoption by the school board at its next meeting. Connie Holdway, director of schools, said her budget carries no new tax dollars.

The next meeting of the Claiborne Budget Committee is tentatively set for one of four time slots – June 20, June 22, June 27 or June 29, pending receipt of the state aggregate report.

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

Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Members of the Claiborne Budget Committee begin another angst-filled session as they crunch the numbers for the new fiscal year. Committee members Bill Keck, Steve Mason, James Hatmaker, David Mundy, Mitchell Cosby, Dennis Estes, Mike Campbell, Shawn Peters and Charlton Vass are shown reviewing the night’s business. Also pictured are county mayor Jack Daniels (at the head of the table) and, sitting beside him, director of schools Connie Holdway. County finance officer Sam Owens is shown three seats down from Holdway.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_CC-Budget-Committee-pic.jpgJan Runions | Claiborne Progress Members of the Claiborne Budget Committee begin another angst-filled session as they crunch the numbers for the new fiscal year. Committee members Bill Keck, Steve Mason, James Hatmaker, David Mundy, Mitchell Cosby, Dennis Estes, Mike Campbell, Shawn Peters and Charlton Vass are shown reviewing the night’s business. Also pictured are county mayor Jack Daniels (at the head of the table) and, sitting beside him, director of schools Connie Holdway. County finance officer Sam Owens is shown three seats down from Holdway.

Chumley Cemetery

The annual meeting will be May 21 at 2 p.m. at the cemetery, located on Chumley Cemetery Rd. in Arthur. Anyone with family members buried there are invited to attend to discuss business and maintenance. Send donations to: Chumley Cemetery Fund, c/o Joan Adams Webb, P.O. Box 115, Cumberland Gap, TN 37724.

Hooper Cemetery

The annual meeting will be May 21 at 2 p.m. In case of rain, meet at Underwood Grove Baptist Church fellowship hall. Persons with family members buried in the cemetery are urged to attend. Send donations for mowing and upkeep to: Hooper Cemetery Fund, c/o Ginger Baker, 1010 Old Jacksboro Pike, Cumberland Gap, TN 37724.

Sycamore-Campbell Cemetery

The annual meeting of members and board of trustees will be held May 21 at the cemetery, beginning at 11:30 a.m. All persons with family/friends buried at the cemetery are encouraged to attend. In event of rain, the meeting will be held at the Little Sycamore Baptist Church. Mail donations to: JoAnn Bunch, c/o Sycamore Campbell Cemetery, 1934 Grubb Street, Tazewell, TN 37879 or Margaret Seals Bull, P.O. Box 36, Tazewell, TN 37879.

Burch Cemetery

The annual Memorial Day decoration service at Burch Cemetery in New Tazewell will be May 28 at 11 a.m. under the big oak tree. There will be singing, preaching and the cemetery annual report. All are invited to attend. Upkeep of the cemetery is through donations only. All donations should be given to a trustee or at any First Century Bank location, deposit into the Burch Cemetery trust fund.

Bethel Church Cemetery

Anyone having loved ones buried in the Bethel Church Cemetery are encouraged to send donations to help with the mowing and upkeep of the cemetery. Send to: Bethel Church Cemetery, 2850 Cave Springs Road, Tazewell, TN 37879. Thank you for your concern.

Lily Grove Cemetery

If you have loved ones buried at Lily Grove Cemetery, donations can be sent to Bridget Day at 1088 Locust Grove, New Tazewell, TN 37825. Any help from those that have loved ones buried there will be greatly appreciated. All donations will go toward the care of the cemetery.

Oakes Cemetery

Donations are needed for upkeep. Please send donations to Oakes Cemetery Fund, c/o Citizens Bank, New Tazewell, TN 37825.

River View Cemetery

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

Seals Chapel Cemetery

Funds are needed to help pay for mowing. Send or give donations to Joyce Morris, 216 Bull Lane, Tazewell, TN 37879.

Woods-Cosby Cemetery

If you have loved ones buries in this cemetery, we need help to care for it. Please send donations to: Woods-Cosby Cemetery Fund, c/o Citizens Bank, New Tazewell, TN 37825, or Mike Cosby, 452 Goins Chapel Road, Tazewell, TN 37879.

I don’t know of anybody that doesn’t respond in fear when they stumble across a snake in the woods or the tool shed. The usual reaction is to jump back and express a four letter metaphor. I do it myself, even though I know that snakes are mostly harmless, and the poisonous ones rarely strike a human unless really provoked. But all that logic goes out the window when I first see a snake, and I’m instantly in a “get out of here” mode.

So what is it about snakes that generate such a universal fear? There is endless debate on the subject in the science world, and it generally comes down to two thoughts: Is the fear a learned response, or are we genetically hard wired to fear slithery things? There’s been lots of research trying to figure this out, and the results are pretty gray. My best spin on the matter is that it may be a little of both.

Very young children usually do not fear snakes at first, and yet they can pick out a snake in the background of a photo quicker than anything else. And they show a predisposition to learn to fear snakes from a bad experience or being exposed to other people’s fear reaction. Wild-born monkeys fear snakes, while those raised in a lab do not. They’ll reach over a life-like rubber snake and get a peanut without a second thought. But when the lab monkey is shown a video of a wild monkey reacting in fear to a snake, the lab monkey then became afraid. Sounds like snake fear is learned. But when the video was altered to show a monkey reacting in fear to a flower rather than a snake, the lab monkey (who had never seen a flower or a snake) did not develop a fear of flowers. So now what? The answer may be that fear of snakes is instinctive, but must be triggered by something… a bad experience, being told scary snake stories, or television/movie drama. And once triggered, the instinct is locked in.

The strangeness of a snake probably has something to do with fearing them. No legs, cold blooded, scaly skin, beady eyes, tongue lashing out; they’re unique creatures. In a survey the two things people fear most about snakes is that some are poisonous and that they are able to remain unseen. That pretty well sums it up. We do have poisonous snakes in our area (copperheads and rattlers), and they are excellent in the art of camouflage and stealth. I rarely see snakes in all the stomping around I do in the woods, but I have almost stepped on a copperhead a couple of times because it blended in so well with the leaves on the ground.

Snakes do not live up to the hype often given them. They are not out to get us; the vast majority are not poisonous; the poisonous ones only strike as a last resort (usually being stepped on); if you are bitten, only one in 1,000 snake bites result in death. They play an important role in keeping mice and rat populations down. My wife has told me that she would tolerate a snake in the house if they would get rid of mice, which are far more unhealthy and destructive. So go ahead and fear snakes a little, you can’t help it. But don’t let that fear grow to where it prevents you from enjoying the outdoors. If you see one, wait for the adrenaline rush to settle and simply give them some distance. Don’t kill them just because they are snakes, as they belong here too.

Steve Roark is the area forester in Tazewell for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division.

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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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Clinton Lee Arnold – aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, driving under the influence, evading arrest, reckless driving, failure to exercise due care, vandalism/destruction of county property under $500, driving on a revoked license, failure to yield traffic right of way, violations of the seat belt, registration and financial responsibility laws

Briana Koren Little – simple assault, public intoxication

Johnathon Dwain Pangle – driving under the influence

Michael David Essary – aggravated burglary, vandalism

Mahalla Clayshan Callebs – criminal impersonation, possession of a schedule II and a schedule VI drugs, driving on a suspended license

Jennifer Nicole Hance – multiple counts of fraudulent use of a credit card

Paul Douglas Wray – theft of services, violations of probation from Campbell County for speeding and driving on a revoked license

Chad Everett Stout – felony evading arrest, resisting stop, halt, frisk, driving on a revoked license

Megan Suthers – criminal trespassing, theft under $1,000

Randall L. Richter – speeding, driving on a revoked license

Brandon J. Thorpe – auto theft over $1,000, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on a suspended license, violation of the financial responsibility law

Daniel Thomas Sexton – possession of methamphetamine, possession of a schedule III and a schedule IV drugs for resale, possession of drug paraphernalia

Howard Dixon Crowder – possession of methamphetamine

Justin Brett King – theft of property under $1,000, theft under $1,000

Anita Lynn Tritt – outstanding child support attachment, violations of probation for possession of a schedule II drugs, failure to appear for simple possession of a schedule II and a legend drugs, driving on a suspended license and violations of the seat belt, registration, financial responsibility and fishing license laws

Christal Lee McVey – capias/bench warrant for criminal trespassing and theft of merchandise, violations of probation for theft under $500, failure to appear for criminal trespassing, theft under $500 (shoplifting) and violations of probation for criminal trespassing and theft under $500

Junior Allen Masingo – capias/bench warrant for violation of probation, new charge of possession of drug paraphernalia

Donnie Ray Malicoat – violations of probation for aggravated criminal trespassing and possession of a schedule II drugs, failure to appear for possession of a schedule II drugs for resale

Barbara Gail Witt – violations of probation for forgery and theft under $500

Andrew Dennis Hurst – violation of probation for driving on a suspended license

Jeffrey David Lawson – failure to appear for five counts of aggravated assault and one count each criminal trespassing, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on a revoked license (fourth offense) and violations of the registration and motor vehicle serial number laws, violations of probation for attempted possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on a revoked license (third offense) and driving on a suspended license

Key D. Mullins – failure to appear for domestic assault and violation of probation for assault

Jonathan Scott Widener – failure to appear for domestic assault

Thomas Wayne Shiflet – failure to appear for passing a worthless check and theft of property over $10,000

Jacob Hunter Winstead – failure to appear for violations of the seat belt and financial responsibility laws

Brian Glenn Jones – failure to appear for violation of the seat belt law

Margaret L. Ellison – failure to appear for violations of the driver’s license, registration and financial responsibility laws

Joseph Fitzgerald Aker – possession of drug paraphernalia

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New Tazewell Police Dept.

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Derrick Allen Jennings – domestic assault

Mary Ann Delph – forgery, theft of property under $500

Derrick A. Jennings – forgery

Christopher Lee Beason – driving under the influence, introduction of contraband into a penal facility, possession of a schedule IV drugs, violation of the traffic control device law

Megan L. Suthers – criminal trespassing, theft of property under $1,000

Rebecca Lee June Branson Young – criminal trespassing, theft of merchandise under $1,000

Brandon J. Thorpe – theft of property over $1,000 (auto), possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on a suspended license, violation of the financial responsibility law

Jodie Shanon Smith – theft under $1,000

Lisa Marie Leonard – possession of schedule II drugs

Damien James Martin – outstanding child support attachment

Scottie L. Barker – outstanding warrants from Loudon and Sullivan Counties

Steven Lee Rouse – capias/bench warrant for possession, manufacture, sell, delivery of a schedule II drugs and violations of the driver’s license and seat belt laws, failure to appear for violations of the driver’s license, seat belt, registration, financial responsibility and ten day address change laws

Kenny Wayne Lawson – failure to appear for driving on a revoked license (second offense)

Johnny Lee Earls – failure to appear for driving on a suspended license and violation of the financial responsibility law

Trevor D. Connell – speeding 67/45, violation of the financial responsibility law

Tong Zhu – speeding 62/45, violation of the financial responsibility law

Connie M. Hopper – speeding 62/45, violation of the financial responsibility law

Kevin Allen Veach – speeding 45/30, driving on a suspended license, violation of the financial responsibility law

Tressa A. Payne – speeding 51/30

Tara T. Rector – speeding 64/45

Dacota Scott Bailey – speeding 60/45

Patrick Bartholomew Bunch – violation of the traffic control device law, driving on a suspended license

Austin W. Wright – violations of the traffic control device, registration and financial responsibility laws

Kelli Megan Cox – violations of the traffic control device, registration and financial responsibility laws

Amanda Nicole Thewlis – violations of the traffic control device and financial responsibility laws

Lance G. Singleton – violation of the traffic control device law

Rachel L. Johnston – violation of the traffic control device law

Jimmy E. Noe – failure to yield traffic right of way

Kelly Robert Jessee – driving on a revoked license, violation of the traffic control device law

Foye DeWayne Daniels – driving on a revoked license, violation of the motor vehicle lights law

Ricky Earl Carr – driving on a revoked license

Lindsay Noel Murray – driving on a suspended license, violations of the traffic control device and financial responsibility laws

Dawson O. Koger – violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Jackie R. Gibbons – violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Sandy K. McNew – violation of the registration law

Damian Martin – violation of the financial responsibility law

Ronald Reynolds – violation of the financial responsibility law

Billy L. Ramsey – violation of the financial responsibility law

Dennis Ray Lovell – public intoxication

Earl Bradford Barnett – public intoxication

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Tazewell Police Dept.

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James Charles Short – assault, possession of a schedule IV drugs and drug paraphernalia

Ricky Earl Carr – vehicular burglary, criminal trespassing

Willard Hall Caldwell – vandalism, theft of property under $1,000, failure to appear for driving on a revoked license

Austin Eldon Leggans – possession of a schedule IV drugs

Christine Ann Caldwell – theft of property under $1,000, violation of probation for theft under $500

Jennifer Lee Tribell – violations of probation for aggravated assault, vehicular assault and reckless driving

Jennifer Ray – violation of probation

Jason Mitchell Trosper – failure to appear for violations of the driver’s license, registration and financial responsibility laws

Tina Bunnel – speeding 68/45, violation of the financial responsibility law

Samantha N. Gent – speeding 75/45

Faye E. Thomas – speeding 73/45

Kellie F. Sowders – speeding 67/45

Michael A. Gifford – speeding 67/45

Andrew Jordan Bean – speeding 64/45

Timothy S. Connolly – speeding 62/45

Caitlyn M. Corace – speeding 62/45

Alyssa Whisper Barnes – speeding 58/45

Kimberly Kay Fleeman – following a motor vehicle too closely, violation of the financial responsibility law

Boyd Ray Pendleton – failure to yield traffic right of way

Jessee L. Gilliam – driving on a suspended license

Megan Irene Cruz – violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Chrles Lewis Langford II – violations of the financial responsibility and license tags (improper display of plates) laws

Lisa Riddle – violation of the financial responsibility law

Carolyn Dillon – violation of the financial responsibility law

George Kukubar – violation of the financial responsibility law

James Emery Dean – violation of the financial responsibility law

Glenda Kay Thacker – public intoxication

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Tennessee Hwy. Patrol

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Melissa Lee Miracle – driving under the influence, possession of a schedule VI and a legend drugs, driving on a suspended license

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All campuses of Walters State Community College are adopting summer hours, according to a news release from the college.

The college will extend its hours of operation Monday through Thursday and will be closed on Fridays. The college will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday starting May 22. The summer schedule will be in effect through Aug. 4.

This change will enable the college to better serve students and community members during the summer while realizing savings in energy and facilities maintenance costs.

Visitors to and from academic divisions, student affairs, business services and other administrative offices drop significantly on Fridays during the summer, while the demand for early morning and later hours during the week increases as students and working adults enroll and register for fall semester.

Employees will be required to work the same number of hours during the summer by extending their workday Monday-Thursday.

Summer hours for the R. Jack Fishman Library will be 8 a.m.-8:15 p.m., Monday-Thursday. These hours are the same as in previous years. The hours for the Great Smoky Mountains Expo Center will remain unchanged.

The college will honor all commitments to open facilities on Fridays for previously scheduled events.

At least three people were injured in a three-vehicle crash Monday morning.

The crash occurred around 9:47 a.m., according to a preliminary report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, on Hwy. 33 near the intersection with Jaycee Lane.

The report states that a 2000 BMW 312, driven by Michael Scott Brogan, 34, of New Tazewell, was traveling north on Hwy. 33 when it crossed the turn lane and collided with another vehicle traveling southbound. That vehicle was a 2003 Ford F150 driven by Anna M. Falce, 35, of Tazewell. Misty Ponchard, 48, of Cumberland Gap, was driving a 1990 Ford Astro van southbound and collided with Falce’s vehicle in the rear, the report states.

Brogan was not wearing a seat belt, according to the THP report. He was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, where he remained as of Monday evening.

According to the release, Brogan has been charged with DUI, simple possession of schedule VI drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft over $10,000, vehicular assault, no seat belt, driving left of center, due care and insurance.

Falce and her passenger were wearing seat belts, according to THP. Falce was taken to the Claiborne Medical Center ER with injuries.

Ponchard was wearing a seat belt and was also taken to the Claiborne Medical Center ER with injuries, the report states.

The conditions of each person involved is unknown as of 8 p.m. The Claiborne Progress will have more information as it becomes available.

The THP, Tazewell Police Department, Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office, TNT Fire Department, New Tazewell Police Department and Claiborne EMS responded to the scene.

There were several injuries in a three-vehicle Monday morning crash.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_wreck4-1.jpgThere were several injuries in a three-vehicle Monday morning crash.

There were several injuries in a three-vehicle Monday morning crash.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_wreck1-1.jpgThere were several injuries in a three-vehicle Monday morning crash.

There were several injuries in a three-vehicle Monday morning crash.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_wreck2-1.jpgThere were several injuries in a three-vehicle Monday morning crash.

There were several injuries in a three-vehicle Monday morning crash.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_wreck3-1.jpgThere were several injuries in a three-vehicle Monday morning crash.

The corporate office of England, Inc. was destroyed by fire sometime after 2 a.m. Tuesday.

According to employee Sandy McNew, eight people were working when the fire began but all got out.

“There were no injuries and everyone got out safely,” stated Shannon England, Vice President of Strategy and Analytics. “We are just glad everyone is OK.”

Several emergency responders reported to the scene.

“The cause is unknown at this point,” England added.

The Claiborne Progress will have more information as it becomes available.

Photos courtesy of Sandy McNew An early morning fire destroyed the corporate office of England, Inc. Tuesday.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_England-fire2.jpgPhotos courtesy of Sandy McNew An early morning fire destroyed the corporate office of England, Inc. Tuesday.

Photos courtesy of Sandy McNew An early morning fire destroyed the corporate office of England, Inc. Tuesday.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_England-fire1.jpgPhotos courtesy of Sandy McNew An early morning fire destroyed the corporate office of England, Inc. Tuesday.

Photos courtesy of Camille Collins The remains of the England, Inc. corporate office after an early morning fire Tuesday.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_England-fire3.jpgPhotos courtesy of Camille Collins The remains of the England, Inc. corporate office after an early morning fire Tuesday.

Photos courtesy of Camille Collins The remains of the England, Inc. corporate office after an early morning fire Tuesday.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_England-fire4.jpgPhotos courtesy of Camille Collins The remains of the England, Inc. corporate office after an early morning fire Tuesday.

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.

Tri-State Youth Choir

The Tri-State Youth Choir has been performing in local churches and raising funds for their summer mission trip. The choir, in existence for over 30 years, ministers to local churches and then travels on a mission trip to another area. The remaining and last local performance will be May 28 at Pump Springs Baptist Church, beginning at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend the performance.

Taylors Grove Missionary Baptist Church

Taylors Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Sharps Chapel will have Homecoming on May 28 beginning at 10:30 am. Special singers will be there and Rev. Randy Beeler will bring the message. Lunch will be served. Pastor Brian Liford invites everyone to attend.

Liberty Baptist Church

Liberty Baptist Church will be having Memorial Day services May 28 at 10 a.m. Rev. Mark Campbell will bring the morning message. Visiting singers will be Grafted In from Rogersville. Following the service lunch will be served at the Liberty fellowship hall (Ritchie School). Everyone is welcome to join us. Rev. Kenny Clark, pastor; Dennis Buchanan, song leader.

Seals Chapel Church

Decoration at Seals Chapel Church will be May 28. This is a time to honor and remember those that we have loved and lost. Service will start at 10 a.m. Lunch will be served after preaching. Bring a covered dish, drinks will be supplied. A collection will be taken outside and inside. Give or mail donations to Joyce Morris, 216 Bull Lane, Tazewell, TN 37879. Pastor, Scott Morris.

Howards Quarter Baptist Church

Vacation Bible School will be held May 28 – June 2 at Howards Quarter Baptist Church. There will be a cookout to kick off the week on May 28 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Activities for all ages will begin at 6:30 p.m. May 28 – June 1. The closing ceremony will begin June 2 at 6:30 p.m. We would like to invite everyone to join us. Rev. Brian O’Dell, pastor.

Riverside Baptist Church

VBS at Riverside Baptist Church in Tazewell will be May 29 – June 2. Kick-off will be May 28 at 5 p.m. with a cookout. Everyone is welcome. There will be classes for adults and children of all ages. VBS Director: Charles Yeary. Pastor: K.J. Zumbrum. Adult teacher: Tommy Louthan, Jr. Directions: Follow Cave Springs Road in Tazewell to the river, cross the bridge and turn left. Church is on the left.

Shawanee Missionary Baptist Church

It’s time for Vacation Bible School. Join us for a week of search the visible to discover the invisible at Galactic Starveyors. Kids will begin each day at a worship rally then explore God’s word. There will be crafts, games, snacks and more. Children from babies through sixth grade will participate June 4-9 from 6-8:30 p.m., with June 9 as Family Night. Teenagers and adults will also have an opportunity to participate in a Bible study during the week. Everyone is welcome. Call 423-869-4076 or visit www.shawaneebc.org for more information.

First Baptist New Tazewell

There will be a Vietnam 50th Anniversary Commemoration on June 11 at 11 a.m. for veterans, spouses and surviving spouses who served between 1955 and 1975. Please join as we celebrate your service and sacrifice. Please contact “Dustoff 27” Chief Warrant Officer Larry Sharp for additional information and let us honor you. The church is located at 814 Buchanan Road in New Tazewell. Call 423-626-5401 for more information.

New Hope Church

Join us for VBS June 11-16 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. A kick-off will be held June 11 at 6 p.m. There will be classes for all ages and everyone is welcome.

Cave Springs Baptist Church

Vacation Bible School will be June 12-16, from 6-8:30 p.m. A kick-off will be June 11 at 5 p.m.

Goins Chapel Missionary Baptist Church

Vacation Bible School will be June 11-16 from 7-9 p.m. Bible School kick-off will be held on June 10 at 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.

First Baptist Church of Ewing

Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church of Ewing, Virginia, will be held June 14-16. Dinner will be served for the kids at 5:30- 6 p.m. and VBS will be from 6-8:30. The theme is Camp Out Getting S’more of Jesus. There will be games, singing, crafts, and s’mores. On June 17 we will finish up with a Block Party with fun, food games and prizes.

Gibson Station Missionary Baptist Church

Vacation Bible School at Gibson Station Missionary Baptist Church will be June 26-30, from 7-9 p.m. The theme is Operation Artic, Exploring the Coolest Book on the Planet (the Bible). Join us for cool games, crafts, puppet show, and even a friendly competition that will end with a loser and a dunking booth. Classes for adults and children of all ages.

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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.

Midway Baptist Church

Everyone is invited to be a part of our services. We know you will be blessed. Sunday morning services: 10 a.m. Worship services: 11 a.m. Sunday night services: 7 p.m. Wednesday night: Adult Bible study, Youth services and Children’s program at 7 p.m. Senior Ministry: Every first and third Tuesday at 11 a.m. Ronnie Pressnell, Pastor. Kenny Trent, Assoc. Pastor. Jason Miracle, Youth Pastor.

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.

An emergency closure of the boardwalk connecting Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and the town of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee due to significant deterioration of tread boards, joists and foundation supports has been announced.

Acting Chief Ranger Greg Johnston adamantly stresses “that no one is allowed to cross the closure points due to the possibility of severe injury. Anyone ignoring the closure will be subject to fines and could be banned from the park for up to one year.”

Chief of Maintenance Robert Beech explains that “the boardwalk is constantly shaded and moisture has contributed to the major deterioration. We are conducting a thorough assessment of the boardwalk section located within the park. Once completed, we will have a much more thorough understanding of the actions which the park will need to take.”

Beech adds, “We certainly understand this important linkage between the park and the town of Cumberland Gap and will work with the town to determine possible solutions.”

Additional information on the closure can be obtained by calling Supervisory Park Ranger Carol Borneman at 606-246-1070.

According the park’s Facebook page, “The park consists of approximately 24,000 acres, over 85 miles of trails, and numerous historic and scenic areas. The park visitor center houses a museum with interactive exhibits, auditorium with two high definition films, and Eastern National bookstore. At Cumberland Gap, the first great gateway to the west, follow the buffalo, the Native American, the longhunter, the pioneer… all traveled this route through the mountains into the wilderness of Kentucky. Modern day explorers and travelers stand in awe at this great gateway and the many miles of trails and scenic features found in the park.”

Courtesy of Cumberland Gap NHP Due to significant deterioration of tread boards, joists and foundation supports, an emergency closure of the boardwalk connecting Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and the town of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee has been announced.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Boardwalk-Damage-1-Resized-print.jpgCourtesy of Cumberland Gap NHP Due to significant deterioration of tread boards, joists and foundation supports, an emergency closure of the boardwalk connecting Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and the town of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee has been announced.

Courtesy of Cumberland Gap NHP Due to significant deterioration of tread boards, joists and foundation supports, an emergency closure of the boardwalk connecting Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and the town of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee has been announced.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Boardwalk-Damage-2-Resized-print.jpgCourtesy of Cumberland Gap NHP Due to significant deterioration of tread boards, joists and foundation supports, an emergency closure of the boardwalk connecting Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and the town of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee has been announced.

Memorial Day holiday weekend is regarded as the unofficial start to the summer boating season and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency wants to emphasize the use of life jackets while boating in a safe and responsible manner.

Annually, the Memorial Day weekend is one of the year’s busiest boating weekends. Last year, there were not any boating-related fatalities over the holiday weekend for the second consecutive year. There were six reported accidents, four of which resulted in injuries.

Along with the use of life jackets, TWRA wants to stress the responsible use of alcohol while boating. It is important to consider the effects of drinking and driving whether on water or land. In a boat on the water, the effects of alcohol increase because of external stressors such as engine vibration, wave motion and glare from the sun. Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Tennessee.

Across the state over the 2016 Memorial Day weekend, TWRA Boating and Law Enforcement officers issued 447 citations and 410 warnings. Among the citations, 21 boating under the influence (BUI) arrests were made. Officers inspected 9,065 boats during the weekend.

For many residents, the Memorial Day weekend will be the first time to have the boat on the water this year. TWRA officials say taking a few minutes to check some of the boat components may be the key to having a nice, safe outing. Performing a simple maintenance check before getting on the water may prevent problems. Check hoses to make sure they are in good shape. Make sure the lights work and carry extra fuses and bulbs.

In addition, TWRA urges all boaters to remember the basics:

• have a wearable life jacket for every person onboard;

• if your boat is 16 feet or longer, there must be a Type IV throwable device onboard;

• have onboard a fire extinguisher if you have enclosed fuel compartments or cabins;

• anyone under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket at all times while the boat is underway – drifting is considered underway;

• any boat operator born after January 1, 1989 must have onboard the TWRA-issued wallet Boating Safety Education Certificate;

• keep alcohol to a minimum–choose a designated boat operator;

• make sure there is a current boat registration.

Boat Operation Basics:

• keep a proper lookout at all times;

• maintain a safe speed;

• cut the engine while boarding from the water or entering the water from the boat;

• be aware of the carbon monoxide hazards that exist and keep fresh air flowing;

• “no wake” means idle speed;

• take a boating safety course – log onto www.tnwildlife.org for information.

Burch Cemetery

The annual Memorial Day decoration service at Burch Cemetery in New Tazewell will be May 28 at 11 a.m. under the big oak tree. There will be singing, preaching and the cemetery annual report. All are invited to attend. Upkeep of the cemetery is through donations only. Donations should be given to a trustee or at any First Century Bank location, deposit into the Burch Cemetery trust fund. Donations may also be mailed to Becky Gordon, P.O. Box 732, New Tazewell, TN 37824.

Hopewell Cemetery

Decoration services will be held for the Hopewell Cemetery June 11 at 2 p.m. Donations are needed for the mowing and maintenance of the cemetery. Mail donations to Thelma Buchanan, 580 Mt. Herman Rd., Harrogate, TN 37752 or Judith Harmon, 838 Harmon Rd., New Tazewell, TN 37825. Thank you for remembering your loved ones this way.

Bethel Church Cemetery

Anyone having loved ones buried in the Bethel Church Cemetery are encouraged to send donations to help with the mowing and upkeep of the cemetery. Send to: Bethel Church Cemetery, 2850 Cave Springs Road, Tazewell, TN 37879. Thank you for your concern.

Chumley Cemetery

The cemetery is located on Chumley Cemetery Road in Arthur. Anyone with family members buried there are invited to send donations to: Chumley Cemetery Fund, c/o Joan Adams Webb, P.O. Box 115, Cumberland Gap, TN 37724.

Estes Cemetery

Donations for the upkeep of the Estes Cemetery should be mailed to Bill Shipley, 233 Sam Duncan Lane, Tazewell, TN 37879.

Hooper Cemetery

Send donations for mowing and upkeep to: Hooper Cemetery Fund, c/o Ginger Baker, 1010 Old Jacksboro Pike, Cumberland Gap, TN 37724.

Lily Grove Cemetery

If you have loved ones buried at Lily Grove Cemetery, donations can be sent to Bridget Day at 1088 Locust Grove, New Tazewell, TN 37825. Any help from those that have loved ones buried there will be greatly appreciated. All donations will go toward the care of the cemetery.

Oakes Cemetery

Donations are needed for upkeep. Please send donations to Oakes Cemetery Fund, c/o Citizens Bank, New Tazewell, TN 37825.

River View Cemetery

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

Seals Chapel Cemetery

Funds are needed to help pay for mowing. Send or give donations to Joyce Morris, 216 Bull Lane, Tazewell, TN 37879.

Shoemaker Cemetery

Donations for the upkeep of Shoemaker Cemetery are again needed. Many that have given over the years have left us, which has resulted in fewer donations while the cost of upkeep has increased. Please, if you have loved ones whose final resting place in in this beautiful cemetery, your help is badly needed. Please send your donations to Shoemaker Cemetery, in care of Neta Munsey, P.O. Box 443, New Tazewell, TN 37824 or Jackie Munsey, P.O. Box 1465, New Tazewell, TN 37824. Donations of any amount will be greatly appreciated; thank you for your help.

Sycamore-Campbell Cemetery

Mail donations for mowing and upkeep to: JoAnn Bunch, c/o Sycamore Campbell Cemetery, 1934 Grubb Street, Tazewell, TN 37879 or Margaret Seals Bull, P.O. Box 36, Tazewell, TN 37879.

Woods-Cosby Cemetery

If you have loved ones buries in this cemetery, we need help to care for it. Please send donations to: Woods-Cosby Cemetery Fund, c/o Citizens Bank, New Tazewell, TN 37825, or Mike Cosby, 452 Goins Chapel Road, Tazewell, TN 37879.

Students from Claiborne High School enjoyed a very successful competition at the SkillsUSA State Competition in Chattanooga in April.

Three of them advanced on to the national competition to be held in Louisville, Kentucky, June 19-24. Those three were Carla Cinniamon, Bethany Butcher and Chris Parker.

Shelia Honeycutt, cosmetology instructor, and Dustin Love, masonry instructor, are also SkillsUSA Advisors at CHS and stated, “Carla and model Bethany from Cosmetology and Chris from Masonry are excited to have this opportunity to advance to the national level. They will be using skills learned in their CTE classes and will be representing Claiborne County, Claiborne High School and the great state of Tennessee. All have worked hard to raise funds to compete at the state level; therefore, funds have been exhausted. Career and technical funding have been cut this year and funding has been very limited to the students. Our students can use some additional funding from those who can help cover the costs of the national competition.”

Carla, Bethany and Chris are asking those interested in making a donation by sending a check made out to Claiborne High SkillsUSA,​ attention Sheila Honeycutt. This is very time sensitive as student must have money turned in by May 30.

The philosophy of the championship is to reward students for excellence, to involve industry in directly evaluating student performance and to keep training relevant to employers’ needs.

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

Photos submitted Claiborne High School SkillsUSA state competitors. Three are going on to the national competition, to be held in June.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_CHS-SkillsUSA-state-competitors.jpgPhotos submitted Claiborne High School SkillsUSA state competitors. Three are going on to the national competition, to be held in June.

Chris Parker during his competition.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Chris-Parker-during-his-competition.jpgChris Parker during his competition.

Chris Parker holds his championship banner.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Chris-Parker-holds-his-championship-banner.jpgChris Parker holds his championship banner.

An accusation of stolen medications apparently mushroomed for a Tazewell couple into a ransom demand, eventually leading to a threat of being sold for sex.

The Claiborne County Grand Jury handed down a true bill on Wednesday for three men in connection with the incident, allegedly occurring on Feb. 11.

Nathan G. Taylor Jr., 47, Steven Daniel Moore, 44, and Steven Coty Lee Moore, 24, were indicted under one true bill on two counts each of especially aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault.

The two alleged victims, who apparently had stayed overnight with the Moores, were awakened about 7:30 a.m. by Taylor, who allegedly “pulled a knife and put it to the victims’ neck,” according to the Affidavit of Complaint, drafted by Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office Detective Tim Shrout.

“After a brief conversation, (Taylor and the Moores) took grey duct tape and bound both victims by the hands and feet. Victims at some point were stripped of their clothing and searched as the defendant (Taylor) accused them of stealing medication,” reads the affidavit, in part.

Taylor, like the victims, was also an apparent overnight guest in the Moore home. The affidavit reads that one of the other co-defendants transported the couple to Taylor’s residence.

“There the victims were forced to call their parents in lieu of gaining access to monies for their ransom that was put into place by (Taylor). During the course of the victims being held against their will, threats were made against (the female victim) and her two-year-old daughter that she would be sold for sex to the Pagan Motorcycle Gang in Ohio,” continues the affidavit.

Taylor then allegedly drove both victims to meet with the father.

According to the affidavit, the father handed over the sum of $400 in ransom money in exchange for his son and the female victim.

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

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

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_grand-jury-indictments.jpg

The Claiborne County 4-H recently held their annual photo contest and workshop at the Tazewell Baptist Fellowship Hall and initiated members into the Honor Club.

The photo contest featured categories such as people, landscapes, animals, plants and more. Participants were urged to make their submissions relate to 4-H and the good works that the clubs do for young people.

Several participants brought home first place ribbons including Alyssa Allen, Abby Ferguson, Elizabeth Napier and Macie Sumner. Napier and Sumner also brought home second place ribbons.

These photos were judged by the participants themselves according to the 4-H guidelines and they did a great job at being critical but respectful. Claiborne Progress sports reporter and photographer​ Allen Earl also helped lead the judging process and gave a short presentation on how to improve their photography.

The 4-H Honor Club is a county-wide club for active 4-H members in the seventh through twelfth grades who have demonstrated consistent leadership ability and have been active members in their clubs and communities. Claiborne County 4-H Honor Club initiated 12 new members.

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

Photos by Allen Earl, Claiborne County 4-H Several members were recently inducted into the county’s 4-H Honors Club. Front row from left, Sarah Chumley, Brittany Ellison, Sarah Fultz. Middle row, from left, Macie Sumner, Eastern Region Council Members from Hamblen County – Gabby Martin and DJ Amos, Abigail Ferguson, Blake Helderman, Eli Mundy, Elizabeth Hopper and Alyssa Allen. Back row, from left, Oscar Nieves, Christian Crumley, Lynnsey Saylor, Mollie Gamble, J.D. Rison and Zach Yeary

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_4H-Group.jpgPhotos by Allen Earl, Claiborne County 4-H Several members were recently inducted into the county’s 4-H Honors Club. Front row from left, Sarah Chumley, Brittany Ellison, Sarah Fultz. Middle row, from left, Macie Sumner, Eastern Region Council Members from Hamblen County – Gabby Martin and DJ Amos, Abigail Ferguson, Blake Helderman, Eli Mundy, Elizabeth Hopper and Alyssa Allen. Back row, from left, Oscar Nieves, Christian Crumley, Lynnsey Saylor, Mollie Gamble, J.D. Rison and Zach Yeary

Recent 4-H photo contest participants.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_photo-participants.jpgRecent 4-H photo contest participants.