June is a very special month to many of us and for many different reasons. It’s the most popular month in the United States for weddings. It’s the month when summer arrives officially, following an unusual Spring, and welcoming flowers in our yards and in the fields around us. It’s the month when it seems there is something special to observe or celebrate almost every day.

In the mid-1940s, the Broadway musical “Carousel” contained a line that declared “…June is a love song, sweetly sung!” A decade later, the musical became a movie and introduced to a broader American public a great variety of songs by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. One of those contained the line above and was entitled “June is Bustin’ Out All Over.” That seems to apply to the Tri-State area as summer unfolds.

As the days lengthen and warm, as we devote time to flowers of the season, and as we tend to gardening to produce fresh vegetables in the days ahead, we many not sing it, but we recognize that June is indeed bustin’ out all over.

Special days in this special month include one set aside to honor the children in our lives. And, the entire month is designated Great Outdoors Month. That alone hints of a multitude of activities and events for the children and youth in our lives as well as for all, regardless of age.

National Flag Day reminds all of us to pause in mid-year, to think about the meaning of our nation’s flag, and to honor the history and traditions associated with it. On June 14, 1777, the First Flag Act was signed making the stars and stripes the national flag of the United States of America. In 1949 President Harry S. Truman signed a congressional order making June fourteenth of each year National Flag Day. It’s a good time for a brief history lesson about the flag flying in your yard or in your community.

A few days after Flag Day, there’s a special day for fathers and father figures as we observe Father’s Day on the third Sunday of the month. It’s designed to celebrate the contributions that fathers make for their children’s lives. It may have started in 1907 when a memorial service was held for men who were killed in a mining accident in West Virginia. It was officially recognized nationally in 1972 by President Richard M. Nixon.

Nationally, you may find some special, some wacky, and some funny designations for the month. They include National Catfish Day, National Adopt a Cat Month, National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month, balanced a bit by National Candy Month, and National Strawberry and Rhubarb Pie Day!

Many other summer events, programs, and activities are available nearby. The newspapers list area happenings, church scheduled Vacation Bible School, swimming lessons, special programs at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and Wilderness Road State Park, learning experiences at our colleges and universities, and annual family attractions such as the County Fair. Take a look around to decide if “…June is Bustin’ Out All Over.”

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

Editor’s note: Cemetery news is published as space is available. For a full list, visit our website at www.claiborneprogress.net.

Cave Springs Cemetery

A cemetery meeting will be June 23 at 7 p.m. Send donations to P.O. Box 465, Tazewell, TN 37879.

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.

Burch Cemetery

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.

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.

Cook-Pleasant View Cemetery

Please send donations for the upkeep of the cemetery to: Imogene Nunn, 1024 Elm Street, Tazewell, TN 37879.

Estes Cemetery

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

Hack Hurst Evans Cemetery

Anyone having loved ones buried in the cemetery are encouraged to send donations to help with mowing and upkeep to: Thomas Dalton, P.O. Box 66, 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.

Hopewell Cemetery

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.

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.

Lonesome Valley Cemetery

Donations are needed. Send donations to First Century Bank-Lonesome Valley Cemetery Fund or contact Ellen Cook at 865-585-7400.

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.

Rose Cemetery

Donations are needed for mowing expenses of the Rose Cemetery. Donations may be sent to Don Rose, 220 Chumley St., Tazewell, TN 37879.

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.

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

Amanda Carissa Noe – criminal impersonation

Patricia Lynn Gibson – tampering with evidence, theft under $500, possession of drug paraphernalia, public intoxication

Jessie Lee Owens – manufacturing of a controlled substance

Douglas H. Payne – auto burglary, vandalism, theft over $500

Douglas Dwayne Mayes – outstanding child support attachment

Melissa Mae Evans – outstanding child support attachment

Ronnie Kevin Johnson – outstanding warrant for habitual motor vehicle offender bar

Rodney Duane Walker – capias/bench warrant for criminal trespassing

John Matthew Miller – capias/bench warrant for use or possession of a substance or device to falsify a drug screening, failure to appear for driving under the influence

Dustin Michael Hoskins – violations of probation for burglary and theft over $500, new charge of theft of property over $1,000

Christopher Allen Vanover – violations of probation for attempted aggravated burglary and theft over $1,000

Robert Daton Wesley McDonald – violation of probation for driving under the influence

Brittany Reshae Brooks – violation of probation for promotion of methamphetamine manufacture

Mary Ann Brasfield – violation of probation for theft under $500, failure to appear for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and theft under $500

Michael Dale Coffey – violation of probation for possession of a schedule II drugs, failure of a drug screening

Haley LeAnn Justice – violation of probation for theft under $500

Karen Jean Seager – failure to appear for harboring a fugitive from justice

Tessa Lasha Hendrickson – failure to appear for speeding 70/45

Douglas Lee West – failure to appear for failure to exercise due care, following a motor vehicle too closely and violation of the driver’s license law

Candi Melanie Coffey – theft of property under $1,000 (shoplifting)

Brett Logan Pittman – driving on a suspended license (second offense), violation of the financial responsibility law, failure to appear for speeding, violations of the seat belt, driver’s license, registration and financial responsibility laws, improper passing of a motor vehicle in traffic and driving on a suspended license

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New Tazewell Police Dept.

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Robert M. Seal – aggravated assault, two counts assault, one count aggravated burglary

Lawrence Daniel Rice – aggravated domestic assault

Lisa Ann Loesche – criminal trespassing by motor vehicle

James Ray Baker – criminal trespassing

Gary E. Williams – criminal trespassing

William R. Ayers – criminal trespassing

Corneila Elaine Mullins – new charge of criminal trespassing

James Richard Hackley – vandalism under $500, failure to appear for aggravated criminal trespassing and theft under $500

Logan Lee Woody – speeding 70/45, possession of schedule VI drugs

Jerri Kendra Whitehead – speeding 51/30, violation of the financial responsibility law

Thelma Jane Keck – speeding 63/45, violation of the financial responsibility law

Charles Henry Ryan – speeding 63/45

Kristy S. Cadle – speeding 62/45

Gregory John Kane – speeding 61/45

David L. Kinder – violation of the seat belt law (driver), driving on a suspended license

Brandon N. Cheek – violation of the seat belt law (driver)

Mary K. Saylor – violation of the seat belt law

Zophia Ann Kneiss – failure to yield traffic right of way

Shelley E. Honeycutt – following a motor vehicle too closely, violation of the driver’s license law

Matthew Jonathan Fultz – improper vehicle start

Tillman Dwayne Riggs – outstanding child support attachment, violation of probation for possession of a schedule VI drugs, failure to appear for driving on a revoked license (third offense) and manufacture of a controlled substance

Micheal S. Brogan – outstanding warrant

Lance Gene Singleton – failure to appear for violation of the seat belt law

Mary Ann Lay – driving on a revoked license

William Ronnie Crawford Jr. – violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Lindsay K. Stubblefield – violation of the registration law

Damian James Martin – violation of the financial responsibility law

Rebecca Jo Wilder – violation of the financial responsibility law

Tracey LeAnn Mize – violation of the financial responsibility law

Joseph Daniel Loop – disorderly conduct

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Tazewell Police Dept.

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Margaret Ann Anderson – aggravated child abuse and neglect, driving under the influence (third offense), possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of the implied consent law

Anthony Martinez – criminal simulations

Robert Michael Allen Webb – speeding 60/45, violation of the financial responsibility law

David Wayne Barlow – speeding 67/45

Laura Sebourn – speeding 66/45

Danny K. Smallwood – speeding 65/45

Henry Clay Muncy – violations of the child restraint, registration and financial responsibility laws

John Marcus Lipton – violation of the traffic control device law

Robert Harry Baylis – possession of a schedule II and a schedule VI drug

Nathan Todd Jones – possession of a schedule III drug

Haley L. Justice – outstanding criminal warrant

Michael D. Coffey – violation of probation

Noah Ethan Surber – improper display of license plates

Gary E. Williams – violation of the financial responsibility law

Alice Jane Webb – violation of the financial responsibility law

Joseph Daniel Loop – public intoxication

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UT-TSU Extension Partnership in Claiborne County is offering a beginner sewing class beginning June 26, from 5-7 p.m. each Monday for six weeks at the Extension office. Participants will learn basic skills needed to complete projects for your home or projects to wear and improve the skills you have. The first project will be making a monogrammed zippered pouch. Supplies will be provided for this project. There is a $30 registration fee to participate in the class. Space is limited in each class so you will need to call before 5 p.m. on June 23 at 626-3742 to register or if you have any questions.

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

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Photo submitted

Josilyn Rain McDowell 7 years old and is the daughter of Nikki and Brent Stone & Clyde and Kelly McDowell. Her paternal grandparents are George and Statia McDowell and maternal grandparents are Bobby and Margo Goins. Josilyn attends school at TNT Primary and was recently promoted to the third grade. Josilyn is blessed with many siblings, three sisters Kelsey McDowell, Allee McDowell and Katelyn Gilliam, one brother, Gavin Gilliam and two stepsisters, Bristol and Lily Stone. Josilyn recently attended Miss America Royalty Tennessee State Pageant in Kingsport and won Queen and Photogenic in her division. Josilyn was recognized as Little Miss Tennessee and a Tennessee State Ambassador. Josilyn and her family would like to thank all of her sponsors and local community support in Claiborne County.

Photo submitted Josilyn Rain McDowell 7 years old and is the daughter of Nikki and Brent Stone & Clyde and Kelly McDowell. Her paternal grandparents are George and Statia McDowell and maternal grandparents are Bobby and Margo Goins. Josilyn attends school at TNT Primary and was recently promoted to the third grade. Josilyn is blessed with many siblings, three sisters Kelsey McDowell, Allee McDowell and Katelyn Gilliam, one brother, Gavin Gilliam and two stepsisters, Bristol and Lily Stone. Josilyn recently attended Miss America Royalty Tennessee State Pageant in Kingsport and won Queen and Photogenic in her division. Josilyn was recognized as Little Miss Tennessee and a Tennessee State Ambassador. Josilyn and her family would like to thank all of her sponsors and local community support in Claiborne County.

http://www.claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_Stone-pageant-winner.jpgPhoto submitted Josilyn Rain McDowell 7 years old and is the daughter of Nikki and Brent Stone & Clyde and Kelly McDowell. Her paternal grandparents are George and Statia McDowell and maternal grandparents are Bobby and Margo Goins. Josilyn attends school at TNT Primary and was recently promoted to the third grade. Josilyn is blessed with many siblings, three sisters Kelsey McDowell, Allee McDowell and Katelyn Gilliam, one brother, Gavin Gilliam and two stepsisters, Bristol and Lily Stone. Josilyn recently attended Miss America Royalty Tennessee State Pageant in Kingsport and won Queen and Photogenic in her division. Josilyn was recognized as Little Miss Tennessee and a Tennessee State Ambassador. Josilyn and her family would like to thank all of her sponsors and local community support in Claiborne County.

EWING, Virginia — Wilderness Road State Park is hosting its annual Junior Rangers camp with two sessions, July 17-21 and July 24-28, for ages 5 to 12. Participants will be given the opportunity to uniquely explore and learn about their local park while discovering how to safely navigate the woods whether on a hike or a camping trip.

Participants meet with the nature interpreter each day from 9 a.m.-noon for fun, hands-on, educational and entertaining activities as they explore our region’s natural resources. This year’s theme is “Outdoor skills, for fun and for life” and covers various topics such as foraging for food, identifying hazards, safe handling of tools, building an emergency shelter, making and managing a fire, cooking with fire and more.

Each day presents a different subject, activity and craft. There will also be fun and competitive games, how to react to various weather conditions and how to be a good stewards by implementing Leave No Trace principles.

On the final day, a ceremony will be conducted with each participant receiving a badge and certificate of completion, certifying them as Wilderness Road State Park Junior Rangers, and they will also receive their collector T-shirts.

This year’s camp will include a Junior Rangers collector T-shirt, crafts and refreshments for just $20 for each child for the entire week.

The registration deadline is June 30 to allow the park enough time to order the custom T-shirts. For more information, or to register, please call the park office at 276-445-3065.

For more information on Virginia’s award-winning state parks call toll-free 1-800-933-PARK (7275) or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov. The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of articles about action in the recent General Assembly.

The 110th General Assembly is on break and State Representative Jerry Sexton recently talked with the Claiborne Progress about several accomplishments that were made during the session. Sexton’s district includes Claiborne, Grainger and part of Union counties.

“I am proud to have represented your voice during the 110th General Assembly as we worked toward making laws that will improve the quality of life for our families here in our communities and for those all across Tennessee,” he said. “Thank you for your trust and faith in me. I look forward to speaking with you and getting your input about upcoming issues that I will be addressing very soon.”

Sexton says he wants to be a “good steward of taxpayer money.” To that end, he and other state legislators passed a $37 billion budget that cuts taxes, puts $132 million in the state’s Rainy Day Fund, fully funds Tennessee’s educational system and focuses in on job recruitment and infrastructure investments.

A large portion of the budget this year revolved around passage of the “Improving Manufacturing, Public Roads, and Opportunities for a Vibrant Economy” (IMPROVE) Act, otherwise known as Gov. Bill Haslam’s “Gas Tax” bill.

“As most of you know, I voted against this bill on your behalf, since an overwhelming response from those in our communities indicated you did not want it,” he said. “I agree and feel that there was absolutely no reason for the Gas Tax since we had other financial means of improving our infrastructure.”

One big change that Sexton and others were able to make to the IMPROVE Act was to transfer $55 million earmarked for the Tennessee Department of Transportation for state road projects to local counties.

Claiborne County should receive around $500,000 to go directly for use on county roads, Sexton said.

“There’s quite a bit of money this year that they don’t normally get,” he said. “We want counties to use the funds for county roads, especially our rural counties.”

Sexton estimated that the funds should be in each county soon.

“We hope to relieve taxes for our people,” he said, specifically naming property and wheel taxes. “This should relieve some of the tax burden by giving counties funds from the state level.”

Other taxes were able to be decreased, according to Sexton, adding that “Although we did not come away with the bill we wanted, we came away with a better bill than was proposed. The gas tax would’ve been more and the diesel tax would have been more as well.”

A proposed 3 percent tax on rental cars was done away with as well, he said.

“I think it’s a great accomplishment, even though we weren’t able to get rid of it, we got a better bill out of it by pushing back,” he said.

The General Assembly will reconvene in January.

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

State Rep. Jerry Sexton

http://www.claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_Jerry-Sexton.jpgState Rep. Jerry Sexton

One of two ongoing civil lawsuits against the Claiborne Board of Education and others was recently amended in Circuit Court on behalf of former Forge Ridge principal Marty Cosby.

Lafollette attorney David Dunaway filed the updated Complaint with verbiage that is apparently meant to reflect new information gleaned from recent depositions and other sources.

The amended Complaint deals, in part, with new allegations against Sam Owens, Claiborne County finance director, who is also a former member of the school board. The document also mentions Connie Holdway, current director of the Claiborne school system.

The updated Complaint claims Owens could be charged with a Class C misdemeanor and removed from his position as county finance officer if he is found to be in violation of certain state statutes. Those violations are spelled out within Tennessee Codes Annotated (T.C.A.), Sections 5-21-121, 5-21-123(b) and 5-21-125.

Among other things, the T.C.A. laws state that Owens, as county finance director, cannot ‘wield power’ for his own financial or personal interests while conducting business for the county. Under these statutes, Owens cannot hire or dismiss personnel, set salaries or determine the needs of the various county departments.

Section 5-21-125 specifically states that an official or employee of a county, an institution or agency who fails or refuses to perform his required duties, per the T.C.A. Sections listed above, is subject to removal from office. That person commits a Class C misdemeanor, in the eyes of the law.

Cosby alleges in his amended Complaint that the defendants “retaliated” against him by hiring an auditor to prove ‘wrongdoing’ during his tenure at Forge Ridge School.

According to the document, the independent audit came at a price tag of some $30,000 in taxpayers’ money.

The expense incurred by the county through this audit had not been bid or advertised, and was not appropriately approved by the board of education for its fiscal year budget, according to the Complaint.

The document claims that the BOE “conspired to conceal the truth” of the expense to the public in general by making a line-item transfer of funds in the BOE budget, effectively hiding this item.

Cosby maintains in the Complaint that, despite the use of the audit to sway public perception, he had committed “no wrongdoing in his position as principal at Forge Ridge.”

The Claiborne Progress has obtained copies of the audit report, completed by the Knoxville-based Culpepper CPA, and the findings from an investigation conducted on behalf of the 3rd Judicial District. In a nutshell, it was found that there was insufficient proof to commence criminal prosecution against Cosby.

The investigation was referred to the 3rd Judicial District Attorney General’s office due to an apparent conflict of interest with the Claiborne Attorney General’s Office. The 3rd Judicial District is comprised of Greene, Hamblen, Hancock and Hawkins Counties.

The findings were apparently supported by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), who did the actual legwork, and the Tennessee Office of the Comptroller of the Treasury, who was asked by the 3rd Judicial District to ‘look into the matter.’

The amended Cosby lawsuit claims that the Claiborne Board of Education, through its agents, servants and employees, attempted to indict and/or prosecute Cosby knowing that there was no evidence that he was guilty of any wrongdoing.

The document also alleges a ‘pattern of exclusion’ by the BOE of potential vendors and contractors and the limiting of purchases of goods and services to a select few individuals or groups.

The original lawsuits, filed some two years ago, charged Owens, Holdway and former school board member Brian Pendleton with official misconduct, oppression, discrimination and violation of the Tennessee Human Rights Act, among other charges.

The initial Complaint was filed as a result of the ‘sudden’ transfer of Cosby from Forge Ridge to Tazewell-New Tazewell (TNT) Primary School, where his position would be as one of two co-principals – effectively, a demotion.

The move would also cause extra expense, due to the 22 extra miles per day of travel from home to job, according to the document.

The amended Complaint claims that Holdway was ‘pressured’ by certain individuals to transfer Cosby to TNT Primary. The document claims that Holdway said she did so because Cosby had been “insubordinate.”

According to the document, this was not true.

Holdway apparently admitted she had told Cosby he had “done nothing wrong” during a conversation held in June of 2015, according to the amended Complaint.

The document alleges that the action would not have been taken if Cosby had not engaged in “political activity or association” by supporting Dennis Cook during the August 2014 general election against incumbent Claiborne County Mayor Jack Daniels. The document goes on to state that Cosby’s transfer was “arbitrary and capricious,” done in retaliation for political and personal animus.

Cosby’s personnel file showed no criticism or adverse action prior to associating and supporting Cook in the election, the amended Complaint states.

The document alleges that Owens wanted to cause ‘personal humiliation,’ and that he “made threats” to Cosby and certain members of his family.

Owens was quoted in the Complaint as allegedly saying that his position as county finance director was “in jeopardy.” Presumably, whoever was elected county mayor would have the right to control Owens’ position through the Claiborne Finance Committee, of which the county mayor was a member.

The amended Complaint also cites a section of the Tennessee Codes Annotated that states it is a conflict of interest to serve as county finance director while a member of a county school board – dual roles Owens held during a significant length of time.

Cosby is requesting that the Court permanently bar the defendants from engaging in the conduct described in his Complaint. He is asking for $750,000 in compensatory damages, $750,000 in punitive damages and recovery of court costs and attorney fees.

Cosby is also requesting to be reinstated as principal of Forge Ridge School and to retain all salaries, fringe benefits, credits and other employment benefits due him.

The defendants cannot currently discuss this case, upon recommendation of their attorney.

The civil lawsuit is currently set to begin on Aug. 3. The Claiborne Progress is watching this case closely, and will have more as information becomes available.

(Writer’s note: Refer to the companion story “The Cosby Audit Report” for more information on the Culpepper Report and the findings from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Comptroller and the Attorney General’s Office of the 3rd Judicial District.)

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

File photo A civil lawsuit filed in Circuit Court on behalf of former Forge Ridge School principal Marty Cosby was recently amended.

http://www.claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_Marty-Cosby.jpgFile photo A civil lawsuit filed in Circuit Court on behalf of former Forge Ridge School principal Marty Cosby was recently amended.

(Writer’s note: This article further explains the audit report mentioned in the piece “Cosby civil suit alleges misuse of county funds.”)

The Claiborne Board of Education and others are currently facing two civil lawsuits, driven by the ‘transfer’ some two years ago of former Forge Ridge principal Marty Cosby. Rather than acquiesce to an effective demotion to co-principal of Tazewell – New Tazewell Primary, Cosby decided to fight the system.

Apparently, the system decided to fight back, with an independent financial audit of Forge Ridge during Cosby’s tenure.

The results of the forensics accounting, conducted by Culpepper CPA, were reported to the defense attorneys Lewis, Thomason, King, Krieg & Waldrop, P.C. The Culpepper report was then handed over to assistant district attorney Bradley Mercer with the 3rd Judicial District, for possible prosecution of the former principal. The audit was assigned to Tennessee Bureau of Investigation special agent Nick Brown to investigate the allegations. The Tennessee Office of the Comptroller of the Treasury was also asked to look into the matter.

According to Mercer’s Memorandum to File, drafted with the information gleaned from the TBI investigation, there was insufficient evidence to begin a criminal prosecution against Cosby.

The Culpepper report cited five areas of concern. In his Memorandum, dated April 11, assistant attorney general Mercer further breaks down his findings to seven issues that were examined by his office following the TBI investigation. He lumped the first two issues under one heading.

The following is an overview of the Culpepper report conclusions and the 3rd Judicial District findings.

1) Culpepper questioned payments made to a former Forge Ridge teacher (and alleged friend to Cosby) for expanded hours of work under a 21st Century/LEAPs grant. Apparently, there were witnesses at the time of the Culpepper audit that claimed the teacher was rarely on site during the expanded school hours. The report also states that the teacher’s name was absent from the teacher/assistant assignment sheets. There was also a lack of student assignment forms for that teacher, indicating an alleged lack of participation in the program to the extent in which she was paid. Related to this matter is the apparent compensation of Cosby and his wife, who was also employed at Forge Ridge, as administrators of the expanded hours grant program. It looks as though witnesses claimed that the two were not always present. However, the findings state that independent and unannounced attendance checks found the couple was present more often than not. The Comptroller’s Office reviewed the time sheets of these three individuals, and found that all amounts were correctly calculated and agreed with the hours reported on the time sheets. Most of those were also signed by the grant supervisor, indicating that a third party agreed with the hours. The attorney general concludes in his findings that this item is not prosecutable under criminal law.

2) Culpepper questioned the purchase of books with school activity funds that appeared to be of a personal nature. TBI agent Brown reviewed the books and found most to be for managerial or professional development, and not necessarily usable for those students in grades kindergarten through eight. In his findings, the district attorney says the purchases were not criminal because the school system apparently failed to adopt a detailed purchasing policy. According to the findings, the current policy leaves the determination of what is appropriate to purchase with student raised funds to the principal or his designee.

3) The apparent loss of certain technology hardware items, including a MacBook and a Bose PA system, was also investigated. According to the Culpepper report, a $1,484 check for the purchase of the PA system was allegedly “forged” by someone other than the authorized person of signature. Connie Holdway, director of schools, apparently told agent Brown during his investigation that Cosby had “turned the camera surveillance system off by unplugging it” prior to leaving the school for the final time. According to the DA findings, the TBI agent did obtain surveillance video indicating the system was partially disabled on the day Cosby cleaned out his office. No one saw Cosby remove the PA system, according to the findings, making it near impossible to prosecute him on this issue. The largest issue with the MacBook and other IT equipment purchases is the lack of a policy in place to record when the equipment was acquired and when it was disposed. Additionally, the checks written for the IT purchases cannot be identified to a particular person, or who actually received the goods, because Cosby’s signature was required on all the checks.

4) The findings state that the Culpepper report takes issue with golf equipment purchased with school activity funds and/or made on the school account. According to the findings, Cosby purchased the equipment from multiple vendors, including a local golfer who also happens to work for the school system. That employee claims he later saw Cosby on the driving range, using pieces of the used equipment he had sold specifically for use in the school golf program. Cosby allegedly purchased personal items from another vendor using the school account. However, the vendor showed agent Brown a personal check used in purchasing those items. Brown, again, cites a lack of policy dictating what could and could not be purchased on the school account. The purchases made by Cosby for his personal use do not constitute theft because there is no intent to permanently deprive the school of anything, according to the findings. The Tennessee Internal School Uniform Accounting Policy Manual leaves these and other purchases to the discretion of the principal or his designee.

5) The Culpepper report cites about 22 questionable checks that either lacked a second signature or allegedly appeared to be “forged.” According to the findings, agent Brown reviewed nearly all of them. Several of these checks showed initials beside the signatures, apparently indicating a “signed by” or “authorized signature” status. Attorney general Mercer states in his findings that there is no proof to show intent to defraud or harm the school through the alleged use of unauthorized signatures. According to the Culpepper report, an additional 19 checks were found to be “functionally incorrect.” Again, there were no specific purchasing policies in place to address this issue, according to the attorney general’s findings.

6) The Culpepper report questioned the revenues from school concessions, in particular the sales of snacks and drinks purchased for resale, prior to the end of fiscal year 2015-16. According to witnesses, Cosby’s father was responsible for the purchase and storing of the soft drinks. His father was also in charge of collecting the proceeds from the machines and transporting them to the person in charge of the collections. Apparently, his father was the only person with access to the machines. A second person was responsible for the purchasing and storing of the snacks on campus. However, that person was not the only one with access to the locked storage cabinet. All the concessions cash would be left overnight in a locked cabinet. The findings state that the person would often allegedly notice a difference between the amount previously listed on a deposit ticket and the amount remaining inside the cabinet. According to the findings, she asked Cosby about the discrepancy and was allegedly told the sums were used for various items. The employee alleges Cosby told her to “fix the deposit.” The Culpepper report found that the “differences” in the deposit slip and the initial cash count were “relatively small.” The report states that this fact indicates that the receipts were not being stored in a secure location. The report also cited a lack of proper segregation of duties in the concessions inventory and the collection and safekeeping of the funds. Both agent Brown and the attorney general’s office agreed with the assessment. However, both agencies apparently came to the conclusion that there were too many individuals with access to the concessions and the cash for prosecution of any.

The Office of Attorney General of the 3rd Judicial District formally “closed the file” on this case on April 11, the date of the Memorandum to File.

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

Jeffrey Keith Goins was addicted to methamphetamine and Suboxone for eight years.

His story of addiction is much like others — it involves stealing, homelessness and hitting rock bottom until deciding to make the transition into sobriety.

Goins’ addiction began by dabbling in OxyContin until he moved to Middlesboro, Kentucky, in his early 20s, where he started using meth. Goins is originally from Tazewell.

“I got tangled up in it. I ended up going to jail because I stole off everyone I knew,” Goins said. “It didn’t matter if it was family or a friend. If you had something and I thought I could get drugs for it — I would steal it. I was a piece of work. I was kicked out of my family’s house and was homeless.”

Goins recounts staying at a graveyard through the winter, having drug dealers look after him, who he would also steal from.

“I was really lost,” said Goins. “One day my high school teacher — she reached out to me. She knew my situation, me being homeless. She asked me if I wanted to seek treatment. I really didn’t want to, but I went ahead and did it.”

Goins went to the Isaiah House for an 11-month treatment program. Isaiah House is located in Willisburg, Kentucky. It is a treatment provider for substance abuse. According to its Facebook page, there are 88 beds for men with short- and long- term program options, an effective non-narcotic detox program, GED classes onsite, college classes onsite, financial management, job skills training, employment and family, marriage and couples counseling.

“I did really good,” he said. “They offered me a job as the maintenance man, so I took it. Now I live in a sober-living house. I’m not homeless, I’m not hungry, I’m not cold. I’m not looking for a place to lay down because I got a place.”

Goins is also the Praise and Worship Team Leader at the Isaiah House.

“We go around to churches and play gospel music and try to reach out to people to let them know there is hope in addiction; that they aren’t alone and that there is hope out there,” he said.

Goins attributes his recovery to God, his faith and the treatment he received at Isaiah House.

“Everything that I had lost through my addiction I got back…my daughter, I got a relationship with her now…my family, they love seeing me come. They don’t hide their purse and wallets now when they see me,” Goins said. “I call it rags to riches because I was homeless and I know what it’s like to be hungry looking for food and looking for shelter…I pay rent, I pay bills, I pay child support. I do adult stuff, I do things like a man should do.”

Goins has been sober since February 2016.

The mission statement of Isaiah House is “We exist to help men with life controlling issues, such as drug and alcohol addictions as well as other issues by providing a healthy, balanced, structured environment for the whole man, addressing the spiritual, physical, emotional, financial and legal necessities. Our goal is to provide a place of recovery, transformation, healing and wholeness by focusing hope in Jesus Christ; instilling tools to break destructive patterns and habits, begin making right choices, setting goals, restoring broken relationships and living a disciplined abundant life.

For more information about Isaiah House visit its website at www.isaiah-house.org.

Reach Tyler Eschberger at 606-248-1010, ext. 1126 or on Twitter @TylerEsch89. Marisa Anders contributed to this story.

Photo submitted by Jeffrey Keith Goins Jeffrey after his recovery.

http://www.claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_after.jpegPhoto submitted by Jeffrey Keith Goins Jeffrey after his recovery.

Photo submitted by Jeffrey Keith Goins Jeffrey before his recovery.

http://www.claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_before.jpegPhoto submitted by Jeffrey Keith Goins Jeffrey before his recovery.

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.

MCM Baptist Church

MCM Baptist Church invites everyone to Vacation Bible School, June 18-23 at 6:30 p.m. The theme is Galactic Starveyors. There will be Bible study classes for all ages, crafts, missions, music, activities and food. Please come join us for a week of Christian fellowship! Pastor, Tim Drummonds.

Raven Hill Missionary Baptist Church

Vacation Bible School is June 18-24 beginning at 7 p.m. There will be classes for all ages. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Sunrise Missionary Baptist Church

Vacation Bible School is June 19-23, from 7-8:30 p.m. There will be classes for all ages, and everyone is welcome. Sam Griffin, pastor. Les Rogers, VBS director.

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

The women’s group will be having a yard sale June 22 & 23, from 9 a.m. until ?? The church is located on Pine Hill Road, near the Powell River bridge.

Riverview Baptist Church

Riverview Baptist Church, located in Harrogate, will hold Vacation Bible School June 24 from 9:45 a.m. until 3 p.m. Learn about David and the drawbridge to the King. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Call Tim Hatfield at 865-585-1544 for transportation. Pastor, James Shoffner.

Sugar Grove Baptist Church

The monthly singing night will be June 24 at 7 p.m. Special singers will be the Gospel Lights. Everyone is invited. Pastor, Tom Louthan.

Taylors Grove Church

Taylors Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Sharps Chapel will conduct Vacation Bible School beginning June 25, at 6 p.m. June 26 through June 30, VBS services will be held 7-9 p.m. The adult class teacher is Paul Griffin. Pastor Brian Liford, invites everyone to attend.

New Bethel Tabernacle

Vacation Bible School, “Redemption Railroad,” will be held June 26-30, from 6-8 p.m. Children and adults of all ages are welcome. Food, fun and learn how Jesus keeps our lives on track. The church is located at the corner of Cedar Lane and Maple in Tazewell. For transportation via church van, call 423-489-7291.

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.

Pine Grove Baptist Church

The Good Shepherd Vacation Bible School will be June 26-30, from 7-9 p.m. There will be classes for all ages. For transportation call 423-494-3230.

New Beginning Baptist Church

New Beginning Baptist Church will host the annual God & Country Celebration on July 1, beginning at 6 p.m. in the church’s outdoor amphitheater. NBBC is located at 2305 Highway 63, about four miles west of U.S. Hwy. 25E in Harrogate. There will be free food, live music, and fireworks. Bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets and join us. Please call the church at 423-869-7378 if you have questions or need further information.

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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.

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 Volunteer Rescue Squad

The Rescue Squad is beginning its annual door-to-door picture fundraiser. Anyone who participates with a $20 or more contribution will receive one free 8×10 family portrait. You will be contacted at your residence by a representative with a letter and I.D. on hand. As always, thank you for your continued support to your local Rescue Squad.

Swimming Lessons

Swimming lessons can be scheduled now for your children at the New Tazewell City Pool and they begin in June. Contact Mindy Williams at 423-441-2354 and leave her a message or send a text to schedule. Remaining lessons are scheduled as follows: ages 3-5, July 10-13 from 10-11 a.m.; ages 6-8, July 17-20 from 10-11 a.m.; ages 9 and up, July 24-27 from 10-11 a.m. Don’t wait to sign your children up for swimming lessons. Classes are being specialized by age so each child can have adequate time and attention by our team of lifeguards. Lessons will be overseen by Kim Turner.

D.I.Y. Sewing Workshops

UT-TSU Extension Partnership in Claiborne County is offering a beginner sewing class beginning June 26, from 5-7 p.m. each Monday for six weeks at the Extension office. Participants will learn basic skills needed to complete projects for your home or projects to wear and improve the skills you have. The first project will be making a monogrammed zippered pouch. Supplies will be provided for this project. There is a $30 registration fee to participate in the class. Space is limited in each class so you will need to call before 5 p.m. on June 23 at 626-3742 to register or if you have any questions.

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

White Lightning Trail Festival

The annual White Lightning Trail Festival will be held all day June 24 in Cumberland Gap. There will be live music, food, crafts, a kid’s zone and more. The WLTF Pageant will be held June 23 at 6:30 p.m. The WLTF 5K will be held June 24, and you can call 423-626-8393 for more information on both events. You may register for both events online at www.claibornepartnership.com under the events tab.

Young Family Reunion

There will be a Young Family Reunion for descendants of Bill and Nancy Young of Snake Hollow at Springdale School, on June 24 at noon.

Lincoln Day Dinner

The Grainger County Republican Party will hold its Lincoln Day Dinner June 24 at Grainger High School. Speakers will be Senator Mae Beavers, Beth Harwell, Randy Boyd and Scott Golden. The event will be catered by Anderson Farms and there will be an auction as well. Please RSVP by June 21 to reserve your meal, $25 per person. Speakers will be Senator Mae Beavers, Beth Harwell, Randy Boyd and Scott Golden. Admission is $25 per person, and tables may be purchased at a cost of $200 per table (seats eight). A meet and greet will be held beginning at 6 p.m., and festivities will begin at 7 p.m. Call 865-828-3514 or 865-387-1010 for tickets, or pick up at the Grainger County Trustee office.

Buchannan Family Reunion

The Buchanan Family Reunion will be held June 25 at noon, at Springdale Elementary School. Bring a dish and memories to share. Drinks and utensils furnished. For more info call 423-489-6366.

Clinch-Powell Meeting

Clinch-Powell Educational Cooperative Board of Directors will meet on June 27 at the Clinch-Powell central office in Tazewell at 6:00 p.m.

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 June 29. 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.

Mayes Reunion

The Mayes Family Reunion will be July 8 at Pleasant Point Community Center. Lunch will be served at noon. Please bring a dish to pass and your favorite dessert. Any questions, call Anna Greene at 423-626-1718.

Foster Parenting Classes

Camelot is starting a new session of foster parenting classes on July 17. We offer competitive reimbursement, respite days, free training and in home support. For more information or to sign up for class call 423-566-2451 or email susan.sharp@pathways.com.

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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Claiborne Criminal Court Judge E. Shayne Sexton found several individuals to be in violation of their supervised release and remanded them into custody on June 5. All of the violators were prosecuted by the Office of the District Attorney General Jared Effler.

Teresa Grubbs was previously convicted of three counts of theft under $500 and received an effective three-year sentence, which was suspended and which was to be supervised by ETHRA. She was found guilty of violating the terms of her release and was sentenced to serve her three-year sentence in the custody of the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Department.

Anthony Eldridge was previously convicted of the charge of attempted theft under $1,000 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.

Felicia Ford was previously convicted of aggravated statutory rape and received a six-year sentence, which was suspended and which was to be supervised by TDOC. She was found guilty of violating the terms of her release and was sentenced to serve her six-year sentence in the custody of TDOC.

Bruce McGregor was previously convicted of theft under $1,000 and received a three-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 three-year sentence in the custody of TDOC.

Kendall England was previously convicted of sale of a schedule II controlled substance 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 the custody of TDOC.

David Roy Goin was previously convicted of the charges of felony evading arrest and driving under the influence and received an effective 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 the custody of TDOC.

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Claiborne Health and Rehabilitation Center (formerly Claiborne County Nursing Home) has been recognized as a 2017 recipient of the Bronze-Commitment to Quality Award for its dedication to improving the lives of residents through quality care. The distinction is one of three progressive award levels through the National Quality Award program, presented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the leading association for long term and post-acute care. The program honors association members across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to improving quality of care for seniors and persons with disabilities.

Claiborne HRC was one of ten nursing homes and two assisted-living facilities in Tennessee who were among the 520 long-term facilities in 46 states to be recognized with the Bronze award.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for our commitment to delivering quality care,” said Steven Cupp, administrator of Claiborne Health and Rehabilitation Center. “Going through the process of achieving the Bronze award has made our organization stronger.”

The National Quality Award Program, which AHCA/NCAL established in 1996, is based on the core values and criteria of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, which helps organizations in different business sectors improve and achieve performance excellence.

“I commend Claiborne Health and Rehabilitation Center for embarking on the journey to quality improvement,” said the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers Chair Alana Wolfe. “I encourage them to continue to build on the strong foundation they have created.”

Claiborne Health and Rehabilitation Center is located in Tazewell and is a member of Covenant Health. Claiborne Health and Rehabilitation Center’s mission is to serve the community by improving the quality of life through better health. For more information about Claiborne Health and Rehabilitation Center, please visit www.claibornemedicalcenter.com/health-and-rehabilitation/

Photo courtesy of Covenant Health Steven Cupp, administrator of Claiborne Health and Rehabilitation Center

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Photo courtesy of Covenant Health Claiborne Health and Rehabilitation Center (formerly Claiborne County Nursing Home) has been recognized with a national award.

http://www.claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_IMG_5216.jpgPhoto courtesy of Covenant Health Claiborne Health and Rehabilitation Center (formerly Claiborne County Nursing Home) has been recognized with a national award.

Editor’s note: Cemetery news is published as space is available. For a full list, visit our website at www.claiborneprogress.net.

Cave Springs Cemetery

A cemetery meeting will be June 23 at 7 p.m. Send donations to P.O. Box 465, Tazewell, TN 37879.

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.

Burch Cemetery

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.

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.

Cook-Pleasant View Cemetery

Please send donations for the upkeep of the cemetery to: Imogene Nunn, 1024 Elm Street, Tazewell, TN 37879.

Estes Cemetery

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

Greer Cemetery

Anyone wishing to send donations for the cemetery may do so at: Charlene Smith, 1033 Straight Creek Rd., New Tazewell, TN 37825 or stop by the cedar siding house at the road on left. Any donations will be helpful for the upkeep of our cemetery. As always, thanks for the donations.

Hack Hurst Evans Cemetery

Anyone having loved ones buried in the cemetery are encouraged to send donations to help with mowing and upkeep to: Thomas Dalton, P.O. Box 66, 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.

Hopewell Cemetery

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.

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.

Lonesome Valley Cemetery

Donations are needed. Send donations to First Century Bank-Lonesome Valley Cemetery Fund or contact Ellen Cook at 865-585-7400.

Oakes Cemetery

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

Pearson Cemetery

The Pearson Cemetery needs donations for mowing and upkeep. Please make donations to Mike Cope, P.O. Box 438, Tazewell, TN 37879.

River View Cemetery

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

Rose Cemetery

Donations are needed for mowing expenses of the Rose Cemetery. Donations may be sent to Don Rose, 220 Chumley St., Tazewell, TN 37879.

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.

Judge Robert Estep processed several plea agreements during recent hearings in Claiborne County Sessions Court.

Cynthia Irene Collett, 34, charged with one count each of assault and theft under $500, was sentenced to two years TDOC supervised probation with 18 days confinement. Collett was given credit for 14 days of jail time already served. She must pay at least $200 per month in court costs and fines and forfeits $75 to the Economic Crime Fund. She was ordered to pay $2,500 in restitution for medical bills paid by the Claiborne County Jail. Collett is barred from the premises of Fresh-N-Low.

Mary Birnbaum, 50, charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and driving on a suspended license, was sentenced to a concurrent 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 45 days confinement. Birnbaum was given credit for any jail time already served on this case. This case runs concurrently with prior ones.

Billy Ray Naples, 64, charged with attempted possession of a prohibited weapon and indecent exposure, was sentenced to a concurrent six months ETHRA supervised probation with 20 days confinement. Naples was given credit for 20 days of jail time already served. He must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and fines and must undergo a mental health evaluation. As a condition of his probationary status, Naples must forfeit seized weapons. This case runs concurrently with prior ones.

Sarah Middleton, 23, charged with driving under the influence and driving on a suspended license, was sentenced to a concurrent 11 months, 29 days confinement. Middleton was given credit for all time served since March 20, 2015, including 30 days jail time served in Fentress County. This case runs concurrently with prior ones.

Bradley Michael Gifford, 32, charged with killing big game out of season, was sentenced to six months unsupervised probation. Gifford must pay $1,000 in restitution to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and must pay all court costs and fines in full by the date of a hearing on Aug. 17.

Brittnie Layne Hales, 27, charged with resisting arrest, was sentenced to six months unsupervised probation. As a condition of her probationary status, Hales must pay all court costs in full by Nov. 16.

Chasity Thomas, 30, charged with resisting arrest, was sentenced to six months ETHRA supervised probation. Thomas must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and fines. She is eligible for unsupervised probation once found fully compliant.

Bradley A. Russell, 33, charged with falsifying a drug screening, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation. Russell must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and fines. This case runs concurrently with prior ones.

Joshua D. Carnes, 32, charged with one count each possession of methamphetamine and possession of a schedule II drugs, was sentenced to a concurrent 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 32 days confinement. Carnes was given credit for 32 days of jail time already served. He must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines. Carnes could be relieved of paying all monetary obligations if his sentence is served in full. His sentence may be suspended upon the acceptance and successful completion of an inpatient rehabilitation program. This case runs concurrently with prior ones.

Brian Dylon Gambrel, 22, charged with possession of a schedule VI drugs and violation of the implied consent law, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation. Gambrel must pay at least $100 per month in court costs and fines and must complete the MADD Victim Impact Panel. His driver’s license is revoked for one year. Gambrel is eligible for unsupervised probation once all monetary obligations are met and he is found fully compliant.

Howard D. Crowder, 32, charged with possession of methamphetamine, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation with 30 days confinement. Crowder was given credit for six days of jail time already served. He must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and fines.

Vickie Price, 34, charged with possession of a schedule II drugs, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days confinement. Price was given credit for all jail time served since Feb. 14, 2014 including service in Union and Grainger Counties.

Jason Seabolt, 29, charged with possession of a schedule VI drugs, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation. He must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and fines. Seabolt is eligible for unsupervised probation once all monetary obligations are met and he is found fully compliant.

Jacob L. Pebley, 32, charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation. Pebley must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and fines.

Justin Ryan Sweet, 26, charged with theft under $1,000, was sentenced to 11 months, 29 days confinement. Sweet is eligible for suspension of his sentence upon entering into and successfully completing an inpatient rehabilitation program. Failure to complete the program will result in Sweet serving his sentence in custody.

Justin Hopson, 31, charged with theft under $1,000 and three counts of violation of the driver’s license law, was sentenced to a concurrent 11 months, 29 days ETHRA supervised probation. Hopson must pay court costs and fines, as set, and $500 in restitution to his victim. He is barred from the Walmart premises and from the property of the District Attorney General’s Office. Hopson is eligible for unsupervised probation after six months of service, once found fully compliant. He is required to obtain a valid driver’s license. This case runs consecutively to all prior ones.

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

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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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David DeWayne Evans Jr. – attempted second degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (vehicle), possession of a weapon during the commission of a dangerous felony, felony evading arrest, reckless driving, tampering with evidence, violation of the traffic control device law, driving a vehicle left of the center line, driving on a suspended license

Lisa Renee Holland – aggravated domestic assault

Everett James Campbell – domestic assault, domestic vandalism

Andrew Joseph Morris – domestic assault

Shannon Jolene Smith – introduction of contraband into a penal facility, possession of a schedule II drugs

William Cody Robertson – aggravated burglary, vandalism

Brandon Lee King – criminal impersonation, felony evading arrest, driving on a revoked license, filing a false police report, possession of drug paraphernalia, public intoxication

Betty Lorraine Jones – criminal trespassing

Elizabeth Ann Crisp – outstanding child support attachment

Jeremy Andrew O’Neal – outstanding child support attachment

Judy Michelle Goins – outstanding child support attachment

Tammy Lynn Goins – outstanding child support attachment

Darrell Wayne Miller – outstanding state warrant for violation of probation on possession of a schedule II drugs, failure to appear for driving on a suspended license and violations of the seat belt, light and brake light laws

Chuck Allan Hamic – capias/bench warrant for two counts of driving under the influence with a child and one count each simple possession and possession of drug paraphernalia

Johnnie LeNelle Hacker – capias/bench warrant for theft of property under $2,500, two violations of probation for possession of drug paraphernalia

Bobby Ryan Lawson – violation of probation for statutory rape

Chad Cecil Cowan – violation of probation for driving under the influence (second offense)

Christopher Ronald Justice – violation of probation for attempted theft over $1,000

Joseph Edward Nolan – failure to appear for evading arrest, speeding 84/55, failure of a first drug screening (for THC) and violations of the seat belt, driver’s license and financial responsibility laws

Courtney Pearl Evans – failure to appear for speeding 79/55 and violation of the driver’s license law

Ricky Dean Mutter – failure to appear for speeding 70/55

Clifford Paul Greer – failure to appear for violation of the financial responsibility law

Charles Lewis Langford III – possession of a legend drug

Randall Paul Goodman – possession of a schedule VI drugs

Matthew Ryan Edwards – theft of merchandise (shoplifting)

Kayli Montanna Long – possession of drug paraphernalia

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New Tazewell Police Dept.

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Micheal Alan King – felony child endangerment, driving under the influence (second offense), possession of a schedule II drugs for resale, possession of a schedule II, a schedule III and a schedule IV drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of the seat belt law

Paul Wayne Carmack – child neglect

Jennifer Ann Johnson – criminal impersonation, driving under the influence

Shannon Smith – criminal impersonation, outstanding warrant

Alicia Aileen Henegar – two outstanding warrants

Jennifer Ray – outstanding warrant

William Harrell – outstanding warrant

Brittany Brooks – outstanding warrant

Dustin Michael Hoskins – outstanding warrant

Wendall Langford – outstanding warrant

Curtis Dale Fultz – violations of probation for forgery, theft under $1,000 and theft under $500

Jason Cupp – violation of probation

Robert Craig Smith – possession of a schedule II drugs with intent to resale, violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Gary Edward Williams – theft under $1.000

Jessica Jean Nicol Edmondson – falsifying a drug screening

Roderick Eugene Tucker – driving under the influence, failure to exercise due care, driving left of the traffic center line, violations of the seat belt, financial responsibility and license carry/exhibit on demand laws

Jerri Kendra Singleton – speeding 50/30, violation of the driver’s license carry law

Charles Lewis Langford III – speeding 48/30, evading arrest, violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws

Lauren Hylton – speeding 62/45, violations of the driver’s license (not in possession) and financial responsibility laws

Wesley Green Harkille – speeding 70/45

Catherine S. Hickman – speeding 69/45

Maynard L. Marcum – speeding 65/45

Crystal D. Short – speeding 63/45

Brian J. Rolen – speeding 63/45

Laramine D. Phelps – speeding 62/45

Brandon L. Bowling – violation of the seat belt law

William Jason Davidson – violations of the traffic control device and financial responsibility laws, driving on a suspended license, failure to appear for violations of the seat belt and financial responsibility laws

Christopher Allen Martin – violations of the traffic control device (traffic light) and financial responsibility laws

Billy Jack Young – failure to yield traffic right of way

Kenneth Mark Holt – following a motor vehicle too closely, violation of the financial responsibility law

Tiffany Thomas – driving on a revoked license, violations of the registration and financial responsibility laws, violation of probation

Kristy Lynn Davis – aggressive panhandling

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Tazewell Police Dept.

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Gary Edward Williams – possession of methamphetamine, possession of a schedule VI drugs, driving on a revoked license

Jana L. Walker – speeding 73/45

Andrew Jodeph Sager – speeding 66/45

Brooke Le Shae Napier – speeding 65/45

Teddy Ray Sluder – speeding 65/45

Johnna L. Miracle – speeding 61/45

Eric Justin Daniels – violations of the traffic control device and financial responsibility laws, driving on a suspended license

Jackie Ann Reeves – violation of probation for driving on a suspended license, failure to appear for driving on a suspended license

Joseph D. Loop – public intoxication

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Tennessee Hwy. Patrol

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Allen Ray Gibson – driving on a suspended license

Alicia Ailene Henegar – violation of probation for possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear for possession of drug paraphernalia

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Judge Shayne Sexton approved several plea agreements during hearings on June 5 in Claiborne County Criminal Court.

Brandy Meyers, 24, initially charged with aggravated child abuse, was sentenced to a split confinement of eight years TDOC supervised probation with 90 days confinement for the reduced sentence of attempted aggravated child abuse. Meyers must pay at least $50 per month in court costs beginning 30 days from release.

Derrick Allen Jennings, 28, charged with domestic assault and forgery, was sentenced under two separate plea agreements with a concurrent split confinement of two years TDOC supervised probation with 32 days confinement. Jennings was given credit for 32 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. Jennings is barred from contact with either of his two victims.

Charles E. Hood, 42, charged with violation of the Sexual Offender Registry Act and violation of Community Supervision for Life, was sentenced to a concurrent split confinement of two years TDOC supervised probation with 90 days confinement. Hood was given credit for one day of jail time already served. He must pay at least $50 per month in court costs, including a $350 fine, beginning on July 10.

Felicia LeAnn Watkins Ford, 30, was charged under two separate plea agreements with violation of the Sexual Offender Registry Act (living with minors) and introduction of contraband into a penal facility. Ford was sentenced to two years at 30 percent confinement on the Sexual Offender charge and must pay at least $75 per month in court costs beginning 30 days after release. On the introduction of contraband charge, she was sentenced to a split confinement of four years TDOC supervised probation with 365 days confinement. Ford was given credit for 229 days of jail time already served. She must pay at least $100 per month in court costs beginning 30 days after release. These two cases run concurrently with one another.

William Edward Rouse, 38, charged with one count each of escape and theft over $1,000, was sentenced to a concurrent two years at 30 percent confinement. This case runs concurrently with a prior one.

Chad E. Stout, 43, charged with one count each of evading arrest and resisting arrest, was sentenced to a split confinement of four years TDOC supervised probation with 29 days confinement. Stout was given credit for 29 days of jail time already served. He must pay at least $100 per month in court costs beginning on July 7.

Heather Nicole Twigg, 29, charged with one count each of introduction of contraband into a penal facility and simple possession of methamphetamine, was sentenced to a split confinement of three years TDOC supervised probation with nine months confinement. Twigg was given credit for all time served since Oct. 5. She must pay at least $50 per month in court costs beginning 30 days after release. Twigg must report weekly for random drug screenings.

Mary Delph, 32, charged with forgery, was sentenced to two years TDOC supervised probation. Delph must pay at least $75 per month in court costs and is jointly and severally liable to First Century Bank for $400 in restitution.

Matthew Carey, 27, charged with forgery, was sentenced to two years TDOC supervised probation. Carey must pay at least $75 per month in court costs. He must report weekly for random drug screenings.

William G.B. Hatfield Jr., 26, charged with vandalism over $10,000, was sentenced to three years at 30 percent confinement. Hatfield was given credit for 67 days of jail time already served. He is jointly and severally liable for restitution to his victims in an amount to be determined during a hearing on Aug. 7. He is relieved of paying court costs, but must pay litigation taxes. Hatfield is barred from contact with his victims and must stay at least 1,000 feet away from their property.

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

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At long last, “car crazies” can now make plans on attending the 2017 Springdale Volunteer Fire Department car show. The show, usually very successful, will take place August 19.

Hundreds of cars, trucks, motorcycles, rat rods and tractor owners will bring their magnificent machines to one of the most popular car shows in the East Tennessee area. When the weather allows, the show breaks records for the number of participants. Over 100 cars will be on display even during questionable weather conditions. Spectators may view the show free of charge. The entry fee for those bringing vehicles to be a part of the show is still $15. Concessions will be available and of course the fire fighters will be grilling up their famous hamburgers and cheeseburgers. To the right of the entrance there will be vendors and a swap meet.

The show will start opening at 9 a.m. and will conclude around 3 p.m., just after the 125 trophies are handed out. The show is located at Springdale Elementary School, U.S. Hwy. 25E South, Tazewell, and is within eyesight of the highway.

Most importantly the SVFD would like everyone to know that this is a fundraising event that goes a long way toward the general expenses incurred during the course of the year, including vehicle maintenance and training.

The final trophy of the day will be the Fire Fighter’s Choice and in the past the award has been given to owners of trucks and even a General Lee clone. Who will win the award this year? Bring your vehicle out and see, it could be you.

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

Allen Earl | Claiborne Progress Car enthusiasts from near and far come out for the Springdale Volunteer Fire Department’s annual fundraiser.

http://www.claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_Car-show-photo-from-2016.jpgAllen Earl | Claiborne Progress Car enthusiasts from near and far come out for the Springdale Volunteer Fire Department’s annual fundraiser.

Morgan County native Dr. Joseph Miller, who underwent the official oath of office last week, will be taking over the reins in a few days as the first non-native director of the Claiborne school system. Miller handily won the directorship after an exhaustive search by the school board to find just the right person to fill the shoes of outgoing director Connie Holdway, who held the position for some seven years.

The new director beat out 18 hopefuls earlier this year, before landing the role in a head-on competition between four finalists. Since his win, Miller has made a real effort to acquaint himself with county individuals – something he says is his first priority. Meanwhile, he has begun the task of learning the inside workings of the county school system via attendance at the various board meetings and special events.

Miller will be bringing 17 years of educational experience to the county. In particular, his five years as the director and principal of the Morgan County Career and Technical Education Center should serve the Claiborne CTE Program well.

He says he would like to see more Career and Technical Education students go on to receive industrial certifications through one of the technical schools or college programs. He would also like to see certifications ‘more readily available.’

Miller holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee and earned his masters’ from the University of Central Florida. He spent nine years teaching in Brevard County before moving back to his home county to continue his teaching career.

Miller was sworn into office by Circuit Court Judge John McAfee, during a ceremony inside the Cumberland Gap High School library.

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

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