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Lewis teaches students forensic science

Nola Sizemore

Staff Writer

Forensic science is not your average high school class in the area. Harlan County High School teacher Damon Lewis was chosen to teach this unusual class, as an elective, to students interested in this field of study.

“This class has been taught in the past, but was dropped for a while. The school decided to bring it back this year as an elective,” said Lewis. “It’s always good for the science department to offer an extension to the science program here at Harlan County High School.”

Forensic Science is any science used for the purposes of the law, and therefore providing impartial scientific evidence for use in the courts of law, e.g. in a criminal investigation and trial.

“The class educates the students in a way that encourages them to think scientifically and ethically,” said Lewis. “They quickly realize that it’s not always as they see it on CSI. Crime scene processing takes time and strategic effort from numerous agencies directed towards a judicial platform. The students are made more aware of the multi-faceted approach to solving crimes, and that there are numerous occupations that contribute to the fairness of any trial.”

Lewis said the class is not just limited to upperclassmen, he also has a lot of freshmen and sophomores taking the class.

“I like the fact that students who do choose to take the class are interested in science in general,” said Lewis. “It helps them find opportunity for employment in our area, whether it be law enforcement, judicial services, or something in the medical field.”

Lewis said the students are able to use the school’s Smart Boards to view the University of Tennessee’s “body farm,” where bodies are stored to study decomposition.

“The students who take this class seem to enjoy this aspect of the class,” said Lewis. “I don’t think they realized this was actually a thing which is happening at the university. This falls into the Anthropology category of the class. The students also study car crash scene reconstruction. If they decide to go into the law enforcement field they will need this type of information. I feel really honored to have been chosen to teach this class. I’ve been called a science nerd and I tell my kids I’m not as much of a nerd as I’d like to be. There is nothing wrong with knowledge and it’s free for the taking here at HCHS. I encourage students to grasp knowledge and see the importance of knowledge and science.”

Lewis has been teaching for the past seven years. He also teaches Environmental Science at HCHS. A Putney resident, 37-year-old Lewis is a Harlan County native, graduating from Cumberland High School, Lincoln Memorial University and received his master’s degree from Union College in Barbourville. He is a member of the National Science Teachers Association and an assistant basketball coach at the school. He and his wife, Heather, who is a second grade teacher at Rosspoint Elementary School, have three children.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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download June 19, 2013
download June 19, 2013
Relay For Life begins Friday
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 19, 2013 | 1647 views | 0 0 comments | 8 8 recommendations | email to a friend | print

The American Cancer Society will host the annual Relay For Life event at 6 p.m. on Friday at Huff Park in Harlan. It will end at 6 a.m. on Saturday.

The presentation of the flag by the Holy Trinity Cub Scout Pack 149 will open the ceremonies. Deric Jeffers will lead everyone in the National Anthem.

Steve Tolliver, Bank of Harlan president, will be the guest speaker.

Teams will be introduced and presented with awards. At 7 p.m., a survivor recognition ceremony will be held with Miss Harlan County escorting cancer survivors and fighters. Immediately following will be the opening survivor/caregiver lap around Huff Park escorted by members of the Harlan High School football team. A parade of teams will follow.

“I have been involved in the Relay For Life since 2009,” said Phyllis Napier, Harlan County Relay For Life chair. “This is my second year as the county chair.”

Napier said she became involved in Relay For Life due to her father being diagnosed with prostate cancer and staying free of charge at the Hope Lodge in Lexington for six weeks while he had his treatments.

“They were so good to my father during this time,” said Napier. “I just wanted to give back to the American Cancer Society. I’m happy to say that today my dad is winning his fight.”

During this year’s event, there will be music from the Tony Dean Family, Deric Jeffers, Lawanna Blevins, Jeffrey Shayne and Brooklyn Collins.

There will also be live music from DJ Mark Lawson with Maximum Sound Studio.

“Brandon Robinson, meteorologist from WYMT, will emcee the event for us,” said Napier. “We have free inflatables from Sander’s Bounce House from 7:30 p.m. until midnight. D&D Kustomz will do airbrush tattoos with all proceeds going to Relay For Life. There will be an exhibition by Flips and Flops Gymnastics and a puppet show by the First Baptist Church of Loyall. There will also be free games from 7:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. courtesy of the Harlan County 4-H Extension Service. It’s a fun-filled event and we hope everyone will make plans to join us.”

Napier said the American Cancer Society spends millions of dollars each year to fund research to help find a cure for cancer. She said through this research “people are living longer and treatments are becoming more successful.”

“Our Luminaria Ceremony will begin at 11 p.m. and bags may be purchased at the event in honor of survivors/fighters or in memory of those who have lost their battle with cancer,” said Napier. “It’s such a serene ceremony — filled with a lot of emotion. We encourage everyone to come out and show their support for families and loved ones who have had or have someone battling cancer.”

Another highlight of the event is the “Dude Looks Like a Lady Pageant” held each year at 11:30 p.m.

“Everyone enjoys this tremendously,” said Napier. “It’s a time to laugh and have a good time. We always have a great show of support from the men participating in the event. We just hope everyone will stop by and visit one of the 21 teams participating this year and give them a donation and enjoy some great food and cold drinks.”

Roxanne Miller, community representative with the Mid-South Division of the American Cancer Society, said a mini-Relay For Life will be held in Cumberland on the campus of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“A mini-Relay For Life has all the main components a Relay For Life event has, which include an opening ceremony, survivor recognition and lap, entertainment, team booths, veterans recognition and lap, luminaria ceremony and a closing ceremony,” said Miller. “Everyone from Harlan County and the surrounding counties are welcome to join us at either or both of the events.”

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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download June 19, 2013
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Relay For Life begins Friday
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 19, 2013 | 1647 views | 0 0 comments | 8 8 recommendations | email to a friend | print

The American Cancer Society will host the annual Relay For Life event at 6 p.m. on Friday at Huff Park in Harlan. It will end at 6 a.m. on Saturday.

The presentation of the flag by the Holy Trinity Cub Scout Pack 149 will open the ceremonies. Deric Jeffers will lead everyone in the National Anthem.

Steve Tolliver, Bank of Harlan president, will be the guest speaker.

Teams will be introduced and presented with awards. At 7 p.m., a survivor recognition ceremony will be held with Miss Harlan County escorting cancer survivors and fighters. Immediately following will be the opening survivor/caregiver lap around Huff Park escorted by members of the Harlan High School football team. A parade of teams will follow.

“I have been involved in the Relay For Life since 2009,” said Phyllis Napier, Harlan County Relay For Life chair. “This is my second year as the county chair.”

Napier said she became involved in Relay For Life due to her father being diagnosed with prostate cancer and staying free of charge at the Hope Lodge in Lexington for six weeks while he had his treatments.

“They were so good to my father during this time,” said Napier. “I just wanted to give back to the American Cancer Society. I’m happy to say that today my dad is winning his fight.”

During this year’s event, there will be music from the Tony Dean Family, Deric Jeffers, Lawanna Blevins, Jeffrey Shayne and Brooklyn Collins.

There will also be live music from DJ Mark Lawson with Maximum Sound Studio.

“Brandon Robinson, meteorologist from WYMT, will emcee the event for us,” said Napier. “We have free inflatables from Sander’s Bounce House from 7:30 p.m. until midnight. D&D Kustomz will do airbrush tattoos with all proceeds going to Relay For Life. There will be an exhibition by Flips and Flops Gymnastics and a puppet show by the First Baptist Church of Loyall. There will also be free games from 7:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. courtesy of the Harlan County 4-H Extension Service. It’s a fun-filled event and we hope everyone will make plans to join us.”

Napier said the American Cancer Society spends millions of dollars each year to fund research to help find a cure for cancer. She said through this research “people are living longer and treatments are becoming more successful.”

“Our Luminaria Ceremony will begin at 11 p.m. and bags may be purchased at the event in honor of survivors/fighters or in memory of those who have lost their battle with cancer,” said Napier. “It’s such a serene ceremony — filled with a lot of emotion. We encourage everyone to come out and show their support for families and loved ones who have had or have someone battling cancer.”

Another highlight of the event is the “Dude Looks Like a Lady Pageant” held each year at 11:30 p.m.

“Everyone enjoys this tremendously,” said Napier. “It’s a time to laugh and have a good time. We always have a great show of support from the men participating in the event. We just hope everyone will stop by and visit one of the 21 teams participating this year and give them a donation and enjoy some great food and cold drinks.”

Roxanne Miller, community representative with the Mid-South Division of the American Cancer Society, said a mini-Relay For Life will be held in Cumberland on the campus of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“A mini-Relay For Life has all the main components a Relay For Life event has, which include an opening ceremony, survivor recognition and lap, entertainment, team booths, veterans recognition and lap, luminaria ceremony and a closing ceremony,” said Miller. “Everyone from Harlan County and the surrounding counties are welcome to join us at either or both of the events.”

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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download June 19, 2013
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Relay For Life begins Friday
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 19, 2013 | 1647 views | 0 0 comments | 8 8 recommendations | email to a friend | print

The American Cancer Society will host the annual Relay For Life event at 6 p.m. on Friday at Huff Park in Harlan. It will end at 6 a.m. on Saturday.

The presentation of the flag by the Holy Trinity Cub Scout Pack 149 will open the ceremonies. Deric Jeffers will lead everyone in the National Anthem.

Steve Tolliver, Bank of Harlan president, will be the guest speaker.

Teams will be introduced and presented with awards. At 7 p.m., a survivor recognition ceremony will be held with Miss Harlan County escorting cancer survivors and fighters. Immediately following will be the opening survivor/caregiver lap around Huff Park escorted by members of the Harlan High School football team. A parade of teams will follow.

“I have been involved in the Relay For Life since 2009,” said Phyllis Napier, Harlan County Relay For Life chair. “This is my second year as the county chair.”

Napier said she became involved in Relay For Life due to her father being diagnosed with prostate cancer and staying free of charge at the Hope Lodge in Lexington for six weeks while he had his treatments.

“They were so good to my father during this time,” said Napier. “I just wanted to give back to the American Cancer Society. I’m happy to say that today my dad is winning his fight.”

During this year’s event, there will be music from the Tony Dean Family, Deric Jeffers, Lawanna Blevins, Jeffrey Shayne and Brooklyn Collins.

There will also be live music from DJ Mark Lawson with Maximum Sound Studio.

“Brandon Robinson, meteorologist from WYMT, will emcee the event for us,” said Napier. “We have free inflatables from Sander’s Bounce House from 7:30 p.m. until midnight. D&D Kustomz will do airbrush tattoos with all proceeds going to Relay For Life. There will be an exhibition by Flips and Flops Gymnastics and a puppet show by the First Baptist Church of Loyall. There will also be free games from 7:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. courtesy of the Harlan County 4-H Extension Service. It’s a fun-filled event and we hope everyone will make plans to join us.”

Napier said the American Cancer Society spends millions of dollars each year to fund research to help find a cure for cancer. She said through this research “people are living longer and treatments are becoming more successful.”

“Our Luminaria Ceremony will begin at 11 p.m. and bags may be purchased at the event in honor of survivors/fighters or in memory of those who have lost their battle with cancer,” said Napier. “It’s such a serene ceremony — filled with a lot of emotion. We encourage everyone to come out and show their support for families and loved ones who have had or have someone battling cancer.”

Another highlight of the event is the “Dude Looks Like a Lady Pageant” held each year at 11:30 p.m.

“Everyone enjoys this tremendously,” said Napier. “It’s a time to laugh and have a good time. We always have a great show of support from the men participating in the event. We just hope everyone will stop by and visit one of the 21 teams participating this year and give them a donation and enjoy some great food and cold drinks.”

Roxanne Miller, community representative with the Mid-South Division of the American Cancer Society, said a mini-Relay For Life will be held in Cumberland on the campus of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“A mini-Relay For Life has all the main components a Relay For Life event has, which include an opening ceremony, survivor recognition and lap, entertainment, team booths, veterans recognition and lap, luminaria ceremony and a closing ceremony,” said Miller. “Everyone from Harlan County and the surrounding counties are welcome to join us at either or both of the events.”

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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download June 19, 2013
download June 19, 2013
Relay For Life begins Friday
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 19, 2013 | 1647 views | 0 0 comments | 8 8 recommendations | email to a friend | print

The American Cancer Society will host the annual Relay For Life event at 6 p.m. on Friday at Huff Park in Harlan. It will end at 6 a.m. on Saturday.

The presentation of the flag by the Holy Trinity Cub Scout Pack 149 will open the ceremonies. Deric Jeffers will lead everyone in the National Anthem.

Steve Tolliver, Bank of Harlan president, will be the guest speaker.

Teams will be introduced and presented with awards. At 7 p.m., a survivor recognition ceremony will be held with Miss Harlan County escorting cancer survivors and fighters. Immediately following will be the opening survivor/caregiver lap around Huff Park escorted by members of the Harlan High School football team. A parade of teams will follow.

“I have been involved in the Relay For Life since 2009,” said Phyllis Napier, Harlan County Relay For Life chair. “This is my second year as the county chair.”

Napier said she became involved in Relay For Life due to her father being diagnosed with prostate cancer and staying free of charge at the Hope Lodge in Lexington for six weeks while he had his treatments.

“They were so good to my father during this time,” said Napier. “I just wanted to give back to the American Cancer Society. I’m happy to say that today my dad is winning his fight.”

During this year’s event, there will be music from the Tony Dean Family, Deric Jeffers, Lawanna Blevins, Jeffrey Shayne and Brooklyn Collins.

There will also be live music from DJ Mark Lawson with Maximum Sound Studio.

“Brandon Robinson, meteorologist from WYMT, will emcee the event for us,” said Napier. “We have free inflatables from Sander’s Bounce House from 7:30 p.m. until midnight. D&D Kustomz will do airbrush tattoos with all proceeds going to Relay For Life. There will be an exhibition by Flips and Flops Gymnastics and a puppet show by the First Baptist Church of Loyall. There will also be free games from 7:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. courtesy of the Harlan County 4-H Extension Service. It’s a fun-filled event and we hope everyone will make plans to join us.”

Napier said the American Cancer Society spends millions of dollars each year to fund research to help find a cure for cancer. She said through this research “people are living longer and treatments are becoming more successful.”

“Our Luminaria Ceremony will begin at 11 p.m. and bags may be purchased at the event in honor of survivors/fighters or in memory of those who have lost their battle with cancer,” said Napier. “It’s such a serene ceremony — filled with a lot of emotion. We encourage everyone to come out and show their support for families and loved ones who have had or have someone battling cancer.”

Another highlight of the event is the “Dude Looks Like a Lady Pageant” held each year at 11:30 p.m.

“Everyone enjoys this tremendously,” said Napier. “It’s a time to laugh and have a good time. We always have a great show of support from the men participating in the event. We just hope everyone will stop by and visit one of the 21 teams participating this year and give them a donation and enjoy some great food and cold drinks.”

Roxanne Miller, community representative with the Mid-South Division of the American Cancer Society, said a mini-Relay For Life will be held in Cumberland on the campus of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“A mini-Relay For Life has all the main components a Relay For Life event has, which include an opening ceremony, survivor recognition and lap, entertainment, team booths, veterans recognition and lap, luminaria ceremony and a closing ceremony,” said Miller. “Everyone from Harlan County and the surrounding counties are welcome to join us at either or both of the events.”

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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download June 19, 2013
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Relay For Life begins Friday
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 19, 2013 | 1647 views | 0 0 comments | 8 8 recommendations | email to a friend | print

The American Cancer Society will host the annual Relay For Life event at 6 p.m. on Friday at Huff Park in Harlan. It will end at 6 a.m. on Saturday.

The presentation of the flag by the Holy Trinity Cub Scout Pack 149 will open the ceremonies. Deric Jeffers will lead everyone in the National Anthem.

Steve Tolliver, Bank of Harlan president, will be the guest speaker.

Teams will be introduced and presented with awards. At 7 p.m., a survivor recognition ceremony will be held with Miss Harlan County escorting cancer survivors and fighters. Immediately following will be the opening survivor/caregiver lap around Huff Park escorted by members of the Harlan High School football team. A parade of teams will follow.

“I have been involved in the Relay For Life since 2009,” said Phyllis Napier, Harlan County Relay For Life chair. “This is my second year as the county chair.”

Napier said she became involved in Relay For Life due to her father being diagnosed with prostate cancer and staying free of charge at the Hope Lodge in Lexington for six weeks while he had his treatments.

“They were so good to my father during this time,” said Napier. “I just wanted to give back to the American Cancer Society. I’m happy to say that today my dad is winning his fight.”

During this year’s event, there will be music from the Tony Dean Family, Deric Jeffers, Lawanna Blevins, Jeffrey Shayne and Brooklyn Collins.

There will also be live music from DJ Mark Lawson with Maximum Sound Studio.

“Brandon Robinson, meteorologist from WYMT, will emcee the event for us,” said Napier. “We have free inflatables from Sander’s Bounce House from 7:30 p.m. until midnight. D&D Kustomz will do airbrush tattoos with all proceeds going to Relay For Life. There will be an exhibition by Flips and Flops Gymnastics and a puppet show by the First Baptist Church of Loyall. There will also be free games from 7:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. courtesy of the Harlan County 4-H Extension Service. It’s a fun-filled event and we hope everyone will make plans to join us.”

Napier said the American Cancer Society spends millions of dollars each year to fund research to help find a cure for cancer. She said through this research “people are living longer and treatments are becoming more successful.”

“Our Luminaria Ceremony will begin at 11 p.m. and bags may be purchased at the event in honor of survivors/fighters or in memory of those who have lost their battle with cancer,” said Napier. “It’s such a serene ceremony — filled with a lot of emotion. We encourage everyone to come out and show their support for families and loved ones who have had or have someone battling cancer.”

Another highlight of the event is the “Dude Looks Like a Lady Pageant” held each year at 11:30 p.m.

“Everyone enjoys this tremendously,” said Napier. “It’s a time to laugh and have a good time. We always have a great show of support from the men participating in the event. We just hope everyone will stop by and visit one of the 21 teams participating this year and give them a donation and enjoy some great food and cold drinks.”

Roxanne Miller, community representative with the Mid-South Division of the American Cancer Society, said a mini-Relay For Life will be held in Cumberland on the campus of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“A mini-Relay For Life has all the main components a Relay For Life event has, which include an opening ceremony, survivor recognition and lap, entertainment, team booths, veterans recognition and lap, luminaria ceremony and a closing ceremony,” said Miller. “Everyone from Harlan County and the surrounding counties are welcome to join us at either or both of the events.”

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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download June 19, 2013
download June 19, 2013
Relay For Life begins Friday
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 19, 2013 | 1647 views | 0 0 comments | 8 8 recommendations | email to a friend | print

The American Cancer Society will host the annual Relay For Life event at 6 p.m. on Friday at Huff Park in Harlan. It will end at 6 a.m. on Saturday.

The presentation of the flag by the Holy Trinity Cub Scout Pack 149 will open the ceremonies. Deric Jeffers will lead everyone in the National Anthem.

Steve Tolliver, Bank of Harlan president, will be the guest speaker.

Teams will be introduced and presented with awards. At 7 p.m., a survivor recognition ceremony will be held with Miss Harlan County escorting cancer survivors and fighters. Immediately following will be the opening survivor/caregiver lap around Huff Park escorted by members of the Harlan High School football team. A parade of teams will follow.

“I have been involved in the Relay For Life since 2009,” said Phyllis Napier, Harlan County Relay For Life chair. “This is my second year as the county chair.”

Napier said she became involved in Relay For Life due to her father being diagnosed with prostate cancer and staying free of charge at the Hope Lodge in Lexington for six weeks while he had his treatments.

“They were so good to my father during this time,” said Napier. “I just wanted to give back to the American Cancer Society. I’m happy to say that today my dad is winning his fight.”

During this year’s event, there will be music from the Tony Dean Family, Deric Jeffers, Lawanna Blevins, Jeffrey Shayne and Brooklyn Collins.

There will also be live music from DJ Mark Lawson with Maximum Sound Studio.

“Brandon Robinson, meteorologist from WYMT, will emcee the event for us,” said Napier. “We have free inflatables from Sander’s Bounce House from 7:30 p.m. until midnight. D&D Kustomz will do airbrush tattoos with all proceeds going to Relay For Life. There will be an exhibition by Flips and Flops Gymnastics and a puppet show by the First Baptist Church of Loyall. There will also be free games from 7:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. courtesy of the Harlan County 4-H Extension Service. It’s a fun-filled event and we hope everyone will make plans to join us.”

Napier said the American Cancer Society spends millions of dollars each year to fund research to help find a cure for cancer. She said through this research “people are living longer and treatments are becoming more successful.”

“Our Luminaria Ceremony will begin at 11 p.m. and bags may be purchased at the event in honor of survivors/fighters or in memory of those who have lost their battle with cancer,” said Napier. “It’s such a serene ceremony — filled with a lot of emotion. We encourage everyone to come out and show their support for families and loved ones who have had or have someone battling cancer.”

Another highlight of the event is the “Dude Looks Like a Lady Pageant” held each year at 11:30 p.m.

“Everyone enjoys this tremendously,” said Napier. “It’s a time to laugh and have a good time. We always have a great show of support from the men participating in the event. We just hope everyone will stop by and visit one of the 21 teams participating this year and give them a donation and enjoy some great food and cold drinks.”

Roxanne Miller, community representative with the Mid-South Division of the American Cancer Society, said a mini-Relay For Life will be held in Cumberland on the campus of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“A mini-Relay For Life has all the main components a Relay For Life event has, which include an opening ceremony, survivor recognition and lap, entertainment, team booths, veterans recognition and lap, luminaria ceremony and a closing ceremony,” said Miller. “Everyone from Harlan County and the surrounding counties are welcome to join us at either or both of the events.”

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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download June 19, 2013
download June 19, 2013
Relay For Life begins Friday
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 19, 2013 | 1647 views | 0 0 comments | 8 8 recommendations | email to a friend | print

The American Cancer Society will host the annual Relay For Life event at 6 p.m. on Friday at Huff Park in Harlan. It will end at 6 a.m. on Saturday.

The presentation of the flag by the Holy Trinity Cub Scout Pack 149 will open the ceremonies. Deric Jeffers will lead everyone in the National Anthem.

Steve Tolliver, Bank of Harlan president, will be the guest speaker.

Teams will be introduced and presented with awards. At 7 p.m., a survivor recognition ceremony will be held with Miss Harlan County escorting cancer survivors and fighters. Immediately following will be the opening survivor/caregiver lap around Huff Park escorted by members of the Harlan High School football team. A parade of teams will follow.

“I have been involved in the Relay For Life since 2009,” said Phyllis Napier, Harlan County Relay For Life chair. “This is my second year as the county chair.”

Napier said she became involved in Relay For Life due to her father being diagnosed with prostate cancer and staying free of charge at the Hope Lodge in Lexington for six weeks while he had his treatments.

“They were so good to my father during this time,” said Napier. “I just wanted to give back to the American Cancer Society. I’m happy to say that today my dad is winning his fight.”

During this year’s event, there will be music from the Tony Dean Family, Deric Jeffers, Lawanna Blevins, Jeffrey Shayne and Brooklyn Collins.

There will also be live music from DJ Mark Lawson with Maximum Sound Studio.

“Brandon Robinson, meteorologist from WYMT, will emcee the event for us,” said Napier. “We have free inflatables from Sander’s Bounce House from 7:30 p.m. until midnight. D&D Kustomz will do airbrush tattoos with all proceeds going to Relay For Life. There will be an exhibition by Flips and Flops Gymnastics and a puppet show by the First Baptist Church of Loyall. There will also be free games from 7:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. courtesy of the Harlan County 4-H Extension Service. It’s a fun-filled event and we hope everyone will make plans to join us.”

Napier said the American Cancer Society spends millions of dollars each year to fund research to help find a cure for cancer. She said through this research “people are living longer and treatments are becoming more successful.”

“Our Luminaria Ceremony will begin at 11 p.m. and bags may be purchased at the event in honor of survivors/fighters or in memory of those who have lost their battle with cancer,” said Napier. “It’s such a serene ceremony — filled with a lot of emotion. We encourage everyone to come out and show their support for families and loved ones who have had or have someone battling cancer.”

Another highlight of the event is the “Dude Looks Like a Lady Pageant” held each year at 11:30 p.m.

“Everyone enjoys this tremendously,” said Napier. “It’s a time to laugh and have a good time. We always have a great show of support from the men participating in the event. We just hope everyone will stop by and visit one of the 21 teams participating this year and give them a donation and enjoy some great food and cold drinks.”

Roxanne Miller, community representative with the Mid-South Division of the American Cancer Society, said a mini-Relay For Life will be held in Cumberland on the campus of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“A mini-Relay For Life has all the main components a Relay For Life event has, which include an opening ceremony, survivor recognition and lap, entertainment, team booths, veterans recognition and lap, luminaria ceremony and a closing ceremony,” said Miller. “Everyone from Harlan County and the surrounding counties are welcome to join us at either or both of the events.”

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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