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Wlaf1450WLAF takes you back through the year 2018 for the next few days as 2018 winds down. Today, we return to some of the stories that made news here in Campbell County during the months of January, February and March of this year.TOP PHOTO: WLAF’s Josh Parker (R) presents Cougar Elijah Phillips with a game ball and plaque for his 1,000 point milestone back in January.
Shelter is opened – January 1, 2018
La Follette Mayor Mike Stanfield decided the morning of January 1st to open the cafeteria at the La Follette Community Center aka West La Follette School to house the homeless and those without much heat. Temperatures dropped to near zero this morning (01/01/2018) with a wind chill of minus 10 degrees. In Campbell County, daytime highs of 45-degrees and lows of 28 are average for early January. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Doc Wood dies – January 4, 2018
Burgin H. Wood, MD, of Jacksboro passed away Thursday, January 4, 2018 at his home. The beloved doctor was 93-years old. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Director of Schools search takes next step – January 9, 2018
Five members of the Campbell County Board of Education and seven community members met Tuesday afternoon at the Board of Education’s Central Office at Jacksboro. The group gathered for the candidate credential review of the three applicants who are vying to become the next director of schools.
The three thick packets from candidates Joan Crutchfield, Jennifer Fields, and Donna Singley contained many items. The day-long interview process is scheduled for Saturday, January 13, in the auditorium at Campbell County High School.
Current Director of Schools Larry Nidiffer plans to retire this spring.
Fields was voted the person selected by the school board to become director of schools. She was given a four-year contract. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Ayers recognized five years in a row – January 4, 2018
Jacksboro Police Officer Franklin Ayers was recognized by Mayor June Forstner at last night’s meeting (01/04/2018) of the Jacksboro Board and Aldermen. Ayers received the 2017 Impaired Driving Enforcement Award from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Fields named director of schools – January 23, 2018
Jacksboro Middle School Principal Jennifer Fields was unanimously voted-in as Campbell County Director of Schools on Tuesday (01/23) night at the Campbell County Court House. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Point in Time Count starts tonight – January 25, 2018
Campbell County will be conducting a Point in Time Count on Jan. 25 (2018) from midnight until 11:59 pm. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
The CCSD showcases its new K-9 Unit – January 30, 2018
Sheriff Robbie K. Goins showcased a new K-9 unit this week (the last week of January 2018). The new unit is comprised of Corporal Wayne Barton and K-9 Mya, Deputy Travis Bostic and K-9 Santo, and Deputy David Wormsley and K-9 Daisy. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Housley’s home tonight while Cougars play away – January 30, 2018
When Coach Matt Housley spoke up about the bad taste of one official’s home cooking on Friday night (01/26/2018) at Karns, he was tossed. But the Cougars proceeded to set Karns kitchen on fire with a 37-point fourth quarter. The Beavers held on for a two-point win after leading by 25 points entering the last quarter.
“The secret’s out, Housley told WLAF Sports after Monday’s practice. Our team knows how well it can play, and I hope they continue playing like that tonight (01/30/2018) at Oak Ridge.”
The Cougars lost to Oak Ridge while the Lady Cougars defeated Oak Ridge to take sole possession of first place in the district in the January 29th games. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Lay was a friend to many – February 6, 2018
Glen Lay died on Friday (02/02/2018). His services are tomorrow.
“I thought the world of Glen, said Mike Freeman with Lyk-Nu Auto Collision Center. After he retired, he’d ride with me here and there when I’d go fetch car parts.”
Glen Kenneth Lay was 93-years old. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Five CCHS student-athletes to sign scholarships this morning – February 7, 2018
Horton, Phillips, Rutherford, Seibers, and Smith
Four Cougars and one Lady Cougar will sign this morning to play college ball in the region.
“Miss Do All” Lady Cougar Soccer player Lindsay Horton is taking her game to Harrogate. She’ll sign this morning at 10:30 am in the Commons Area of Campbell High with the LMU Railsplitters. LMU is a member of NCAA Division II.
Elijah Phillips, Zach Rutherford, and Sean Smith plan to play as Patriots for the University of the Cumberlands football team at Williamsburg while Cougar teammate Gary Seibers is headed to Middle Tennessee to become a member of the Cumberland University Phoenix. Ironically, the trio will face Seibers along the way, because both schools are members of the Mid-South Conference of the NAIA.
The Cougars will sign at 10 am at CCHS. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Cumberland Gap Medical’s sign goes up Friday, February 9, 2018
Cumberland Gap Medical moved to its new east La Follette location a few weeks ago. On Friday, its sign was put up at the new office at the corner of East Central Avenue and North Cumberland Avenue. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Caryville hires Library Director – February 11, 2018
The Town of Caryville has a new library director. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to promote Rashay Bolton as library director at last night’s meeting. Bolton has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
‘Cats close Cougars season in heartbreaking fashion – February 13, 2018
Like Howard Wolowitz mother once said, “There’s nothing but disappointment in here,” much the same can be said of the Campbell Cougars abruptly concluded basketball season. Central hit a bucket with four-seconds to go to send the Cougars packing in a 51 to 49 loss at Halls High in last night’s opening night of the boys side of the bracket District 3-AAA Tournament.
Campbell County held a 43 to 36 lead with 5:26 to play, but it was Central’s play that proved to be the difference. Albeit hurried shot selection and turnovers by the Cougars were likely more their undoing than anything else. Central scored 15 of the final 21 points and advances to play third seed Powell on Thursday night at Halls.
The Cougars season ended at 9 & 19, and days later, Head Coach Matt Housley resigned as coach after seven seasons at the helm. (WLAF NEWS PLUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Domestic situation escalates into a shooting – February 13, 2018
Reports coming in to WLAF are that one person remains in the hospital this afternoon and another is in the county jail. Police tell WLAF that 58-year old Kenneth “Wayne” Walden of La Follette was taken into custody around 9 pm last night on Bethlehem Road east of La Follette while earlier in the evening Deborah Nelson of La Follette was taken by ground ambulance to a Knoxville hospital. Police say Walden shot Nelson.
Walden faces multiple charges including attempted first-degree murder. Nelson, said by one officer, suffers from what appears to be a non-life threatening gunshot wounds to her left forearm and right hand.
La Follette Chief of Police Bill Roehl details in his notes that at 6:55 pm Tuesday evening Walden and Nelson were in separate vehicles in the 600 block of Claiborne Road when Walden allegedly shot Nelson. After the gun was fired, Nelson drove to the parking lot behind the LPD, and Walden left in the opposite direction. LPD Officer James Farmer began giving first-aid to Nelson with the ambulance soon arriving and taking her to the hospital.
Officers with the La Follette Police Department, the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Task Force were involved in the search for Walden and his white pick-up truck. Walden led police out of La Follette and up the valley into the county. After a couple of hours, when Walden was spotted again, he sped up, then lost control of his truck in a curve, and wrecked striking a tree on Bethlehem Road. He was transported for treatment at the La Follette Medical Center. Walden was later arrested.
Chief Roehl notes that Nelson and Walden know each other. Walden is married to Nelson’s sister. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
70s on this late February day – February 20
On February 20, it was a sunny and warm day with highs in the lower 70s. The average highs and lows for this time of year in Campbell County are 51-degrees and 31-degrees respectively. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Children’s Center dedicates wing in Starrett’s name – February 21
“I cried.” That was Jerri Starrett’s reaction to learning that a new wing of the Campbell County Children’s Center was going to be dedicated to her late police husband Mike Starrett. The dedication was yesterday morning on February 21. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
General Carl Stiner (L) is joined by WLAF’s Noah Smith at Thursday night’s Knoxville event honoring the general
Great Smoky Mountain Council BSA honors General Stiner – February 21
By Noah Smith
Last night at the Knoxville Convention Center, Campbell County’s own General Carl W. Stiner was honored at the annual Knox County Friends of Scouting Fundraising Dinner. I attended this dinner for the first time in 2016 when I was awarded the Boy Scout of the Year Award. This time, it was for a much different reason. An American Hero, who calls Campbell County home, was receiving the 2018 Distinguished Citizen Award. General Carl W. Stiner was the man of the evening, as the Boy Scouts of America, Great Smoky Mountain Council, presented him with the Distinguished Citizen Award. Tennessee First Lady Crissy Haslam and local businessman Logan Hickman, of Peoples Bank of the South, were there to present this award to General Stiner. Past Distinguished Citizens include former governors, senators, and professional sports figures. General Stiner, our American Hero, was welcomed with numerous applauses and thanks from the group comprised mainly of Knoxvillians along with numerous Campbell County folks as well. Campbell County was ever present last night. The Campbell County High School Band performed the national anthem doing an outstanding job. Well done!
Numerous Campbell County faces were part of WATE-TV’s highlight video of General Stiner telling stories and giving thanks to the General. The dinner was filled with prominent and successful Knoxville businessmen and women and plenty of Scouts on hand as well. Four Scouts were also honored for going above and beyond in our Council.
Overall, last night’s dinner raised more than $130,000, which added to a total that now stands at more than $1,100,000 raised for the Boy Scouts of America.
What a great night last night in Knoxville, as we honored our American Hero, General Carl W. Stiner. Congratulations General!
The Campbell County Friends of Scouting Dinner is scheduled for March 15. I am honored to be the Master of Ceremonies this year and pleased to honor my Great-Uncle, Hack Ayers. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Smoke alarm saves a life – February 26, 2018
One Campbell County man is alive this morning thanks to a working smoke alarm in his Bark Lane home. Campbell County Rural Fire Chief Daniel Lawson tells WLAF News that last year’s big push promoting the free fire alarm and installation service paid dividends Monday afternoon.
Lawson explains that the man of the home was asleep when fire broke out yesterday around 3 pm in the Flat Hollow Community. But it was the smoke alarm that awakened him allowing him to escape. The chief notes that the man was checked out by EMTs with the Campbell County Ambulance Service, and he did not require to be transported.
Local fire departments provide and install smoke alarms free of charge. For more information, call the CCRFS at 423.562.7741. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
A community comes out for its Lady Cougars – February 26, 2018
Season ends at 21 & 10 at Bearden
For a season that sputtered at the start, it was a finish that exceeded expectations. Given that, the Campbell County Lady Cougars did their community proud last night at Bearden. Fittingly fan support for the Orange-n-Blue was impressive as it matched or exceeded Bearden’s home crowd.
The Lady Cougars jumped to an 8 – oh lead. Mid-way through the second quarter, the advantage stretched to an 11-point gap. And that’s when Bearden began carving into the Campbell lead. With the Lady Cougars taking quick shots and giving up more than 25-points on second-chance points, the Lady Bulldogs turned a 19 to 8 game in their favor.
There was no fear from the opening tip to the final horn as Campbell faced a team that was undefeated on its home court and hosting the Region 2-AAA Girls Basketball Tournament. But in the end, it was Bearden’s efforts on the offensive glass and depth that eventually defined the 52-36 final score.
The Lady Cougars were led by Madison Brady’s 12 points followed by eight from Skylar Boshears and seven each from Haley Comer and Emily Ellison. Lexy Richardson chipped in two points.
Coach Brad Honeycutt was obviously disappointed that his Lady Cougars lost last night saying how the loss stings, and that it will hurt for a while. However, you could hear the quiet excitement in his voice on his post-game interview with Josh Parker on the WLAF – B & M Tires Sports Network. Reason being, there is not one senior on this year’s team.
On the Lady Cougar – Wrap It Up Construction Wrap Up Show, Honeycutt said, “We’ll give the team a full month off, and over the next couple of weeks, start scheduling for next season.” He adds that, “We’ll be looking for the absolute best competition we can find, because we want to challenge these girls.” The 4th year coach feels this year’s team would not have gone this far without the tough schedule it played.
All of us here at WLAF say, “Thank you, Lady Cougars, for allowing us to come along for the ride this season. See you in November!” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Smith’s a candidate in Presidential Scholarship Program – March 1, 2018
Selected out of more than 3-million students
Campbell County High School Senior Noah Smith is in select company. Smith has been named one of the more than 4,500 candidates in the 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate this spring.
Inclusion in the program, now in its 54th year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating from high school. Smith was selected on the basis of superior academic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in the community and school activities. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Boshears and Brady are All-Region – March 1, 2018
Represent Campbell County
Campbell County Lady Cougar Basketball players Skylar Boshears and Madison Brady were named to the Region 2-AAA All-Region Tournament Team this week. The CCHS season ended at 21 & 10 in the region semifinals on Monday at Bearden.
Lady Cougar Coach Brad Honeycutt expresses, “We are very proud of Skylar and Madison for receiving All-Region this year. It was the first time either has received an All-Region award. They have great teammates that helped them achieve honor. There is no doubt that Skylar and Madison are two of the best players in Region 2-AAA. They both had outstanding seasons and have both improved drastically since last season.
Next for most of the Lady Cougars is the AAU season. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Troop 20077 is busy selling GS Cookies – March 5, 2018
A trip to the GS founder’s home is planned
Jacksboro Girl Scout Troop 20077 is in high gear this cooking selling season. The troop is comprised of 15 girls who are selling Girl Scout Cookies to pay for their supplies, badges and awards. “And” the plan is for this wonderful group of girls to travel to Savannah, Georgia, to visit the home of the founder of Girl Scouts. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Caryville’s Jody Wright wins Number 700 – March 5, 2018
Fulton is Murfreesboro-bound. Again.
There they were sitting on the front row of bleachers in the gym at Happy Valley High School. It was March 1990. Former HVHS Warriors Walter “Buck” Van Huss (1,021 wins) and Charlie Bayless (960+ wins) were chatting hours before Happy Valley was to host Fulton in a sub-state basketball game. In-between two of the winningest high school basketball coaches in the history of the game was 29-year old Jody Wright. And I had a front row seat to the conversation.
Little did I know Buck would never coach another game. He died later that summer. I had no clue that Charlie would coach until he was 88-years old. And Jody. Well. I felt deep down he’d be successful. But even in my best dreams for his success, I would never have thought he’d win 702 games.
Fast forward 28-years, three state titles, countless trips to the state tourney at Murfreesboro, and now 700 Falcon wins later, Jody starts getting his team ready this afternoon for one more ride to Murphy Center. That comes after last night’s 90 to 57 win over Unicoi County on the floor of Jody Wright Arena.
The one-time Caryville Cardinal said after the milestone win, “I’m just a small part of the puzzle right there but it’s been a good run and the main thing is I’m glad were still playing.”
Fulton learns tonight who it will be playing in next week’s state tourney.
You may be wondering where those two other wins were earned. In Wright’s first head coaching assignment, at Maynardville High School, he was 2 & 20-something just part of the learning experience like that March afternoon in 1990 with Buck and Charlie. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Arnold laid to rest this morning – March 6, 2018
‘He made wearing shorts and cowboy boots stylish’ – John Snodderly
Jimmy Arnold will be laid to rest this morning at Powell Valley Cemetery. Arnold, who passed away over the weekend, is described by friend John Snodderly as a very kind, soft spoken man who cared for his family and his church, La Follette United Methodist.
Arnold was founder and operator of Dixie Turf and Tree, Greenway Farm and Home Center and J.L. Arnold Trucking Company. He was also President of Dixie Pine Coal Company.
Snodderly says, “He was the only man I know that could make wearing shorts and cowboy boots stylish.”
Jimmy Lynn Arnold was 80-years old. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Nidiffer honored by school board as new Director attends first meeting – March 14, 2018
Former Director of Schools Larry Nidiffer was honored Tuesday night by a surprise proclamation and plaque from the school board, praising his many years of service to Campbell County schools.
Nidiffer began his career as a 4th grade teacher in 1973, eventually serving as a principal at two different schools before taking the reins as Director of Schools. Nidiffer continues to serve as a consultant to new Director Jennifer Fields until his upcoming retirement in June. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Ayers is 11th Good Scout Honoree – March 15, 2018
The 2018 honoree at the Boy Scouts of America Campbell County Good Scout Award Dinner is long time Campbell County resident Sterling Haskel (Hack) Ayers. Hack Ayers describes himself as a country auctioneer from Stinking Creek, Tennessee. The 11th annual ceremony and dinner took place last night at the Ball Farm Event Center. The money raised at the event supports Campbell County scouting in 2018. This yearly dinner has evolved into Campbell County’s premier recognition banquet. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
CC Schools out of snow days – March 22, 2018
Classes are on a two-hour delay today
There have been years when Campbell County Schools ended up with snow days left over. And it has also gone over the allotted amount. Through yesterday, the system has run through all of its 13 snow days this school year. Classes start on a two-hour delay today. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/262018-6AM)
Allen saves a La Follette man’s life – March 22, 2018
After a half-hour of negotiating
A 74-year old La Follette man is alive this morning thanks to the heroics and professionalism of Campbell County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jeffrey Allen.
On Tuesday afternoon, Allen was dispatched to a home on Cave Springs Road in La Follette. That’s where Allen encountered a man armed with a handgun pointed at himself threatening to take his own life. The veteran lawman skillfully and courageously negotiated with the elderly man for half-an-hour until the man surrendered his firearm.
Sheriff Robbie Goins says, “Jeff performed his duties in an exemplary and professional manner resulting in saving the life of a fellow Campbell Countian.” For his heroics, Goins presented Allen with a lifesaving commendation for his courageous and heroic actions. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
LPD & DTF conduct predawn raid –March 23, 2018
At 912 East Central Avenue
For the third time in eight days, the La Follette Police Department has conducted a predawn drug raid. This morning, with assistance from the Drug Task Force, the LPD Special Response Team raided a home on East Central Avenue across from the hospital just after 6:30 am. More details are coming. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/23/2018-6AM)
La Follette Medical Center lifts visitor restrictions – March 26, 2018
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this year’s flu season has hit its peak, and is finally in a steady decline. After one of the worst flu seasons of the past decade, La Follette Medical Center has resumed normal visiting hours and guidance.
“We are confident that the worst of the flu season is over, and we are encouraging patients who may have put off care to make sure they get back on track,” said La Follette native G. O’Neal Vinsant, M.D., Chief of Staff at La Follette Medical Center and a general surgeon with Tennova General Surgery – La Follette. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Professionals address second-time parents – March 27, 2018
“If every grandparent raising a student at La Follette Middle School was here today, we’d fill this library.” That line was among LMS Principal Joey St. John’s opening remarks at yesterday’s LMS Relative Caregiver Reception.
Representatives from Community Health of East Tennessee, the Relative Caregiver Program, and the Campbell County Children’s Center spoke with the 10 or so caregivers Tuesday morning. That response was considered an “awesome” turnout according to St. John.
St. John directed a sobering question to the caregivers. “Where would this child be without you?” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
WLAF’s Smith decides on UT – March 27, 2018
Too bad Vanderbilt. And Duke. Noah Smith is choosing the University of Tennessee.
The Campbell County High School senior announced his choice on Tuesday of where he will do his undergraduate work. He plans on majoring in Political Science with a double major in Economics.
Smith, Mr. CCHS, has been a part of the WLAF team since he was a sixth grader at Jacksboro Middle School. Best to you, Noah! (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)
Savage going to prison
Nearly three years after Michael Christopher Savage cried wolf that he had been attacked by a bear, he is going to jail for that fib.
In September 2015, Savage told authorities he had been attacked by an animal with “dark coarse hair.”
Savage said he was walking home at 6 am from the Demory community when the animal attack took place. He then walked nearly three miles to his West Chestnut Street home in La Follette where he called for help.
His allegations prompted the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) and the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department to launch an investigation as well as urge citizens to be alert for wild animals.
However, TWRA soon said there was no evidence to corroborate Savage’s story. Furthermore, Savage was spotted at an area Walmart later the day he alleged to have been attacked, in a hospital gown, where his picture was taken and quickly spread on social media.
The lack of evidence led authorities to charge Savage with filing a false report. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was placed on two years probation. After recently violating that probation, he was sentenced to serve his two year sentence in Tennessee Department of Custody.
This is the same Michael Savage who threatened to jump from the south Caryville I-75 Bridge in January of 2014. After about half-an-hour of negotiating and traffic on America’s most traveled interstate being diverted, officers were able to manhandle Savage off the bridge railing. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/30/2018-6AM)
Branam publishes book – March 29, 2018
Jacksboro native Lucy Branam published her first book Roof Octopus.
The book tells the story of what happens after the main character, Nora, wakes up to find a giant, neighborly octopus on the roof of her apartment building.
Branam said she has always loved to read and that’s been the major factor in her writing. “I like to be creative and imaginative and writing is a great way to be both,” she said. This is not the first story she has written. Branam has had a few short stories published in student literary magazines at the University of Tennessee and Pellissippi Community College. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/26/2018-6AM)