TOP PHOTO: Leon Deane’s dying wish was granted as he was able to attend his son’s graduation at Jellico High.

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 July, August and September.

July

A change in the law will made it possible to bring license plate reading cameras to LaFollette. Flock Cameras, as they are commonly known, are solar-powered traffic cameras that run on their own cellular network. Starting in July, the Tennessee Department of Transportation no longer has to authorize the placement of Flock Cameras on its right of ways. The law change is what cleared the way for the City of LaFollette to install two cameras in the city limits. CLICK HERE for the full story.

A man who allegedly robbed Big O’s was arrested. CLICK HERE for the full story.

Several people were disappointed when they learned Long John Silver’s / A&W All American Food was closed. There were several signs around the building saying “We are closed” and the drive thru was blocked off. CLICK HERE for the full story.

Campbell County Schools District reported significant growth in testing scores district-wide. The data reflected the district’s consistent commitment to improving educational outcomes across all grade levels and student groups, including English Language Arts (ELA) and Math subjects. At the district level, average scores in ELA rose by 6.8 percentage points since 2017, with math scores closely following, boasting a rise of 6.9 points in the same timeframe. CLICK HERE for the full story.

A camper was destroyed by fire but the nearby structures were saved by the Campbell County Rural Fire Service. CLICK HERE for the full story.

August

As her criminal charges approached the four year mark, Monica Muse learned her fate. In 2019, Muse, her husband John Muse, Sr. and her son, John Muse, Jr., were arrested for stealing more than $250,000 worth of items. Earlier this year, Monica Muse pleaded guilty to numerous theft charges for her part in the crime ring. While she pleaded guilty, how her consequences would look were yet to be determined. Muse owed a large sum of restitution to her victims. CLICK HERE for the full story.

A barricade event in LaFollette was resolved without incident; one man was arrested. CLICK HERE for the full story.

The Jacksboro Board of Mayor and Aldermen passed an ordinance, 130, that prohibits any additional billboards in the Town of Jacksboro. CLICK HERE for the full story.

It was Game Day on The Hill as Campbell opened its 2023 home slate with the Fulton Falcons. CLICK HERE for the full story.

Leon Deane was receiving hospice care after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. His dying wish was to see his son, Ewan, receive his high school diploma. Ewan is a junior, and is also a member of Jellico High School Football team. The staff at Jellico High School, knowing that Leon’s time is limited, made his wish come true. CLICK HERE for the full story.

September

Jacksboro Police Officers rescued a child after it was left alone inside a small pick-up truck. The child was spotted unattended in a vehicle in the heat of the day.  A passerby called 911 after seeing a girl left in a small pick-up truck on the grounds of the Eagle Market. CLICK HERE for the full story.

Campbell County General Sessions Judge Bill Jones addressed county commissioners at a workshop. Jones informed them he had held his first recovery court last week and currently had five participants. He asked the commission to approve for his office to apply for a grant to help fund the program in order to “grow it.” CLICK HERE for the full story.

The Campbell County School Board heard from Marty Jackson as he was asking for “better pay” for his bus drivers. Jackson’s bus drivers handle 13 routes for the Campbell County School district. “I would like to get another $100 a week for my drivers. I pay them $400 a week, and I’m asking for funds to be able to pay them $500 a week,” Jackson said. “I own 13 routes, and they don’t miss a day. My busses have not missed a day,” Jackson told BOE members. CLICK HERE for the full story.

The Eighth Judicial District Recovery graduated four participants on Fri., Sept. 15.  Graduates being honored included: Ashley Carver Myers Claiborne County, Gwen North Claiborne County, Rodrik Brown Claiborne County and Michael “Jake” Ballinger, Union County. CLICK HERE for the full story.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 12/28/2023- 6AM)

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