Trevor Sherman

How does Corbin High School’s varsity football team stay so competitive year-in and year-out? Well, there are a few different answers to that question, but one of the most important has been the work of Corbin Middle School Head Coach Brent Jackson and his assistants. Jackson and company added another state championship to their already well-stocked trophy case over the weekend, defeating Paducah, 14-8, at Lexington Christian Academy in the finals of this year’s Division 2 tournament. It was the latest major accomplishment by a middle school football program that is truly second-to-none in terms of sustained success. I have spoken about this to people many, many times over the years, but it cannot be overstated just how important the work of Jackson and his assistant coaches has been to not only the middle school team’s success, but also to the high school team’s continued ability to compete at a high level. You see, thanks to the efforts of the Corbin Middle School coaching staff, freshman Redhounds typically arrive at the high school already possessing the knowledge that they need to be able to compete at the varsity level. It makes the job of the varsity coaches much easier not having to continually go back and teach the basics of how to play the game. Instead, they can hit the ground running with an already well-coached group of young men and continue the process of on-field development while staying a step (or two) ahead of most of the competition. This whole process actually begins at the youth level thanks to the ongoing efforts of the folks running the Tri-County Sports Authority’s football league for elementary-aged students, but things really start getting refined once those youngsters make it to the middle school level. You might think that feeder systems like this exist all over the place, but you’d be wrong. In fact, it’s pretty rare these days to see a true feeder system like the one that I have just described. Corbin has been extremely fortunate over the years to reap the rewards of such a system, which has allowed them to remain in the conversation of best high school teams in the state, whether that be in the Class 2A, Class 3A or Class 4A ranks. Congratulations once again to Coach Jackson and everyone else who has played a role in the success of the CMS football program this season. Once again, you have proven yourselves to be the gold standard that all other middle school programs should strive toward. • Speaking of gold standards, the undefeated defending NAIA champion University of the Cumberlands Patriots women’s soccer team is about to begin their quest for another national title later this week. The Pats became Mid-South Conference champions last week, and will play host to early round NAIA Tournament action in the coming days. Hastings (Neb.) and Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) are traveling to Williamsburg this week for opening round competition in the women’s bracket, with the winners advancing to face Cumberlands this Saturday evening at 6 p.m. The winner of that game will move on to Pensacola, Fla., which is where the remainder of this year’s NAIA Tournament will be contested. The UC men are also hosting NAIA Tournament games this week, as Head Coach Paulo Neto’s squad managed to win an MSC championship title of their own in his first year at the helm of the program. The Patriots won this year’s conference crown in dramatic fashion last week, beating top-ranked Lindsey Wilson College in a penalty kick shootout on the Blue Raiders’ own home turf in Columbia. Cumberlands will play the winner of the University of Rio Grande (Ohio) versus Bryan College (Tenn.) this Saturday afternoon in Williamsburg at 3 p.m. The winner of that round two game will move on to the NAIA Tournament main site in Wichita, Kan.

As reported in this week’s edition, one of the items addressed at the most recent Whitley County Board of Health meeting was a confirmed case of pertussis (whooping cough) in a student at Whitley County Middle School. Public Health Director Marcy Rein is now reporting an additional two cases of whooping cough in the county, one being in an infant and the other in a student at Corbin Primary School. “All are pediatric cases,” Rein said. “We have not been able to confirm whether any of the cases were up-to-date on vaccination.” The main messages that Rein and the Whitley County Health Department are trying to convey to the community right now are: Pertussis is very contagious for 21 days. Coughing can last for months. Early symptoms may be a runny or stuffy nose and mild cough. Adults may not get more severe than this unless they have another respiratory condition or a low immune system. Later stages can include severe coughing. This is where you can hear the “whoop” when they take a breath. It can be so severe it causes people to throw up. Babies can stop breathing or become blue or gray. If people believe they have been in contact with someone with pertussis and they have a cough, they should see a healthcare provider for testing as soon as possible. Pertussis is treated with antibiotics. If someone tests positive for pertussis, everyone who lives with or spends a lot of time with that person should be treated with antibiotics. The best way to prevent pertussis is vaccination. Pregnant people should get a Tdap in their 3rd trimester. Adults should get a Tdap every 10 years. Children should complete the recommended series of 5 initial Dtap doses plus a booster at 6th grade. People can check their vaccine status or their child’s at kyirpublicportal.ky.gov. Tdap can be given at the Health Department.

Last week, a special ribbon cutting ceremony was held in the auditorium at Williamsburg High School to commemorate the launch of the school’s new Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program. The program is designed to help high school students explore various career paths and develop leadership skills through hands-on experiences and specialized training. Principal Ashley Partin said she is thankful that WHS students will have the opportunity to benefit from JAG in the years ahead. “This is a significant step forward, not only for our school, but for our community,” Partin said during last week’s ceremony. “This program will help to support and empower our students to reach their fullest potential.” Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison and 82nd District Rep. Nick Wilson both served as special guests at the JAG program ribbon cutting. Harrison said, “A community is known for its workforce, and you taking this on in order to become part of that workforce, you don’t really realize yet just how much you are contributing back to your community.” Megan Sizemore is serving as the JAG program specialist at WHS. She shared some of her thoughts on the program after the ribbon cutting, saying, “What we’re doing is helping students become successful in whatever they want to do after high school. We are equipping them with the skills that they need to do that.” Sizemore explained that 52 students will be a part of the first JAG group at Williamsburg. She said these students will get the benefit of hearing from special guest speakers, taking field trips to various job sites, receiving help with drafting resumes and cover letters, and much more. Camille Robidoux works as an on-staff licensed social worker for JAG. She said that there are currently 101 active JAG programs in middle schools and high schools across the state of Kentucky. “The goal is to get students ready for the workforce,” she said, adding that one of the main focus areas of JAG is teaching participating students valuable leadership skills that will make them more marketable to potential future employers. Finally, WHS senior Megan Partin has the honor of being the school’s very first JAG student president. She said she is excited to see how the program will offer students the opportunity to learn important skills that will be used throughout adulthood. For more information on JAG and its many offerings, go online to www.jag.org.

There are about a million different boards that a person could serve on. There are city boards, county boards, fair boards, chamber boards, tourism boards, school boards, church boards, housing authority boards, charity organization boards… even cemetery boards. A big part of our job here at the News Journal is following along with the activities of boards, and then reporting on them in the pages of our weekly publication. As we go about the business of covering all of these board activities, a common theme seems to be a deep concern over the lack of individuals who are willing to step into board member roles so that the organizations that they govern can continue on into the future. It is a conversation that I have had countless times in recent years, and I agree that it is quite troubling. If you take the time to visit a board meeting or two taking place in the local community, there is a decent chance that you’ll find folks involved in the proceedings who have been actively serving for quite some time. It also is not uncommon for many of these same people to serve on more than one board. I commend all of those who are sacrificing their time and energy to serve in this way, but these individuals will not be able to do what they’re doing forever. Of course, serving on a board isn’t going to be for everyone, but I know there are plenty of bright, energetic folks out there who would do a great job with it. If you think you might be one of those people, then I encourage you to look around and find an organization in our local community that you value. Take the time to find out if they might be in need of a new face to serve on a board. You may end up finding yourself in a position to make a real positive impact in the lives of others. It’s just a suggestion. • I have to say a few words this week about the performance by the Corbin Redhounds football team in last Friday’s home playoff game against Ashland Blazer. I have seen the Hounds play some really great games in the past, but I honestly cannot remember a better all-around showing than what they had against the Tomcats. I think that most people showed up or tuned into last week’s third round contest expecting a competitive game. What they got was Corbin completely blowing out a very good opponent and making a huge statement ahead of this week’s semifinal round matchup against Paducah Tilghman. What the Hounds did against Ashland was definitely a team effort, and it took solid play in all three phases of the game – offense, defense and special teams – in order to accomplish, but I want to just take this opportunity to give a special shoutout to senior quarterback Kade Elam. This young man played like a man possessed last Friday, rushing for four touchdowns and throwing for two more in the 42-7 victory. An unreal night by anyone’s standards. Well done. — Finally, before I wrap up I would like to acknowledge everyone who played a part in making this year’s Christmas Open House in downtown Corbin extra-special this past weekend. I have a tendency to get a little (a lot) stressed out during this particular time of year, which can make it difficult for me to be jolly, even with the special sights and sounds of the holiday season surrounding me pretty much everywhere I go. I am happy to report, however, that Sunday’s Christmas Open House event did a lot to lift my spirits and get me in the right frame of mind for the month of December, which is now just days away. Luckily, the weather was perfect. My kids, my wife and I had a great time checking out the activities being offered in Nibroc Park before doing some antique shopping downtown, enjoying a delicious meal at a nearby restaurant, picking up some trading cards at a local hobby shop and then finishing everything off with some ice cream before heading back home. It really was a great afternoon, so thanks again to all who contributed. I am looking forward to the other programs, festivities and special events that are on the schedule for the coming weeks in the Corbin-Williamsburg area. Stay tuned.

When considering the amount of veteran leadership that was lost to graduation from last year’s Corbin Lady Hounds basketball team, some may think that the program is entering a rebuilding phase in 2024-25. When you take a closer look, however, you will see that the team is actually bringing more than enough weapons back to the lineup to be considered among the region’s top squads once again. True, Corbin said goodbye to a very special group of senior athletes at the end of last season that included Kallie Housley, Bailey Stewart and Darcie Anderson. This class was responsible for putting the Lady Hounds back on top of the district and the region, but just as important to the program’s recent success has been players like Kylie Clem, Lydia King, Raegan Walker and Izzy Walker, all of whom should play a large role in Head Coach Isaac Wilson’s game plan moving forward. Clem in particular will be counted on to lead the way for Corbin in the scoring category, coming into her senior season as the team’s second-leading scorer (behind Housley) one year ago. Raegan Walker also ended up in a top five scoring position on the roster last year, but her most valuable contribution was leading the team in rebounds by a wide margin. She will also be a senior leader for the Hounds this winter. King, a sophomore, and Izzy Walker, a junior, both showed great promise with productive minutes throughout the 2023-24 campaign. Fans can expect to see much more out of both of them in the weeks and months ahead. The Lady Hounds will open up their season with a pair of home games against 13th Region opponents Barbourville and Harlan County on Dec. 5 and Dec. 6. These contests should present Coach Wilson and his staff with good opportunities to gauge where the team needs to improve ahead of a two-week stretch of holiday classic competition that will include Corbin’s own Christmas Bash event on Dec. 20-21. Regular season district play will get underway soon after the New Year, with South Laurel and Whitley County promising to pose tough challenges and Williamsburg likely to be much improved from where they were last season. Other non-region contests to pay close attention to include a scheduled encounter at Ashland Blazer on Jan. 3 and a road trip to Southwestern Pulaski on Jan. 25. Basketball Hounds’ progress on hold while football team makes deep postseason run The Corbin Redhounds will be making some adjustments this season after graduating two of their top three scorers from last year’s squad, but they will also be glad to have many of their most capable playmakers back on the roster as they seek a return trip to the 13th Region tournament finals. Zander Curry led the way for the Hounds last winter, averaging 12 points per game and inspiring teammates with his hustle on the court. His presence in the lineup will surely be missed, but the good news is that the ever-improving Eli Pietrowski will be returning for his junior campaign in 2024-25. He too averaged a dozen points per outing last season, and should be considered among the top players in the region moving forward. Another Redhound who was key to Corbin’s game plan last season was Trey Worley. Averaging ten points per game, his size and athleticism helped give the team an edge whenever he was on the court. His absence will also be felt, but the departure will allow for other players, such as senior Conner Blackburn, to get more opportunities to shine in the weeks and months ahead. One more graduating senior from last year’s Redhounds team, Carter Stewart, was a multi-year starter who made a name for himself as one of the most dynamic ball handlers in the region. While his ability to put opponents on their heels when the ball was in his hands will not be easily duplicated, returning players like the young Ryder Akins and the veteran Connor Middleton will certainly be up to the task. Overall, Corbin Head Coach Tony Pietrowski, who is entering his 24th season at the helm, feels like his team will once again be capable of making a run in the district and the region. “I am excited about our season,” Pietrowski said recently. “We lost some really special players, but with that said, we have a mixture of kids who can step up and contribute to our team this season.” It is not uncommon for the Corbin football team to make deep runs into the postseason, which is once again the case this year. That is fantastic, of course, but it also means that the basketball team cannot be at full strength while many of its players are still taking care of business on the gridiron for at least another week, or possibly two. “The early season can be tough for us at times,” Pietrowski explained. “We have more kids out this season than we have had in the past, but until we can get our football guys in and start to form some kind of continuity, it can be difficult. Plain and simple, until we get some practices and conditioning in with our full team, we won’t be the best that we can be.” As already stated, Pietrowski is used to this particular dilemma, and if past experience is any indicator, the basketball Hounds will likely take some lumps early on, only to begin peaking down the stretch, which is when it matters the most. This is a tried-and-true formula that has worked out just fine for the team many times in the past. While the goal is always to win every game that you play in, Pietrowski knows that it is most important to be at your best in those late-season win-or-go-home situations against district and/or regional opponents. When asked what the team will need to do to find success in 2024-25, he said, “Patience early. It’ll take some time for us to play at the […]

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving last week. Now that we are officially into the month of December, that means it is a straight shot to Christmas. With only about twenty more days to the big day, let me suggest a few upcoming events happening in our local area that are sure to put you in the right frame of mind for what many consider to be “the most wonderful time of the year.” • This Thursday and Friday, Dec. 5-6, the Williamsburg Independent School Musical Theatre will present A Christmas Carol beginning at 7 p.m. both nights. Admission to the performance is $5 for an adult ticket, and all students will be admitted free. • Happening this Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6-7, in downtown Corbin will be the Evergreen Artisan Market. The market will be set up inside Harvey’s on Main, and will be open 5-10 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday. There is no charge for admission, but once inside shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase unique artisan gifts, specialty food items and more. I hear that Santa Claus himself will also be on hand to take photos. • After shopping at the Artisan Market Saturday, hang around in downtown Corbin for the city’s annual Christmas parade, which is scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. The parade will make its way down Main Street, and will feature floats from several different area organizations, including businesses, churches, non-profits and more. Pre-parade activities will get started at 5 p.m. in Nibroc park and will include caroling, free hot chocolate, Christmas card making and more. • On Sunday, Dec. 8, Christmas at the Cumberlands will be presented at 2 p.m. on the campus of the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg. Come out and enjoy festive Christmas music courtesy of UC musicians and singers. • Williamsburg’s “Feels Like Home” Christmas parade will take place NEXT Saturday, Dec. 14, in downtown. Start time is set for 6 p.m. • The following day, Dec. 15, another Christmas program will be taking place at Williamsburg Independent Schools when the WISD music department presents the 26th Annual Christmas in a Small Town live performance. On Monday, Dec. 16, the WISD second graders will present A Precious Moments Christmas for the community at 6 p.m. • On Tuesday, Dec. 17, Christmas with the Colonels will be presented by the Whitley County High School band and choir. The show is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the WCHS cafeteria, and admission is free. In addition to these offerings, I saw where the drive-through light display at Shelley Ridge Farms is now open, and it looks like Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is also inviting folks to come down and check out their lights as well. All of this and more is happening right here in Whitley County in the coming days, so go ahead and mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the season along with friends and family!

Whether it’s serving with her racket on the tennis court or serving patients in a hospital setting, Corbin High School senior Lindsay Jones knows how to get the job done. A four-time regional champion, she is no stranger to performing in high-pressure situations. She has also grown accustomed to performing when the stakes are high in a professional setting, logging a total of 500 volunteer hours at Baptist Health Corbin. “I have always known that I wanted to do something in healthcare,” said Jones, who has also remained active in the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) organization. Jones explained that she began volunteering at BHC as a freshman, and has had the opportunity to perform a wide range of tasks en route to logging 500 hours of work time. “When I first started, there were still a lot of COVID rules and regulations,” Jones explained. “We weren’t allowed to enter patient rooms or do a lot of the things that volunteers had been able to do in the past, so I started out at the front desk. Me and a friend of mine would give hand sanitizer and hand out masks to every person who came in. We also had a big list of questions that we had to ask people to answer.” Jones said that it wasn’t long before the hospital’s breast care center was in need of a volunteer, so she was sent there to help out. This is where she would end up volunteering most of her time, checking patients in, answering phones, and performing various other clerical duties. In the summer of 2023, Jones received a unique opportunity that took her out of the office and into the operating room. “I got to shadow in the O.R. under a general surgeon,” she said. “It was probably my favorite thing that I have gotten to do. I did it for about 2-3 weeks, and got to stand in on about 25-30 surgeries.” Jones said that the types of procedures that she got to witness first-hand included gallbladder removals, appendix removals, and even the amputation of a leg. “I was really nervous going in,” she admitted. “I thought that I might get grossed out, but I never got sick. It was the most interesting thing that I’ve ever seen in my life. It can be intimidating working with doctors, but they were all really welcoming and allowed me to participate in little things that I could. I loved it. It has definitely sparked a passion in me.” Jones explained that reaching 500 hours has been her goal since she first started volunteering. That’s because it could help her obtain important scholarship funds that will allow her to achieve her dream of becoming a licensed nurse. “I have always been working toward 500 hours, because Baptist Health gives a pretty good scholarship for college,” Jones said. “That is what I have been working toward.” Jones said it is a “great feeling” to know that she has finally reached 500 volunteer hours at BHC. She said the experience has helped to instill a confidence in her that wasn’t there when she first started, and has also allowed her to establish meaningful connections with several professionals in the healthcare field. “It is definitely scary to go into a new environment that you’ve never been in before,” Jones said. “But if God has given you a passion and a desire, just go for it, because you never know where it will take you.” Jones plans to continue volunteering her time at the hospital until the spring sports season gets underway again in a few months. At that point, she will shift her focus on trying to make it back to the Kentucky High School Athletic Association state championships once again with her doubles partner, Katie Morton. “I am really excited to get started back up again,” Jones said of her upcoming senior season. “I am excited to play with Katie again. I think that we will have another good season, and I hope that we can top what we did last year.” After high school, Jones plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University and pursue a nursing degree.

Laurel County Sheriff John Root has announced that a months-long investigation into a drug and retail theft ring has concluded with the arrest of a Lily man. Paul Tate, 59, was taken into custody on Monday, and was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. He was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center and is being held on a $25,000 cash bond. Online records show that he was released later that same day. A statement from the Laurel County Sheriff’s office said, “On Monday 12/16/2024 the Laurel County Drug Interdiction Task Force comprised of the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, HIDTA, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and London City Police executed search warrants at a residence and business in southern Laurel County.” “The search marked the conclusion of a months-long investigation into a drug and retail theft ring run by Paul Tate, age 59, of Lily. Members of the organization received oxycodone in exchange for items shoplifted from local businesses. The DTF and other deputies and officers recovered over $80,000 in stolen items.” Laurel County Det. Bryon Lawson and London Police Det. Chuck Johnson are leading the investigation. The Laurel County Sheriff’s office reports that additional charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.

Criminal Justice classes at the Corbin Area Technology Center donated holiday food baskets to area law enforcement officials as part of the 10th annual ‘Operation Joy’ food drive program. The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office reports that 65 holiday baskets were donated to local and state law enforcement officers to distribute to needy families in the Tri-County area. “The program teaches our Criminal Justice students that law enforcement plays many different roles in the community,” Criminal Justice Instructor Joshua Cox said. “Of course, the main purpose of the project is to give back to the community during the upcoming Christmas holiday season. It teaches the students the core values of helping those who are less fortunate.” The classes put together food baskets for families less fortunate for this season of giving. Students then met with numerous area law enforcement officers at the Corbin Area Technology Center on Wednesday morning Dec. 18, and helped to load the baskets into the cruisers. Baskets were complete with a turkey, stuffing, vegetables, canned goods and milk. The Criminal Justices classes consists of students from Corbin, Williamsburg and Whitley County High Schools. The Corbin Area Technology Center thanks students, staff, and community members for their donations, as well as generous donations from area businesses. The following agencies participated in distributing the holiday baskets to area deserving families: Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Whitley County Sheriff’s Office, Corbin City Police, Corbin Independent School Police and Kentucky State Police.

If you’re in the mood to watch some basketball, the Whitley County Colonels are giving you plenty of options this week as they present the 2024 BSN Borderline Classic at Whitley County High School and the University of the Cumberlands. This year’s Borderline Classic event promises to be action-packed, featuring teams from seven different regions in Kentucky, as well as programs coming in from Tennessee, Ohio, Missouri, and even Nevada. Friday’s scheduled games, Dec. 27, include: • Middlesboro vs. Nicholas County – Noon at University of the Cumberlands • Green Valley Christian (NV) vs. Archbishop McNicholas (OH) – 1:45 p.m. at UC • Evangel Christian vs. Tri-Cities (TN) – 2 p.m. at Whitley County High School • Clay County vs. Western Hills (OH) – 3:30 p.m. at UC • Barbourville vs. Marion County – 3:45 p.m. at WCHS • Somerset Christian vs. Gallatin County – 5:15 p.m. at UC • Whitley County vs. Todd County Central – 5:30 p.m. at WCHS • Miller Career Academy (MO) vs. Clay County – 7 p.m. at UC • Jeffersontown vs. Paducah Tilghman – 7:15 p.m. at WCHS On Saturday, Dec. 28, games will include: • Western Hills (OH) vs. Nicholas County – Noon at UC • Marion County vs. Middlesboro – Noon at WCHS • Whitley County vs. Green Valley (NV) – 1:45 p.m. at UC • Todd County Central vs. Clay County – 1:45 p.m. at WCHS • Somerset Christian vs. Marion County – 3:30 p.m. at UC • Gallatin County vs. Barbourville – 3:30 p.m. at WCHS • Miller Career Academy (MO) vs. Evangel Christian – 5:15 p.m. at UC • Green Valley (NV) vs. Tri Cities (TN) – 5:15 p.m. at WCHS • Archbishop McNicholas (OH) vs. Jeffersontown – 7 p.m. at UC Finally, Sunday, Dec. 29, will feature: • Green Valley (NV) vs. Miller Career (MO) – 9 a.m. at UC • Paducah Tilghman vs. Tri-Cities (TN) – 10:30 a.m. at UC • Todd County Central vs. Jeffersontown – Noon at UC • Evangel Christian vs. Western Hills (OH) – 1:45 p.m. at UC • Whitley County vs. Gallatin County – 3:30 p.m. at WCHS • Archbishop McNicholas (OH) vs. Tri-Cities (TN) – 3:30 p.m. at UC • Barbourville vs. Nicholas County – 5:15 p.m. at UC More on our out-of-state visitors… Archbishop McNicholas (OH) – From Cincinnati. Finished last season at 14-12. Team nickname is the Rockets. Green Valley Christian (NV) – From Henderson, NV. Finished last season at 9-14. Team nickname is the Guardians. Tri-Cities (TN) – From Blountville, TN. Finished last season at 29-11. Team nickname is the Eagles. Recently faced the Corbin Redhounds in the Pride of the Mountains Showcase at Bell County High School, losing, 79-70. Western Hills (OH) – From Cincinnati. Finished last season at 17-7. Team nickname is the Mustangs. Miller Career Academy (MO) – From St. Louis. Finished last season at 13-15. Team nickname is the Phoenix.