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Wlaf1450TOP PHOTO: Tracy Powers, right, is pictured with the First Lady of Tennessee, Maria Lee. Powers was among the many stories of 2023 when she retired after 26 years of leading the Roane State Community College Campbell Campus as its director.
CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN. (WLAF)- With a few days in left in 2023, 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 April, May and June.
April
On a beautiful, breezy day, 70 volunteers filled up a large portion of the parking lot at the Food City Center to build beds. This first bed build of the season in Campbell County was sponsored by the Lions Club, New Horizon Baptist Church and Cross-Smith Funeral Home. Entering the bed build, there was a need for 29 beds, and that need was met as 40 beds were built in under three hours. CLICK HERE for the full story.
LaFollette native Brian Henegar achieved his lifelong dream of appearing on the iconic game show Jeopardy!
A three hour effort by multiple fire agencies put out a brush fire. CLICK HERE for the full story.
A joint investigation by special agent fire investigators with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the indictment of a LaFollette man on attempted murder and arson charges. HERE is a related story. On Dec. 29, 2022, an investigation began into a house fire that occurred in the 200 block of Magnolia Lane in LaFollette the previous day. Agents and investigators determined the fire had been intentionally set. The investigation revealed that Phillip Justin Williams, 52, the homeowner, was responsible for starting the fire. Further investigation revealed that prior to the fire, Williams disabled the brakes on the vehicle driven by his estranged wife. CLICK HERE for the full story.
The completion date on the Highway 63 project was still “technically” slated for the end May 2023. But, Tennessee Department of Transportation officials acknowledged that wasn’t a possibility. “Technically the estimated completion date remains May 31, 2023. But the project will not be completed by that time,” Tennessee Department of Transportation Community Relations Officer Mark Nagi said. “The new estimated completion date is now June 2024,” Nagi said. CLICK HERE for the full story.
South Campbell County Rotarians learned about tourism from East Tennessee Regional Manager Dave Jones, who is with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. CLICK HERE for the full story
May
It was the end of an era for Caryville’s legendary Scotty’s Restaurant as it closed its doors. CLICK HERE for the full story.
Two Campbell Countians from the same family received conservation awards from the Tennessee Wildlife Federation and had their efforts recognized at the Federation’s 58th Annual Conservation Achievement Awards ceremony in Nashville. Eagle Scout and BSA Troop 310 assistant scoutmaster Stewart Thacker was the Junior Conservationist of the Year, while his uncle Joe England was the Wildlife Conservationist of the Year. CLICK HERE for the full story.
Ronnie Wayne Lawson was arrested for the 33rd time since 1998, when computerized records began being kept, according to Campbell County Jail records. Police were looking for Lawson since his latest encounter with the law stemming from an alleged hit and run in March. Campbell County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Cody Chapman says the incident happened on Easter Lane in La Follette on April 14. CLICK HERE for the full story.
The Special Olympics was held in Campbell County for first time in 15 years. CLICK HERE for the full story.
The rain moved out soon after 5pm making for a rain-free Campbell County High School graduation ceremony. CLICK HERE for the full story.
June
The City of LaFollette made plans to buy a $105,000 billboard. (The 10 x 20 billboard would come at a cost of $75,000. There is a $30,000 installation fee.) CLICK HERE for the full story.
The 37th Annual Campbell County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Banquet and Awards Dinner was held at the Ball Farm Event Center in LaFollette. The LaFollette Utility Board was named the 2023 Business of the Year by the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce. CLICK HERE for the full story.
White Oak residents expressed concerns over incoming bit coin operation. CLICK HERE for the full story.
Local musician and song writer Greg Marlow competed in a national competition. He performed his original song and music in front of an audience and a panel of judges in Kentucky.
After 43 years, LaFollette Police Department’s James Lynch retired. CLICK HERE for the full story.
Campbell County Roane State Community College Campus Director Tracy Powers retired after 26 years at the helm. CLICK HERE for the full story.
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 12/27/2023- 6AM)