God bless my precious CC... Jesus just welcomed him home. He is at peace!

My puppy was 14 years old. He was born on Feb. 14, 1994...Valentine's Day. Such a sweet dog who was so good with kids and people. He was a collie... beautiful collie. He was brown & white, with a touch of black. I named him CC Rider, not after the Elvis song (I didn't even know it existed at the time), but after a TV actor I loved when I got him, Rider Strong and after the white markings that looked like a white C around his little mouth. I called him CC instead of just C Rider. It just sounded cuter.

Gosh at the times we have had. He use to get free from his lot all the time when he was younger. It was a mess because we lived so close to the road and we were so worried about him getting hit by a car. I would be out at 1am chasing him through the community and boy was he hard to chase. He was the strongest dog. I've chased him through the snow, the rain, the heat, you name it. He was the cutest little puppy. So full of energy.

We moved him with us when we moved to the new house (my parents' new house) six years ago. It took us awhile but we finally got everything set up and brought him down. He had an even better place there and his lot was bigger. He was still pretty strong and was still good at breaking out even up til last year on July 5th when my lil bro and I chased him to the neighbors and then Billy carried him up the hill holding him like a little lamb. Precious memories.

I so wanted him to meet my child, but he wasn't up to it. Billy has been taking care of him quite a bit lately since I don't live there. The last few times I had went to see him and love on him I could tell it was getting hard for him to get around but he still had spunk. The last few days, he went down hill.

Billy came in yesterday and told us that he wasn't moving. We went and got him out of his little house and decided to give him a bath to cool him off and make him feel better. He just barely stood up the whole time. We then repositioned his house and things and let him walk around for awhile. He was so calm which is not like him at all. Later, we made him a bed with an old sleeping bag in the garage and he laid there for hours. We never left his side. He finally got up to walk around and I was so puzzled because I couldn't understand where he was getting his energy. He wanted to go to his little house so we took him back and took the sleeping bag. He kept acting like he wanted to be alone, which they say dogs do when they are about to pass.

I didn't come home until almost 1am this morning. I was so sad. I couldn't sleep and when I would doze off, I'd wake up and see his little pitiful face. I'd sit up in the bed and couldn't breathe. It was such a hard night. I was up every hour but for good at 6am. I called mom at 8am and he was still alive. She said he was slobbering and that they didn't think it would be long. They kept going out to see him and she said he kept trying to hide. So they eventually told him they loved him (I had told him last night and loved on him but I told him again over speaker phone this morning because I just couldn't watch it) and they left him to himself like he had wanted. It was strange because as weak as he was, last night and this morning, when someone would talk to him he would raise his head up. He was continuing to be that faithful companion. When they went back out a few hours later, he was gone.

We have all taken it pretty hard. I had never really thought about him passing. It's crazy because I have all these issues with death but it was like he was superdog and that he wouldn't be going anywhere. Mom kept telling us, especially after the arthritis in his hips started bothering him. Just hard to get through your mind I guess.

The one thing I will never forget about CC is his wagging tail. He wagged his little tail all the time... he never stopped. He was even wagging his tail last night when he was walking around the garage. And ... the peace that God is providing to my heart lets me know that he is wagging his tail in Heaven right now.

CC Rider... we love you so much and we miss you already. You have been such a good boy and the best friend we could have ever had. We will never forget all the memories we've shared and the love that you have given to us. We are so glad you are with Jesus now, playing as you did when you were a little pup. Much love precious puppy.

Love Always,
Alesha, Billy, Marsha, and Bill
Your Family

Ps. Please keep us in your Prayers.

The Results Are In...... As of About 10 pm Friday Nite.... WE GOIN' TO STATE BABY! UNDEFEATED THE ENTIRE SEASON!

WE DID IT... ALL BY GOD'S MERCIES AND GRACE!

Our boys with the trophy! We're goin' to State!

The Run Through!
Our JROTC... RIP JON, WESLEY, JESSICA, AND DANIEL! (not pictured in this shot)

The entrance... beautiful with blue smoke and fireworks!

Our stands! Tons of fans, especially for 17 degree weather!

Another entrance shot!

Some true blue bobcat fans... they had no shirt on the entire game!

Sooooooooo excited for these Bobcats! We are heading to state this Saturday at the Papa John's Stadium, 3pm. I'll be in my in-laws turf for this one. My home away from home, Louisville!


We beat Boyle Co. 17-15. It was tough but well worth all the stress. I am so proud of this group of boys! My little brother told me that he Prayed his way through it. I told him he wasn't alone, I did my fair share of Praying as well along with mom, dad, and a lot of other mothers and folks. I would get so hyped up and then feel God tugging at my heart to just sit, be still and Pray. I did just that. Then I'd jump up excitedly again and repeat the process. God is so good to hear all of our Prayers and not just those that are major in the world's eyes.

Our boys play in Louisville Saturday. If you live in the WYMT coverage area, tune us in. We'll be on T.V. You may even see me screaming and jumping around. HAHA Also, our boys will be honoring those students who have honored them at so many games in the past, the students who were killed this weekend. They will have a memorial to the students on their helmets and we will have a moment of silence aka in the Christian world... Prayer for our fellow comrades who have gone on. Please continue to bathe the families in Prayer.

Keep us in Prayer on Saturday as well. We are really looking forward to bringing home our first state title in 17 years! I am almost as excited as they are! HAHA Please Pray for a safe trip to and from Louisville for our boys and everyone who is headed that way. Please Pray that if we can bring God more glory by winning, that He will bless us to do just that. Please Pray that if interviewed our boys give God glory for the win and point to our Creator and Savior for all their successes and strengths. Pray for all of us who are excited, yet sad to see our favorite senior players' (aka my lil bro) football career at BCHS end.

Look at that number 69! Go Billy!

Billy thinks its a touchdown! I'm gonna miss watching him play!

GO BOBCATS!

Psalm 62 (King James Version)

1Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.

2He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

3How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.

4They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

5My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

6He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.

7In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

8Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

9Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.

10Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

11God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.

12Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

(Courtesy of Middlesboro Daily News)

Six turnovers help Bell hold off Boyle Co. 17-15

By JAY COMPTON/Sports Editor

Published:

Sunday, December 7, 2008 4:34 PM EST

LOG MOUNTAIN — The Bell County Bobcats are headed to the state championship game for the first time since they won it all in 1991.

The Bobcat defense forced six turnovers Friday night as Bell held off Boyle County 17-15 in the Class 4A semifinals.

“The old man is going back to the big house one more time,” coach Dudley Hilton said. “I didn’t know if I’d ever make it, but give Boyle County a lot of credit they’ve got a great football team.”

For the second straight week the Bobcats were taking down to the wire. The Rebels were driving in the final minute and a pass interference penalty gave them a first down at Bell 27 with 23.3 seconds to play.

Boyle quarterback Phillip Mason scrambled around before throwing an incomplete pass, then tried to go deep for Kentucky commit Jordan Aumiller as the clock ticked under ten seconds.

Bell senior Shawnta Zachery jumped up and intercepted the pass at the four yard line and slid down to clinch the win for the Bobcats with two seconds left to play.

“They threw the verticals and a couple of plays before that they had it open and they dropped it,” Zachery said. “I thought they might be looking to their big play man inside, the big UK man (Aumiller). So I cheated this way a little bit and kind of baited him. When it came I just went up an got it.

“I wanted to go back and score but it’s more important to get the win, anything could have happened. So I just intercepted it and fell down,” he said. “Then I just threw the ball up in the air. It was an amazing, great feeling.”

It was fitting that the ball landed in Zachery’s hands on the deciding play. With Boyle concentrating to stopping the Bell running game, the senior quarterback had a career day throwing the ball.

He completed 15-of-24 passes for 163 yards. Zachery also ran for 18 yards on ten carries including three times for first downs and a one-yard sneak for a touchdown in the third quarter that gave Bell a 14-9 lead they would never give up.

“What an outstanding performance by our quarterback. Shawnta stepped up big for us throwing the ball tonight and I put a lot of credit not just him, our defense played well too,” Hilton said.

Sophomore cornerback Cody Davenport had intercepted Phillips on Boyle’s first drive of the second half at the Bell 28-yard line.

The Bobcats went 72 yards on 14 plays with the biggest one being a 28-yard catch by Adam Overbay. He caught the ball eight yards down field on a crossing pattern and broke a pair of tackles on his way down the sideline to the Boyle County 11.

Overbay led the Bobcats with six catches for 73 yards in the game.

Three runs by Spencer Greer left Bell with a 4th & inches at the two. Zachery plowed ahead once for the first down, then again for the go-ahead score with 4:16 to play in the third quarter.

“What about little Overbay,” Hilton said. “I told you: ‘Thank the Lord that he came out’ and he showed why tonight.”

The Rebels’ next possession was brought to an early end as Billy Lawson rolled up running back Rees MacShara behind the line of scrimmage and the ball came free. Taylor Mills recovered the fumble and Bell took over at the Boyle 44.

Zachery passed to Matt Raines for nine yards and a first down on a 4th & 4 play. Then hooked up with John Dudley Hilton for an 18-yard gain down inside the Rebel five.

Boyle County opened the fourth quarter with their second goal-line stand of the game and a false start penalty moved the Bobcats back to the six.

Monte Merrick came on and kicked a 23-yard field goal to extend the lead to 17-9 with 10:19 to play.

Mason completed 4-of-6 passes for 41 yards as Boyle County drove 80 yards on nine plays on the following drive. Tight end Lamar Dawson capped the drive with touchdown catch from ten yards out.

In a game filled with big plays from the Bobcat defense, their smallest defender Davenport made what might have the biggest play of all.

The Rebels went for the two-point conversion to tie the game. Mason scrambled to his left and looked to have a clear path to the pylon. But Davenport peeled off his man and came out of nowhere to knock Mason back before he reached the goal line.

“He took that boy’s head off. I really thought he made a heck of a play right there,” Hilton said.

With 6:10 to play, the Bobcats clung to a 17-15 lead.

They ground out two first downs and made the Rebels used all their timeouts before being faced with a 3rd & 12 from the Boyle 44.

Zachery went deep for Raines down the left sideline, but the pass was intercepted and Boyle’s last drive would start at their own 22 with 2:18 on the clock.

Mason — who was 17-of-31 passing for 175 yards and two TDs — drove them into Bell territory, but Zachery’s last second heroics sealed the win for the Bobcats.

“I can’t explain the feeling, it’s amazing. It’s the greatest feeling in the world,” Zachery said of securing a spot in the championship game. “I just want to thank God first of all, and my family, friends, my team, coaches, everybody. It’s the greatest feeling in the world, seriously.”

The teams traded long drives in the first quarter with neither getting on the scoreboard.

Bell opened up with nine straight running plays out of the wishbone. Goodin and Greer alternated carries, but the drive stalled after a fumbled exchange and then a false start penalty.

Merrick pinned Boyle back at their own two-yard line with a 45-yard punt.

Mason came out throwing from his own end zone and completed throws to Bret Marshall and Ron Crutchfield for first downs before the Rebels were also forced to punt.

Zachery completed his first five passes and got the Bobcat offense moving again on their second possession. Overbay, Davenport and Chase Ely all made catches for first downs and another completion to Overbay gave Bell a first down at the Rebel 11 early in the second quarter.

But the Bobcats were eventually stopped on a 4th and 1 play from the two yard line.

On 2nd & 10 Mason again dropped back to pass from his own end zone and had to get rid of the ball under pressure from Lawson and Shawn Marcum. His pass went right to Matt Simpson at the 15 and he ran untouched into the end zone to put Bell on top.

Merrick’s extra point made it 7-0 with 9:07 to play in the second quarter.

“He just threw it up in the air and it was like he was throwing it to me and I just took it to the house,” Simpson said. “We got to the regional last year and lost in a heart-breaker. Our seniors have worked so hard (to get to Louisville) this year, it means everything to us.”

The Bobcats tried an onside kick, but Boyle recovered it at the 47.

Mason passed to MacShara for a 34-yard touchdown to complete a quick drive that tied the game with 8:23 left in the half.

“A lot of people might second guess me, but I was scared of that little boy back there returning kickoffs,” Hilton said of the decision to onside kick. “We lost here last year after Lexington Catholic returned the opening kickoff (for a touchdown).”

Bell moved the ball again on their next drive, but stalled in Boyle territory. Merrick missed a 44-yard field goal attempt and the Rebels took over at their own 20.

Aumiller gained a total of 41 yards on two catches on the following drive and Boyle County was threatening to take the lead.

MacShara made a nice move to cut inside the Bobcat 10-yard line, but John Dudley Hilton managed to strip the ball from behind him and Zachery recovered it on the one-yard line.

Bell couldn’t move the ball and Merrick came on to punt from the end zone. The snap sailed over his head and out of bounds for a safety to put the Rebels on top 9-7 with 48.9 seconds to go in the second quarter.

An interception by Raines made sure the Boyle wouldn’t add to that lead before the half.

“I thought we should have had two or three touchdowns in the first half,” Hilton said. “We had some bad mistakes but the bottom line is our kids didn’t quit.”

The Bobcats came out and forced two quick turnovers as they took control of the game in the third quarter. Then held on at the end.

“You’ve got to have a little bit of luck,” Hilton added. “We probably should have been beat last week and anybody could have won this game.”

Bell County (14-0) will play Bullitt East (9-5) Saturday at 3 p.m. in the state championship game at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium in Louisville.

Bullitt East defeated Calloway County 52-49 in Friday’s other semifinal.

Above: The Bell County seniors pose with their trophy after holding on for a 17-15 win over Boyle County Friday night in the Class 4A semifinals. The Bobcats advance to face Bullitt East next Saturday at 3 p.m. Bell and coach Dudley Hilton (inset above) will be looking for their first state title since 1991.�� (JAY COMPTON/Daily News)

In Loving Memory... 4 More BCHS Students Who Passed On

On Saturday, we were all pumped. We had just won the final game before heading to the state championship this coming weekend. That all was quieted down by the news that four more of our students at BCHS were killed in a head on collision in Pineville. The students were on there way to the Christmas Parade in Middlesboro to march with the Junior Airforce ROTC group. I didn't personally know any of the students but I did have Daniel Campbell's sister and brother a couple of years ago. Jonathan was also a student that I had seen around quite often. Daniel and Jonathan both went to Page School Center (where I work). My brother was really hurt overr all of these students, especially Jonathan. The night before the accident, after we won the game, Jonathan came up to Billy and was congratulating him. He was saying all kinds of encouragging things and telling Billy that he had played well. Billy told me that he felt like God was telling him to hug Jon again and so he hugged him for the second time. He sure was glad that he did. Today as he was checking out of school to attend Jon's funeral, mom asked if he really felt like he would be ok. He told her that Jon attended his game to see him play and that the least he could do would be to see him out this final time.

Those students who died in the accident were:

Wesley Ingram (twin brother of Jessica "Nikki" Ingram)

Jessica "Nikki" Ingram (twin sister of Wesley Ingram)

Daniel Campbell

Jonathan Miracle

This was such a saddening event for us here in Bell County. Exactly 11 months ago to the day, we lost 4 other teens in a car crash. How sad! Let's be much in Prayer for our students, faculty, and most importantly, the families who have lost their precious children. I can honestly say that I cannot even fathom this!


(Courtesy of Middlesboro Daily News)

Tragic accident claims lives of four Bell County teen��s

Tragedy strikes Bell High again

By Sarah Miracle/Staff Writer

PINEVILLE — The Middlesboro Christmas Parade marched on as scheduled Saturday afternoon, with the Bell County High School Air Force JROTC as one of the participants.

Bell’s JROTC Instructor Lt. Col. Barry Tanner recalls that, however, prior to the parade, he had a strange feeling.

*
“I was missing three of my students,” remarked Lt. Col. Tanner. “It wasn’t like those kids not to be there.”

Lt. Col. Tanner tried to put his worries aside and BCHS’s JROTC performed without three of their star cadets. Little did he and his cadets know, those three teens would never perform again.

While in route to the Christmas parade along U.S. Highway 25-E in Pineville, former JROTC cadet and BCHS graduate 18-year-old Jonathan Lee Miracle; current cadets and BCHS students 16-year-old twins Jessica Nicole “Niki” Ingram and Wesley Allen Ingram of Pineville; and 15-year-old Daniel Earl Campbell Smith of Blackmont lost their lives in a fatal car accident.

At 12:51 p.m., Kentucky State Police and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement responded to a call about a two vehicle accident along U.S. 25-E, near the Off Track Betting facility. The 2007 Toyota Yaris driven by Miracle was travelling south on U.S. 25-E, while a Peterbilt coal truck driven by 34-year-old Dwight Robinson of Tyner, Ky., was traveling northbound.

Police report that due to the road and weather conditions, Miracle lost control of his vehicle and veered into the northbound lane of traffic, where he collided with the coal truck. All four occupants of the Toyota Yaris sustained fatal injuries.

Miracle was transported to the Pineville Community Hospital after the accident, where Bell County Deputy Coroner Bill Bisceglia later pronounced him dead. The Ingram twins and Campbell were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

“This is the second accident involving Bell County High School students that I have responded to this year,” stated Deputy Coroner Bisceglia.“My heart just goes out to the families and kids at Bell High.”

Facing the aftermath of this tragic incident, BCHS Principal Jeff Saylor has arranged for grief counselors to be available at the school throughout this week.

“I guess what makes this so hard is rejoicing over our football team’s victory Friday night, and now within 24 hours, we’re facing the loss of four young people who meant a lot to the students, this school and the community,” said Principal Saylor. “There’s no rhyme or reason to something like this.”

Bell County School System’s Superintendent George Thompson agreed. “What can I say? This is the second time we’ve suffered a fatal accident involving our students. It doesn’t get any easier. It’s just a tragic and terrible shock and a loss,” stated Thompson. “These children will be sorely missed.”

Thompson and Bisceglia referred to the untimely passing of four former students, all killed in a vehicle accident on Hwy. 92 on January 6. Bell County High School students Shawna McCreary, Stephanie Wilder, Eric Ogan and Wesley Cole perished in that incident.

According to Lt. Col. Tanner, the school will be opening a memorial fund for the students’ funeral costs and the family’s incurred expenses. Details are not yet confirmed, although the accounts will be established at Home Federal Bank.

“They’re going to be missed. We’re talking about kids who were loved for who they were,” commented Lt. Col. Tanner. “These children didn’t have enemies, only friends.”

Tanner also mentioned that the Ingram family wishes to hold a memorial for both Nikki and Wesley at Bell High. However, arrangements are not yet complete or official.

The teens’ full obituaries are listed on page five in this edition of the Middlesboro Daily News.

Sarah Miracle is a staff writer for the Daily News. She can be reached via e-mail at smiracle@middlesborodailynews.com.

A Tribute To Maddie

Thanks to Emily and her blog entry "Getting To Know Maddie." She found this video which I wanted to share with you guys. It is beautiful. The song is perfect! Please watch this! And please keep Praying for Maddie's family!

Maddie Is Being Rocked By Jesus Tonight

IN MEMORY OF BABY MADDIE

For many of us Wednesday was a normal busy day. For baby Maddie's family, it was the worst that they could have ever imagined. Just the day before, my heart was so overwhelmed for this precious family and for this precious, tenderhearted little girl who had been through so much. Maddie left this world on January 16 and the ironic thing about the story to me is that she was pronounced brain dead..... on the anniversary that my grandmother was pronounced brain dead to our family 11 years ago. I am so hurt for this family, yet I am so happy for little Madeline. Today she has no tubes, she has no swelling, no pain, no lung problems.... today she has a brand new heart that works like a charm and a whole new body that has no pain. Praise God for this assurance. What would we ever do in the face of adversity without it? Please pray for this family and her precious siblings who are broken hearted over their baby sister I'm sure. Here is the email from Maddie's father David. It was almost surreal for me to even attempt to comprehend the words the first 3 times I read it:

Wednesday January 16, 2008

We are crushed today. Last night Madeline's pupils failed to react to light, so an emergency CT scan was ordered. The image revealed that Maddie's precious little brain had hemorrhaged and was severely swollen. We were hoping and praying for good news, but the opposite came. Maddie was pronounced brain dead last night just past midnight. We said goodbye and took her off of all life support and she died peacefully in our arms at 10:15 this morning. We are stunned and speechless. Our hearts are broken, and we are so very sorry to have to announce this news to all of you faithful and beautiful people. Today the King of Kings welcomed our princess home. The worst day of our lives was the best day of hers.

We are on the way home right now to let Anna & Sam down. They love their baby sister more than words can express, so this will be a hard one. Please pray for peace for our family in the weeks ahead. Leaving the hospital today was like leaving our best friends. Every day for six months, the staff was our family, and then in one day it was all gone. There is joy somewhere in all of this, but I cannot see it yet. I am praying for that clarity.

This whole situation and blog entry reminds me of Hannah Sobeski and her situation. Praise God, Hannah and Maddie are healed today and are singing praises to their King!

Heavy Hearted Hurt For The County I Grew Up In Bell County, Ky

IN MEMORY OF....

ERIC OGAN

STEPHANIE WILDER

WESLEY COLE

SHAWNA MCCREARY

DEPUTY SEAN PURSIFULL

DRUG DOG "KING"

This has been a very sad week in Bell County. Early Sunday morning, 4 students from our county high school were killed in an automobile accident that caught fire and burned them. While the county has grieved over these students ( and while we have grieved with the mother of one of them who works with us at our school), another tragedy occurred. This morning, Bell County Police Deputy Sean Pursifull was killed after two teenagers, one from Delaware and the other from Pennsylvania, T-boned his police cruiser while being chased by State troopers from stealing 35 dollars worth of gas from a gas station. This accident has been declared intentional. The crash also killed the county drug dog "King", who Pursifull worked with daily.

What a somber face our area has maintained this week. I just pray that each and every person involved personally with these situations, will be reliant upon Jesus and that some joy can come out of such pain. How beautiful salvation would be in the midst of all the sorrow. Please be in much Prayer for my beloved hometown. Also, please be much in prayer for my precious family and friends.


VISIT OUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE TRAGEDIES.