TOP STORY: December 29, 2021, marked the 50th anniversary of the First National Bank fire. That story is further down this page.

CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN (WLAF)- With this being the last day left in 2021, it is time to look back on the stories that captured the attention of WLAF viewers and readers. Today, we look at some of the stories of October, November and December.

OCTOBER

Miracle is tabbed as new CCHS Baseball coach

It’s a dream come true for Brian Miracle who was just hired as the new Campbell County High School Head Baseball Coach. A Campbell County native who grew up playing Cougar Baseball, Miracle said he had always dreamed of coming back to be head baseball coach in his hometown. He is a 2006 graduate of CCHS and has been playing baseball and dreaming of coaching it since he was in the eighth grade. Coach Miracle’s full story is HERE.

B&B Market and Deli honored by the state

The rain was pounding down not long before lunch time on Monday morning, but inside the B&B Market, the Nelsons, Jack and Sandy along with daughter Amanda, were hustling around a hot grill taking orders and dishing out food; that famed delicious food the community has come to love over these past 80 years. Read the full story HERE.

Christian Learning Center has largest enrollment yet

Campbell County High School Seniors Daniel Miehlke and Kylah Whedbee help make up the largest class to date at the Campbell County Christian Learning Center. In the center’s fourth year, the enrollment is 45, and that also counts a friend of Whedbee’s who just signed up after hearing her talk about the class. The story is HERE.

Van reaches speeds of 90 mph in La Follette; WLAF has the video

The driver of a speeding minivan wrecked, ran and was taken down. La Follette Police Officer Zack Daugherty was operating mobile radar at the old Woodson’s grocery store when a 2013 beige Chrysler Town and Country minivan heading into town was clocked at 77 miles per hour. See the video and read the full story HERE.

Section of SR Road named for Carl Douglas

An impressive sized crowd gathered along Stinking Creek Road around 10am Tuesday morning for a very special dedication. The section of road that runs in front of the new Stanfield Church of God property was dedicated in memory and in honor of long time Campbell County public servant Carl Douglas. The story is found HERE.

NOVEMBER

Wheeler, son of WLAF founder, passes

Businessman and philanthropist Ed Wheeler passed away at his La Follette home on Monday morning. Read HERE.

Courthouse annex progressing

WLAF’s Charlie Hutson shares a photo update on the progress being made on the annex construction next to the sheriff’s office. Click HERE for the photos.

Small pick-up truck rams into big utility pole

A Campbell County man was injured just after 1:30pm on Sunday afternoon when his red Ford pick-up truck rammed into a utility pole on West Central Avenue in front of the First Baptist Church. The story, photos and video are found HERE.

The faces of 50-years ago Campbell County Basketball

Look what David Russell found. The former Jacksboro High School Golden Eagle All-Star came across a La Follette Press from his senior season and shares it with us today. Trip down memory lane HERE.

Stanfield out as mayor of La Follette

On Friday, a petition for ouster was filed through Circuit Court for La Follette Mayor Mike Stanfield to vacate his office. HERE is the full story.

DECEMBER

Billie Leach’s idea helped thousands of cancer patients

The Campbell County Cancer Association, which has helped thousands of local cancer patients, was the idea of Billie Leach. Billie died on Christmas Day, her late husband Tom’s birthday. Connect HERE to read the full story.

Poston jailed for 52nd time after head on crash, release from hospital

William “Willie” Thomas Poston is housed in the Campbell County Jail this morning without bond. Poston was allegedly behind the wheel of a car a Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper was pursuing on Old Jacksboro Pike last Monday at speeds of 90 miles per hour, according to the arrest report. The pursuit ended when Poston’s 2001 Honda Civic struck a car and then hit head on with a van on the four lane of US Hwy 25W. Photos and the story are HERE.

Who’s going to fill his shoes? Jack Reynolds left a legacy.

The mischievous boy who grew up on Riggs Hill became quite the expected leader for a community that will miss him dearly. Jack Reynolds, the man who would say in both a serious and humorous way, “I’m a 1929 model,” has died. The story is HERE.

Take look into Downtown La Follette anytime you like

Thanks to the genius of Todd Overbay and the late Frank Payne, the WLAF – Ben Rogers Building Camera is a reality and is now showing you live looks of Downtown La Follette. Terry’s Pharmacy is the first business to sponsor the WLAF – Ben Rogers Building Camera. Call 423.562.1450 or email jim@1450wlaf.com about showcasing your business on the new cam shot. Connect HERE to watch and listen.

Wilkens, the praying physician, remembered for lifetime of service

Dr. Charles Henry Wilkens left behind a life of service and a legacy of love and kindness, according to those who knew him.  Dr. Wilkens passed away on December 26 after a tragic farming accident where he lived in Elk Valley. He was 82 years old. He was known by many as “the praying physician”. Charlotte Underwood’s touching story is found HERE. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/31/2021-6AM)

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