New Smallmouth Bass Record Puts Laurel River Lake In The News Of The Fishing World

World Fishing Network Reports:

Perhaps you are among the many smallmouth bass anglers who have gotten news of a possible new world record smallmouth bass that was sampled at Laurel River Lake in Kentucky near London, Kentucky. According to early reports, the smallmouth was weighed on a hand scale at just over 12 pounds. If this is the case, this would mean that if the fish is ever caught by conventional methods, the 11 pound 15 ounce world record smallmouth caught by David L. Hayes at Dale Hollow Lake in 1955 could be in jeopardy.

     I first saw the report on the Tennessee Outdoorsman web site at http://www.tennoutdoorsman.com/index.php/fishing/14-fishing-news/401-world-record-smallmouth-bass which pictured an official with the Fish and Wildlife Resources posing with the monster smallmouth that was shocked up from Laurel River Lake, located in the Daniel Boone National Forest in Eastern Kentucky. News of the fish has also popped up on a number of fishing discussion boards.  Read Full Article>>>

Bed Bug Problem At Laurel County elementary school

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS  

LONDON, Ky. — Laurel County health and school officials are trying to eliminate bedbugs at an elementary school.

Teachers first noticed the insects before the Christmas break at Hunter Hills Elementary. They have been found in isolated areas of the building, according to WYMT-TV in Hazard (http://bit.ly/zNfLxF ).

    Mark Hensley, who directs the county heath department, said bedbugs are creative hitchhikers and likely came to school in the clothing and backpacks of students whose homes are infested.

Mark Hensley, who directs the county heath department, said bedbugs are creative hitchhikers and likely came to school in the clothing and backpacks of students whose homes are infested.

Hensley said the bugs are more of a nuisance than a threat to health.


Information from: WYMT-TV, http://www.wkyt.com/wymtnews

Second Annual “Chili Bun Fun Run”. The 5K race will start at the Rotary Park on Dixie Street, London, KY 40741

Join us for the Second Annual “Chili Bun Fun Run”. The 5K race will start at the  Rotary Park on Dixie Street, London, KY 40741
    
Looking for St. Patrick's Day fun?!!! Join us for the 2nd Annual Chili Bun Fun Run!

5K "Chili Bun Fun Run" sponsored by North Laurel High School Track and Weaver's Hot Dogs, London, KY on March 17, 2012 at 10 am. Challenge is to run/walk to Weaver's Hot Dogs, eat 3 chili buns (to be eligible for awards) and run/walk back. Student race (K-5th) begins at 9:30 and must eat 1 chili bun (to be eligible for awards).
Price Range    
$$ (10-30)

Email    
coachbradford@gmail.com

Phone    
606 312-9485

Anthony Shawn Fields, 35, of East Bernstadt, Killed In Tragic Accident

On Thursday, January 19, 2012 at approximately 4:47 PM, the Kentucky State Police, Post 11 London, received a report of a male subject found deceased outside of Truitt Brothers, Inc. 3 miles north of London on US 25 in Laurel County.

Upon arrival and investigation into the incident, it was determined that an employee of Truitt Brothers had gone outside to discard some waste into a dumpster and located the victim trapped in the mechanical workings of a waste collection truck.

The victim, Anthony Shawn Fields, 35, of East Bernstadt, was the operator of the waste collection truck when, it is believed, he was attempting to correct a mechanical malfunction and was pinned between moving mechanical parts.

Mr. Fields, who received injury to the torso, was fatally injured.

No foul play is suspected and no autopsy will be performed.

Trooper Brandon Creekmore is continuing the investigation and was assisted by officers from KSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, the Laurel County Sheriff's Department, East Bernstadt Fire Department, London / Laurel County Rescue Squad, Department of Emergency Management and the Laurel County Coroner's Office

Anthony Shawn Fields Obituary
Age:     36
Visitation:     After 6:00 PM Sunday, January 22nd, at Bowling Funeral Home
Funeral Service:     1:00 PM Monday, January 23rd, in the Bowling Funeral Home Chapel
Interment:     Weaver Cemetery at London, KY
 

Anthony Shawn Fields, age 36, of London, passed away Thursday at East Bernstadt. He was the husband of Jaymee Brown Fields of London, the son of Buster and Jane Fields of East Bernstadt, the father of Joseph Brown and Elijah Fields, both of London, the brother of Johnny Fields of East Bernstadt, and the grandson of Wilda Taylor of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Funeral services for Anthony Shawn Fields will be conducted at 1:00 PM Monday in the Bowling Funeral Home Chapel with Ed Wayne Gibson officiating. Burial will follow in the Weaver Cemetery at London.

The family of Anthony Shawn Fields will receive friends at Bowling Funeral Home after 6:00 PM Sunday.

Military honors will be conducted assisted by the local DAV.

4 Laurel County churches report burglaries

By Beth Musgrave — bmusgrave@herald-leader.com

Police in Laurel County are investigating a string of burglaries at four different churches late Saturday night.

According to the Laurel County Sheriff's office, four separate churches around London reported break-ins Saturday night. The churches include Wings of Victory Church, about 10 miles south of London; Laurel Chapel Church on Ky. 192, west of London; Hawk Creek Baptist Church, 5 miles west of London on Ky. 80; and Parkway Praise Church in the London.

Police say that items stolen at the four places of worship include musical instruments, electronics, keyboards and cameras.

Both the Laurel County Sheriff's office and the London Police department are investigating. It was not clear whether the burglaries are related, police said Sunday.

Laurel county sheriff's deputies found operating meth labs inside the home located just feet away from a church and a school.

Neighbors reported a strange smell coming from a home in East Bernstadt. Laurel county sheriff's deputies found operating meth labs inside the home located just feet away from a church and a school.

"When they knocked on the door, the guy came to the door wearing a surgical mask. He slammed the door, locked it and wouldn't let the deputies in," says deputy Gilbert Acciardo.

At the same time, a female inside of this home on School Street tried to make a run for it out the back door,"She was captured. We made entry into the residence and found the other subject in a back room," adds Acciardo.

Sheriff's deputies arrested 54-year-old, William Robinson and 54-year-old, Debbie Jones after discovering what was inside, "We found products that are used to make methamphetamine."

With a church next door and a church across the street, Robinson and Jones now face charges for trafficking a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of school.

"Within 800 feet. You could throw a softball and hit the elementary school, it's that close," Acciardo says.

Continue Article>>>

Corbin Schools Upcoming Events 12/20-12/30

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

CES Fourth Grade to Redhound Theatre

6,7,8 Boys Basketball  vs. Williamsburg at Corbin at 5:30 pm

CHS Boys Basketball Home CFIT – IF LOST ON MON-NIGHT

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

School Dismissed for Christmas Break … return on Jan 2, 2012

CHS Boys Basketball Home CFIT – IF WON ON MON-NIGHT

CHS Girls Basketball at Bullitt East Tournament vs. Davies County at 1:00 pm and vs. Bullitt East at 6:15 pm

Thursday, December 22, 2011

CHS Boys Basketball at Corbin CFIT

CHS Girls Basketball at Bullitt East Tournament vs. Eastern at 2:45 pm

Friday, December 23, 2011

CHS Girls Basketball at Bullitt East Tournament:  If 4th place they will play at 1 pm, 3rd place 2:45 pm,

2nd place 4:30 pm, Championship Game at 6:15

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

CHS Girls Varsity Basketball CFIT vs. Hazard at Corbin at 8:15 pm

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

CHS Boys Varsity Basketball at Pilot Tournament at Knoxville Catholic High vs. West at 11:30 am

CHS Girls V Basketball Home CFIT – IF LOST ON TUES-NIGHT

Thursday, December 29, 2011

CHS Boys Varsity Basketball at Pilot Tournament at Knoxville Catholic High  vs. Loudon  at 11:30 am

CHS Girls V Basketball Home CFIT – IF WON ON TUES-NIGHT

Friday, December 30, 2011

CHS Boys Varsity Basketball at Pilot Tournament at Knoxville Catholic High vs Catholic  at 5:30 pm

CHS Girls V Basketball Home CFIT

MADELINE'S CHRISTMAS Is Now Running At The Redhound Theater Corbin High School Theatre Department

MADELINE'S CHRISTMAS
December 15th -17th

"In an Old House in Paris that was covered with vines", so begins the story of Madeline's Christmas. The day begins like any other day. Ms. Clavel takes the girls on their morning walk. When they return, disaster strikes! Everyone except Madeline comes down with the flu. Sad  that they may not be able to return home for Christmas, they take to their beds. But on Christmas Eve, the adventure begins when Madeline meets a rug merchant named Harsha. With the gift of magic carpets he reminds the girls that Christmas is a time of miracles!
 
Adults $10.00
Students $5.00
Tickets available at the door

Coming Up...
STAR SPANGLED GIRL
by Neil Simon
February 9th -11th
 
 
LITTLE WOMEN
The Musical
April 12th-14
 April 19th- 21st

About The Redhound Theater,
Film & Video Foundation, Inc. has existed since November, 2004.  It is a non-profit corporation  organized exclusively for  educational and charitable purposes.  We focus on the creation and promotion of performing arts, live music performances, cinema, pageants, and other events for the community and Corbin School District.

The Redhound Theater Corbin High School Theatre Department is under the direction of Schann Mobley.  Schann is a Corbin native and an alumni of Corbin High School.  She graduated cum laude from the University of Kentucky in May of 2004.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a minor in Art Studio and was a recipient of the Wallce Briggs Theatre Scholarship.  This is her fifth year teaching and directing at Corbin Independent Schools.

Laurel County: Department of Highways to discuss widening a section of U.S. 25.

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. — A public information meeting was held Thursday evening at the Laurel Event Place by the Department of Highways to discuss widening a section of U.S. 25.

The proposed project begins at the intersection of U.S. 25 and Ky. 1006 and extends north to the intersection of U.S. 25 and Ky. 229.

There are two options to relieve traffic on that busy part of U.S. 25, said John Dobson, public information officer, Department of Highways, District 11.

 The first one, and the lesser costly one, is to build a U.S. 25 bypass going northeast between Hearthside Food Solutions (formerly known as the Laurel Cookie Factory) and Tincher-Williams’ dealership which will connect with Ky. 229 at the railroad tracks at Ferrellgas. The rest of Ky. 229, which goes north, will be changed to U.S. 25 until it reaches the intersection of what is now U.S. 25 and Ky. 229 at Lee’s Famous Recipe Fried Chicken.

The section of U.S. 25 that is there now from Tincher-Williams to its intersection with Ky. 229 will be renamed by the city or Highway Department and will no longer be U.S. 25.

The other option is to widen the existing road to five or seven lanes.

Dobson said the Department of Highways would have to buy several businesses along the route in order to construct the additional lanes. It would not be feasible, he said.

Dobson said the owners of businesses in the section of U.S. 25 under consideration feel like the traffic congestion is keeping away their customers.

Dobson added there are a lot of options within the two options. Read Full Story>>>

Laurel County sheriff has accused Joshua N. Westerfield, 23, and Natalee K. Wood, 29, both of London, of burglarizing a local grocery store

Two people were arrested on Tuesday in connection with a two-week crime spree in Laurel County.

The Laurel County sheriff has accused Joshua N. Westerfield, 23, and Natalee K. Wood, 29, both of London, of burglarizing a local grocery store, and Westerfield is accused of robbing the same grocery store and burglarizing two homes.

The case began to unfold Monday afternoon, when relatives and a neighbor of a woman who lives off Ky. 80 5 miles west of London noticed a strange car in her driveway and went to the house to investigate, according to a news release.

As they approached, a man and a woman ran out of the house and drove away in a blue Toyota Camry.
Continue Reading>>>

Laurel County Schools Are now accepting applications for the Governor’s Scholars Program for the summer of 2012.

The Governor’s Scholars Program is a stimulating, five-week, residential summer program for outstanding Kentucky students completing their junior year in high school.

This program provides academic and personal growth in a challenging, non-traditional environment that balances a strong liberal arts program with a full co-curricular and residential life experience.

The 2012 program will be held on the Bellarmine University campus in Louisville, the Centre College campus in Danville, and on the Murray State University campus in Murray.

This is a competitive application process and there is a limit of 22 applications from Laurel County.

Interested students should contact their guidance counselor at North Laurel High or South Laurel High for more information and application information.

Laurel County Board of Education SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH

SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
The Laurel County Board of Education is soliciting input from parents and the community in regards to establishing the criteria for the selection of the next superintendent of the Laurel County School System. Anyone wishing to share their thoughts on this matter may submit an email with that information.

Mail Suggestions to: lcss.super-search@laurel.kyschools.us

This Week At Corbin Independent Schools

Thursday, December 15, 2011-Saturday, December 17, 2011

CHS's Theater Production, "Madeline’s Christmas" at 7:00pm each night.
Adults $10, Students $5
SENIOR CITIZEN NIGHT is on Thursday's opening night! Senior adults will be admitted for the student price!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Corbin Independent School's Annual Band Christmas Concert at 7:00 p.m. at the Corbin Arena

6,7,8 Boys Basketball Home vs. South Laurel  5:30

CHS Boys Freshman Basketball at South Laurel 6:00

CHS Girls F/JV Basketball at Rockcastle Co 6:00/7:30

Friday, December 16, 2011

CHS Girls JV/V Basketball at Barbourville at 6:00 p.m./7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

CHS Boys JV/V Basketball vs. Carter High, TN at Corbin at 2:00 p.m. /3:30 p.m.

7th Boys Basketball at Home for the Redhound 7th Grade Shootout TBD

Tuesday, Decemeber 20, 2011

CES Fourth Grade to Redhound Theatre

Corbin Schools toy drive Now Through December 20, 2011

Corbin Schools are having a toy drive at each school and will receive donations until Tuesday, December 20, 2011. The toys will be donated to local charitable organizations to benefit children in our community.There are boxes located in the main office at each school where you can bring new toys to be donated.

London, Kentucky Has Had More Than Its Fair Share Of Wounded And Dead In The War On Terror

LONDON, KENTUCKY— On Veteran's Day 2011, Timothy Jackson, a former sailor in the U.S. Navy and the son of a man who was the same, visited a small, unfinished gravesite on a Kentucky hilltop alongside a winding road. It belonged to Timothy Matthew Jackson, who went by Matt and had himself been a Marine.

And in three generations of Jackson men to serve, Matt was the first to die in combat. He was 22 years old.

It's been a wrenching year for the Jackson family. And for the communities in and around London, it's been a wrenching decade. A decade ago in October, America went to war — first in Afghanistan and then in Iraq. At 10 years, the war on terror is almost as long as World War I, World War II and the Korea War combined.

Now, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are nearing their end, as President Barack Obama has plans to bring U.S. troops back from Iraq by the end of this month and reduce forces in Afghanistan — still a hot zone — by the middle of 2012.

But for the soldiers of Kentucky and their families, the war is far from over.

To understand the impact of these wars on the American fabric, McClatchy reviewed reams of reports and records from the Department of Veterans Affairs. It settled on London — a typical small American town that, when it comes to matters of war, is anything but typical.

In the past decade, nearly 200 men and women from these parts have left the service and are now collecting disability payments for the injuries they sustained during military service. Three soldiers from London were killed, a higher number than most small towns and many larger ones. Continue Reading>>>

Christmas on Main is an annual celebration that takes place on the first Friday of December in downtown London, Kentucky

About Christmas on Main

.  Each year features a different theme for the event.  The 2011 Christmas on Main theme is “Christmas at the Movies“. Children’s Book Walk (5:30 PM)

Downtown businesses will welcome children of all ages to listen to holiday readings.  Each location will read their stories at 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30 PM.


Christmas Book Walk stops includes:

The Sentinel-Echo
Carousel Florist
Simply Irresistible
Beautiful You Photography
Bob’s Ready to Wear
Cunnagin & Cunnagin Law Office
The Soothing Touch
Bruce Bentley Attorney at Law
Eric Ashley Attorney at Law
Edward Jones – Todd Strouse
The Copper Penny
London-Laurel Co. Chamber of Commerce
Starwood Mountain Dining Company
& Commonwealth Attorney Jackie Steele



The Randy Smith Christmas on Main Parade (7:00 PM)

The Randy Smith Christmas on Main Parade starts at approximately 7:00 PM in downtown London.  The parade begins at the intersection of 16th Street and Main Street (London Elementary School) and ends at Carnaby Square Shopping Center. The parade lasts approximately one hour.

The 2011 theme is “Christmas at the Movies”.  If you are interested in participating in the parade, you will need to download the Parade Entry Form in PDF format.

The Laurel County Jail will be lit just as the parade passes the Laurel County Courthouse.
Tree Lighting Ceremony (Immediately after Parade)

At the conclusion of the Christmas on Main Parade, approximately 8:00 PM, a Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at The Farmer’s Market that includes a short ceremony and a chance for photos with Santa.  Live music and other freebies available!
Holiday Hustle 5K  (8:00 AM – Saturday Morning)

Take part in the 2011 Holiday Hustle at 1st United Methodist Church at 8:00 AM on Saturday, December 3rd.

Tammy Bray London, Kentucky faces many charges she used her 10-year-old child in a shoplifting operation on Black Friday.

A Laurel County woman faces many charges after Richmond Police say she used her 10-year-old child in a shoplifting operation on Black Friday.

Police arrested 35-year-old Tammy Bray, of London, after employees at Belk in Richmond detained her around 4:30 Friday morning.

Police say Bray stole more than $1,300 worth of merchandise from the store. Police also say Bray involved her 10-year-old daughter in the shoplifting operation.

"She would have her daughter bring her items to the fitting room where she would take them out of the box and put them in her purse or a bag she had with her," said Richmond Police Chief Larry Brock.

Then Chief Brock says she had her daughter take the empty boxes and return them to the store shelves.

While searching Bray's car, Richmond Police say they found nearly $1,900 worth of merchandise that had been stolen from the Berea Walmart. They also say they found half of a Xanax pill in her purse.

Police charged Bray with theft by unlawful taking over $500, receiving stolen property over $500, unlawful transaction with a minor, and possession of a controlled substance. She's being held on a $5,000 bond in the Madison County Detention Center.

Police say they also arrested a woman they call an associate of Bray's, 37-year-old Ginger Shell. Shell was charged with public intoxication. She bonded out of jail over the weekend.

Two children were with Bray at the time of the arrest. Police say those children were released to a responsible adult, as determined by social services.

Source: Police: Woman used her 10-year-old child in shoplifting operation

St Joseph's-London hospital in Laurel County was on lockdown after two patients come in with Rash

Officials in Laurel County, Kentucky say a london hospital was on lockdown for a time Sunday night after two patients came to the emergency room saying they had a rash from petting a dog.

WLEX in Lexington reports a family of five drove themselves to St. Joseph's Hospital around 7 p.m. Sunday night after seeing symptoms including burning skin, headache and shortness of breath.

Officials say while they were being treated 4 emergency room staffers, including a doctor started feeling similar symptoms.

All were decontaminated and are now feeling better, and the hospital's lockdown was lifted.

Officials, including Kentucky Emergency Management and HAZMAT teams, are working to figure out what happened.

According to the hospital -- two patients arrived at the ER complaining they received a bad rash after petting a dog.

South Laurel High School 8th annual Madrigal dinner Tickets Now On Sale

The South Laurel High School Choral Department, under the direction of Mark Felts, in conjunction with the brass quintet, led by Mark Sizemore, are excitedly planning the 8th annual Madrigal dinner that will certainly prove to be as entertaining as the dinners of the past.  

“The Madrigal dinner is a highlight of the choral program,” Felts said.  “One of my favorite aspects of the production is the matinee performances that we do for Laurel County Elementary students.  They really enjoy it.”  

The show aligns perfectly with the new state arts and humanities and practical living program reviews.  These guidelines require that student have access to curriculum in all four areas of the arts and humanities.  The madrigal dinner covers all: drama, music, dance and visual arts.

Guests can expect a delicious seven-course-catered dinner as performers sing Christmas carols true to the time period SLHS students are recreating and a transformation of the school cafeteria into a medieval castle.

“We try to mimic the Renaissance period, but we want our guests to genuinely feel they have been to a feast,” stated Darlene Bowling, the madrigal coordinator.  For the meal, guests can expect the traditional wassail toast, followed by the serving of the English round bread and soup.  The main entree is chicken, and side dishes include dressing, red garlic smashed potatoes, green beans, salad, and the dessert is a decadent cheese cake.

“Guests attending the show are so surprised to learn that everything eaten at the dinner was prepared here on site,” said Bowling, by the district level food service staff, headed by Tammy Hammock and Brenda Rush, along with South Laurel High School’s cafeteria manager, Vanda Goforth.  

 “The dinner is truly delicious, and everything is served piping hot, as you would expect in the finest restaurant in London,” she said.

Other favorites of the show include the Madrigal dancers, the comedic jesters, and the reading of the traditional Christmas story, read by South Laurel High School’s Principal David Cummins.  He and his wife, Jessica, also a teacher in the Laurel County school district, dress in Renaissance costume and play the parts of the Lord and Lady of the manor.  Other faculty members instrumental in the madrigal production include Joann Durham, Mary King, and Donna Gail House.  The Madrigal dinner involves nearly 75 student participants, including:  Jordan Allen, Justin Belcher, Caleb Blair, Nicholas Boland, Tara Campbell, Alana Christian, Mary Beth Collett, Shelbie Cooper, Christopher Day, Patrick Derose, Joseph Fiefhaus, Courtney Fultz, Larissa Gilreath, Kelli Greene, Brittany Hacker, Jacob Hale, Joshua Howard, Andrew Hudson, Taylor Hunt, Andrew Irvin, Hannah Johnson, Kendra Karr, Cody Kilburn, Christopher Laurber, Emily Ledington, Adrienne Liford, Tyler Maiden, Joseph Mcdaniel, Samantha Morris, Randy Mullins, Kaitlyn Murphy, Robert Dalton Murray, Rebecca Neely, Trevor North, Austin Phelps, Justin Phelps, Johnathan Powell, Jonathon Reams, Lauren Reams, Claire Robb, Amy Shoemaker, Tanner Sibert, Macayla Sizemore, Amber Tyree, Haylie Vaughn, Daugh White, Courtney Whitlatch, Paulina Young, Nicholas Baxter, Rodney Ledford, Joseph Fiefhaus, Tre White, Trevor North, Dalton Murray, Haylie Burns, Chris Angel, Megan Taylor, Jennifer Blume, Chris Lauber, Hailee Taylor,, Amanda McCracken,  Emily Adams, Alex Cryer, Tasia Frye,  Brittany Sampson, Kristie North, Lyndsey Browning, Tyla Morgan, Aislinn Skiles, Libby Hoskins, Casey Messer, Kevin Egner,  Leteshia Carter,  Logan Belt, Kristen Caldwell, Tori Powell, Courtney Benfield, Sarah Rush, Abbi Rush, Whitney Jackson, Katie Kilburn, Brittany Asher, Alex Williams, Chasity Owens,  Sarah Petit, Ali  Huff,  and Kelsey Sutherland.

The dates of the public performances are December 8 at 7 p.m., and December 10 at 6 p.m.

All tickets must be reserved and purchased before the night of the performance.  Tickets are $30 each.

Call 862-4727 and make your ticket reservations.  There are also great ticket incentives for those business and family members who want to purchase an ad in the program.  

For more information, please see the school’s website at www.laurel.kyschools.us.

Laurel County Schools Superintendent, David Young, resigned this morning following a DUI arrest this weekend.

Laurel County Schools Superintendent, David Young, resigned this morning following a DUI arrest this weekend.

Young was arrested Saturday when police found him in his wrecked car off Highway 25 near London. Police say his blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit.

More information on this story on Mountain News at 6.