TOP PHOTO: Word of the death of Southern Gospel’s down-to-earth icon Peg McKamey came into WLAF early on Tuesday morning. The sad news of the passing of McKamey, from Clinchmore, is without doubt one of 2023’s top stories.

CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN. (WLAF)- With a couple of 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 October, November and December.

October

A Campbell County High FFA student’s senior project was brought to life thanks to a donation from Alco Builders & Realty. For his senior FFA project, Robert “R.J.” Moore designed a water conservation system for the high school to use in its greenhouses and for watering the FFA animals. His “ingenious design” conserves water by recycling rain water and will save the school money. CLICK HERE for the full story.

Four people facing murder charges in an alleged overdose death appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Helena Sue Wilson, Latasha Denise Wilson, Christy Marie Wilson and Claude Edward Collins, Jr. were charged in the death of Rosezetta Wilson Morris. Wilson was found dead in her home in January of this year. LaFollette Police and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation launched a joint investigation at the time. CLICK HERE for the full story.

While paving crews were working on North Avenue near LaFollette Medical Center, a man allegedly stole a TDOT truck. Just before 10pm, on a Friday, police said 55- year- old Ronald Lynn Lowe allegedly sped away in the white truck bearing TDOT decals with flashing amber lights. CLICK HERE for the full story.

A Jacksboro bound BMW, after sitting at the Tennessee Avenue stop light, bolted away from the pack of stopped vehicles before the light changed, veered all the way across Central Avenue at a high rate of speed, barely missed a CUV, rode the sidewalk, traveling through the Community Trust Bank parking lot, bowling over the ATM and across a flower bed before stopping in the parking lot. CLICK HERE for the full story and video.

The Campbell County Board of Education unanimously elected Steve Morgan as chairman of the board. Board members failed to elect a vice chair. CLICK HERE for the full story.

November

Jellico High School came together to celebrate the U-S Citizenship of Humberto “Bert” Reyes-Garcia in an assembly. This was a surprise celebration for him. The students cheered as he was brought into the auditorium, even standing for him as he came to the stage. CLICK HERE for the full story.

LaFollette Police investigated a theft at a local car dealership where it was estimated the thieves absconded with more than $275,000 in inventory. CLICK HERE for the full story.

Campbell County was awarded just over $235,000 as part of a settlement reached with manufactures and distributors of opioids. The funds came as other opioid lawsuits were still being settled across the nation. CLICK HERE for the full story.

Carjacking charges were levied against two men after they lured their victim to a secluded area and took his car. One of the men allegedly used a deadly weapon to steal the victim’s Buick SUV. This all led to a police pursuit where the carjackers ran out of gas. CLICK HERE for the full story.

The Campbell Jail faced a narcotics crisis with 27 inmates overdose in 2023. CLICK HERE for the full story.

Five people sustained injuries in a Thanksgiving morning house fire. CLICK HERE for the full story.

December

Elk Valley STEM School students participated in a world record setting event. CLICK HERE for the full story. 

The Campbell County Board of Education met with Education Attorney Chris McCarty at a special called meeting. After about an hour of discussion, the BOE voted to hire McCarty as its new attorney. CLICK HERE for the full story.

Shop with a Cop, an outreach event of the Jacksboro Police Department, had its biggest year yet. CLICK HERE for the full story.

After 21 years as the Campbell County School Board’s attorney, Dail Cantrell attended his last meeting after he is stepping down due to health reasons. Director of Schools Jennifer Fields and school board members recognized Cantrell for his many years of service. CLICK HERE for the full story.

A Cougar football fan’s worst news broke on Fri., Dec. 22; the leaving of the Price twins. After 13 memorable seasons, Justin, head coach, and Matt, associate head coach, tendered their resignations as football coaches of Campbell High. The full story is found HERE.

The sad news of the death of Southern Gospel’s down-to-earth icon Peg McKamey came into WLAF early on Tuesday morning, Dec. 26. In the spring of 2014, Peg spent an afternoon sharing stories, voicing liners and visiting with WLAF’s Charlotte Underwood. HERE is that story about the Clinchmore native.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 12/29/2023- 6AM)

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