Kattie Barnett’s KB
training: One horse at a time
Chance Point
Three sport star enters senior season with high hopes
Southern
Peach Cobbler
A summer dessert that is just peachy
As we started to plan the summer issue of Carter County Living, I started thinking about my first day at the Star on June 13, 1986. I had been looking for a job and my neighbor Bob Bowling who had worked at the Star most of his life, told me about an opening in the pressroom. So five days after graduating high school, I started my journey here at the Star. It finally hit me that I am now in my 37th year at the Star. As I thought about my career at the Star, I couldn’t help but think about having been blessed to meet so many people through the Star, whether it be employees, past employees or people in the community.
I look at my journey and know it has been guided by God’s hand. How else could someone be blessed to have been surrounded by some of the best people in the world to help me along the way? With their guidance, patience, and of course God’s plan, I have learned the ins and outs of the newspaper business. I see the miracles that God does in my life every day and am very thankful that he chose the path for me that he did. That leads us to our cover story, Kattie Barnett’s KB Horse Training.
One’s path in life is never guided by handy arrows etched into the earth. How wonderful it would be if we did have such an easy line to follow.
Instead, life’s path involves many different reactions and interactions, including decisions (both good and unfortunate), luck, preparation and networking.
Perhaps it would be easiest to describe Kattie Barnett’s road to where she is now as a bit of this and that, and a whole lot of patience awaiting God’s plan. It’s commonly known that one can make plans all day long, every day of the year, and God is just going to give a chuckle at our weak abilities.
Yes, it’s best to let him do all the hard work. After all, he’s the grand master of
planning, and Kattie is first to admit that. It brought her to her dream job, on a plot of land that was her dream location, doing a job with animals she could only dream of having before, with friends then and now who helped her navigate to the place she now calls home.
As we continue our theme for this issue, our second feature story is about a grandmother, a store and cake pops. The funds from the sale of these cake pops go to the Weston Cosey Memorial Toy Drive to help buy toys for needy children during Christmas.
Every week like clockwork, Weston Cosey’s grandmother, Tammy Allen, brings cake pops to Captain Jack’s Store in Butler. The popular snacks sell fast.
Proceeds from the cake pop sales go toward the Weston Cosey Toy Drive. Cosey was only 6 when he died in 2019 from a dirt bike accident.
Thanks to Weston’s inspiration, his family was moved by the kind thoughtfulness of people during their time of grief. Instead of closing ranks and keeping their memories close to their hearts, they opened their arms wide to reach children out there who might need a helping hand.
The family wanted to channel Weston’s love of life by creating the Weston Cosey Memorial Toy Drive in a desire to take their sadness and channel it into something that Weston would have loved.
These are just a few amazing stories of how God has a plan for each of us. Even though it isn’t always easy, just buckle up and enjoy the journey. There will be ups and downs! The key is to stay the course and see where he takes you and take the time to see God’s hand in your life.
We hope you enjoy this issue, and if you know of anyone that would make a great story, please let me know at delaney.scalf@ elizabethton.com.
Staff
General Manager
DELANEY SCALF
delaney.scalf@elizabethton.com
Editorial Director
ROZELLA HARDIN
rozella.hardin@elizabethton.com
Human Resources
BRANDY TRIVETT
brandy.trivett@elizabethton.com
Customer Service
KATHY SCALF
kathy.scalf@elizabethton.com
Operations Manager
SCOTT SCALF
scott.scalf@elizabethton.com
Marketing Consultant
LINDA JENKINS
linda jenkins@elizabethton.com
Copy Editor
JANIE MCKINNEY
janie.mckinney@elizabethton.com
Composing
ROBIN JOHNSON
robin.johnson@elizabethton.com
Star Correspondents
ANGELA CUTRER
Contributing Photographers
LARRY N. SOUDERS
6 Kattie Barnett
18 Why I Love Carter County
28 Chicken Fingers
Make picnics fun
10 Have You Been Spotted
Check out these photos from area events
12 Upcoming Events
Plan ahead for these favorite events.
20 Cake Pops
Provide funds for annual Weston Cosey Toy Drive
23 Why Carter County
29 Beer-Battered Catfish
Reel in a delicious dinner tonight
30 Southern Peach Cobbler
A summer dessert that is just peachy
14 Chance Point
Hampton three-sport star enters senior season with high hopes
24 Daddy Mac Depot
Changes name but not its popular menu
One’s path in life is never guided by handy arrows etched into the earth. How wonderful it would be if we did have such an easy line to follow.
Instead, life’s path involves many different reactions and interactions, including decisions (both good and unfortunate), luck, preparation and networking.
Perhaps it would be easiest to describe Kattie Barnett’s road to where she is now as a bit of this and that, and a whole lot of patience awaiting God’s plan. It’s commonly known that one can make plans all day long, every day of the year, and God is just going to give a chuckle at our weak abilities.
One’s path in life is never guided by handy arrows etched into the earth. How wonderful it would be if we did have such an easy line to follow.
Instead, life’s path involves many different reactions and interactions, including decisions (both good and unfortunate), luck, preparation and networking.
Perhaps it would be easiest to describe Kattie Barnett’s road to where she is now as a bit of this and that, and a whole lot of patience awaiting God’s plan. It’s commonly known that one can make plans all day long, every day of the year, and God is just going to give a chuckle at our weak abilities.
Yes, it’s best to let him do all the hard work. After all, he’s the grand master of planning, and Kattie is first to admit that. It brought her to her dream job, on a plot of land that was her dream location, doing a job with animals she could only dream of having before, with friends then and now who helped her navigate to the place she now calls home.
And Kattie wouldn’t trade a minute of the journey because it led her to where she is right now - the owner and head honcho of “KB Horse Training, riding lessons, and colt starting” outside of Elizabethton. This business promotes “quality training with a natural horsemanship approach” and “quality equestrian riding lessons” for both young, old and everyone in between (that goes for humans as well as equines).
Kattie isn’t looking for bucking broncos - she trains horses; she doesn’t “break” them. Her strength revolves around her mottoes: quality service offered to both horses and owners so that their commitment to each other becomes an unbreakable bond.
KB horse training’s Facebook page tells you of Kattie’s successes:
• “What makes her special is that Kattie takes time for each individual horse, finds what works for that horse and doesn’t push [through] training at the cost of the horse. She doesn’t “break” a horse, she trains that horse. She will not make them sour or crush their personality leaving a hollow robot shell…”
• My daughter has been with KB Horse Training for over a year now and has learned so much. She got to be in her first horse show in October which was a great experience. She is now a[n] owner of her own horse that we purchased from Kattie…”
• “...After not being happy with previous trainers I met Kattie Barnett and have never been happier with a trainer as I am with her. Kattie listens, and understands…”
• “We highly recommend Kattie if you are interested in lessons for yourself or your child. … [O]ur 7 yr. old … is learning all about how to care for as well as ride horses. …Kattie is such a natural, patient teacher.”
In a world crowded with video games, social media and political intrigue, KB Horse Training allows both children and adults to become one with their horse while also learning about themselves within the frame of nature.
“I hate social media,” Kattie said with a snort. “I can’t help it, I just do. I’d rather be outside in the fresh air, working with a horse.” And that’s what makes Kattie special: She embraced the life of a horsewoman and loves when others get the itch as well.
“We just finished our camp, and it was great,” she said of one of her business’s summer activities where children learn about horsemanship, including things like trust, respect, responsibility and empathy. “The kids just love it, and we do, too. We teach them everything they need to know when it comes to taking care of their horse. They need to learn everything, so we teach them everything.”
But it’s not all work and no play. In addition to learning how to groom, steer and ride, the kids get to play on a slip-and-slide and engage in balloon fights as well.
Photos on social media, which is hard not to use in some way, show the camp kids riding, grooming and practicing. It’s best to do and not just watch, and the photos show these children - some just knee high to a grasshopper - reaching as high as they can to pull that curry comb through the stiff hair of a patient horse standing calmly. Others can be seen trying to rope, or being led around like they are the horses so they can see how horses feel and react to certain cues.
It’s all a part of an outdoor activity that would be lost without people like Kattie; people who cared enough to learn, then do, then share. “They have to learn to respect and have a commitment,” she said of the lessons she gives. That goes for her, too; she’s been a “one-man band” at her business for a long time, and it’s not like she can sleep in when she has
animals to care for.
Born and raised in the Valley Forge area, Kattie is the daughter of Victor and Betsy Delavega and the granddaughter of Willie and Opal Barnett. “When I was little, mama took me to Watauga Boarding Stable and June McQueen,” Kattie said, remembering how it all got started. “I was not raised around horses, but I loved them. I took lessons for about a year and then had the opportunity to buy a horse for sale. The seller begged my mom not to buy the horse: ‘This horse is going to kill this little girl,’ he said.
“Me and that horse did everything together,” Kattie said with a smile in her voice. “I taught him tricks, to stand on rocks - to do everything. I was hooked.”
As a young child, Kattie said she had been told she was “a better-thanaverage rider,” which made her feel really good about herself. She used that confidence to learn more and to invest more into herself as a horsewoman. Her mentor, Robbie Potter, taught her to be a better rider and connect with horses with better communication.
Kattie went to every event she could get to in order to watch and learn. But she also knew it was important to remain humble. Nobody likes a smart alec cow…person.
“I start colts and colt starting is my passion,” she said. “Those horses often times have never been touched. When they come to me a lot of times we run them off the trailer into a stall. It requires several skills such as roping, and working off the back of another horse to gentle a horse to get used to human touch.”
Before this all came to be, Kattie was working as a waitress, but then COVID-19 hit. She, like so many others, lost her job. Someone said to her, “well, we have this time, so why not give me some riding lessons?” And so she did. Then word of mouth had her busy as a bee, actually doing what she loved. It was magical.
“I never thought to make any money off it,” Kattie said of her horse skills. “But then COVID came, and then ‘Yellowstone’ came, and then all of the sudden, everyone wanted to be a cowboy.”
Her clients were well served and began telling her she should open a business and do this full time.
“I thought about it,” she said. “Then I started a Facebook page (pesky social media again) and people wanted me to train their horses and give lessons - and it just went from there. People started noticing me.”
Kattie said she is proud to produce a “really good product. I love my horses and I love the ones that come to me to be trained. I take good care of them and listen to what their owners want from them. But it’s a balancing act.”
Kattie has to balance her business as well as her home life with her son, Tucker, 8. Luckily, he loves horses, too. And Chelsea Johnson now serves the business as director of the lessons program, which means Kattie can put her focus back toward training.
“I don’t specialize in anything,” Kattie said. “I train horses from the ground up to become versatile - haltering, standing tied, participating in horse shows and for trail riding. Once I’m done with your horse, I guarantee you can take him on a trail ride and he’ll do great or to a horse show and place.”
Kattie’s ranch is in Lynn Valley. She first saw the ranch some years ago when it was for sale. It stayed on her mind constantly, but she couldn’t afford such a thing and the single mother couldn’t get a loan. Later on, the ranch sold and Kattie worked the horse of the new owners, who became dear friends.
Then the owners decided to move to Arkansas. Kattie was sad to be parted from both her friends and the ranch she loved. The ranch sold, but then the buyers backed out. The owners talked to Kattie about her buying it, but she said she couldn’t get a loan. The owners said, “Well, let’s work something out, then.” And the rest is history.
“That’s just what kind of people they are,” Kattie said, sounding emotional. Because of this kindness, Kattie had herself a business not far from Siam, where she lives. She has added a round pen and stalls with a lot of blood, sweat and tears from herself and wonderfully kind people in the area.
“Justin and Katie McCall at Wayward Springs Tack and Consignment have helped so much,” Kattie said. “Whatever I need, they order it for me and they are such wonderful people, they helped me fence this place. I couldn’t have done it by myself.
“Double C Western Supply’s Diana Hilton has been a big supporter. She’s also helpful in spreading information on social media about my business to help me. You can’t meet better people than the Blevins family, of which she’s a part.
“And my neighbor, Ken Barrickman, I look up to as a grandpa. He’s a wonderful neighbor.”
Kattie’s no-quit attitude pushed her to make things better in her life, for both herself and her son. She has friends she can count on, but it’s also her own determination that got her where she is.
It was also her natural ability that helped her become the horsewoman she is today. “I want to talk about ‘feel,’ which is something the old cowboys talk about that very few people experience and understand,” she explained. “I feel like I have that. It’s a level of nonverbal communication and trust between horse and horseman or horsewoman.
“[My] ‘feel’ is a lot to my success. I also ‘feel’ has taken a toll on my social skills with people. All day, every day 80 percent of my communication is nonverbal. I prefer horses over people and am more comfortable around them because they accept me for me. However, I can take these 90-day started colts and do anything with them from working and roping a steer to winning competitions, while other horses and riders work years to have that level of trust between horse and rider. When I take a horse to a show and someone compliments me, …I thank them and tell them this client’s horse only has 30 days on it, they about fall to the ground.”
In a video on Facebook, one can see Kattie riding, training and showing horses the ropes. The atmosphere is serene, the lessons calm and the patience evident.
“God is good,” Kattie said of her life. She’s still a young woman at almost 30, but she feels as though she’s lived a lot so far, but never alone. “I’ve prayed about everything. I’ve prayed about my decisions. And now, the effort, the prayers, the elbow grease all led to me being able to benefit my son and myself in my own business.
“If you want something, go out there and do it,” she suggested to others on the fence about taking that step toward doing what they love. “Don’t fake it ’til you make it. Fake it till you become it! Pull the long days and early mornings, and often the all nighters. Don’t be average and don’t settle for average. There is too much of that in this world.”
And maybe all those folks finally taking that first step to getting themselves a horse could mean Kattie’s business will grow pretty fast in the near future. No worries: She plans to expand her facilities later on, add more land, build a home, house more boarding horses. She’s ready when you are. “Be different; life’s short, buy the damn horse!” she said with a laugh.
When you are around Kattie, you’ll see the passion and it just might rub off on you. And it’s not too late to ask her for help with your new horse. She doesn’t plan on moving away - ever.
“I love Elizabethton and East Tennessee,” she said quietly. “I have no plans to ever leave here. Never.”
Contact KB Horse Training at 423-518-0540, email at kbhorsetraining@gmail.com or visit on Facebook for upcoming camp events and training information.
August 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Carter Mansion Guided
Tour – 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Meet at: Historic John and Landon Carter Mansion 1031 Broad St. Elizabethton, TN 37643. Price: children 6 and under is free, $5/ages 7-17, $9/adults. Register for the event. Join Seasonal Interpreter Andrea Price for a tour of Tennessee’s oldest frame house! The detailed interior boasts 18th century woodwork, original painted surfaces and faux finishes, and hand painted overmantle murals. Enjoy the beauty of this elegant frontier home and learn the history of the Carter family who built it between 1775 and 1780.
The John and Landon Carter Mansion is located at 1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.
August 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Carter Mansion Guided Tour - 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Meet at: Historic John and Landon Carter Mansion 1031 Broad St. Elizabethton, TN 37643. Price: children 6 and under is free, $5/ages 7-17, $9/adults. Register for the event. Join Seasonal Interpreter Andrea Price for a tour of Tennessee’s oldest frame house! The detailed interior boasts 18th century woodwork, original painted surfaces and faux finishes, and hand painted overmantle murals. Enjoy the beauty of this elegant frontier home and learn the history of the Carter family who built it between 1775 and 1780.
The John and Landon Carter Mansion is located at 1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.
August 1, 2, 3, 4
Sabine Hill Guided
Tour – 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Meet at Sabine Hill Historic Site. Price: children 6 and under is free, $5/ages 7-17, $9/ adults. Register for the event.
Join Seasonal Interpreter
Slade Nakoff for a guided tour of this stately home built by Mary Patton Taylor, widow of Brigadier General Nathaniel Taylor. The site has been described as one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the State of Tennessee. During your tour you will have the opportunity to take in the colorful and architecturally detailed interior while learning about the influential Taylor family who called
Sabine Hill home in the early 19th century.
Sabine Hill is located at 2328 West G Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.
Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Please note, only portable toilet facilities are available.
August 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Sabine Hill Guided Tour – 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Meet at Sabine Hill Historic Site. Price: children 6 and under is free, $5/ages 7-17, $9/ adults. Register for the event. Join Seasonal Interpreter Slade Nakoff for a guided tour of this stately home built by Mary Patton Taylor, widow of Brigadier General Nathaniel Taylor. The site has been described as one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the State of Tennessee. During your tour you will have the opportunity to take in the colorful and architecturally detailed interior while learning about the influential Taylor family who called Sabine Hill home in the early 19th century.
Sabine Hill is located at 2328 West G Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.
Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Please note, only portable toilet facilities are available.
August 5
20th Annual Elizabethton Butterfly Count - 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Meet at Sycamore Shoals State Park Visitors Center Parking Lot. The morning is spent at Sycamore Shoals and the afternoon in other areas of Elizabethton. Come for all or part of the day! (There is a small fee to have your name included on the official count list.) Sponsored by the North American Butterfly Association. (Rain Date to be announced).
Fall Gardening Seminar - 9 a.m. - Noon. Meet at the Visitor Center Gathering Place. Master gardener Ben Hunter will be joining us to share his experiences and techniques for growing the garden of your dreams!
Sponsored by the Northeast Tennessee Master Gardeners.
The Defense of Fort Watauga - 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Meet at Fort Watauga. Price is $6. Register for the event. In the summer of 1776, three hundred Cherokee warriors laid siege to Fort Watauga where 200 local settlers had sought refuge. Join Museum Curator Chad Bogart for a detailed recounting of the siege. Learn about the strategy of the Chero-
kee and the reasons for the attack, the measures taken by the settlers for their defense, and the weaponry used to defend the fort including a musket firing demonstration. Hear the incredible stories of the people involved in this very historic occurrence in the Watauga Valley.
Tunes of the Time: An Early American Music Sampler - 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Meet at Fort Watauga. Price is $6 and register for the event. Life on the 18th century frontier could be harsh and unpredictable. Many early settlers turned to music as a source of joy and entertainment. Join Museum Curator Chad Bogart at Fort Watauga for a glimpse into the musical heritage of the colonial frontier. See how music was a part of the everyday lives of colonial Americans and how the melting pot of early America influenced the songs and tunes we still enjoy today.
August 6
Taking Tea with Jane - 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Cost is $25 and register for the event. (Friends of Sycamore Shoals members – Present your membership card at the door and receive a $5.00 refund!)
Registration required - fssshp.ticketleap.com/tea2023/
August 12 - 20
Small Works Art Show - Visitor Center Hours: Monday - Saturday 9am - 4pm, Sunday 1pm - 4:30pm. Meet at the Visitor Center Gathering Place. Reception: Sunday, August 13 - 1:30 pm
Displays of 8 x 10 or smaller works by members of the Watauga Valley Art League will be featured during this show.
August 26
Cherokee Heritage Day - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission: Adults$8.00; Ages 7 to 17 years - $3.00; 6 and under free. Pre-Registration Not Required. Sycamore Shoals is forever linked with the rich traditions and influence of the Native Cherokee. Join us for a day devoted to sharing Cherokee history and culture through traditional arts and historical presentations. Activities include traditional Cherokee dance, music, language, cooking demonstrations, and skills such as basketmaking, finger weaving, beadwork, and woodcarving. Contact the park for details.
Old Time Music Jam - 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center. Enjoy the rich musical traditions of our region. Old time musicians of all levels are welcome. Don’t play and instrument? Come on over, kick back, and enjoy the tunes!
October 14
Fall-O-Dendron Heritage Festival
- 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Meet at the Park Amphitheater. Join Roan Mountain State Park and the Roan Mountain Citizens Club for our 3rd Annual Fall-ODendron Heritage Festival. This FREE outdoor festival celebrates traditional culture, food, art & music.
Fall-O-Dendron Heritage Fiddle Showcase - 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Meet at the Park Amphitheater. Register for the event. Traditional fiddlers of all ages, heritage styles & abilities are welcome to audition by video to compete in the Annual Fall-O-Dendron Heritage Fiddle Showcase at Roan Mountain State Park on the afternoon of Saturday, October 14th at Roan Mountain’s 3rd Annual Fall-O-Dendron Festival.
Entrance fees are waived for this year’s friendly fiddle showcase and competition. Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories.
For complete rules & to enter, visit: https://bit.ly/heritage-fiddleshowcase
For questions, please contact Marcianne O’Day at marcianne.oday@ tn.gov or 423-491-1383
October 27
Fall Céilí at Roan Mountain State Park - 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Meet at the Conference Center. Price is $2/kids 17 and under, $5/adults. Register for the event. An Irish céilí (or cèilidh if you’re Scottish!) is a traditional social gathering that often includes traditional dance, music, storytelling and all kinds of good fun. In honor of our region’s ScotsIrish heritage we’ll be hosting a fall dance céilí at the Roan Mountain State Park Conference Center.
Highlights include:
• Ceili Dances: No previous dance experience is required! These dances are meant for regular people and anyone who can walk comfortable can enjoy learning them.
• Traditional Music: The Roan Mountain Céilí Band will play a variety of dance tunes to accompany the dances, and a few other tunes in between (traditional Scottish and Irish musicians are welcome to join us, contact Ranger O’Day for details).
• Light Refreshments: Coffee & treats provided. Dress comfortably with good shoes and come well-hydrated! Fun, festive attire recommended!
This is a ticketed event! Adults 18 and older $5 each, kids 17 and younger $2.Volunteers attend free (contact Ranger O’Day for volunteer opportunities).
Called a “smart, tough competitor” by his various coaches Chance Point enters his senior season at Hampton High School hoping to recreate the success his teams have enjoyed in his years there.
“I saw his competitive nature at an early age,” said Point’s grandmother Kathy Liles. “Probably around five years old. He played tee ball and youth league basketball but I held him out of football because I was a little leery. But eventually he got to play and has been very good at whatever sport he plays.”
Point was all-conference in football for a team that is a year removed from the Blue Cross Bowl and last year fell in the rain and mud to Monterey. There was no downfall in basketball however as the Bulldogs took home the Gold Ball as state champions.
“I still have a hard time believing what happened sometimes,” Point said. “We are reclassifying in basketball this year so I don’t know if a repeat will be possible, but I know that will be our goal. We will be playing tougher competition but that never worries us.
In baseball we have a really young team and I hope to be a field leader for them.” His on field accomplishments in baseball are many taking home the Tennessee Baseball Report Second team All-State and also All-Region, the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association All-State team, the Tennessee Sports Writers Association All-State team.
The Johnson City Press named him to their Super 22 team and Point was named to the All-Watauga Valley Conference team and was Offensive Player of the Year in the conference. Point was named the Bulldogs MVP as well.
Point has stolen more than 100 bases thus far in his career and had a .494 batting average along with a .631 on base percentage this past season. His career batting average now stands at .423.
“Chance Point is a dynamic, game-changing, competitive playmaker, and has been since his 2021 freshman season,” said Bulldogs head coach Nicholas Perkins. “He is having one of the most decorated careers of any high school baseball player who has played in Northeast Tennessee. I am blessed to be his coach.”
Point has been raised by his grandparents Kathy and Robert Liles, who attend as many of his games as they can and he has an 89-year-old great-grandmother Ann Richenberg who also frequently attends his games.
“My grandparents rescued me and they have been a huge part of my life,” Point said. “I also have a sister Haylie Point and a half sister Noe
who is in her 20’s.”
Point went on to talk about each sport and how the season ended, “In football I think we peaked against Boone, but basketball we took home the Gold Ball. In baseball we didn’t do as well as we hoped but we have a young team that will be a lot better this year.”
Point has taken some AP classes to go along with his senior curriculum and he hopes to pursue his career in baseball as far as he can take it saying, “I love baseball and my job is to get on base be it a walk or a hit. And if I can play at the next level I would love to do that.”
Mrs. Liles wants to give a big “thank you” to all of Chance’s coaches through the years who helped him grow and become the player and the young man he is today.
Carter County, the place I call home. I was born here, lived and worked here, and plan on dying here. I graduated from Unaka High school, had about 30 different jobs over my lifetime. I was a TSSAA official for 30 years working four sports, baseball, basketball, football and softball. I was in professional Wrestling for 25-years. I enjoy traveling and sports. I coached football, basketball and baseball in many different divisions. I am now with my high school sweetheart, together we have 7 children, 11 grandchildren and one on the way. I have written seven books about Carter County people with my newest book “Our Home Town” coming out in August. In 1985 I talked my dad into coming to Myrtle Beach and we started Peters Fudge, which my daughter still runs today. In 2012, I was one of the founders of the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame..
1. What do you think makes Carter County unique by comparison to other places?
Like Dorothy said “There’s No place like Home.” I have traveled to 48 states and been in two other countries, lived in a couple big cities for work, but there is truly No place like Carter County. One thing that’s unique is the cost of liv ing. Our groceries, gas and restaurant food cost is cheaper here than almost anywhere I have been. The quality of food is just as good here as it is in New York City. Everyone is friendly here, but in other places, especially the big cites, no one wants to talk to you or be bothered by your presence.
2. What is your favorite place to visit in Carter County?
In times past it was the theaters. Really loved the Bonnie Kate and the Stateline Drive-in. Watauga Lake is probably our biggest at traction, the history of the fort at Sycamore Shoals is as good as any early American history. As for my favorite places to visit, I love to eat, so I would have to say Dino’s, City Market, J’s Corner, Nancy’s, Kimbo’s and Nannies Restaurants.
3. Do you think
living in Carter County has changed you in any way?
The history here is awesome. I love sports; I attend the Little League World Series every year, I’ve coached on every level of sports and Carter County has a rich sports program. We have five high schools and almost every year, we have kids in the state tournaments in several sports. Living in Carter County has changed the way I look at many things, especially how people live in their communities. When I travel, I really pay attention to the way other people live, and once you have been gone from Carter County for a while, it makes you respect living here. We have the greatest county in the state to live in.
4. What is your favorite time of year?
I would have to say Tennessee football time is my favorite time or the year. When the band begins playing Rocky Top, the blood begins to boil, the pride of the Southland Band fires me up, I’m ready for the game. I guess most people would say Christmas, but as I grow older the summertime would be
5. If you were to meet someone planning a visit to the Carter County area for the first time, what places would you tell him or her Many times through camping I have talk to people about Carter County and our great fishing at the Lakes and rivers. The relaxation of the Meredith Cabins if you just want some down time. The Ridgewood, may not be in Carter County but we have always claimed it as ours.
Before the recent fire, Lakeshore was a great place to visit for a meal, and to watch the boats go up and down the lake, the scenery is un-matched. The Breathtaking views from the top of the Roan, and you always have to visit “The Blue
Is it the wonderful natural resources? How about the historic downtown district? Perhaps it’s the people who make up our community? Whatever the reason, we want to know why you love it here. Tell us why you love Carter County and you could be featured in an upcoming edition of Carter County Living. Just send us a message telling us why you love Carter County. You can reach us by email at news@elizabethton.com or you can mail it to 300 N. Sycamore Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.
Every week like clockwork, Weston Cosey’s grandmother, Tammy Allen, brings cake pops to Captain Jack’s Store in Butler. The popular snacks sell fast.
“They sell very well,” said the store’s manager, Misty Smith. “We’ve been selling them for a couple of weeks – about a month and a half, I guess. People who come in love them.”
Proceeds from the cake pop sales go toward the Weston Cosey Toy Drive. Cosey was only 6 when he died in 2019 from a dirt bike accident.
Born to Joe Cosey and Heather Allen, Weston was in the first grade at Valley Forge Elementary School, where he played basketball with the Valley Forge Eagles. He loved motor cross racing and his friends. His obituary stated that “Weston loved to make people laugh and lived life with no fear. He loved to fish, go to the drag strip with his dad and loved his Mohawk haircut.” The little
man was a member of Harmony Free Will Baptist Church.
Thanks to Weston’s inspiration, his family was moved by the kind thoughtfulness of people during their time of grief. Instead of closing ranks and keeping their memories close to their hearts, they opened their arms wide to reach children out there who might need a helping hand.
The family wanted to channel Weston’s love of life by creating the Weston Cosey Memorial Toy Drive in a desire to take their sadness and channel it into something that Weston would have loved. All year long they take donations and buy toys for needy children. Allen even bought a storage shed to keep safe the donations.
Every May, Weston’s church has a free get-together on the grounds that celebrates Weston’s birthday. The community members are invited to come eat, play and enjoy each others’ company. The only thing they ask is that you bring a toy.
The toys are given out a Christmas time, but the family didn’t stop at that. They are constantly thinking of new ways to support the charity.
“I take cake pops up there [to Butler] every week,” Allen said of what started out as just a hobby. “They are still selling them and said they would continue to, which is such a blessing. With that, I’ve been able to get $100-150 dollars worth a toys a week for our toy drive. It may seem minimal, but when you’re clearance shopping, you can get a good amount with that.
“I know our kids double every year and this is such a blessing that they are continuing to do this. I told them they could stop anytime, but they say they sell themselves.”
When Allen picks up the proceeds from the store, she immediately heads out to shop. “When they see my car, they know I’m coming to spend money on toys,” Allen said with a laugh. Once she’s spent that week’s money, she loads up her vehicle and goes right back to Captain Jack’s to see Smith and show her how the money was spent.
“I like to go show her what that money goes toward,” Allen said. “We rely on the community, the churches and family to fund the toy drive, but with these cake pops selling, it will end up providing one-half of the funds – that’s because every year the number of needy children doubles.”
Allen said creating the cake pops is not a chore – in fact, it’s a blessing in itself. “It’s quality time for me and my granddaughter, Josalynn Shetley, 14, and my mother, Elizabeth Ahmed, 76,” she said. “We have a lot of fun doing the cake pops. My mother is disabled, but she rolls the
pops for me. One time she rolled them really small and I told her ‘we’re going to have to send you to roller recovery.’ It’s just things like that –making fun and having fun together.”
The cake pops sell for $2 each. Allen said she keeps the selection varied and fresh. “Even though someone is buying a cake pop to help a charity doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter if they get a stale cake pop,” she said. “No one wants a stale cake pop!”
The trio make the flavored pops in vanilla, lemon, chocolate, German chocolate, butter pecan, rainbow and yellow cake.
“People love them,” White said. “And as long as people love them and buy them, we will continue to carry them. People in this area are really good about donating to support others. They always have. And we are glad to be a part of such a good cause.”
1. What made you choose Carter County and Elizabethton for your services and business?
This is my hometown and this is where my family and friends are. These are the people that I want to help.
2. What is your purpose as a business? What do you do?
I want to provide quality transportation and treat everyone as I do my family and friends. It is important to me to have repeat customers and to earn their trust.
3. How long have you been in business?
15 years
4. How long have you, personally, been working in the industry?
30 years
5. Are you part of a franchise or are you independent? Independent
6. What impact do you think your services/business will have on the Carter County community?
That by providing quality transportation to my community, I can help meet educational, employment and enjoyment needs and desires.
Daddy Mac Depot of Elizabethton is no more. But that’s OK, because as of July 1, the Daddy turned into Biggin’s Bangin BBQ, and only the name changed.
Michael Rice, who owns Daddy/Biggin’s with his mom, Kathy Pell, takes the name change in stride. “Eh, we got a cease-and-desist letter about the name – some company somewhere else already had that name, so we are just changing the name – nothing else. Still great food!”
The restaurant, which opened in April, sits in the former Smokehouse BBQ restaurant building at 1941 Milligan Highway. Near neighbors are Happy Valley High School and the Tweetsie Trail. “It’s a really nice location,” Pell said. “It’s between the river and Buffalo Creek and people come out and play with their dogs and picnic. The dogs like to go swimming!”
The owners started out with their Trucky Cheese food truck, which they still run, and branched out to the stick building, bringing all their madeto-order staples, including pulled pork and chicken, fried okra, brisket, ribs, wings, meatloaf sandwiches, collard greens and more.
“We have smoked meats and gourmet grill cheeses on sourdough,” Rice said, with a tempting lilt in his voice. The dessert menu is also varied, including specialty cakes by Pell. On weekends, try the smoked Tomahawk ribeye, which one customer said via Facebook was “the best steak” he ever ate.
“My mom was a food service manager for 40-something years, so she has a lot of experience,” Rice said. “This was our dream – to have a restaurant. I’ve always had a love for cooking – started off at Logan’s – and I’ve cooked for 20 years, so I have experience.
“We are fat and happy and lovin’ life here,” he added. “We love it here and we aren’t going anywhere.”
The “Triple B” has daily specials; for example, on a Wednesday they had soup beans (that’s Navy beans and pintos put together in case you aren’t a Tennessee native and clueless about the dish), fried potatoes and onion, and greens. It came with fried cornbread. Another daily special is the homemade meatloaf with two sides, and that special is usually available several times a week, Pell said.
The regular menu includes appetizers like the Mcknight Nachos (fresh pub chips, pulled pork, lettuce, black olives, sour cream, tomatoes, jalapenos) and fried green tomatoes with a side of Ranch. Or, you can choose sandwiches like the Firestarter (smoked pulled chicken, buffalo, pepper jack, Blue cheese and aioli) or platters that offer pulled pork, smoked chicken, brisket, smoked wings, burnt ends or ribs. Sides include baked beans, cole slaw and mac and cheese, while kids can get pulled pork, grilled cheese or a cheeseburger. Beers offered are the usual.
Biggin’s Bangin BBQ is open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays, well, Sundays
they aren’t open.
“Nope, that’s family day,” Rice, the former youth minister, said. He also revealed where the new name comes from. “A good friend I’ve know for years said, ‘shoot, we oughta call it ‘Biggin’s Bangin BBQ – Triple B for short.’ I’ve been called ‘Biggin’ for most of my life and some people just know me by that name. So, sounded good.”
But let’s go back to Saturday, July 1, when the name changed. That was also the day of the Biggin’s Block Party, a day the owners hoped would entice locals to come in and “let the parents have an inexpensive night to enjoy with the family,” the restaurant’s Facebook page noted.
“Bring ya cousins, brothers, sisters, kids, granny, grandpa and all your friends that you consider family down …. We are gonna have tons of activities, all free for the kiddos (and adults) to enjoy.” The only cost was for food and drinks.
“As a family owned business, we understand the important of time and how expensive things are. So come eat some great food, drink some beer... enjoy some family activities and come meet and hang out with [us]. Until then, come put some pork on ya fork!”
And come they did. First, on Friday, a live band, StoneFire performed to a packed house. For Saturday, Triple B had live music and people sitting around participating. “We had as many people Friday to listen to the band as we had on Saturday at the block party,” mom Kathy Pell said.
How packed was it? Pell guesstimates 400-500 people visited them Saturday to enjoy the food, but also enjoyed face painting, inflatables, a cook off (the Mexican pulled brisket taco won), water balloon fights, corn hole and a bunch of pickin’ and grinnin’.
“It went really well,” Pell said. “Families came with their kids and everyone seemed to have a good time.”
During a normal week, Triple B has karaoke night, trivia night and other types of entertainment planned. Watch their Facebook page for the daily special’s menu, upcoming bands for the weekend and nightly get-togethers that usually involve music or videos.
Now how could anyone resist that call to action? Call Biggin at Biggin’s (see what we did there?) at 423-213-5223 to say hello or to order … or both!
House Cleaning & Professional
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DAVIS
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Hermitage Health Center currently has opening for Full Time and Part Time CNA’s. Shifts available are as follows Day Shift: 6:45a-3:00p Second Shift: 2:45p-11:00p To Apply Visit: hermitage healthcenter.com or call 423-543-2571 for more information and set up an interview.
EOE/M/F/D/V
CDL CLASS A DRIVERS WANTED
Full-time drivers are needed for local and over-the-road hauls. Our trucks do not require ELD’s. Located in Spruce Pine, NC.
Requirements: CDL Class A license, references, and clean driving record.
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The Courtyard. 710 E. Second Street. Elizabethton, TN
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CURRENTLY HIRING
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Hillview Heath Center is currently seeking a Licensed Beautician to join our team. Day Shift(8am-
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Needed!!! Jiggy Ray’s Pizza is looking for a cook to join our team. To apply Call 423-5181511
Tree Care Specialist
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METRO - Picnics are a fun way to bring people together to enjoy food and conversation. While there are no limitations to what a picnic may entail, when it comes to food, it may be best to pack items that are portable and do not require many accoutrements for eating. That is why finger foods make such great picnic fare.
Fried chicken long has been a popular picnic menu item, but other chicken dishes can fill in for this staple quite easily. For example, this recipe for “Sesame Chicken Fingers with Honey Dip” can be enjoyed by kids and adults on a picnic or even at casual events at home. This recipe, from “125 Best Chicken Recipes” (Robert Rose) by Rose Murray, features a sweet honey dip, but other dips can complement the meal as well.
Serves 4
1⁄3 cup light mayonnaise
3 tablespoons liquid honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1⁄4 cup light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1⁄3 cup dry bread crumbs
3 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts cut into fingers, 2 inches long by 1⁄2-inch wide
1. Honey Dip: In a small bowl, stir together the 1⁄3 cup mayonnaise, honey and 1 tablespoon lemon juice until well combined. Refrigerate if making ahead.
2. In a small bowl, combine the 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise, Dijon mustard
Sesame Chicken Fingers with Honey Dip
and 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
3. On waxed paper or in a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, sesame seeds and Italian seasoning.
4. Coat chicken with mayonnaise mixture, then with bread
crumb mixture. Place on prepared cookie sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and the chicken is no longer pink inside, turning once. Serve hot with the honey dip and potato wedges, if desired.
There are many different ways to serve fish and an equally diverse array of fish to choose as the centerpiece of such meals. For many, catfish is the quintessential option for lunch or dinner. In the United States, catfish is a largely southern delicacy, and it is served predominately across Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia. However, anyone with access to fresh catfish can whip up a tasty serving.
Catfish has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a dense, moist texture. Since it is less flaky than other white fish when cooked, it holds up better when cooked in certain ways, such as frying. Catfish lovers can enjoy this recipe for “Beer-Battered Catfish with Homemade Tartar Sauce” courtesy of U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish.
with Homemade Tartar Sauce
Serves 6
6 U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish fillets, cut into large strips
Oil for frying
11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1⁄2 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup beef
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lemon wedges
Malt vinegar
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon dill pickle, minced
2 ounces fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon dried dill
1 tablespoon sweet relish
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon drained capers
Dash hot sauce
In a deep fryer, heat oil to 375 F. Combine 1⁄2 cup flour, cornstarch, Cajun seasoning, baking powder, and salt. Whisk in beer until smooth. Place remaining flour in a shallow bowl. Season fillets with salt and pepper; then lightly dust with flour.
Dip the fillets in beer batter, allowing excess to drip off. Place catfish in oil a few pieces at a time. Fry until well browned on all sides, about 3 minutes.
Remove, and drain on paper towels.
To make tartar sauce, combine all ingredients in a small bowl; stir to combine. Refrigerate any excess.
METRO - Peaches are a nutritious summertime favorite. Peaches are antioxidant-rich, include a wide range of vitamins and minerals, and are rich in fiber. And there is no denying how sweet and tasty peaches can be, whether they’re plucked right from a tree or enjoyed in any number of recipes.
Cobbler is a type of dessert that gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century. It is made by putting fruit in a deep baking dish and then topping it with a drop biscuit batter and sometimes a crumb topping. Any number of fruits work well in cobblers, including apples, pears and various berries. However, peach cobbler is the quintessential summertime treat.
Cobbler gets its name from the fact that early American settlers didn’t have strict recipes with exact measurements for ingredients, so they took what they had and “cobbled” them together.
Today’s cobbler bakers enjoy the benefits of having more direction when putting together their desserts. This recipe for “Southern Peach Cobbler” comes courtesy of Paula Deen.
Serves 15
11⁄2 cups self-rising flour
1 stick butter
1⁄2 cup water
2 cups sugar, divided
4 cups peaches, peeled and sliced
1 cup milk
Ground cinnamon (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Combine the peaches, 1 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish and place in oven to melt.
Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir.
Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Sprinkle top with ground cinnamon, if using. Batter will rise to top during baking. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes.
To serve, scoop onto a plate and serve with your choice of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
