Vision 2020

Vision 20/20 2020 Progress Edition h Special Publication of the Elizabethton Star

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dean Blevins leading TCAT into the future

Friday, February 28

5YEA7RS

S S E N I S IN BU

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Staff

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General Manager DELANEY SCALF delaney.scalf @elizabethton.com Editorial Director Rozella Hardin rozella.hardin @elizabethton.com

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Human Resources Kristina Cruz kristina.cruz @elizabethton.com Customer Service Kathy Scalf kathy.scalf @elizabethton.com

Table of Contents

Operations Manager Scott SCALF scott.scalf @elizabethton.com

6 City of Elizabethton

16 Carter County 9-1-1

42 Back Country Horsemen

Marketing Consultants BRANDY TRIVETT brandy.trivett @elizabethton.com

8 Carter County Commission

17 Elizabethton Electric System

45 Witten Huddle

JOYCE BARTLETT joyce.bartlett @elizabethton.com

10 Elizabethton Police Department 12 Carter County Sheriff’s Dept.

32 Elizabethton Municipal Airport 36 Keep Carter County Beautiful 40 Bonnie Kate Theater

46 Elizabethton Parks & Rec 48 Elizabethton Housing Authority 50 Elizabethton Star Newspaper

14 Elizabethton City Fire Department

Copy Editor JANIE MCKINNEY janie.mckinney @elizabethton.com

Sports IVAN SANDERS ivan.sanders @elizabethton.com Composing ROBIN JOHNSON robin.johnson @elizabethton.com

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Come Visit Us at Our New Location!

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Government

Elizabethton City Hall

City of Elizabethton

1.Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

The City of Elizabethton is a full-service city, including police; fire; water, sewer, and electric utilities; public works; sanitation; parks and recreation; municipal golf course; a public library; and a municipal airport.

2.Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

Founded in 1799, the city government of Elizabethton was incorporated in 1905.

As noted in the previous question, Elizabethton provides a wide array of services to its citizens and to the broader community.

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

Progress continues to be made across the whole of city government. To promote the redevelopment of the downtown district, the city has partnered with downtown businesses in their founding of a local Main Street program by funding a full-time director position for the organization.

In addition, the rehabilitation of downtown sidewalk canopies is substantially complete. The efforts from across the community have produced an active and vibrant downtown district.

We have continued water and sewer line replacement, both through in-house

replacement and through significant grant funding.

On the public safety front, we have added a School Resource Officer to the three city elementary schools, meaning an Elizabethton Police Department Officer is assigned to every city school.

The city has continued its investment in The Bonnie Kate Theater, replacing the roof, HVAC system, and currently installing a sprinkler system.

In addition, we continue to develop and revise the programming and services we provide to meet the changing needs of our citizens.

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020?

Could you list and evaluate individually?

The City Council sets and revises its goals and objectives annually at a strategic planning retreat. Some of the objectives for this year include additional street paving, renovation and expansion of the police department headquarters, transition to a new police records management software system, purchase of a new triple combination pumper fire truck, and improvements to parks and recreation facilities.

Additionally, the city will continue the planning and feasibility process to bring future projects to fruition.

For more information contact: 423-547-6200

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Carter County Commission Chairman Ray Lyons

Carter County Commission 1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

Provides a number of services related to roads, county policy, animal shelter and more through county taxes.

Resort on Watauga Lake: Mayor Barnett is working with the developer to finalize plans.

North Carolina area in a collaborative effort with Carter County Commissioner Hill secured this $3,905 Grant.

Tweetsie Trail Extension to Railroad Grade & Roan Mountain Community Park.

2. Please provide background information about your company or Established first Farmers Market and community garden in Carter County. organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

Established a concert stage in the community park.

I have six years as Commissioner and am in my second year as Chairman.

ATC official trail community designation for Roan Mountain-community. As a result, consumption taxes in district 2 improved almost 20 percent.

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest Hikerpoloza Appalachian Trail and great outdoor celebration. accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

Facilitating co-branding and cross-promoting opportunities with Hot Springs, Courthouse Security Project: Single point of entry to ensure safety for all citizens.

Erwin, and Damascus — sister ATC communities.

EOC Project: Construction in process with completion date of July 10, 2020.

Healthcare study.

Elk Mills/Fish Springs substation: will provide capability for Fire, EMT/Rescue & Law Liaise with NETREP-garner continued support for district 2 out of the regional ECD enforcement. partnership.

Expansion of Snap-On Tools: Ensure Snap-On remains in Carter County.

Approval to reduce the planning commission members down to nine.

Renovation of Health Department: provide much needed space for over 100 people Several board vacancies filled by nomination committee such as Agricultural Extenserved daily.

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sion Board, Parks and Rec Board, Joint Economic Development Board, and Chamber of Commerce.

Acquisition of the Work Force Development Project.

School Resource Officers in every school (example: working relationship with Sheriff Dexter Lunceford).

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020?

Could you list and evaluate individually?

Expand on and renew the TVA grant project.

Solidify relations with marketing and tourism agents in High Country, N.C. Solidify and facilitate better working relationships with the city of Elizabethton.

Surf Betsy.

Trail and alternative transportation expansions that move people and generate cash.

Showcase recreational opportunity as attractors for the .5 billion tourism spent in North Carolina market by rounding out the overall mountain experience.

Continue building working relationships with the City of Elizabethton, City of Watauga, Johnson City and other entities.

Finish our efforts with the Substation in Elk Mills.

Focus a lot of efforts on the Workforce Development Property.

Enhance our working relationship with the mayor and all elected officials.

5. Any additional comments you feel important to include in your article.

NA For more information contact: Name of organization: Carter County Commission Contact(s): Ray Lyons Phone Number(s): 423-542-1814 Email(s): clerk@cartercountytn.gov

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Elizabethton Police Department

City of Elizabethton Police Department 1.Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

The services we provide to accomplish that mission today involve the officers on duty around the clock to answer calls for service and patrol all areas of the City.

A partial list of the duties performed by our patrol officers is as follows: responds to calls for service to the community, investigates complaints, works traffic enforcement, issues citations, testifies in court, investigates traffic accidents, conducts preliminary investigations into misdemeanor and felony crimes, assists motorists, conducts patrols in residential and commercial areas, interviews suspects, witnesses, and drivers, collects and preserves evidence, arrests suspects, and prepares a variety of reports on incidents.

In addition to patrol officers assigned to the four shifts providing around the clock coverage, we have uniformed officers assigned to a traffic unit. The traffic unit focuses on traffic enforcement and investigation of crashes.

Officers of this unit work assigned shifts between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. that are normally our busiest times for traffic.

We also have a uniformed officer assigned to work in the EHDA public housing communities, and uniformed school resource officers in each of our City schools.

Our criminal investigation division is staffed with officers that investigate reports of crimes and criminal activity that require more time and in-depth efforts beyond the initial

response and investigation by the uniformed officers.

These investigators also locate, identify, and interview victims, witnesses, victims, and suspects, make arrests, process crime scenes to gather evidence, and work with the district attorneys’ office to prepare cases for court.

Most of the investigators have a specialty area for which they have received specialized training such as crimes against persons, property crime, fraud, family violence, and drug enforcement.

Officers from both patrol and CID make up the Special Response Team (SRT) and the Specialized Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team (STAR). The highly skilled officers assigned to the SRT and STAR teams can be called to respond to emergencies anytime they are needed and have received specialized training to handle special circumstances.

The SRT responds to high hazard incidents such as barricaded suspects, and service of high-risk warrants.

The STAR team is called in to investigate and reconstruct vehicle crashes that are likely to result in very serious injury or death.

To support the patrol officers and investigators, we have a staff of four professionals, two administrative assistants, and the records clerk and municipal court clerk. These professionals along with the administrative captain, training officer, and support services sergeant, Major, and Chief of Police keep the officers in equipment and supplies to support the functions, duties, and activities of the department.

EPD Chief of Police Jason Shaw

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2.Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

The Elizabethton Police Department was formed with the incorporation of the City of Elizabethton in 1905.

One can only imagine the differences in the look of the city, especially the buildings, roads, and all things technology related. One of the things that remains the same is the basic mission to serve and protect the community.

3.What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

The most noticeable accomplishment was the hiring of three additional school resource officers. This allowed us to place SROs at East Side, Harold McCormick, and West Side Elementary schools.

This has greatly benefitted the schools, the police department, and the community alike. The SROs are able to build positive relationships with our youth in our community.

Finalizing plans for the beginning of construction and renovations of the Police Department buildings have also been a great accomplishment.

During 2019, a contractor was hired as a project manager to ensure the project would have proper planning, implementation, and to ensure a maximum guaranteed price.

This project continues to move forward into 2020 with City Council considering final steps to formally fund the project at the February council meeting.

Once the funding is secured and the construction plans are finalized, construction and renovation can begin. We are thankful and looking forward to this project and the upgrades it will bring to the police department and the community.

It is my understanding that this time next year the renovation process should be complete.

We began using the Tip411 program in 2019. This program allows citizens to send messages and tips to the police department anonymously. There is a cell phone application for both Apple and Android devices that can be downloaded for free.

Once downloaded, tips and pictures can be sent through this app. Those without a smartphone can also use this program by text in the following way; text keyword TIPEPD, add a space then the information to 847411.

We also still have a telephone tip line at 423-543-7574 and a tip email is drugagents1@elizabethtonpolice.org.

In addition to the above items that are highly visible, there were also many accomplishments that are mostly behind the scenes.

A software program called PowerDMS was acquired in 2019 that streamlines the process of updating our policies and training records. This system is essential to maintaining our accreditation with the Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.

Over the past year, we have been able to send officers and supervisors to advance training in specialized topics such as officer safety and survival, operations, tactics, forensics, and leadership.

Most notably, Captain Darling was the first officer from the Elizabethton Police Department to attend the National Forensic Academy at the University of Tennessee’s Law Enforcement Innovation Center in Oak Ridge.

Captain White attended the FBI’s Tennessee Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar held in Pigeon Forge. Chief Shaw attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., and was the first officer to attend this course from the Elizabethton Police Department in over 20 years.

By focusing on the training and development of our staff, we are increasing the professionalism and efficiency of our operations.

After our officers receive specialized training, they are able to bring back new skills, procedures, and knowledge to the benefit of our officers, residents, and businesses.

During 2019, Major Jerry Bradley and Captain Shane Darling taught response to active shooter training to the other City departments, Elizabethton City Schools, and various businesses and churches throughout Elizabethton.

The demand is high for this class and we are planning to send more officers this year to be instructors and increase our ability to offer this training.

Near the end of 2019, we were able to acquire a military surplus armored vehicle from the Department of Defense Law Enforcement Support Program.

The vehicle was acquired through the program for only the cost of shipping, about $6,000.

This vehicle will enable our officers to respond to gunfire and dangerous situations.

We are very lucky to be able to obtain this vehicle that will provide protection for them if the need arises.

At the end of 2019, through the coordination efforts of Sergeant Willard Johnson and Cherie Geagley, we worked with our Elizabethton Wal-Mart to have a Shop with a Cop event. We were assisted by other local agencies and hope to expand the event for 2020.

4.What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020? Could you list and evaluate individually?

For 2020 we are planning to increase our use of social media as an additional outlet to engage our community.

As we are now well into 2020, Captain Elonza Perkins is leading our efforts along with staff from the Carter County Sheriff’s Department and Carter County 911 to launch our new records management system.

This system will greatly enhance operations and information sharing between agencies, in addition to updating and streamlining numerous aspects of our work with computerized operational tools.

We are hoping the system to be active and in use after installation and training phases are completed in the next several months.

Three years ago, we entered into an agreement with the Carter County Sheriff’s Department to form a joint drug enforcement unit. The basis of this is very simple — passing information and working together.

The cooperative effort has led to arrests and successful prosecutions and serves as a model for the expansion of the effort to our neighboring counties.

Everyone can help in the effort by submitting tips to us on suspected criminal behavior. It is impossible for us to respond to crimes that we don’t know about. We need your help. No tip is too small. The information you provide may be critical and give officers information to either start an investigation or make a successful arrest and prosecution from an on-going investigation.

As we look toward 2020 we will continue to work on the above projects and continue to focus our work as guided by our mission statement — To Serve and Protect with Integrity and Respect.

For more information contact: Chief Jason Shaw Email: jshaw@elizabethtonpolice.org

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Carter County Sheriff Dexter Lunceford

Carter County Sheriff’s Department 1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

Law enforcement, public safety.

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

The Sheriff’s Department has been around for as long as the county has, dedicating themselves to keeping county residents safe. Lunceford has been sheriff since 2014.

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

Total reported crime is down 38 percent since 2014. In the same time period, property crime has been reduced by 35 percent, burglaries have fallen 72 percent, and thefts from automobiles are down 76 percent. This is the third year in a row that crime has fallen, and it shows a strong trend of effective crime prevention.

Of course, these numbers mean nothing on their own. It’s what the numbers represent that matters, and the numbers represent fewer victims. The Sheriff’s Office is seeing hun-

dreds fewer victims of property crimes like thefts and burglaries: crimes that are typically carried out by transient criminals and people involved with illegal drugs. This administration’s approach has been to aggressively pursue people with active warrants and lock them up to prevent further crimes. The Sheriff’s message with that approach is simple: career criminals can either leave Carter County, or they can stay and be jailed over and over.

Either way, they’ll spend less time committing crimes in the county.

The Sheriff’s Office is also dedicating resources to upgrade equipment and pay for deputies. The agency has deployed new vehicles, breaching tools, ballistic shields, handheld radios, smart phones, and cutting edge software to help deputies do their jobs as safely and efficiently as possible. The County Commission also helped by granting raises, which has helped retain quality employees.

During the 2018-2019 school year, the Sheriff’s Office became the first county agency in the region to provide a school resource officer for every school in its jurisdiction. These deputies have prevented several potential incidents within the schools and investigated multiple incidents of illegal items or substances being found on school grounds. The agency is working continuously to place a deputy in every county school.

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Investigators also scored major victories in 2019. Most notably, the joint drug task force between the Sheriff’s Office and Elizabethton Police Department closed a major methamphetamine conspiracy case, codenamed Operation Sundown, which resulted in the arrest of 44 accused drug dealers and distributors. The task force worked with prosecutors to bring charges that, upon conviction, will result in much longer prison sentences. This is the first case of its kind to be prosecuted at a state level in the First Judicial District. The task force has also been working with federal agencies on a continuous basis, resulting in 100 federal indictments over the past three years. Federal convictions usually result in strict, lengthy convictions which keep career criminals off the streets.

The jail has also upgraded capabilities, with a full body scanner that has greatly reduced the amount of contraband within the jail. The jail also gained a dedicated K-9 who detects contraband in and around the facility. This makes the jail a safer environment for both inmates and deputy jailers. As a way of generating money for the agency, the jail houses dozens of federal inmates who are paid for by the federal government. This allows the Sheriff’s Office to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars every year for the agency without any increased burden on county taxpayers.

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020?

Could you list and evaluate individually?

In 2020, the Sheriff’s Office will continue its primary initiatives. Deputies will continue to focus on aggressive warrant service, safeguarding county schools, and maintaining a safe and secure detention center. Leaders in the agency also plan to begin expanding capabilities to combat internet crime, specifically crimes against children. The agency will be exploring new tools and partnerships to help with this effort.

5. Any additional comments you feel important to include in your article.

NA For more information contact: Dexter Lunceford, Thomas Gray Phone Number(s): 423-542-1845 Email(s): grayt@sheriff.cc

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Elizabethton City Fire Department

Elizabethton City Fire Department 1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

Our services include fire protection, rescue work including automobile crash extrication, hazardous materials incidents, public education, new construction plans review, pre-planning surveys for businesses, hydrant maintenance and flow testing, provide mutual aid assistance for surrounding agencies, assist EMS personnel upon request with manpower.

lead to improved dispatching information in the future.

The fire department facilitated certification training for 26 Carter County volunteer firefighters which included a live burn exercise. This enhances our ability to work together during mutual aid incidents.

We had a total of 1,360 student contact hours for our firemen through the Tennessee Firefighting Commission.

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020?

2. Please provide background information about your company or Could you list and evaluate individually? organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

We anticipate the acquisition of a new triple combination pumper.

The fire department started when the city was chartered with paid, on-call volunteers Firefighter cancer rates are higher than the average occupation so we will impleand evolved into what we are today. That was 1905 and today we have three stations ment cancer screenings for the firemen in accordance with the State Legislation “Brady geographically located and 33 personnel.

Bill.”

We have an active shooter course planned this year in addition to our regular train3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest ing requirements. accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

We certified eight senior ranking personnel at Fire Officer II level, we now have more 5. Any additional comments you feel important to include? certified fire officers than at any time in our history.

The personnel of the fire department strives to perform our service to the public in a We completed a fire instructor course this year, 87% of our department are currently most professional way — our focus for 2020 is Leadership Development. certified by the State as fire instructors.

We are proud of our community and proud to be a part of it.

We implemented an interlocal agreement with the City of Johnson City for automatic-aid, this serves both Milligan College with a ladder truck and Martindale Estates with For more information contact: a pumper. This is the first time in our City history to have a standing automatic aid Barry G. Carrier - Chief of Fire agreement with another city.

Email: bcarrier@cityofelizabethton.org We completed the G.I.S. mapping of 524 fire hydrants in our jurisdiction. This will

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Carter County 9-1-1

Carter County Emergency Communications District 9-1-1 1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

Carter County 9-1-1 is the primary public safety answering and dispatch point for all police, fire, emergency medical and emergency management services within Carter County and Elizabethton.

We serve as the link between the citizens and public safety agencies.

Carter County 9-1-1 currently has 16 full-time Public Safety Telecommunicators. Carter County 9-1-1 plays a vitally important role in each public safety agency response to calls for service.

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

Carter County Emergency Communications District 9-1-1 was founded by referendum in 1992 and began taking 9-1-1 calls in 1993.

The original call taker/dispatchers were transferred from the Elizabethton Police Department and Carter County Sheriff’s Department and began as employees of Carter County 9-1-1.

The current Public Safety Telecommunicators typically handle in excess of

100,000 calls annually. There has been a tremendous amount of technological and operational changes over the years.

The amount of required training for Telecommunicators has increased exponentially since the inception of 9-1-1.

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

The biggest accomplishment for Carter County 9-1-1 is the acquisition of a Computer-Aided Dispatch system that will be directly linked to the Elizabethton Police Department and Carter County Sheriff’s Office.

This system uses cutting-edge technology and it will allow Carter County 9-1-1 to provide the citizens of Elizabethton and Carter County with the best service possible.

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020?

Could you list and evaluate individually?

Carter County 9-1-1’s goals for 2020 is to fully implement the new CAD system.

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File Photo

Elizabethton Electric System

Elizabethton Electric System 1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

Elizabethton Electric Department offers services to 26,456 customers with 820 miles of lines covering 129 square miles with nine substations with an area including portions of Carter, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties; and the cities of Elizabethton, Watauga, Johnson City, and Town of Unicoi.

The Operations Department has 42 full-time employees. The City Finance Department has 10 employees who spend most of their time in providing financial support for the Electric Department.

Our current 17 Linemen go through extensive training by TVPPA standard guidelines to obtain safety standards and keep our power in working order.

is an integrated system of meters, communications networks, and data management systems that enable two-way communication between utilities and customers meters.

5. Any additional comments you feel important?

Customers of Elizabethton Electric have more choices to pay your electric bill than ever before!

As always you may mail your bill or come by any of our traditional locations to pay in person or you can utilize some of our new convenient payment systems. There is no charge to use the following methods.

Automated Pay by Phone: 1-866-211-8070 Paperless Bill On-Line Pay: https://portal.icheckgateway.com/EESOnline/ 2. Please provide background information about your company or You will need your 12-digit account number to utilize the one-time payment organization and how long you have been in business or serving. option.

The Elizabethton Electric Department was purchased from East Tennessee Light and Power Company and established by the City of Elizabethton on June 6. Traditional Payment Options: 29, 1945, as the Elizabethton Electric System, governed by a board of directors In-person at 400 Hatcher Lane or 136 S. Sycamore St. appointed by the Elizabethton City Council.

Mail: P.O. Box 790.

We will be celebrating our 75th Anniversary in June 2020!

If bill is current; you may pay at Citizens Bank or Carter County Bank.

Night drops located at City Hall, 136 S. Sycamore St., or Elizabethton Electric 3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individu- Department, 400 Hatcher Lane.

We also offer automatic bank draft. To sign up contact the Billing Departally? ment at 547-8609 In the past year of 2019, we concentrated on tree trimming (vegetation control) which is performed on a continuously rotating schedule and system Office Hours: upgrades and line extensions where EES installed 321 new poles at a cost of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday (Closed Government Holidays) $1,216,763.00.

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020? Could you list and evaluate individually?

Upcoming improvements for 2020 EES is upgrading our ESRA Mapping System to track outages and assets in a timely manner.

The plan to fully implement an Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)

For more information contact: Rob Toney, General Manager, (423) 547-8605 rtoney@cityofelizabethton.org Tammy Oxendine, Administrative Assistant, (423) 547-8602 toxendine@cityofelizabethton.org

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Members of the Downtown Main Street Program in Elizabethton.

Downtown Main Street Program 1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

Main Street Elizabethton looks towards the future with the goal to preserve our culture and heritage while striving to revitalize the hub and heart of our downtown.

Main Street is an opportunity to engage downtown merchants, passionate residents, and local business owners to work together to unify and grow our downtown community. With a focus on five areas (merchants, promotions, economic vitality, design, and organization), Main Street is working WITH the community to find our vision and create a strong and sustainable downtown. The community can get involved by becoming a Main Street member and joining one of our five focus area committees.

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

Conversations about downtown revitalization began in June 2018. The City of Elizabethton Planning Director, Jon Hartman, brought together a diverse group of business owners, property owners, individuals invested in seeing our downtown community grow. Together they started the preliminary talks on revitalization program options for our downtown. Nancy Williams from Tennessee Main Street met with the committee to discuss what Main Street could mean to our downtown and community as a whole. After field trips to nearby communities involved with Main Street, public meetings held, and gathering insight from Elizabethton community members, the steering committee decided to move forward with pursuing the Main Street program for our downtown.

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

This past year was filled with a deep dive into our downtown district, including filling out the extensive Main Street application. The City of Elizabethton hired a Main Street Director in October 2019. Shortly after, Main Street Elizabethton officially launched with membership applications, board elections, regular committee

meetings, and community research.

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020?

Could you list and evaluate individually?

First, we need to develop a vision and strategic plan for downtown. This is our main focus for 2020 in order to guide the program for years to come. Since Main Street is a new program, this year will be filled with efforts to look closely at what our downtown and community really need. There have been many people over the years that have given their energy and hearts into seeing the downtown thrive. Main Street is an extension of what those before have done to pave the way, while also providing new opportunities for our community. Now, Main Street Elizabethton has the privilege to take all of the great energy, passion, and focus from our downtown community and form it into a proven strategy. Our goals and aspirations are to stay focused on creating a strategic plan and get people excited to be a part of this movement.

Another goal is to grow Main Street awareness and membership throughout our downtown community and beyond.

5. Any additional comments you feel important to include in your article.

Main Street membership is open to anyone passionate about downtown! Now is a wonderful time to get involved, especially as we work on our strategy and vision for downtown. We need community in-put and participation in order to sustainably grow and elevate our downtown. To learn more contact Courtney Washburn at cwashburn@cityofelizabethton.org or 213-0090.

For more information contact: Courtney Wahsburn Phone Number(s): 423-213-0090 Email(s): CWashburn@CityofElizabethton.org

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Elizabethton Public Works/Waste Water

Elizabethton Water Resources (WR) 1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

WR provides water and sewer services to Elizabethton and adjacent parts of Carter County. We serve 11,600 water customers in the county and city, and 5,600 sewer customers in the city.

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

The first water lines in the city date back to the early 1900s and we have sewer lines dating back to the 1920s.

The city bought the Mountain Springs Water Company in 1936, thereby acquiring the city’s Hampton Spring source which is still the community’s most valuable source of drinking water.

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

We have continued to make inroads into our worst problems which were inherited from many decades ago; that is the rehabilitation and replacement of old and leaky infrastructure.

Our water lines leak out drinking water, while our old sewer lines allow groundwater and rainwater to enter and thereby place a large and costly burden on our wastewater treatment and pumping facilities.

Despite the problems related to leaking sewers causing very high flows at our Wastewater Treatment Plant, our WR Facilities Group received an Operational Excellence

Award from the TN-KY Water Environment Federation.

This award is given in arrears to facilities in Tennessee and Kentucky who managed to operate for the previous year with one permit violation or less. Elizabethton’s treatment facility had zero wastewater violations in 2018.

The City’s water operations were evaluated by the State and received a Sanitary Survey Score of 97%. We are proud of our staff who coped with the operational problems of a very old system by dedication and hard work.

Our major accomplishment was a continuation of pipe repair and replacement projects. We obtained a total of $875,000 of grant funding to help our customers with the financial burden of replacing water lines.

We also worked very hard to establish a Geographic Information System (GIS) database for maps and infrastructure inventory to help us efficiently manage our water and sewer infrastructure.

Over the last eight years, we have completely reorganized our department by adopting organizational structures and methods that proved to be successful in communities that are working on the same problems we have here in Elizabethton and Carter County.

In 2019, we continued this by consolidating our maintenance group into one multidisciplinary operation. Previously, we had separate maintenance operations for the water and sewer parts of our operation.

Also, in 2019 we continued a multi-year project to modernize our electronic process control system and improve efficiency and cybersecurity.

We also started on a project to modernize our water meters.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 - STAR - 21

In 2019 we completed 95% of a precise GIS survey of our water meters. Many customers might have noticed the blue paint “we-have-been-here” markings on their meter box lids.

This information will be used to prepare plans and proposals for an automated meter infrastructure system.

Some of our customers have older homes and sometimes see very high water bills because they develop costly leaks in their privately-owned pipes.

An automated system will enable us to warn customers when they have leaks.

Customers will also have a continuing knowledge of how much water they are using, thereby enabling them to budget more efficiently to keep bills low.

Lastly, the billing system will become much more efficient and accurate by not requiring staff to manually read meters.

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020?

Could you list and evaluate individually?

Our primary and overriding goal is to operate Water Resources sustainably. This means that there must always be a fair value exchange with our customers.

For us to be able to fulfill our mission, we need goodwill and financial support from our customers. In return, we must provide efficient operations, accountability for ratepayer funds, and the practice that each exchange with our customers will be positive.

Our specific goals are as follows: — We hope to complete more than one mile of water pipe replacement by using Community Development Block Grant funds.

— We plan to complete engineering for rebuilding major water line crossings across the Doe River in Valley Forge. We have already secured $350,000 of Appalachian Regional Commission grant funding towards paying for this $1.1 million project.

In 2020 we hope to secure additional funding by finding subsidized low-cost loans.

— We are hoping to be able to combine contracted water line replacement with our in-house programs to yield as close to five miles of line replacement as we can get.

— We are continuing our program of repairing leaks in old sewer lines.

— We are continuing data collection and mapping projects to build on to our GIS mapping and infrastructure inventory database.

— We want to operate a safe workplace in 2020.

— We want to comply with all government regulations.

— We want to continue engaging our customers by making information available to them, and we will continue to publish our monthly productivity data on our website at http://www.elizabethton.org/departments/utilities/2020_reports/index.php .

5. Any additional comments you feel are important?

We are very fortunate to have a forward-thinking and engaged City Council. Over the last several years they have made data-driven decisions to support our initiatives to improve our water and sewer systems.

For more information contact: Johann Coetzee, General Manager (423) 895-0814 (mobile) jcoetzee@cityofelizabethton.org

22 - STAR - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Mountain Electric Cooperative

1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

MEC distributes electricity, generated by the Tennessee Valley Authority, to over 34,500 residential and business members in a 700 square mile service area.

Mountain Electric Cooperative will strive to fulfill our member’s needs for affordable electricity, utility-related services, and community support.

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

Mountain Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MEC) is a member-owned electric cooperative located in northeast Tennessee and northwest North Carolina.

Its corporate office is located in Mountain City, Tenn., with a district office in Newland, N.C., and a branch office in Roan Mountain, Tenn. The cooperative was formed on April 1, 1941, by area farmers and residents.

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

MEC has been involved in several projects this year including a 5.1-mile transmission line, a new substation and four major substation modifications.

When all the project costs are added together, it totals over 12 million dollars in this fiscal year.

In addition to the projects mentioned above, MEC has also begun migration to new meter reading system, known as Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).

We have started the process of upgrading our old meter reading system to a much more robust system. Our old system could read your meter, detect outages and report status issues, but it was very slow in getting that information to us.

The new system can access that meter information, and more, and do so in a matter of seconds, and is more reliable.

The new system will also integrate better with other technologies to better service our customer needs in the future. The meter change-out program will take roughly three years.

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020? Could you list and evaluate individually?

MEC is always looking for ways to improve our service to our members.

MEC will continue to move forward with ongoing projects to improve our system’s reliability while providing electric service to our members at the most affordable cost.

For more information contact: Sally Mast Snyder Phone: 423-727-1811 Email: ssnyder@mountainelectric.com

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Circuit Court Clerk Johnny Blankenship 423-542-1835 General Sessions Court Keith Bowers, Jr. 423-542-1825 Juvenile Court 423-542-1829 Criminal Court Stacy L. Street Lisa Nidiffer Rice 423-542-1872 Patty Woodby Administrative Assistant 423-542-1835 Assessor of Property Ronnie B. Taylor 423-542-1806 Clerk and Master Melissa Moreland 423-542-1812 County Clerk Mary Gouge 423-542-1814 Carter County Trustee Randal Lewis 423-542-1811 Register of Deeds Jarrod Ellis 423-542-1830 Animal Shelter Shannon Posada, Director 423-547-6359 Administrator of Elections Tracy Tanner-Harris 423-542-1822 Carter County Election Commission 423-542-1822 Doug Buckles (R) – Chairman Ramon Sanchez-Vinas (D) – Secretary Paul Souder (R) Millard Garland (D) Junior Stanley (R) Emergency Management Agency Gary Smith, Director 423-542-1888 Deputy Director Billy Harrell 423-542-1888 Finance Director Brad Burke 423-542-1805 Deputy Director Michael Kennedy 423-542-1805

City/County Directory Health Department Caroline Hurt Carter & Johnson County Director 423-543-2521

Director of Schools Dr. Kevin Ward Phone:423-547-4000

Sheriff’s Department Dexter Lunceford, Sheriff 423-542-1845

Solid Waste Benny Lyons, Director 423-543-6626

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ADA Coordinators for Carter County: Gary Smith or Billy Harrell Carter County Courthouse 423-542-1888 Commissions County Mayor Rusty Barnett 423-542-1801 Carter County Commission Chairman Ray Lyons

Carter County Rescue Squad/EMS 423-543-5445

District Attorney General Ken C. Baldwin

City Manager Daniel Estes 423-542-1507

Assistant District Attorney Matt Roark

Assistant Director of Schools Peggy Campbell Phone: 423-547-4000

Veteran’s Service Officer David K. Batchelder, 423-542-1824

Chancellor John C. Rambo

County Attorney Josh Hardin

Planning & Zoning Chris Schuettler Director 423-542-1834

UT Extension Office Vickie Clark, Director Ext. Agent III 423-542-1818

County Historian Donald Scott Bowers

Volunteer Fire Departments Central Volunteer Fire Department Elk Mills Volunteer Fire Department Hampton Volunteer Fire Department Roan Mountain Volunteer Fire Department Stoney Creek Volunteer Fire Department Watauga Volunteer Fire Department West Carter County Volunteer Fire Department

Vice Chairwoman Patty Woodby

Highway Department Roger Colbaugh Superintendent Office Phone: 423-543-2331

Carter County Board of Education 423-547-4000 Keith Bowers, Sr. – 1st District Dr. LaDonna Stout-Boone – 2nd District David Buck – 3rd District Danny Ward – 4th District Vice Chairman Tony Garland – 5th District Kelly Crain – 6th District Creolla Miller – 7th District Chairman Jerry Stout – 8th District

Elizabethton Fire Department Barry Carrier - Fire Chief

City Judge The Honorable Interim Court Clerk - Cherie Geagley

Carter County Commissioners 1st District – Hunter, Midway, and Unaka Communities Willie Campbell, 1st District Mark Blevins, 1st District Robert Acuff, 1st District

City Attorney Roger G. Day Assistant City Attorney Charlton R. Devault

2nd District – Hampton, Roan Mountain, and Tiger Valley Nancy J. Brown, 2nd District Mike Hill, 2nd District Patty Woodby, 2nd District 3rd District – Central, Keenburg, Range, and Watauga Bradley Johnson, 3rd District Mark Tester, 3rd District Charles Von Cannon, 3rd District 4th District – Courthouse, Eastside, and Siam Communities Isaiah Grindstaff, 4th District Austin Jaynes, 4th District Jerry Proffitt, 4th District

5th District – Happy Valley Ross Garland, 5th District Ginger Holdren, 5th District Layla Ward, 5th District

6th District – Hampton, Little Milligan, Elk Mills, Valley Forge Randall Jenkins, 6th District Travis Hill, 6th District Gary Bailey, 6th District

7th District – Gap Creek Sonja Culler, 7th District Ray Lyons, 7th District Aaron Frazier, 7th District

8th District – Elizabethton High School, Harold McCormick Robin McKamey, 8th District Kelly Collins, 8th District David Miller, 8th District

City Clerk/Finance Director Preston T. Cobb - 423-542-1504 Deputy City Clerk Jennifer Arnold Department Heads and Other Officials Water Resources Director Johann Coetzee Electric Department Director Rob Toney Police Chief Jason Shaw Fire Chief Barry Carrier Street & Sanitation Director Danny Hilbert Parks & Recreation Director Mike Mains Public Library Director Bernadette Weese Purchasing Director Greg Workman Planning & Development Director Jon Hartman Personnel Director Angela Lyons

24 - STAR - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Health

Carter County Health Department employees.

Carter County Health Department 1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

CCHD offers preventive healthcare services to our residents that are designed to Protect, Promote, and Improve their health and prosperity. They include but are not limited to Birth & Death Certificates; Immunizations for children and adults; Family Planning services; Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings; Communicable and Transmittable Disease Investigation, Testing, and Treatment; Primary Care; TN Women, Infants, and Children (TNWIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program; Pregnancy Screening and Assistance; Community Health Access and Navigation in Tennessee (CHANT) Care Coordination in the home; Tobacco Cessation services for pregnant women; Environmental services for pools, restaurants, daycares, etc.; Dental services for children (limited services for adults); Child Check-ups; Health Education; Community Outreach; and Emergency Preparedness.

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

While public health services have been in existence in Carter County for generations, the CCHD found its current location in 1991, the same year I began serving

public health in the Northeast TN Region in Community Services. This role allowed me to work in Carter County and become familiar with the community and its many fine organizations and partners. Our region encompasses seven rural counties with Sullivan being considered a separate metropolitan area. The CCHD is governed by the Northeast TN Regional Health Office which in turn is governed by the Tennessee Department of Health and the division of Community Health Services. I had the great fortune of becoming the Director of the CCHD in 2002, shortly after the expansion of the CCHD Annex area.

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

Completion of a million dollar expansion and renovation which spanned multiple project phases. This created long-term growth for staff and patients of CCHD by adding eight exam rooms, six customer registration stations with a Check In station and a separate Check Out area, six customer offices where outreach services originate, a dedicated vaccine room and two provider hubs. The provider hubs fundamentally changed the way we provide service to patients by allowing the patient and/or family to settle in

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 - STAR - 25

one exam room after registration where the providers then come to them, as opposed to our customers moving from room to room during their visit. This has increased our efficiency and improved our customer satisfaction survey feedback collected daily.

CCHD has served the Northeast Region as a pilot for several improvement projects and processes. Notable among these is use of a mobile Worksite on Wheels by clerical staff to prepare the new TNWIC EBT cards (which have replaced paper vouchers) for patients receiving quick group education so they are ready when the educational session is concluded.

Despite the significant renovation done at CCHD, our facility is still maintaining excellent results on a metric we use to determine our ‘cost of doing business’, with our average cost of providing services to our residents being lower than the average for the state and in line with the average for the region. This is important to CCHD because it affirms we are providing high quality services while spending frugally.

In 2019 CCHD focused our community outreach efforts on preventing substance abuse. We promoted the Count it, Lock it, Drop it program as a part of our efforts.

The Count it, Lock It, Drop it program focuses on educating the community on the importance of locking up all medications in your home and properly discarding all medications that you are no longer using. We gave out lockboxes for storing medications to community members during the year. In conjunction with our substance abuse prevention efforts we partnered with local recovery organizations in the community to provide monthly informational sessions on a variety of health topics.

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020? Could you list and evaluate individually?

Our main goal for 2020 is to increase our efficiency in seeing patients by reducing cycle time in our clinic, maximizing the services provided to patients while here, and making the most efficient use of our appointment profiles for each of our many clinics by enhancing reminder contacts and pre-visit contacts by our providers to our patients. By improving our efficiency, we hope to positively impact our vision for healthier people and a healthier community.

We also aspire in 2020 to advertise and promote our health department services more widely in the community to increase awareness of who we are and how we serve, with particular emphasis on our priorities of Prevention and Access. We hope to do this through engaging, contemporary marketing and promotional materials and platforms that reach a wide variety of our residents.

As a part of our 2020 community outreach plan, we are aspiring to educate our staff and our clinic on a trauma informed care approach. We participated in an all-staff training that describes a trauma informed care organization as an organization that realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery; recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system; and responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices, and seeks to actively resist re-traumatization. We have already implemented a staff training and plan to educate and work with our partner organizations within the community.

5. Any additional comments you feel important to include in your article.

We want to remind our residents who have not yet received their flu vaccine that it is not too late to get it, and it is free at the health department. This can be done by appointment or simply walking in and requesting the vaccine.

As with any healthcare practice, it is very important that you contact us ahead of time to cancel an appointment that you cannot attend. While we would never bill for an appointment you have not kept, cancelling ahead of time does allow us to use that appointment for someone else in need of our services.

Our staff feels privileged and honored to provide public health services in Carter County.

For more information contact: Caroline Hurt, County Director / Emily Brooks, Health Educator Phone Number(s): 423-543-2521 Email(s): Caroline.Hurt@tn.gov / Emily.Brooks@tn.gov

26 - STAR - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Education

Elizabethton City School System Nominated for a Blue-Ribbon Award.

1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

Project Fit Grant with over $20,000 in fitness equipment and training for Crystal VanThe primary mission of the Elizabethton City School System is the development and growth of its children in knowledge and skills which enable them to achieve their potential Huss, PE Teacher.

Renovated and added equipment to K -2 playground. as complete human beings, sharing in and contributing to the enjoyment and enrichment One fifth grade young lady made Tennessee Treble Honor Choir. of their own lives, the lives of others, of the community, and the world as a whole.

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

Elizabethton City School System consists of Elizabethton High School, T.A. Dugger Junior High School, East Side Elementary, Harold McCormick Elementary, West Side Elementary, and Wandell Early Learning Center (Pre-K). We serve nearly 2,575 students in grades Pre-K - 12.

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

District: Back-2-School Bash distributed 1,000 backpacks with school supplies with the distribution of community resources to families.

School Resource Officer placed in all three elementary schools.

COPS grant is providing funds for an Avigilon System security system to harden entrances at all schools within the school system.

Betsy Book Bus — 1,922 books distributed over the Summer Program 5th grade Camp Explore Trip Girl’s on the Run Races K-Kids community service work Elizabethton High School: 2019 TSSAA Class Region 1- 4A Conference Football Champs.

2019 TSSAA Class 4A State Football Champions.

2019 Baseball Conference Division 1 Class AA Champs, Regional Runner Up, Sectional Champs, beat #1 Alcoa, 2nd straight State Tournament Appearance.

Girls & Boys — Basketball Conference Tournament Champs, Regional Quarterfinals.

Softball — placed 3rd in Conference.

Cross Country — 8th in Conference, 15th in Regional.

Volleyball — 2nd in Conference, 2nd in Region, Advanced to a sectional game.

5 Swimmers participated in finals for the Regional Meet.

Girls Soccer — District Semifinal; finished 2nd in the regular season and hosted semifinal, but did not advance to region.

Elizabethton High School Betsy Band received a 2nd place, Silver Medal, at the 39th Annual-Tennessee Division II State Marching Band Championship.

Women’s Ensemble performed at Biltmore House and Gardens for Candlelight Christmas Tour.

EHS Students Receive Renewed Attention from State Education Officials for Their Podcast Work.

XQ Recognition for College Success Starting in High School.

Redefined Mission and Vision Statement.

EHS has the first state-approved class to teach Virtual Reality.

Partnered with TCAT to get a STEM class approximately $400,000 worth of equipment from FESTO in coordination with Governor Lee’s GIVE Grant.

EHS has over 40 students involved in Work-Based Learning.

CSI students dominated the regional contest-winning first place overall.

CTE Department received several grants, such as a $30,000 grant for aviation, a $6,700 grant for Post-secondary, and $17,500 for the 3 Star grant.

CTE Department dominated the Appalachian Fair receiving over 35 ribbons.

West Side Elementary: 2018-19 named a Reward School for the fifth time for achievement and growth.

East Side Elementary: Level 5 Reward School in Achievement and Growth.

Two fifth grade young ladies made Tennessee Treble Honor Choir.

Morning Intramural Sports Games for students and staff.

Harold McCormick Elementary: Students earn BEE Slips daily for demonstrating the character traits: RESPECT, CARING, RESPONSIBILITY, FAIRNESS, TRUSTWORTHINESS, and CITIZENSHIP at school.

RTI2-B program helps promote positive school climate and character-building Core Essential Values curriculum.

PTAC organized Color Run Fundraising $11,076.

One fifth grade young lady made Tennessee Treble Honor Choir.

T.A. Dugger Jr. High School: Level 3 School — However some of the best Achievement Scores in the State.

Averaged 130 students on Honor Roll and 150 students with Perfect Attendance for the second half of 2019.

Continued partnership with Niswonger Grant to add a secondary school library and additional literacy needs.

Addition of an outdoor classroom. The classroom was design funded (community donations) by the efforts of our students.

Classes compete in a regional Math Competition. 7th-grade class finished second and 8th grade 4th overall. We also had an individual student finish second overall.

Football Co-Conference Champions.

Boys Basketball Regular and Area 1 Champions.

Softball Regular Season Co-Champions.

Girls’ Soccer Runner-up in the Conference Tournament.

29 Band Students made Junior Clinic (most in School History).

159 Students signed up to compete in Solo Ensemble.

Added Golf and Swimming programs, for a total of 14 athletic teams.

Added Running Club, Drama, Robotics, TAD LEADS, for a total of 11 Clubs/Organizations at TAD. 4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020?

Could you list and evaluate individually?

The Lobaki Inc. program, with a joint effort of the Economic Development of Carter County, will produce high paying tech jobs and give a career path opportunity for students at the high school.

Increase the number of student’s career opportunities and work-ready.

Increase student’s ACT scores.

Increase advanced placement, articulation, industry certifications, and internships for students in grades 6-12.

Expand the knowledge of career awareness earlier in our school system.

Continue the transformation of the high school with the new STEM lab provided by the GIVE Grant and partnership with TCAT. The installation of the new Avigilon System which will help harden the entrances, HD video surveillance, new door enclosures, and access control; within the school system provided by the COPS grant. These features will help increase the safety of staff and students to provide coordination with the emergency system personal.

Increase the math curriculum to include more rigorous courses to compete for math and science STEM jobs to dominate the workforce in the future.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 - STAR -27

Increase the use of community volunteers to work with students, help the student experience, and decrease childhood trauma.

5. Any additional comments you feel essential.

“With all the success in recent years, I am most proud that we are creating whole people that can compete in a global environment. I feel certain that 2020 will be as rewarding or more than in 2019.

“I am optimistic that our students will follow their passions and continue to create ways to become lifelong learners. Thank you, teachers, and staff for the common vision to create the best students in our area.”

Dr. Corey Gardenhour For more information contact: Nicole Moore - Public Relations Coordinator Phone Number(s): 423-547-8000 x 8210 Email(s): nicole.moore@ecschools.net Elizabethton City School Board Rita Booher Dr. Grover May Phil Isaacs Eddie Pless Danny O’Quinn Audrey Landstreet (Student Liaison) Director of Schools Dr. Corey Gardenhour Deputy Director of Schools Dr. Myra Newman Chief Operating Officer Joey Trent Assistant Director of Schools, Director of Special Education & RTI2 Richard VanHuss Director of Federal Programs, Transportation, Health, and Athletic Services John Hutchins Director of Business & Fiscal Management Beth Wilson Director of Early Learning, Curriculum & Testing 6-12, and Data Services Travis Thompson School Nutrition Coordinator Regina Isaacs Technology Joey Trent Chief Operating Officer Director of Extended School Program Carrie Taylor

Coordinated School Health Coordinator Regina Wilder System-wide Registered Nurse Teresa Robinson Public Relations Nicole Moore Elizabethton High School 423-547-8015 Grades 9-12 Jon Minton, Principal Sheri Nelson, Assistant Principal Jeremy Humphrey, Assistant Principal Tom Hopson, Assistant Principal T.A. Dugger Junior High School 423-547-8025 Grades 6-8 Chris Berry, Principal Jason Carter, Assistant Principal Travis Williams, Assistant Principal East Side Elementary 423-547-8010 Grades K-5 Travis Hurley, Principal Emmy Morganstern, Assistant Principal Harold McCormick Elementary 423-547-8020 Grades K-5 Eric Wampler, Principal Penny Nave, Assistant Principal West Side Elementary 423-547-8030 Grades K-5 John Wright, Principal Wandell Early Learning Center 423-547-8035 Pre-K Travis Thompson, Director

28 - STAR - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Carter County School System Carter County Board of Education 423-547-4000 Jerry Stout, Chairman Tony Garland, Vice-Chairman Keith Bowers, Sr. David Buck Kelly Crain Creola Miller LaDonna Stout-Boone Danny Ward

Brandon Carpenter, Pre-K - 4th Grade Principal Bud Hazelwood - 5th - 8th Grade Principal 423-725-5220

Director of Schools Dr. Kevin Ward kevinward@carterk12.net

Happy Valley Elementary Grades K-4 Stephen Garland, Principal Lisa Ensor, Assistant Principal 423-547-4028

Assistant Director of Schools Peggy Campbell peggycampbell@carterk12.net Board Secretary Amanda Scalf Special Education Director Terry Hubbard terryhubbard@carterk12.net CTE Director Mickey Taylor mickeytaylor@carterk12.net Head Start Supervisor LeeAnn Carr leeanncarr@carterk12.net Director of K-12 Curriculum Dr. Diana Bowers dianabowers@carterk12.net Director of Student Support Danny McClain dannymcclain@carterk12.net

Hampton High School Grades 9-12 Jeff Bradley, Principal Kim Walsh, Assistant Principal 423-725-5200

Happy Valley Middle School Grades 5-8 Katherine Hyder, Principal Keith Parker, Assistant Principal 423-547-4070 Happy Valley High School Grades 9-12 Doug Mitchell, Principal Mandy Greer, Assistant Principal 423-547-4094 Hunter Elementary Grades K-8 Mark Revis, Principal Dale Campbell, Assistant Principal 423-547-4074 Keenburg Elementary Grades K-8 Jason Hartley, Principal Jaclyn Wilson, Assistant Principal 423-547-4047

Federal Project Director Dr. Jerri Beth Nave jbnave@carterk12.net

Little Milligan Elementary School Grades K-8 JR Campbell, Principal 423-768-4400

Schools Central Elementary Grades K-8 Terry Morley, Principal 423-547-4045

Unaka Elementary School Grades K-8 Larissa Trivette, Principal Chris Collins, Assistant Principal 423-474-4110

Cloudland Elementary Grades K-8 Becky Raulston, Principal Scott Tester, Assistant Principal 423-772-5310

Unaka High School Grades 9-12 Betsy Oliver, Principal Wes Wright, Assistant Principal 423-474-4100

Cloudland High School Grades 9-12 Richard Church, Principal Scott Potter, Assistant Principal 423-772-5300

Valley Forge Elementary School Grades K-5 Jaclyn Wilson, Principal Sabrina Baker, Assistant Principal 423-547-4085

Hampton Elementary Grades K-8

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 - STAR - 29

Tennessee College of Applied Technology

Tennessee College of Applied Technology 1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Elizabethton is the premiere provider of workforce development training in the region. TCAT Elizabethton offers fifteen (15) full-time preparatory programs for the five (5) upper northeast Tennessee Counties (Carter, Sullivan, Unicoi, Johnson and Washington) with competency-based training through superior quality of learning instruction methods that qualify training completers for employment and job advancement. The college performance standards boast a 94% on-time, debt-free Completion rate, a 92% Placement rate and a 96% Licensure pass rate. TCAT Elizabethton also provides special industry training and certification locally, state-wide and nationally as one of only five (5) regional training centers for the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3).

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

TCAT Elizabethton began operation in 1965 serving residents of northeast Tennessee for 55 years.

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

Stacker Research named the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Elizabethton the best college in Tennessee in May 2019. WalletHub named TCAT Elizabethton 31st best in the nation out of over 700 colleges for providing high quality training at the best value. TCAT Elizabethton became the first Kubota Technician school in the nation.

TCAT Elizabethton opened the first Criminal Justice Corrections Officer program in the state. TCAT Elizabethton started a new Cosmetology Program and an Advanced Manu-

facturing Program during the 2019 school year. TCAT Elizabethton has a newly created partnership with National Boiler Service to provide Welders, Pipefitters and Millwrights to their organization. TCAT Elizabethton continues to grow the special industry training and certification division at the college.

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020?

Could you list and evaluate individually?

TCAT Elizabethton will continue as the region’s premiere provider of workforce development training for the northeast Tennessee Region. TCAT Elizabethton is working to expand its services to the outlying counties it serves. The college will work to bring the Johnson County dual enrollment and full-time preparatory program extension campus at Johnson County High School on-line. TCAT Elizabethton is currently working with Washington County leadership officials to open the Boones Creek Extension campus with new program offerings such as Construction Trades, Heavy Equipment Operator and Culinary Arts. TCAT Elizabethton is looking to expand the Cosmetology Program on the main campus with a second class offering. TCAT Elizabethton will be bring a full-time Welding program to Unicoi County in early 2020.

5. Any additional comments you feel important to include in your article.

NA For more information contact: Dean Blevins Phone Number(s): 423-543-0070 Email(s): dean.blevins@tcatelizabethton.edu

30 - STAR - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Milligan College 1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

Milligan College is among the South’s premier Christian liberal arts colleges.

Milligan offers over 100 undergraduate academic programs and 13 graduate programs, including a doctor of education and a doctor of ministry. Consistently recognized for quality and value, U.S. News and World Report ranks Milligan as one of the top 15 best regional universities in the South.

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

For over 150 years, Milligan has educated men and women to lead and to serve. Today, Milligan remains committed to offering a Christ-centered education, and the college’s emphasis on scholarship, community and faith attracts students from all over the world to experience our distinctively different approach to higher education.

In 2014, Milligan reorganized its numerous academic areas into five schools to better support learning and position the institution for new opportunities. This restructure strengthened Milligan’s existing programs, and new programs have been added in engineering, digital media, economics, social work, musical theatre, ministry leadership, and master’s programs in humanities, counseling, and physician assistant. In 2015, Emmanuel Christian Seminary became an embedded seminary within the college.

Milligan’s current student body consists of more than 1,300 students and includes traditional and nontraditional undergraduates, as well as graduate students. Graduate students now make up one-third of the student body. With students from 35 states and over 30 countries, Milligan is a welcoming and attractive place to students from all over the country and world.

As Milligan grows, it remains a close-knit community. It is a place with fun traditions, competitive athletic programs and unique cultural events, and more importantly, it’s a place where friendships are made that last a lifetime.

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest

Milligan President Bill Greer

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 - STAR - 31

accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

In October 2019, Milligan announced that the college will become Milligan University effective June 1, 2020.

Milligan welcomed a record-breaking 1,335 students to campus in fall 2019. For the first time in the college’s 150-year history, student enrollment surpassed 1,300 students, and the college experienced an 8% increase over student enrollment in fall 2018. While most colleges and universities have seen a decrease in international students in recent years, Milligan’s international students grew by 28% from last year and now comprise 5% of the entire student body.

Milligan continued to rise in national college rankings for its quality and value.

In 2019, Milligan jumped 10 spots to No. 13 among U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Regional Universities” in the South and ranked No. 4 for “Best Value Schools” in this category. Milligan also ranked among Kiplinger’s 2019 “Best College Values,” a national poll of private universities, and in Washington Monthly’s “Best Bang for the Buck Colleges,” which evaluates both public and private schools in the South.

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020? Could you list and evaluate individually?

Milligan College will become Milligan University effective June 1, 2020.

The change to university reflects Milligan’s transformation over the years. When Milligan reorganized its numerous academic areas into five schools, Milligan was considered as a university by external organizations, including U.S. News & World Report and the Carnegie Foundation.

The university name is integral to a number of strategic goals of Milligan, including greater market recognition, continued enrollment growth, expanded international partnerships and student recruitment.

The first major campus project to occur at Milligan University will be student-focused.

Thanks to a generous donation from 3CLANE Family Foundation, Inc., Milligan’s student center will undergo a dramatic revitalization this summer.

The renovation will create a new external façade and entrance, and inside, the bookstore and the student gathering space, SUB7, will transition to open concept. The remodeled areas will flow into the recently updated dining area, Fireside Grill. Additional outdoor space will

be added and connect to the building with doors that lift open, and modern furnishings will update gathering spaces. A new high-tech a/v system also will be incorporated throughout the building.

Beginning in fall 2020, incoming students have the option to complete select undergraduate degrees in three years, saving time and money. Undergraduate majors include business administration, computer science, exercise science, information systems and psychology.

Milligan’s engineering program launched in the fall of 2016 and offers majors in mechanical and electrical engineering. This May, the first class of engineering students will graduate.

Milligan’s engineering program has embraced Milligan’s mission to change lives. For the past four years, engineering students have worked on clean water initiatives. Their senior capstone projects involve engineering clean water solutions for people in rural Tennessee and Kenya.

Beginning this May, Milligan’s esteemed Master of Business Administration (MBA) program will offer an accelerated traditional MBA designed for recent college graduates who have not yet accumulated significant work experience.

Milligan’s December 2019 commencement ceremony included the first graduates of Milligan’s Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program, and the first cohort of Master of Art in Humanities students will graduate in May 2020.

5. Any additional comments you feel important to include in your article.

Milligan will incorporate several new competitive activities to engage new students and add to our healthy, active and vibrant community. This month, Milligan added the region’s first collegiate robotics team. In the fall, Milligan will offer fly fishing, disc golf and a drumline, and each of these three competitive activities will offer scholarships to first-time traditional undergraduate students.

For more information contact: Allie Greer Phone Number(s): 423-461-8700 Email(s): aegreer@milligan.edu

32 - STAR - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Resources

Elizabethton Municipal Airport

Elizabethton Municipal Airport

Primary Services: Aircraft storage – hangar and tie-down Aviation fuel sales – Jet A and AvGas

Background: The Elizabethton Municipal Airport was formed by the City in 1967 and has been serving the area continuously since that time. In the early years, the airport was used by a few local businesses, some area recreational flyers and was the home of Moody Aviation, a school for missionary pilots.

Currently, the airport is a thriving economic engine for the entire region. Its customers include business and corporate users, emergency services, local flyers, aviation enthusiasts, tourists, and flight students.

These customers come from all over the Tri-Cities as well as Western North Carolina.

The Airport has been growing and expanding since day one with a significant amount of that growth coming in the last 10 years. In the last 10 years, the airport has made numerous improvements with over $10,000,000 of grant money provided by the State of Tennessee and the Federal Government.

Those improvements include the construction of a 13,000 square-foot hangar for large corporate aircraft, a 14-bay t-hangar for private aircraft, main terminal ramp expansion, replacement of hangar doors, improved security fencing, purchase of

grounds keeping equipment and the purchase of 15 parcels of adjoining properties to increase runway safety zones and allow for future expansion.

In 2019 the airport finished the much-needed runway extension project which lengthened the runway to 5,000 feet.

2019 Accomplishments: During the 2019 calendar year, the Airport saw a 20% increase in sales of fuel and hangar leasing. In addition, the airport had a 30% increase in operations and activity due largely to the runway extension and the growth of an Airport based flight school.

In addition, the airport received grant funding for a major terminal renovation to make access points and restrooms Americans with Disabilities Act Compliant.

2020 Goals: Continue to increase airport operations, activity and sales by providing first-class professional line service.

Complete the construction of the terminal renovations started in January by the end of the first quarter. Secure grant funding in 2020 for upgrading the Airport’s fuel storage facility, tree clearing and upgrading the runway lighting system.

Members of the Airport Commission are Chair Bill Greene, John Seward, Sam LaPorte, Steve Sykes, and Pat McGinnis. The Airport Manager is Dan Cogan and Mike Tierney is the Assistant Manager.

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WE’RE

HERE

TO

GET

YOU THERE

www.NortheastState.edu | 423.323.3191

34 - STAR - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Meals on Wheels

1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

The Senior Center provides meals every day at 11 a.m. Also, we are a drop-off site for homebound meals. These meals are prepared and packaged at Human Resource Agency Central Kitchen. They are delivered to our Center and other drop off sites at Grace Baptist Church, Siam Baptist Church, Roan Mountain, Hunter First Baptist, and Hampton to be delivered by volunteers to the County residents. The City residents are delivered by volunteers at the Senior Center. Currently there are 71 meals delivered daily in Elizabethton and Carter County. Thirteen receive frozen meals monthly because there is no homebound delivery route. An average of 20 eat lunch at our Center daily.

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

This service has been available for over 30 years. The meals for congregate and homebound are prepared by First TN Human Resource Agency in a central kitchen.

Their van delivers food to eight counties in the area. A problem of the elderly is malnutrition — they are unable to cook or have no transportation. This program provides them with a hot meal every day.

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

The biggest accomplishments in 2019 have been the daily delivery of meals in the City and in rural areas to 71 elderly daily. These people that receive meals are alone, vulnerable, in poor health, and often isolated. In some cases the only person they see each day is the person that delivers their meal. This is a source of comfort for them to know they will have someone come by as well as receive a hot meal to enjoy. This meal can help seniors stay in their homes longer and be healthier.

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020?

Could you list and evaluate individually?

We are always needing volunteers to deliver meals. To deliver meals you have to use your own vehicle, and it is better if there are two for each route. This way there is a driver and someone to carry the meal to the door. This only takes 45 minutes to an hour of your time and is such a “feel good” volunteer opportunity. I have had the volunteers speak of the people they deliver food to and they form a friendship with many of them and look forward to seeing them on their route. A volunteer only delivers one day a week or less, depending on their schedule. If no one comes to the door the volunteer will contact us at the Senior Center and we will call them, or their emergency contact, if we are concerned. This way they are checked on daily. Unfortunately there is a waiting list for meals and the ideal situation would be to be able to provide meals for all of them.

5. Any additional comments you feel important to include in your article.

This is an important service to our community. Since isolation and malnutrition is a serious problem for the elderly, this hot meal provides more than food. It also gives them the opportunity to speak to other people and know someone will be there to check on them daily. Our Senior Center is a focal point for elderly in our community to contact for services in their home or to come to the Center for activities and information.

For more information contact: Kathy Dula Phone Number(s): 423-543-4362 Email(s): katdula@hotmail.com

J U N E

2 0 2 0

CELEBRATING THE PAST. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE.

milligan.edu

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 - STAR - 35

American Legion Watauga Post #49

1. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

American Legion provides a meeting place for our Veterans belonging to the American Legion monthly for a meal and conducting the business of the American Legion.

Provide a place for the J.R.O.T.C. to hold their drills twice a week four weeks a month.

Provide a drop box for the public to dispose of their damaged flags so that they can receive the proper ceremony for their burial. This is located at the War Memorial down town.

Sponsor baseball teams for our youth in the spring and summer. They compete with other teams in the area in hopes of going to the championship.

This keeps our kids doing something that they enjoy. Not only baseball but also oratorical competition for our kids in school who want to excel and gain further education giving them a chance to earn scholarships.

Honor Guard that goes beyond the call to serve as many Veterans that pass on as possible. They’ve been called upon not only by our county Veterans but many in Northeast Tennessee.

The American Legion Watauga Post # 49 received its charter way back in 1921. On March 25 it will be 99 years old.

2. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s big-

gest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

The Honor Guard has served 197 Veterans performing ceremonies for departed heroes just in 2019 alone.

Last year the Senate sent a bill to President Trump. The bill became a law when signed by our president. This is called the Legion Act. This allows those veterans the opportunity to join the Legion if they were honorably discharged and served between Pearl Harbor until today. This is a big help for the Legion since our numbers are low due to our older veterans going on.

3. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020? Could you list and evaluate individually?

Our goal is to build the membership of our post so that we have more people who are able to help other Veterans. We need all the men and women who are interested in making our community a better place for all. The Legion serves our Veterans as well as our youth. Our goal is to build a second Honor Guard team so that I don’t have to turn down another family requesting a ceremony for their loved ones.

For more information contact: Commander Kelly Greene kellym16.kg@gmail.com

Check out our website: www.elizabethton.com

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Keep Carter County Beautiful (KCCB) 1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

Keep Carter County Beautiful (KCCB) is an all-volunteer organization with the objective of making Carter County a more beautiful place to live and work with five key areas of strategy: Reduce Litter, Encourage Beautification, Promote Recycling, Increase Public Awareness through Education, and Recognize Excellence.

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

In the early spring of 2016, Ed Jordan founded Carter County Proud, a grassroots volunteer organization formed to combat litter in Carter County/Elizabethton.

In September 2018, with the help and support of both Carter County and Elizabethton City governments and volunteers, Carter County Proud became an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful (KAB), becoming Keep Carter County Beautiful (KCCB).

Ed Jordan

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

Reduce litter.

Organized Blue Hole cleanup.

Organized Teaberry Road cleanup.

Organized Poga Road cleanup.

Performed Milligan Highway litter pickup (4X).

Worked with enforcement officials to address numerous litter problems in Carter County.

Encouraged beautification.

Organized Tweetsie Trail Cleanup Day for Earth Day Project.

Did Tweetsie Trail landscaping beautification project.

Promote recycling.

Received a grant from Coca-Cola for 35 recycling bins and distributed to county organizations.

Distributed 800 reusable grocery bags.

Increase public awareness through education.

Information booth events.

Meet the mountains.

Evenings on Elk (2X).

Meet Carter County.

Trunk with treats (Unaka High School).

Presentations were given.

Carter County Commissioner meeting.

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Elizabethton City Council meeting.

Harmony FWB Church.

Happy Valley High School.

Boone Watershed Partnership.

Elizabethton Rotary Club.

Created two KCCB stickers and distributed them to local businesses and citizens.

Received TV and newspaper coverage of KCCB events and litter issues in the county.

Recognize excellence.

Ed Jordan received the Martin L. Kennedy Award for Outstanding Tennessee Keep America Beautiful Affiliate Coordinator. Ed Jordan was recognized in appreciation by Carter County Mayor Rusty Barnett, the Carter County Commission, and Elizabethton City Council and Mayor Kurt Alexander.

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020?

Could you list and evaluate individually?

KCCB has a goal of increasing awareness of littering and its effects on our environment and tourism/tax dollars. Our mission is not to just clean up litter.

In 2020, we are partnering with Elizabethton High School by enlisting the help of several students to expand our social media outreach and possibly have a website created.

Thanks to a Wayfinding Grant, way finding signage will be placed at various points throughout the county to highlight historical areas and recreational points of interest.

KCCB is looking for volunteer groups to adopt beautification/landscaped areas for a long-term basis. We are always in need of more volunteers to help out with cleanups throughout the year.

5. Any additional comments you feel important.

2019 was an excellent year for Keep Carter County Beautiful!

Carter County citizens became more aware of the litter problem and showed an increased interest in wanting to correct it.

Recycling bins were obtained to increase our plastic and aluminum recycling, three major cleanups in the county were successfully coordinated and KCCB founder Ed Jordan was recognized as the Outstanding Keep America Beautiful Affiliate Coordinator for the state of Tennessee.

Local judges and law enforcement assisted by apprehending and punishing those who want to litter in our beautiful county.

Increasing community pride, environmental education and strong enforcement of our existing laws during the coming year will ensure KCCB will have another successful year of making Carter County “a more beautiful place to live and work.”

For more information contact: Ed Jordan Phone Number(s): 423-342-5161 Email(s): KeepCarterCountyBeautiful@gmail.com

38 - STAR - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Tourism & Recreation

Sycamore Shoals State Park Director Jennifer Bauer (far left) and several staff members and rangers.

Sycamore Shoals State Park

1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

Programming — a wide variety of educational and interpretive programming opportunities for the entire family. (please refer to our Special Events 2020 listing). In addition we release a Monthly Calendar of Special Events and additional programming, which include added workshops and various programs relating to both the human history and the natural history of our park story.

Historic House Museum tours are offered at varying times of the Carter Mansion (c.1775) and Sabine Hill (c.1818). Please refer to our monthly calendar of events and https://tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals for date and tour reservation information.

History at Home Summer Ranger Programs — Our summer program offerings begin in early June lasting through early August and provide a variety of daily programs and tours for all ages. Our seasonal ranger programs can be found at sycamoreshoalstn. wordpress.com or by calling the park at 423-543-5808.

Sycamore Shoals Interpretive Museum — Opened in 2013, our museum shares the significant stories and history that makes Sycamore Shoals so unique and important to our state and national history. Included in this experience is a new and inspirational orientation film that provides a great overview of the park story.

Tennessee State Park Gift and Book Shop

Picnic Shelter Rentals — Three shelters are available for rental. Customers can rent one or more online by visiting- https://reserve.tnstateparks.com/sycamore-shoals/shelters You can also reserve our Package Deal which includes three shelters, the outdoor stage, and the large field in front of the shelters. Please call the park at 423-543-5808 to reserve the Package Deal.

Gathering Place Rentals in the park’s Visitors Center — This large room is available for half and full day rentals. Please call the park at 423-543-5808 for additional information.

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park was dedicated in 1976 during the American Bicentennial celebration. “The parks mission is to protect and preserve the unique examples of natural and cultural history and the scenic areas on Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, the John and Landon Carter Mansion, and Sabine Hill. In addition, we will tell the story of the significant historic events that happened at the three sites through a variety of quality, well-planned and well-managed activities, programs, interpretive exhibits, and facilities through which the visitor will gain both educational values and quality experiences. By working to achieve the park’s mission we will be actively working to achieve the

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 - STAR - 39

system mission of Tennessee State Parks, through the education, protection, and preservation of these unique cultural areas.”

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually? a. Receiving Tennessee State Parks’ “Excellence in Interpretation” award for 2019 b. Completing our first full year of our new Tennessee State Park’s Gift and Book Shop. We also redesigned the gift shop which has a totally new look. We now offer a large selection of historic items and toys, apparel, locally made products, TN State Parks Coffee, mugs & water bottles, historic Jamestown glass, books, and much more. c. Presented 18 large scale special events in 2019 in addition to hundreds of other programs at Sycamore Shoals, the Carter Mansion, and Sabine Hill d. Programs presented to school groups on and off site e. Opening of a new interpretive museum at the Carter Mansion 4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020?

Could you list and evaluate individually? a. To continue to offer and grow our interpretive program offerings; identifying new customer interests b. Enhanced outreach to area schools c. To continue to provide a safe and inspirational setting for our park guests d. To grow our membership and volunteer base in our 501c3 support organization, Friends of Sycamore Shoals 5. Any additional comments you feel important to include in your article.

We would like to share our thanks and appreciation to our community for everyone’s continued support of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.

For more information contact: Jennifer Bauer Phone Number(s): 423-54-5808 Email(s): jennifer.bauer@tn.gov

40 - STAR - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Bonnie Kate Theater

Bonnie Kate Theater Restoration Board 1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

The ultimate vision for a fully restored Bonnie Kate Theater is to provide a venue for a wide variety of cultural arts events, classes and meetings.

To date, because of the condition of the building and seating limitations, we have only been able to provide a partial offering of services to our community.

Even with our limitations, we have been able to partner with the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library to screen a wide variety of family, classic, and popular movies on Saturdays.

Examples of the movies we have screened during the past year include: “Casablanca”, “Mary Poppins”, “Aladdin”, “Lawrence of Arabia”, “Ben Hur”, “E.T.”, “To Kill a Mockingbird”, “Polar Express”, “Jaws”, “O’ Brother Where Art Thou”, Elvis Movie Marathons, and many others.

The Bonnie Kate participated in local “Evenings on Elk” and “Elves on Elk” events; hosted the “Art Walk and After-Party”; several “Open Mic” and “Talent Showcase” events sponsored by Blue Ridge Arts Studio; partnered with EHS to host the Student Storytelling and Original Composition events; hosted the Happy Valley High School Drama Program Christmas play; hosted movie screenings for “Kids Like Us”, Carter County Drug Prevention Program, Hampton Elementary, Harold McCormick and West Side Elementary School class outings; “CANS Film Festival” for A.R.M.; Dance performances

by Watts Dance Studio and East Tennessee Ballet Academy; live theatrical performances of “A Whale of A Tale” play.

The Friends of the Bonnie Kate provided planning and staffing for all these events as well as hosting the “3rd Annual Barbeque, Blues and Brews Festival” at the Covered Bridge Park fundraising event for the restoration of our beloved Bonnie Kate Theater.

The Bonnie Kate Restoration Board and Friends of the Bonnie Kate participate in

local organizations including the Downtown Business Association and Main Street Elizabethton groups.

Considerable progress toward renovating the historic Bonnie Kate Theater has been accomplished using funds donated by local community individuals and businesses interested in renovating the Bonnie Kate and providing a much-needed cultural arts venue for the community.

A significant investment has also been made by the City of Elizabethton. Restoration achievements to date include roof replacement, installation of a new HVAC system, fixed seating, bathroom renovations, lobby flooring installation, improvements to the meeting room, and other improvements required before interior upgrades can be made when funds become available.

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

The Bonnie Kate Theater is a local landmark that has had a presence in Elizabethton since its opening in 1926.

Thousands of local community members have fond memories of attending movies or programs, such as “The Barrel of Fun” radio broadcast from the Bonnie Kate as children and adolescents.

The Bonnie Kate has a special place in the hearts of nearly every community resident. Memories are often shared when folks visit the Bonnie Kate today to see a movie, hear a concert, enjoy a play or other activity that brings our citizens together.

3. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020?

Could you list and evaluate individually?

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We have some ambitious and exciting plans for the upcoming year.

The Bonnie Kate has applied for an Appalachian Regional Commission Grant with matching funds from the City of Elizabethton that hold the potential for significant building renovations if the grant is awarded.

In addition, the Bonnie Kate has partnered with the Elizabethton City Schools to seek grants to assist with building improvements and programming activities.

The Bonnie Kate seeks to become the “home theater” for the EHS Drama Program and be a venue for other county high school drama programs.

The Board and the Friends will continue to seek local donors for building renovations and sponsors for Bonnie Kate programming. We are very excited about our partnering with Mad B Productions to produce a full season of live performance programing as several musicals, concerts, comedy shows, and other live events are being planned and developed.

The Friends of the Bonnie Kate will be sponsoring the “4th Annual Barbeque, Blues and Brews Festival” again this year at the Covered Bridge Park on August 29, 2020, to provide funds for Bonnie Kate Restoration.

We will continue to partner with community organizations to host community events and help others “catch the vision” of what a renovated Bonnie Kate Theater can be for substantial enhancement of the quality of life for community residents and make a significant contribution to the economic revitalization of our beautiful and historic downtown.

For more information contact: John Huber, Board Chairman Jeff Treadway, Board Member, City Council Liaison Kathy Campbell, President Friends of the Bonnie Kate Phone Number(s): (423) 957-9267 (423) 502 -7354 (423) 647-1555 Email(s):jhuber44@aol.com jeff.treadway72@gmail.com kathy.t.campbell@gmail.com

42 - STAR - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Back Country Horsemen of East Tennessee 1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

BCHET works to maintain miles of trails in the East Tennessee area so that all users can enjoy our public lands.

We assist government and private agencies in the establishment, maintenance, and management of trails and other backcountry resources.

We want to ensure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use and educate and encourage the wise use of our backcountry.

In the spirit of leaving something behind for our youth the club holds youth activities in an effort to involve children with horses so they too might enjoy our public lands from the back of a horse.

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

The BCHET got their start as East Tennessee Trail Riders in 2000. In 2001 the club voted to join the Backcountry Horsemen of America.

In 2002 we officially became the BCHET. Our founding members saw the need for horse trails in our area.

Many trails were designated for hiking only. Some trails had completely been lost to the undergrowth of the forest or erosion.

Our founding members worked hard to get trails re-designated for horse use.

They cleared the overgrown trails and cut out trails in mountainsides by hand to establish good footing for horses.

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

Our Outpost 3 crew in Carter County in partnership with Roan Mountain Recreation Foundation has worked for many years on establishing new parking lots at trailheads. The parking lots have been funded by many agencies as well as private donors.

Happy Trails Parking Lot celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in January of 2019 where nearly 40 people gathered to commemorate the moment.

This parking lot is located along Old Railroad Grade Road and is used by horsemen, mountain bikers, fishermen, and boaters. It provides safe parking for everyone that wants to enjoy the trails that follow along miles of forest service roads.

This same group is working with the U.S. Forest Service to develop another parking lot that will give access to miles and miles of trails for all to enjoy. That parking lot is located on Walnut Mountain. The lot is cleared of trees and is

ready to be prepped for gravel. We are in the process of acquiring the $17,000 + needed to have gravel delivered and spread.

Our Buckaroos Committee donated $600 to county libraries for the purchase of horse-related books.

We also held a Christmas Book Drive where members were encouraged to buy horse-related books and donate them to the agency of their choice.

Our members donated 60 books and three videos to local schools, Coalition for Kids, Small Miracles, and a few of the Little Libraries in their communities.

The Buckaroos also offered a pony party for a local Girl Scout Troop. They got to enjoy an afternoon of all things horse and even got to take a spin on a horse in the covered arena.

We continue to work on local trails to maintain them. We clear overgrowth and respond to reports of trees down that make area trails impassable to users.

This is a never-ending job!

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020? Could you list and evaluate individually?

We plan to continue work on area trails to keep them open for all users.

We will continue to work with our friends and neighbors in the community

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 - STAR - 43

to acquire the funds needed for our Walnut Mountain parking lot.

We are looking for events and ideas to continue our youth involvement program.

There are a few trails we are hoping to gain access to this year which will add more miles of trails for horse enthusiasts to enjoy.

5. Any additional comments you feel important?

Riding horses through the backcountry of East Tennessee is a blessing. I personally have enjoyed many miles on my favorite steed traversing the wide variety of trails our area has to offer.

Whether you ride a horse, a bike, or enjoy a walk in the woods, East Tennessee has something for every nature lover.

Everyone should get out and take advantage of our beautiful East Tennessee Mountains!

For more information contact: Bill Watson, Vice President, Michelle King, Secretary Phone Number(s): 423-772-3033, 423-306-7213 Email(s): paintedhillsfarm@charter.net, bchetsecretary@gmail.com

44 - STAR - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Elizabethton/Carter County Baseball/Softball Field

Elizabethton Carter County Youth Baseball Softball Association 1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

The ECCYBSA offers Baseball and Softball for the youth of Elizabethton and Carter County.

We offer divisions in T-Ball, Coach Pitch Baseball and Softball along with Kid Pitch Baseball and Softball.

Our age divisions are 4&5 T-Ball (Coed), 5&6 Coach Pitch Baseball, 7&8 Coach Pitch Baseball, 7&9 Coach Pitch Softball, 9&10 Kid Pitch Baseball, 11&12 Kid Pitch Baseball and 10&12 Kid Pitch Softball.

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

The Elizabethton Carter County Youth Baseball Softball Association is beginning their fourth year of existence.

The Little League Association and the Carl Ripken Association merged together to form the ECCYBSA. The league is governed by a Board of Directors but is under the direction of the Elizabethton City Parks and Recreation Department and the Boys & Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter County.

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

The league provided baseball and softball for over 600 youth last year. It sent AllStar teams to various tournaments throughout the summer.

The season consists of 12 to 20 games with season-ending tournaments. The league also provides various training sessions throughout the season (pitching baseball and softball).

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020?

Could you list and evaluate individually?

The goals for our upcoming 2020 season would be to continue to grow as an organization and help develop the love for baseball through teaching and competitive situations while making sure it was fun and exciting for each player.

From first-year players to seasoned players, we want to offer a good, fun, safe environment for them to learn the fundamentals of baseball.

Our goal is to have each player develop the necessary skills to advance to the next level of play.

5. Any additional comments you feel important?

This year we are going to online signups. Links to the signup page may be found on the ECCYBSA Facebook page, the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation webpage and also on the Boys & Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter County webpage (www.bgcecc. org/sports).

If additional information is needed, they can email us through any of the sites also.

Signups run through the first week of March.

All other important dates will be given at signups.

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Witten Huddle 1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

Witten Huddle embraces the opportunity to create a positive atmosphere where all athletes can further develop their skill sets.

We want to build confident athletes, create good practice habits, and encourage athletes in many ways. We have been able to partner with STAR Fitness where we are provided a beautiful, newly renovated, multi-functional fitness facility that allows us to be our best.

The facility is one of a kind and gives us every avenue to improve. We have many different types of sessions for all ages.

We offer: RUSH HOUR speed and agility training.

1 on 1 Private Football position-specific training.

Small group — age-based, position-specific group training.

Team Training.

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

We have been in business for five years. We rented the turf for three years from Evolution Sports Gym and traveled, depending on where the athletes and available fields were…but now most of all our sessions are hosted by STAR Fitness. We still do travel to the athletes when needed.

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

Our biggest accomplishments happen every day — assisting the athletes we work with grow over the periods we work with them.

Each athlete has different goals so we really focus on helping them achieve the specific goals that are set by the individual.

Of course, not all goals are met but we do attempt to accomplish them all.

Personally, this upcoming senior class is the first group to train with us from the beginning.

Those guys we call the “founding fathers” because they will always be special, especially to me for believing in us at Witten Huddle from the start.

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020?

Could you list and evaluate individually?

We want to continue to stay in our lane! Keep developing the athletes who commit to work with us.

We want to continue to provide that positive atmosphere where all athletes can develop and keep that positive energy.

We want to reiterate the small details of continuing success on and off the playing field. Our motto is always #nextseasonstartsnow but each individual year we try to identify a trait to focus more on and in 2020 it is STRONG BY DESIGN. Focus on staying mentally strong, physically strong, gaining strength, becoming more physical, and strong in our relationships with our community.

5. Any additional comments you feel important?

We have partnered with Elizabethton Parks & Rec, Carter County Drug Coalition with a MENTORING Program that launched January 1.

We will be introducing this to our athletes in 2020 and really honored to be a part of this program. We were granted this through the National Parks & Rec Association and one of only five throughout the USA.

Star Photo/Ivan Sanders

Ryan Witten

For more information contact: Ryan Witten Phone: 423-707-5419 Email: Ryanwitten1976@gmail.com

46 - STAR - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Elizabethton Recreation Center

Elizabethton Parks & Recreation Department 1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

The City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department oversees 101 acres of parkland, playgrounds, biking trails, walking trails and scenic pavilions for citizens and visitors.

Parks include Kiwanis Park, Douglas Park, Covered Bridge Park, Walter Curtis Park, Edward’s Island, Harmon Park, Riverside Park and City Park with each of these spaces offering their own amenities.

Whether guests are seeking playground equipment, pavilions, or greenspace, there is a park to suit everyone’s needs.

The Department also manages 11 athletic fields spread throughout the City for convenient access. These fields serve youth play and practices for several athletic clubs serving Elizabethton and Carter County.

The Carmen Dugger Sports Complex serves as home for the Elizabethton High School Baseball Program, as well as the Elizabethton Twins Minor League Baseball team.

Popular biking and walking trails, such as the Linear Path and the Tweetsie Trail, give miles of trails in both urban and natural settings whether the walk, run or bike is for enjoyment or alternative transportation.

Joe LaPorte Recreation Facility provides Elizabethton with an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a newly added splash pad. Pavilions located here are a popular choice for birthday parties and celebrations during the summer months.

The Recreation Center, located in the heart of Elizabethton, serves as offices for the Parks and Recreation Department as well as offers Elizabethton an indoor basketball gymnasium, several flex space classrooms, and a conference room.

This facility hosts numerous adult athletic leagues, children’s classes and proves as a popular choice for private rentals, parties, meetings and community events.

The City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department also serves citizens and visitors of Elizabethton by hosting more than a dozen free, family-friendly special events each year.

Some community favorites include the themed Valentine’s Day Family Dance, the Bunny Trail Easter Egg Hunt, Independence Day Celebration, Covered Bridge Jams, Show on the Doe: Movies in the Park Series, Boo on the Block, Christmas at Covered Bridge Park and Story Time with Santa.

These events, suitable for all ages and demographics, are designed to meet the physical and recreational needs of our citizens. Each year, the department researches trends and newsworthy events to develop new programming and events to add to an already popular rotation.

Additionally, the Department works closely with local organizations and community groups to bring free and low cost physical and educational classes to the community including Witten Huddle for physical education opportunities, UT Extension Agency who offers 4H classes, sewing and grafting classes and the Carter County Drug Prevention Agency for programming such as Safe Sitter and On My Own Financial and Poverty Simulation.

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

The Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department was started in the late 1960s.

Our mission statement is as follows: To provide safe and cost-effective programs, facilities and parks that promote the health and welfare of all citizens participating in recreation programs.

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest

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accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

Our Department has been focusing on creating more outdoor recreational opportunities for our citizens. In 2019, we received the support and approval from City Council to move forward with researching the construction of a future White Water Park.

Our Department was one of five Parks and Recreation Departments in the country to receive the National Recreation and Park Association mentorship grant.

This allows us to create a mentorship program to help at-risk youth by providing them with one on one mentor meetings and other forms of recreation such as skateboarding and E-Sports (video games).

We were able to get funding from City Council to purchase Christmas lights and light the entire Covered Bridge Park during the holiday season. The number of compliments we received and pictures sent to us of families enjoying the park was amazing.

Our hopes are to add to this every year and make it even better.

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020?

Could you list and evaluate individually?

One of our goals is to utilize the natural resources we have to create more outdoor recreational opportunities.

This includes the continued research of a White Water Park and expanding the Hampton Watershed Bike/Hike Trail system. This will not only be beneficial for our department and City but our entire region.

We are also working on improvements to the Covered Bridge Park and Edward’s Island. This would include a new restroom facility, pavilions, landscaping, signage, etc. We have identified improvements in phases and hope to begin phase one in the near future.

Another goal is to continue to increase the number of programs and special events we provide to our citizens. We are thrilled with what we have been able to accomplish over the years and tend to continue on this path.

5. Any additional comments you feel important.

We are extremely excited about the future of recreation in Elizabethton.

We are currently offering more programs and special events than ever before.

The ongoing research into improvements to the Covered Bridge and Edwards Island Parks, the research into outdoor recreational opportunities such as Surf Betsy, the building of a white water park, and the possible expansion of the Hampton Watershed and Bike Trails are all projects that could make a tremendous impact for our citizens and this region.

For more information contact: Mike Mains: Director Derrick Vines: Administrative Assistant Phone Number(s): (423) 547-6441 Email(s): mmains@cityofelizabethton.org; dvines@cityofelizabethton.org

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Elizabethton Housing and Development Agency

Elizabethton Housing and Development Agency (EHDA) 1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

The EHDA provides housing to low and moderate-income families. We have 326 Public Housing Units, 248 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 84 Section 8 Mod Rehab units.

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

The EHDA was started in 1971. The Mayor of the City of Elizabethton appoints a five-member Board of Commissioners to serve a five-year term. The Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

FY2018 Public Housing Assessment Score of 93% and High Performer designation.

FY2018 Section Eight Management Assessment score of 100% and High Performer designation.

FY2018 Independent Audit with no findings.

Construction funds (CFP) to replace flooring in the Rolling Hills Estates community.

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020?

Could you list and evaluate individually?

Being the best Housing Agency we can be and hope the citizens can be proud of the job we do.

Continue to provide safe, sanitary and decent housing to the low and moderateincome families in Elizabethton and Carter County.

For more information contact: Kelly Geagley Phone Number: (423) 543-3571 Email: ehdatn@gmail.com

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Elizabethton Star

Elizabethton Star Newspaper 1. Please provide a list of services that you offer to the community.

The Elizabethton Star’s mission is to be the voice of Carter County. We are here to serve our community, tell your stories and inform you of events — past, present, and future — that are important to you.

2. Please provide background information about your company or organization and how long you have been in business or serving.

The Star’s history traces back to the Mountaineer, established in 1864, the first newspaper in Upper East Tennessee.

3. What would you consider to be some of your organization’s biggest accomplishments in 2019? Could you list and evaluate individually?

The Star continued to publish its magazine, Carter County Living, that highlights the people and businesses that make Carter County a special place to live.

In 2019, the Star published its 2019 Progress Edition, a Visitor’s Guide highlighting special places to visit in Carter County for our tourists and guests, as well as a new Restaurant Guide.

Honor, Glory, and Pride was published as a salute to our Veterans in Carter County.

Provided free publication of Veteran photos for families.

Compiled and published a 72-page keepsake book highlighting the 2019 BlueCross Bowl Class 4A State Champion Elizabethton Cyclones.

Sponsored Blues, Brews, and BBQ as well as the Elizabethton Twins.

Recognized local businesses and services through our Reader’s Choice sec-

tion.

Published the 2019 Graduation keepsake for all local high schools.

Published the 63rd edition of the Star Calendar Girl publication.

Provided tours to local students through our printing operation.

Continued printing of not only the Star in house but many other publications throughout Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia.

New columns were included in the Star including A Life Lived, That Burns My Biscuit, and East Tennessee Outdoors.

With our website, elizabethton.com, we were able to reach many more readers throughout the world.

Provided coverage of local government and school boards.

Star Sports enhanced its local coverage of area elementary, middle, and high schools as well as local colleges including Milligan, ETSU, and University of Tennessee football and athletics.

4. What are some of your organization’s goals/aspirations for 2020? Could you list and evaluate individually?

The Elizabethton Star is expanding its ability to provide more in-depth Digital Marketing opportunities to our current and future customers expanding the ability to reach a great market.

Also, the Star will continue to grow its Social Media presence with Facebook and Twitter. The number of hits on each platform continues to grow with each passing day.

The Star will also strive to become more involved with community events and have a great presence.

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5. Any additional comments you feel important.

The Elizabethton Star takes our role as the “Voice of Carter County” very important and we will continue to strive to keep our community informed and apprised of news and events that directly affect their lives.

We appreciate all of our loyal customers and those who advertise with our newspaper to make sure the Star continues to serve Carter County far into the future. We also welcome new customers and businesses to allow the Star to serve you as we have since our inception in 1864.

For more information contact: Delaney Scalf - General Manager Brandy Trivett - Marketing Consultant Joyce Bartlett - Marketing Consultant Kathy Scalf - Customer Service Rozella Hardin - Editorial Director Ivan Sanders - Sports Scott Scalf - Assistant Operations Manager Phone Number(s): 423-542-4151 Email(s): delaney.scalf@elizabethton.com brandy.trivett@elizabethton.com joyce.bartlett@elizabethton.com kathy.scalf@elizabethton.com rozella.hardin@elizabethton.com ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com scott.scalf@elizabethton.com

52 - STAR - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

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Stay informed and receive ALL EDITIONS at home AND on the go!

SUBSCRIPTION INCLUDES: 52 weeks of the Elizabethton Star AND 52 weeks of the Elizabethton Star E-Edition

Elizabethton Star YOUR STORIES · YOUR COMMUNITY · YOUR STAR

300 N. Sycamore Street Elizabethton, TN 37643

Call 423-542-4151 Today for more information!

54 - STAR - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Carter County Geography Quick Facts: Land Area, 2010: 341.2 Square Miles Population per square mile, 2010: 168.3 Metropolitan or Micropolitan Statistical Area: Johnson City, Tenn., Metro Area Climate: Average Temp - Monthly High: Jan. 41°F July 89°F Average Temp - Monthly Low: Jan. 27°F July 62°F Annual: 57° Annual Avg. Precipitation: 54” Annual Avg. Snowfall: 16.5” People Quick Facts: Population Estimates, July 1, 2018: 56,351

Families & Living Arrangements: Households, 2014-2018: 23,594 Persons per household, 2014-2018: 2.32 Living in same house 1 year ago, percent of persons age 1 year+, 2014-2018: 86.1% Language other than English spoken at home, percent of persons age 5 years+, 2014-2018: 1.6% Education: High school graduate or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+, 2014-2018: 82.8% Bachelor’s degree or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+, 2014-2018: 16.8% Economy: In civilian labor force, total, percent of population age 16 years+, 2014-2018: 51.8% In civilian labor force, female, percent of population age 16 years+, 20142018: 46.8%

Age & Sex Persons under 5 years, percent: 4.5% Persons under 18 years, percent: 18.4% Persons 65 years and over, percent: 21.9% Female persons, percent: 51.1% Population Characteristics: Veterans: 4,556 Housing: Housing Units, July 1, 2018 (V2018): 28,289 Owner-occupied housing unit rate, 2014-2018: 69.9% Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2014-2018: $119,600 Median selected monthly owner costs – with mortgage, 2014-2018: $915 Median selected monthly owner costs – without mortgage, 2014-2018: $312 Median Gross Rent, 2014-2018: $622

Income & Poverty: Median household income (in 2018 dollars) 2014-2018: $36,589 Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2017 dollars), 2014-2018: $21,963 Persons in poverty, percent: 19.1% Businesses: Total employer establishments, 2017: 709 Total employment, 2017: 9,143 Total annual payroll, 2016 ($1,000): 289,555 Total nonemployer establishments, 2017: 3,289

Elizabethton Geography Quick Facts: Land Area, 2010: 9.74 Square Miles Population per square mile, 2010: 1,455.9 Metropolitan or Micropolitan Statistical Area: Johnson City, Tenn., Metro Area People Quick Facts: Population Estimates, July 1, 2018: 13,497 Age & Sex: Persons under 5 years, percent: 4.1% Persons under 18 years, percent: 18.6% Persons 65 years and over, percent: 22.3% Female persons, percent: 52.6% Families & Living Arrangements: Households, 2014-2018: 5,424 Persons per household, 2014-2018: 2.27 Living in same house 1 year ago, percent of persons age 1 year+, 2014-2018: 83.2%

Language other than English spoken at home, percent of persons age 5 years+, 2014-2018: 3.1% Education: High school graduate or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+, 2014-2018: 84.45% Bachelor’s degree or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+, 2014-2018: 19.8% Economy: In civilian labor force, total, percent of population age 16 years+, 2014-2018: 48.7% In civilian labor force, female, percent of population age 16 years+, 20142018: 44.8% Income & Poverty: Median household income (in 2018 dollars) 2014-2018: $36,174 Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2018 dollars), 2014-2018: $21,634 Persons in poverty, percent: 21.4%

THIS IS HOME

Carter County—it’s the breathtaking views from Roan Mountain, the historical spirit of downtown Elizabethton, the summer playground of Watauga Lake, and everything in-between. This community is our pride and joy, and we know it’s yours, too. We’re proud to call Carter County home.

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