SECTION A
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition March 12, 2022
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The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 12, 2022
SUN PHOTO BY CICELY BABB
Construction is underway on the new location for Big G Express trucking company, which intends to relocate its operations currently based in Hamblen County to Mosheim when the facility is ready.
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
A billboard for Big G Express is clearly visible along 11E next to the site where the trucking company’s new facility is being built in Mosheim.
PILOT Programs Supported Industry Growth In 2021 BY CICELY BABB
Tennessee. “We’re looking forward to getting in there and meeting everybody, and I hope we can attract some new employees and grow in the area,” he said. For more information about Big G, visit www.biggexpress.com.
STAFF WRITER Multiple industry expansions, representing $16.5 million in local investment and more than 350 jobs retained in Greene County, are supported through PILOT tax abatement programs approved last year. Construction is underway in Mosheim for a new facility for Shelbyville-based Big G Express’s East Tennessee trucking operations, an expansion to Premium Waters’ local facility started Premium Waters’ local facility was expanded by more than 50,000 square feet in 2021. and was completed in 2021 and an expansion to Parkway BIG G EXPRESS company continues to pay Products’ local operations off the interstate and close to property tax on the pre-exannounced in January is industries, so it was a great Big G intends to relocate also being supported with a fit for us.” pansion value. its Hamblen County operaPILOT. Thompson said all em“The value is that this is tions to Greene County when PILOT, or payment in lieu in exchange for the creation the new Mosheim facility is ployees currently based in of taxes, programs support of additional jobs including ready, and company PresiRussellville will be offered companies in expanding construction, electricity and dent and CEO Greg Thomp- the opportunity to transfer, operations locally as they any supplies impacted by the son said the location is ideal plus the expansion will create allow a delay on having to expansion,” Greene County new jobs with Big G. for multiple reasons. pay the increased property Partnership President Jeff “We plan to close that “As we have grown, we tax value. Instead, under a Taylor explained in May, location in Russellville down have kind of outgrown PILOT, the Industrial Devel- when the PILOTs for Big and relocate everybody up our place down the road the road. I anticipate everyin Russellville, so we were opment Board of Greeneville G and Premium Waters were approved. “Not every looking for a larger footprint body moving, and we’ve got and Greene County takes community has a PILOT when we found that location more than enough room to ownership of the expansion program, and this gives us in Greene County,” Thompor equipment purchased grow at that location, so we’ll through the PILOT program an advantage when it comes son said. “We’ve got a lot of definitely be looking to hire and leases it to the company to recruiting and retaining some additional employees,” employees in that general jobs.” for seven years, while the he said. area anyway, and it’s not far
PREMIUM WATERS
SUN PHOTO BY CICELY BABB
Construction on the $8.5 million project began in October, and Thompson said it is on track to finish for Big G to relocate this summer despite recent weather-related delays. “We’ve had some setbacks with the weather, but other than that it’s progressing well,” Thompson said. “The lot is paved, and the building is up and has a roof on it, so we’re moving right along, and we anticipate by mid- to late-summer we’ll be moving in.” Thompson said he is excited for Big G to grow in East
The expansion at Premium Waters, which adds storage for the private label water bottle company to keep customer orders until they are ready to be picked up or delivered, started in February and was completed in December. Greeneville Plant Manager Don Myers said the addition of 53,000 square feet makes the company’s shipping process much more efficient. “Before we had the space here to hold it, a lot of our products would go on a truck, we’d have to drive it maybe half a mile to a warehouse and unload it, and then load it again when the customer comes to pick it up,” Myers explained. “This space allows us to store items SEE PILOT ON PAGE 3A
Benchmarks A Story Index
Benchmarks A Advertisers Index
PILOT Programs Supported Industry Growth In 2021 ....................................................... 2 Depot Street Businesses Open Throughout Construction ................................................... 5 2021 Was An Employee’s Job Market.................................................................................. 7 High Demand, Low Inventory Made 2021 A Great Time To Sell ........................................ 7 Industrial Development Board Looks To Chart Path Of Greene Valley Property ..............8 Individuals, Businesses, Organizations Earn Professional Honors .................................... 9
Bachman Chevrolet • Buick • GMC • Cadillac ................................................................... 10 CHASAN ..............................................................................................................................8 Greene County Partnership ................................................................................................. 7 Industry Guide ...............................................................................................................4 & 5 Staffing Guide ...................................................................................................................... 3 The Well Stocked Bar ..........................................................................................................6 Towne Square Package Store ..............................................................................................6
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 12, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 3A
PILOT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2A
that are ready to go out in the next seven days.” He said eliminating the need to truck orders away from the facility to be stored elsewhere makes operations more sustainable and ultimately will help keep Premium Waters in Greene County. “It would take 7,500 outside transfers moving product to an outside warehouse in a year, so that creates less of a footprint, and one of our core values is to work on sustainability,” Myers said. “Ultimately this allows us to grow and become more efficient, so I think really it will keep us here in Greeneville for the long term.” The $2.3 million project finished in December. “We had some weather delays, and it was supposed to be completed earlier, but a very rainy February last year put us about a month behind, but it is complete,” Myers said. “We are grateful that the PILOT program we received allowed us to make this expansion that allows us to become more efficient and stay here for future growth.” Premium Waters’ Greeneville plant is located at 1616 Industrial Road. For more information visit www.premiumwaters.com. The Industrial Development Board of Greeneville and Greene County, which is separate from the board formed to make decisions about the former Greene Valley Developmental Center, approved PILOTs for both Big G and Premium Waters in May. A third PILOT program was also approved at that time for Jost, which Taylor said the company opted not to utilize.
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Construction on Premium Waters’ expansion was underway from February 2021 to December, after rain in February set the project back by a month.
PARKWAY PRODUCTS Plastics manufacturer Parkway Products, which celebrated 75 years in business last year, announced plans in January to invest $5.7 million in its Greene County facility, adding 160 jobs over PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
SEE PILOT ON PAGE 4A
Construction on the expansion to Premium Waters was not yet finished in this photo provided by local Plant Manager Don Myers.
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The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 12, 2022
SUN FILE PHOTO
Parkway Products’ local facility is located at 1609 Industrial Road, where the company expanded the former LMR Plastics facility after purchasing it in 2017. The company plans to invest $5.7 million to further expand operations in Greene County, creating 160 new jobs, Parkway and state officials announced in January.
PILOT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3A
the next five years. CEO Andrew Green visited the local facility,
one of 10 across the continent, in 2021 and said at that time the company as a whole is growing, and that includes Greene County. “We are excited to invest
in Greene County, Tennessee, because of the strong growth we have seen in our loyal customer base of equipment manufacturers, the productivity and commitment of a
PARKWAY PRODUCTS VIA TNECD
An interior view of Parkway Products is seen in this photo provided by the company.
terrific team of Parkway associates in Greeneville, and the support of local government that respects the contributions made by Parkway and the industrial supply chain to the local
economy,” Green said. Taylor said that project will also be supported by a PILOT program approved in June by the Industrial Development Board of Greeneville and Greene
Industry Guide
Technical Ceramics, Inc.
Midway, Tennessee
Quality American Manufacturing In God We Trust Greeneville, Tennessee www.amsee.us www.amsee.org
County. A representative of Parkway Products could not be reached for comment. Parkway Products is located at 1609 Industrial Road.
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 12, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 5A
Depot Street Businesses Open Throughout Construction BY CICELY BABB STAFF WRITER Businesses on Depot Street have continued to operate and welcome customers since work began in the fall on the long-awaited revitalization project. A little over four months into the project, several of those business owners said business has been going strong despite the disruptions to traffic, and they are excited to see the project slowly taking shape. “People come in all the time and say we must be tired of seeing the construction, but we actually love it,” said Katie Presley, who manages and co-owns Brolin & Bailey Co. boutique. “We really haven’t been bothered by it, but we do have a back door where people can access us, and
SUN FILE PHOTO
Greeneville Antique Market owner Becky Wolf recalls fond memories of Depot Street decades ago during the public groundbreaking event that drew Shop SEE DEPOT ON PAGE 6A Small Saturday shoppers to Depot Street.
Industry Guide
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The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 12, 2022
SUN PHOTO BY CICELY BABB
As work continues on Depot Street, more work was recently announced on multiple storefronts including Brolin & Bailey, which will be expanding into the neighboring building.
DEPOT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5A
that has been a lifesaver as well as the community just being super supportive and still shopping downtown.” Michelle Cutshaw, owner of one of Depot Street’s longest-term residents Tipton’s Cafe, said she has been happy to see the workers going to eat at Tipton’s on their breaks, and that has helped with the loss of some other foot traffic. “We’re still doing good,” Cutshaw said. “We still see a lot of our regulars, and we are seeing a lot of the people working come in and eat, so we’ve enjoyed meeting a lot of new people, and they’re getting to be like family, too.” Tipton’s and Brolin & Bailey were two of the five recipients of Downtown Improvement Grants announced recently. The funding designated specifically to help with facade work comes from $150,000 in state funding awarded to Main Street: Greeneville in October 2021. A little over $30,000 through the facade grants will help Tipton’s add outdoor seating, and for Brolin & Bailey a grant totaling about $11,500 will go toward millwork to combine the current storefront with the neighboring one, masonry work, painting and installation of a canopy, a press release from Main Street: Greeneville said. “We are expanding, and it is so exciting,” Presley said. “We purchased the building we’re in and the next one over, so we are going to be conjoining them into one.”
TIM MASSEY COLLECTION
In the 1940s, as pictured in this photo contributed by Greene County Historian Tim Massey, Depot Street was a popular shopping location and generally bustling and lively area.
She said the boutique is celebrating seven years in business this year. “We’ve been there seven years, and we’ve just had a vision for the community, and to finally have construction and start to see it all coming to life is really exciting,” Presley said. Across the street at Greeneville Antique Market, owner Becky Wolf expressed similar feelings. “I would like to say it has affected us, but it really hasn’t,” said Wolf. “November and December were really good for us. January was slower than usual, but then February was better than usual.”
Wolf, who spoke during a public groundbreaking event in November that coincided with Shop Small Greene, Greene County’s local version of the national Shop Small Saturday campaign, said she remembers Depot Street’s former glory as a center of downtown activity and is confident the end result will make the current inconveniences worthwhile. “I know the road is messy and as inconvenient as it is, I don’t complain because I know what is coming, and I know what it is going to do,” she said. “It will be extremely productive for all the businesses, and I am
just so excited.” Lisa Cansler, co-manager of Nickel Ridge Winery, which opened at the start of the construction work, said private event bookings are helping to bring customers in to the winery. “We are starting to take more bookings for private events like birthday parties and painting classes, and the more people realize they can come in, the more they do,” Cansler said. “Parking is our biggest issue because people don’t know where to park or they’re afraid to walk down the street, so we are excited to get our sidewalk back, but we are starting to see more people
coming in.” When the winery opened, it was next-door to Depot Street Nutrition, which recently relocated after 10 months on Depot Street. Depot Street Nutrition, which offers protein shakes and teas, is now located on West Summer Street next to 70 & Summer Coin Laundry. “We’re more of an in-andout business, so we really needed a parking lot,” said manager Kelsey Ward. “We realized it was tough for a lot of people to get to us, and they didn’t necessarily want to come downtown on a regular basis. This is a better location for us where
•WINE •SPIRITS •BEER
we’re more accessible and people can come in and out quick.” Depot Street Nutrition’s former location will soon host a pottery studio. As construction work continues at least until June 2023, and officials project an additional two months of construction due to supply and weather issues, the public is encouraged to continue visiting Depot Street businesses. Designated parking is available behind Depot Street between the General Morgan Inn and the Dickson Williams Mansion, and some businesses like Brolin & Bailey and Mercantile on Depot, have rear entrances.
TOWNE SQUARE PACKAGE STORE 200 W. Summer St. Downtown Greeneville
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THE WELL STOCKED BAR SUN PHOTO BY CICELY BABB
Vehicles are seen parked along Depot Street as the road block has moved further up the street.
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GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 12, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 7A
2021 Was An Employee’s Job Market BY CICELY BABB STAFF WRITER As national and local economies worked toward recovering from the effects of the pandemic in 2021, many employers described increased challenges with filling available jobs. At mid-year Greene County had the eleventh lowest unemployment rate in the state at 4.4%, and Greene County Partnership President Jeff Taylor said at the time that economic growth was contributing to the number of jobs employers were struggling to fill. Apparent employee shortages were across the board last year, with employers attributing the issues to multiple causes from burnout, particularly in the health care field after being on the frontlines of fighting COVID-19, to lack of interest. As employers competed for workers, many of them raised wages and created other incentives to attract employees. “Employers are being really creative with incentive SUN FILE PHOTOS packages and bonuses to be competitive, and lots of Employers across sectors, in Greene County and nationally, found it difficult to fill all their open jobs as the economy recovered from the pandemic in 2021. Many raised wages and created new bonuses to address ongoing staff shortages. them have looked at work hours and pay scales,” said say 90% staffed.” Taylor. benefits would likely not Lane said the flexithat manufacturers are would typically use only Clothing retailer Burke’s, one, on top of creating While many of those be a “magic silver bullet” competing with retail and bility in manufacturlocated in the Commons “Help Wanted” signs and to resolve the situation. sign-on bonuses and other restaurants for employees ing jobs can also help shopping center, has seen those advertising various He referenced a numin a way they never had to people with limited incentives. incentives for new employ- a similar trend. before. Lorie Lane, recruiting transportation. ber of dynamics that pull “It has been a lot better “Retail and fast food manager for Gem Care ees remain posted, some “This is a good thing on the local workforce, over the past couple of took a huge hit during staffing agency, which employers say they have because it could open up including locals working months, and we do have opened last year in Green- COVID, and they had to seen improvements to the an entire workforce we out-of-county and fewer a full staff now,” said raise their wages to be situation. didn’t have access to like eville, said employers she young people working in Lead Supervisor Jessie “We did have some bad parents or people who works with are still impro- more attractive because technical fields, but he Reppond. “We always they’re working with the staffing shortages. At one have to share a vehicle. said ultimately the number vising. have some turnaround, public and probably seeing Things like this can help point we were so short of available jobs is a posi“Our employers right and that’s normal, but it people with COVID,” Lane those individuals enstaffed that we just had a now are still having to be tive for employees. was bad especially with said. “But when they did core group of some really creative to attract emter the workforce,” she “This is a great opportuthat they became a comloyal people working every sickness for a while last ployees, and for the first said. nity to start a new career, day, so we closed on Tues- year. We still hire once in time we are seeing some of petitor to manufacturing. While some employers because there are jobs a while, but we’re starting them offer part-time work If you’re a parent, and days just to give everyone expressed frustration that everywhere,” Taylor said. to keep more people.” a day off,” said Jayma and more flexibility,” Lane you’ve got two job offers perhaps the additional Greene County ended Manufacturers who often said. “I have been in man- that both pay the same, Bradford, manager of the federal unemployment the year with an unemlocal Aubrey’s. “As of now hire through temp services ufacturing for years, and I but one is going to give benefits had led would-be ployment rate of 3.9%, found themselves register- have never seen this.” we don’t have a shortage employees to lose interest you flexibility to be with according to state data, anymore. I’m not sure in work, Taylor said in your family, you’re going Lane said the effects of ing with multiple agencies, compared to a statewide we’re 100%, but I would June that the end to those rate of 3.3%. to want that job.” the pandemic have meant where in the past they
SUN FILE PHOTO
Trends that began during the pandemic continued in 2021, with the price homeowners pay continuing to increase and demand remaining high.
High Demand, Low Inventory Made 2021 A Great Time To Sell BY CICELY BABB
and average increasing at basically the same rate, that’s a healthy dynamic,” he said. “Even with the Demand exceeding the number of available homes influx of people wanting to move from other places in Greeneville and Greene County meant that the local and had the cash to gobble real estate market was “hot” up properties far above the normal cost, the average in 2021. and median are still pretty Don Fenley, contracted close here.” data analyst and market In total in 2021 realtors researcher for the Northeast closed on 888 single-family Tennessee Association of Realtors (NETAR), said the and town homes in Greene County, with 630 of those cost people are paying for being in Greeneville, where residential real estate has the majority of the local continued going up. population lives, Fenley “Greeneville closed the said. year out with an average In Greene County the mesales price of $241,996, and that was an increase of dian cost for the 258 homes 23.2% from the previous sold in 2021 was $210,000, year,” Fenley said. “That’s an increase of 23.6% coma really strong number. pared to 2020. Historically in the north“That aligns with the east Tennessee region, our increases in the city, so you appreciation rate has been can see both the county and about 3%, so when you see the city hit really strong appreciation in one year growth last year,” Fenley of 23%, that’s a pretty hot said. “Double digit growth market.” is strong. You generally see The median sales price, that in coastal markets, so which is a better indicator a 20% sales price appreciaof the market value as the tion is very strong.” average can be skewed Compared to the sevby abnormally high or en-county region Fenley low figures, also rose by a tracks for NETAR, Fenley similar amount, according said Greene County was to Fenley. a little ahead in terms of “The median, or typical growth. sales price was $209,500 “For Carter, Greene, Hawin 2021, and that was an kins, Johnson, Sullivan, increase of 22.9%. When Unicoi and Washington you have both the median counties together, were are STAFF WRITER
looking at a median sales price of $197,500, and that is a growth rate of 16.2%,” Fenley explained. “Greeneville was among the top five cities for growth, and that influx of people we’ve seen since the pandemic has incentivized more growth.” He said while it does mean higher costs and a higher level of urgency for buyers, real estate market growth is good for the local economy. “It does make it more expensive to buy a median-priced home, but housing has led economies out of the Great Recession and the shorter pandemic recession we’ve had,” Fenley said, adding that that trend is expected to continue for at least the next couple of years. “Greeneville and Greene County, like the rest of the region and the state actually, had one of the best housing years in decades last year,” Fenley said. “It is starting to slow down primarily because people don’t have anything to sell or they don’t want to move away, but 2022 looks like it will be just as strong. Only two things slow this cycle down, and that is more inventory or less demand, but so far new construction and sales are pointing to 2022 being a lot like 2021 and 2020.”
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The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Industrial Development Board Looks To Chart Path Of Greene Valley Property BY SPENCER MORRELL STAFF WRITER
The formation of a Greeneville–Tusculum–Greene County Industrial Development Board was approved in November during a joint meeting of the Greene County Commission, the Tusculum Board of Mayor and Commissioners, and the Greeneville Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Each governing body voted separately prior to November to approve the creation of the board, but a joint meeting was necessary for the IDB to be officially formed. The board’s purpose is to jointly govern and possibly develop 336 acres of undeveloped property on land that is part of the former Greene Valley Developmental Center in Tusculum. The State of Tennessee will only consider granting rights to an industrial development board, and not to any of the municipalities on their own. Each governing body is represented by its mayor on the IDB as well as by two other members from each municipality who were chosen by their respective governing boards. The Town of Greeneville is represented on the board by Greeneville Mayor W.T. Daniels, Greeneville Alderman Tim Teague and Greeneville Light and Power System Chief Executive Officer Chuck Bowlin. The City of Tusculum is represented by Tusculum Mayor Alan Corley, former Jarden Zinc President Al Giles and Greeneville Hampton Inn owner Satish Hira. Greene County is represented by Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison, Greene County Commissioner Bill Dabbs and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent Chris Wilhoit. The board held its first meeting in early February.
SUN FILE PHOTO
The Greeneville–Tusculum–Greene County Industrial Development Board members met for the first time in the Greene County Partnership building in early February.
Corley was unanimously chosen by the members to be the IDB’s chairman. Morrison was unanimously chosen to be vice-chairman of the IDB. Teague was unanimously chosen to be the secretary and treasurer of the board. “This successful process unlocks the potential for further grant opportunities for the development of the infrastructure requirements there,” Morrison said in November. The IDB is only dealing with undeveloped property south of Edens Road. The State of Tennessee will not consider selling the portion of the property that includes the former Greene Valley facilities and buildings. The Greene Valley Developmental Center closed
nearly five years ago, and now there is traction for development at the site for the first time since the center was closed. The IDB will look to take control of the undeveloped property from the state, giving locals an opportunity to chart its development. “Having this property in the hands of local control would be much better than not having any control or influence on what goes on out there,” Morrison said. “This gives local people a say.” At its first meeting, the board unanimously authorized the Greene County Partnership to apply for a site development grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development on behalf of the board.
If the grant is awarded to the IDB, it would begin the process of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development possibly providing the IDB with enough grant funding to purchase the former Greene Valley property from the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The board would then have full control over the property. A Tennessee College of Applied Technology campus could be built at the Greene Valley Site. The Tennessee Board of Regents has proposed $25 million for a new TCAT structure in Greene County, and about $5 million to furnish the facility with training and educational equipment.
The budget must be approved by the Tennessee General Assembly before it is finalized. Therefore, changes could still occur to the budget proposal. “We have to make sure that stays in there,” Corley said at the meeting in February. The members of the IDB believe that the proposed TCAT would fit well at the former Greene Valley property. The TCAT could be placed on either the developed portion of the property or the undeveloped portion. “The message that sends is that we’re not going to have smoke stacks and heavy water pollution. This will be something along the lines of a professional park focused on education and
advancing the community,” Morrison said. “The focus on workforce development and technical trades and services is something that is a great fit.” According to state budget documents, the Greene County TCAT facility, if approved, is scheduled to be completed by 2025. According to Greene County Partnership Chief Executive Officer Jeff Taylor, the Tusculum Walking Trail will be a part of whatever developments occur at the former Greene Valley site. The IDB will continue to work to secure the property from the state and chart its development. “I really appreciate everyone’s willingness to serve on this board,” Corley said in February.
INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX
1915 SNAPPS FERRY RD. GREENEVILLE, TENNESSEE SUN FILE PHOTO
WAREHOUSING • LOGISTICS PROPERTY LEASING
The 336 acres of undeveloped land that is a part of the former Greene Valley Developmental Center property south of Edens Road is being considered as part of a possible deal between the State of Tennessee and the Greeneville-Tusculum-Greene County Industrial Development Board.
TN.GOV PROPERTY VIEWER
The Greene Valley property owned by the state is highlighted in the image. The state is only considering relinquishing the property south of Edens Road. It will retain the portion of the site that contains the former campus buildings between Edens Road and East Andrew Johnson Highway.
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GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 12, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 9A
SUN FILE PHOTO
Zak Holt, fitness director at Workout Anytime in Greeneville, holds trophies the location won in 2021 as new franchise of the year and for leadership and perseverance in personal training.
Individuals, Businesses, Organizations Earn Professional Honors Business and professional honor and recognition came to local individuals and business enterprises in 2021.
FOOD CITY VOLUNTEERISM Employees at three local Food City stores were recognized in 2021 for outstanding volunteerism among associates through the Food City Claude P. Varney Volunteer Recognition Program. Cardiela Vickery, Shaun Lister and Zach Dyer were honored by the Virginia-based grocery chain. Steven C. Smith, Food City’s president and chief executive officer, led years ago in creation of Food City’s Claude P. Varney Volunteer Recognition Program, in memory of the company’s former president and board vice-chairPHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN Greene County was well represented at the 24th Annual Pinnacle Awards in 2021. Pictured from left are Greene County Partnership President and CEO Jeff man. Vickery works at the Food Taylor, former GCP General Manager Joni Parker, Main Street: Greeneville Executive Director Jann Mirkov, and Town of Greeneville City Administrator Todd City at 905 Snapps Ferry Road, Lister at the 509 The Northeast TennesSun reporters Cicely Babb, Asheville Highway store, Eugenia Estes and Ken see Tourism Association and Dyer at the 2755 E. honored the organizations at Little, Director of Online Andrew Johnson Highway the MeadowView Conference Operations Brian Cutshall, location. Resort and Convention Cen- and Scott Jenkins, editor. Store winners move on ter hosted by Visit Kingsport. Jenkins also won second to compete at the district place for editorial writing. The Greene County Partlevel. Twelve district winFormer assistant sports nership won three awards, editor Tate Russell won secners are recognized with an and Main Street Greeneville award and a $250 contribuclaimed one. ond- and third-place awards The Greene County Partfor sports photography. tion to their chosen charity. The Sun also won third Two divisional winners nership won awards for Best place for coronavirus news are then chosen and honNew Event for Wings and coverage, a special category Wheels on the GreenE; Best ored with a plaque and a added for the 2020 contest. Marketing Campaign for $750 charity contribution. Contributing to the entry the Greeneville Mural Trail; One overall winner is sewere Estes, Babb, Little and and Best Brochure or Guide lected to receive the Claude Cameron Judd, the paper’s for its Discover Greeneville P. Varney Humanitarian assistant editor and columbrochure. Award and to have a $1,250 Main Street Greeneville charity contribution made nist. won the award for Best Rack on the winner’s behalf. The Sun won 22 advertisCard for the card advertising ing and circulation awards the annual Lyrics on the in the 2021 Ideas Contest, BLACKBURN, CHILDERS third most in the state among PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN Lawn concert series. AND STEGALL The General Morgan Inn & Conference Center was named one of the best meeting sites in A total of 71 entries were newspapers with similar the South in 2021 for the second consecutive year. submitted from around circulations. JOHNSON CITY — the region in categories At The Greenville Sun, Blackburn, Childers, and those ads and promotions Readers’ Choice Award from for marketing, advertising, Blvd., in the Greeneville Steagall, CPAs (BCS), which experts, the release said. were created and facilitated national event planning mag- events, virtual, attractions, Commons, opened in May has an office in Greeneville, 2020. was recognized by Forbes azine ConventionSouth. The individual achievement, and by the following current WORKOUT ANYTIME King said Workout in a listing of America’s General Morgan Inn was one supporting business awards. and former Sun staffers: A panel of judges associated Taunya Blazer, Sandi Anytime has close to best tax and accounting of 30 winners in Tennessee. Despite opening during with the Southeast Tourism Blalock, Brian Cutshall, 200 locations across the firms for 2021. The hotel also won the the COVID-19 pandemic, Society chose the top entry in Rebecca Garay-Leon, Tanya Forbes and Statista magazine’s award in 2020 Greeneville’s Workout Any- country, including some each category. Hensley, Melanie Hilliard, identified the top 250 firms time gym location saw such much bigger locations than and received an honorable Shirley Jones, Dale Long, Greeneville’s. for tax and top 200 for mention in 2019. success that it was named Della Lowe, Wendy Peay, “Greeneville isn’t a very accounting, and BCS was Throughout the year, best new franchise of the THE GREENEVILLE SUN Kelly Pickering, Jayme Presslarge town, and this isn’t named among the 172 firms year at a company-wide meeting professionals one of the big monster on both lists, according to a conference last summer. nominate sites they believe ley, Tammy Waldroup, Hala The Greeneville Sun in gyms like in big cities, but news release. provide exceptional service That success, which Watson and Artie Wehenkel. 2021 won eight Tennessee we’ve had nothing but The firm, which was also for group events. The nomiowner Mike King said far The Sun placed first in Press Association statewide listed in the Forbes ranking surpassed his expectations, positive feedback from the seven award categories: nated sites – nearly 4,000 in awards recognizing excelcommunity,” he said. for 2020, was one of five in also made the Greeneville Best Black & White Ad; 2021 – are compiled onto an lence in print and online Tennessee and six in North location the first to bring Best Carrier Contest Idea; online ballot where meeting journalism, advertising and Carolina ranked in the 2021 in $1 million in revenue in Best Newspapers in Educaprofessionals and fans vote circulation. GENERAL MORGAN INN for the “Best of the Best.” listing, the release said. a year, according to a press In the Tennessee State tion Promotion; Best NIE BCS has offices in Johnrelease issued at the time, Press Contest sponsored by Sponsorship Recruitment; For the second year in a and the franchise also won the University of Tennessee Best Reader Contest; Best son City, Greeneville and row, Greeneville’s historic TOURISM AWARDS awards for its personal and the Tennessee Press Internet Subscription ProKingsport, Tennessee and General Morgan Inn & Contraining program and social ference Center was named Association, The Sun won Boone, North Carolina. motion; and Best Marketing The Greene County top honors in the digital Firms were chosen based media engagement. Materials. one of the “Best Meeting Partnership and Main The Greeneville locaon recommendation from The Sun placed second in Sites in the South.” Street Greeneville were both presentation category. Contributing to the winCPAs, clients, attorneys eight categories and third in honored at the 24th Annual The boutique hotel at 111 tion of Workout Anytime, and other financial industry located at 1327 Tusculum Pinnacle Awards on June 3. N. Main St. won the 2021 ning entry were Greeneville seven categories.
Page 10A
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Saturday, March 12, 2022
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The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition March 12, 2022
Page 2B
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 12, 2022
SUN FILE PHOTO
The former Takoma Hospital building was purchased by the Greene County Government in August 2021. It will serve as the new Greene County offices complex, and the former Greene County Annex will be closed and sold.
Greene County Purchased Takoma Hospital Building, Appointed New Commissioners BY SPENCER MORRELL STAFF WRITER The Greene County government made a big property purchase in the fall before appointing two new Greene County Commissioners due to a resignation and a death. Greene County voted to purchase the former Takoma Hospital campus in August for $3 million from Ballad Health, before taking official control of the facility on Nov. 17. The county also allotted about $3.5 million for renovations to the old hospital. The 110,000-square-foot building, located off Asheville Highway, will be the new home for most Greene County offices. All offices that are currently in the Greene County Courthouse Annex, located at 204 N Cutler Street, will move to the former Takoma Hospital building. Greene County will then look to sell the vacated Courthouse Annex building. Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison sees the purchase of the building as an opportunity for the Greene County Government to solve issues with office space, and space in the Greene County Jail. “This solves issues we have now, and solves issues that we may have in the future,” Morrison said in August. “We can spend this $6 million now, and avoid having to pay possibly 10 times that much in five or six years to build a new jail,” County Commissioner Paul Burkey said at the Aug. meeting of the Greene County Commission. Most of the Greene County Sheriff’s Department offices would move to the new building to allow for part of the current Sheriff’s Department to be converted to a minimum security prison. Morrison and commissioners hope this will solve the issue of space at the jail for at least the next 10 or 20 years. “This solves issues we have now, and solves issues that we may have in the future,” Morrison said. “They are extremely crowded at the Sheriff’s Department.” The UT Agriculture Extension Office will move to the Takoma campus and into an old church building behind the former hospital building. Ballad Health will pay the county $500,000 to rent the fourth floor of the building for the next three years. The Strong Futures program will be housed there until the conclusion of those three years, after which Ballad would cease renting the floor and vacate the building entirely.
SUN FILE PHOTO
Mike Musick was appointed to fill the remaining term of 7th District Commissioner April Lane, who resigned in December.
Lane had been appointed by the County Commission in February 2021 to finish the term of former County Commissioner Butch Patterson, who resigned due to moving out of the 7th District. “We very much appreciate her contributions to Greene County’s very strong financial position and our very bright future in many aspects. We wish her the very best in wherever her journey leads,” Morrison said of Lane upon her resignation. Bryant, who passed away in early December, had been elected in 2018 after running for County Commission unsuccessfully in 2014. Bryant was a member of the Solid Waste, Road and Highway, Personnel Policies, Law Enforcement, Historical, and Building Code committees. When the County Commission declared vacancies for Lane’s and Bryant’s seats at its December meeting, SUN FILE PHOTO a moment of silence was Jan Kiker was appointed and sworn in to fill out the term of deceased 3rd District Commisobserved as the meeting sioner Clifford Bryant in January. Bryant passed away in early December. began to honor the memory of Bryant. County offices that already been removed. The County Commission mission members were have sufficient space, such filled the two vacant seats The Greene County appointed to the board in as the Election Commisgovernment will also be early January this year after with new commissioners in January. replacing about 100 windows 3rd District Commissioner sion office, Animal Control, Jan Kiker and Michael in the building. Clifford “Doc” Bryant passed and Highway Department Musick were chosen to fill The Greene County Puraway in December and 7th will not move to the new building. chasing Committee approved District Commissioner April the two vacant seats, with Kiker filling the 3rd District Lane resigned in the same Renovations of the old the purchase of the new seat and Musick filling the month. hospital facility are already windows in February. Lane resigned in early De- 7th District seat. underway. Kiker was chosen out of At a committee meeting cember, about nine months COMMISSIONERS seven applicants for the seat, in February, Morrison noted after being appointed to APPOINTED while Musick was chosen that a lot of old hospital the seat, due to a conflict of out of three. headboards and wiring had interest. Two new County Com-
Kiker previously served as a Greene County Commissioner from 2002 to 2014, and has been a teacher at North Greene High School since 1994. Musick is a first time commissioner. He served in the U.S. Army from 1992 to 2021 and currently works for the Greene County Sheriff’s Department as court security as well as working for Axis Security Inc. and A Services Group. The Greene County Commission also elected to remain a 21-member body after a resolution to shrink the commission from 21 members to 14 members was debated and voted on in September. The resolution would have kept the same seven commission districts in the county, but would have changed the number of commissioners elected from those districts. If the resolution had passed, in future elections only two commissioners would have been elected from each district to serve on the County Commission instead of the current three. However, the resolution failed, receiving three votes in favor of the change out of the 21-member county governing body. Therefore, in the upcoming May 3 Greene County Primary and Aug. 4 General Election, voters will still select their top three candidate choices in their district to serve on the Greene County Commission.
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Greene County Purchased Takoma Hospital Building ........................................................ 2 Greeneville Began Depot Street Project, Fire Station Construction ................................... 3 Tusculum Marks Eventful Year In 2021 ..............................................................................6 First Permanent Police Chief Took The Reigns In Mosheim ..............................................8 Baileyton Mayor Looks Forward To Prosperous 2022 ........................................................8
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GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 12, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 3B
SUN PHOTO BY SPENCER MORRELL
Work on the long-awaited Depot Street revitalization project began in October and will continue for at least another year.
Greeneville Began Depot Street Project, Fire Station Construction, Welcomed New Alderwoman BY SPENCER MORRELL STAFF WRITER After nearly a decade of debating plans, the Town of Greeneville began its Depot Street revitalization project in 2021. In late July, the Greeneville Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved a $7.7 million bid from contractor Summers-Taylor to complete the project. Work on the project began in October. A groundbreaking with city officials was held in November.
The work being done is part of the city’s planned Downtown Redevelopment Project which includes, among other things, utility upgrades and streetscape improvements along a stretch of Depot Street from its intersection with Academy Street to near the railroad depot building. Those improvements include creating wider sidewalks and landscaping with a focus on the block of Depot Street between Main and Irish streets as a “festival” location. After the measure
passed, Alderman Cal Doty expressed appreciation for business owners who have already been doing business on Depot Street and want to be a part of the revitalization of downtown Greeneville. “I’d like to thank those who have come to this meeting in support of this project and who have already made an investment in Depot Street,” Doty said. Greeneville Mayor W.T. Daniels expressed satisfaction with the board’s action on the project after
years of attempts and was optimistic about the future of downtown. “This is the first time the board has been willing to put our money where our mouth is,” Daniels said “I’m looking forward to spending a lot more time on Depot Street.” Vaughn & Melton Engineering is overseeing the project, and according to Engagement Specialist Zack Levine construction crews are trying to sidewalks open as much as possible in an effort to keep downtown businesses
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afloat. Work-zones have shifted numerous times already during the project, and they will continue to do so as the project progresses. The project is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2023. However, that was not the only project the Greeneville Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved in 2021. The board also approved budgeting for the Crowfoot Alley parking lot project. Once constructed, the new parking lot will have
103 available parking spots. The goal of project is to provide more parking for visitors to the downtown area. The Town of Greeneville budgeted about $640,000 for the project. The project is yet to begin as the town waits for the business P.T. Solutions to move to a new building so that its current building can be demolished as part of the project. However, P.T. Solutions’ future place of business is still under SEE DEPOT ON PAGE 4B
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Page 4B
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 12, 2022
VAUGH & MELTON
A rendering shows what a portion of Depot Street will look like after the project is completed.
SUN FILE PHOTO
The Town of Greeneville’s new fire station has been taking shape. Construction on the station began in September.
SUN FILE PHOTO
Crews worked through the winter to dig up and replace utilities on Depot Street.
DEPOT
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3B
construction, and not yet ready to be occupied. Therefore, the town is waiting for P.T. Solutions to move, as not to force them out and harm the business. “We don’t want to put someone out of business to make business. We are doing this project to help bring businesses to downtown,” Daniels said. Vaughn & Melton will manage the project once it begins in addition to the Depot Street project.
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In August the board approved a new hotel tax to be applied within the Town of Greeneville. The measure instituted a 4% tax on accommodations for people staying in hotels or motels within the city limits. Greene County has a 7% hotel/motel tax, but the state instituted a policy change that allowed municipalities to levy their own lodging tax on top of the county tax. This means that the combined hotel/motel tax rate within the Town of Greeneville is now 11%. A stipulation of the policy is that any tax dollars collected by the city through the hotel tax must be used to support and promote the tourism
industry. “This money will be spent wisely and to promote our community,” Daniels said.
FIRE STATION, EQUIPMENT The board also approved the the construction of a new fire station on the property between Forest and Carson Streets. The town will spend about $3.6 million on the new station’s construction. The new station will replace the station that sits at the intersection of Vann Road and the Asheville Highway that is over 60 years old. Work on the new fire station began in September. “This fire station will not only meet the needs of today, but for years to come,” Greeneville Fire Chief Allen Shipley said at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project. When built, the new fire station will continue like its predecessor to serve the southwest side of Greeneville. It will have three equipment bays, similar to the existing one, but will have drive-through bays to help reduce maintenance and safety issues. The bays will comprise about 9,000 square feet, with space for a future expansion for an emergency operations center, as well as living quarters and an SEE DEPOT ON PAGE 5B
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 12, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 5B
SUN FILE PHOTO
Kristin Girton began serving on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in September. She captured a First Ward seat by one vote in the August Municipal Election. Cal Doty was reelected to his seat in the same election.
SUN FILE PHOTO
The culvert replacement near the intersection of Depot and College Streets has been a major part of the Depot Street project so far.
Hospital East and Plaza Towers cannot be 100% accessed with the current CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4B equipment. The new truck will be able to fully access office area. The station will these buildings. The new fire engine will house a frontline engine, be delivered in 16 to 24 a reserve engine and a months. fully equipped Haz-Mat The board also authoresponse unit. It is also designed to alrized the budgeted purlow for a quicker and safer chase of a new extrication response than the intertool for the Fire Departsection at Vann Road and ment, known informally as Asheville Highway allows, the “jaws of life.” Shipley said. The Greeneville Board ELECTIONS also approved the purThe Greeneville Board chase of a new fire truck of Mayor and Aldermen for about $1.4 million. welcomed a new board The new truck will member in early Septeminclude a 100-foot platber, as Alderwomen Krisform that will provide a safe and stable area for tin Girton joined the board firefighters to work and to as a representative of the perform victim removal First Ward. without the need for the Girton replaced Buddy victim to descend a ladder. Hawk who had served as a Currently, the Greeneville Greeneville Alderman for Fire Department has no 12 years. Girton defeated means of aerial rescue or Hawk in Greeneville’s Aug. operations beyond 75 feet. 5 Municipal Election by a Greeneville Community single vote.
DEPOT
Alderman Cal Doty retained his seat on the board, being reelected with more votes than both Girton and Hawk. Hawk was recognized by the board at his last meeting on Aug. 18 for his years of service to the Town of Greeneville, receiving a mayor’s coin and a standing ovation. As Hawk left his last meeting as an alderman after 12 years on the board he expressed hope that the good work the Town of Greeneville has started will continue, and that the town has improved during his tenure. “I think we have done some great things and started some great things here like the Depot Street project and the new fire station. I hope everything will continue on successfully,” Hawk said. “Hopefully I’m leaving everything better than I found it.”
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Page 6B
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GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 12, 2022
SUN FILE PHOTO
The developed portion of the former Greene Valley Developmental Center may be used as home for a new regional office of the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disability. A Tennessee College of Applied Technology is also proposed for a portion of the property.
Tusculum Marks Eventful Year In 2021 BY KEN LITTLE STAFF WRITER As the COVID-19 pandemic continued into a second year in 2021, the City of Tusculum continued to provide services to its citizens in spite of challenges “thanks to our dedicated employees, volunteers, and elected officials,” Mayor Alan Corley said. That remains the case today as pandemic numbers recede. “Although we hoped that 2021 would be a better year with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, sadly that did not turn out to be the case in terms of numbers of cases and deaths,” Corley said. One city service affected in 2021 by the pandemic was curbside pickup. “The one exception to that is that we have not been able to provide curbside pickup of recycling for more than a year, due to the fact that the Jonesborough recycling center has not been in operation during that time period and we do not have a facility to haul the recyclables to,” Corley said in March. “Once the recycling center re-opens, we will restart curbside recycling,” he said. There are alternative ways to recycle, however; recycling bins for newspaper, plastic and cardboard are located at our city hall, and the Greene County Convenience Centers also accept
SUN FILE PHOTO
Traffic on Sam Doak Street pulling up to Erwin Highway passes a new City of Tusculum sign installed in 2021 with the Tusculum University campus in the background.
recyclable materials. Tusculum City Hall is located at 145 Alexander St. A notable loss occurred in early 2022 with the passing of city Recorder John Lamb, who had served in the position since 2013. “Our city was deeply saddened at the recent and unexpected death of our friend and City Recorder John Lamb. John had served as City Recorder for
more than nine years and was a valuable member of our team and our community,” Corley said. Randy Harley, a Tusculum resident, was appointed city recorder in February “and is working hard to fill John’s shoes.” “Barbara Tilson, our Certified Municipal Financial Officer, has been instrumental in helping the city to bridge the gap as Mr.
Harley settles into his new position,” Corley said. Another personnel change in the city occurred in 2021 when longtime Tusculum Police Department Officer Dustin Jeffers resigned from the department to accept a position as chief of the Mosheim Police Department. “We wish him much success in his new position. We are excited that Josh Kyker
has been hired as our new police officer,” Corley said. Corley said “big strides” were made in late 2021 and early 2022 as plans for the former Greene Valley Developmental Center in Tusculum came into focus. The state closed the developmental center in 2017. “The Tusculum-Greeneville-Greene County Industrial Development Board was formed by the three
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governments to serve as the entity to obtain, own, and develop the 336 acres of the property south of Edens Road, and that process is proceeding,” Corley said. “Thanks to Gov. (Bill) Lee, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, state Rep. David Hawk, and state Sen. Steve SEE TUSCULUM ON PAGE 7B
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 12, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 7B
TUSCULUM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6B
Southerland, the property will be obtained by the IDB at little or no direct cost to the IDB. A nine-member board composed of three members each from Tusculum, Greeneville, and Greene County will oversee and guide the development of the property, Corley said. “Another exciting announcement was recently made that Gov. Lee’s 2022-2023 budget contains funding for a Tennessee College of Applied Technology to be located in Greene County, and also funding for a new office building to house the regional offices of the Tennessee Department of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities,” Corley said. “The budget has not yet passed (as of March), but we are optimistic that both these projects will remain in the state budget and will be built on the Greene Valley property. That would be a terrific kick-start to the development of the property,” he said. The new offices for the Chuckey Utility District opened on the Tusculum Bypass in 2021, and Everhart’s Pioneer Miniature Golf Course was nearing completion on East Andrew Johnson Highway in March. “We welcome both of them to Tusculum,” Corley said. The City of Tusculum “once again received a ‘clean’ audit report for the 2019-2020 budget year, with no findings,” from city auditor Mickey Ellis, Corley said. “Revenues exceeded expenses once again,” he said. Tusculum was awarded a $62,500 Community Transportation Planning/Mobility Grant in 2021. HNTB Partners, an infrastructure design firm, conducted a study relating to the grant “which was intended to offer expert suggestions and guidance on improving pedestrian and vehicular traffic in Tusculum, especially on and around the Tusculum University campus,” Corley said. HNTB presented the results of the study in the fall of 2021. “Their recommendations will be used as goals and a guide for future improvements as funding allows,” Corley said. Some improvements were already underway. In early 2022, Tusculum University was install-
SUN FILE PHOTO
Traffic on Erwin Highway in the City of Tusculum is always steady. Adding sidewalks and other pedestrian and traffic safety improvements are among recommendations of a Tusculum Community Mobility Plan reviewed in 2021 by city officials.
ing sidewalks, “and the city is planning to improve some Shiloh Road crosswalks in the near future,” Corley said. The City of Tusculum in 2021 was awarded a Community Development Block Grant on behalf of the Tusculum Volunteer Fire Department for about $300,000, plus about $46,000 in a city match, to replace a 25-year-old pumper truck with a used aerial ladder truck. The used aerial truck “will allow them to better protect two-plus story structures in our area,” Corley said. Fire Chief Marty Shelton and his truck committee were in the process in early 2022 of searching for the truck that best meets their
needs. Tusculum has been the recipient of “significant additional funding” for the 2021-22 budget year, including a Governor’s Local Government Grant, an Opioid Settlement distribution, and American Rescue Plan Act funding. “These funds will be used for several projects including providing employee bonuses for those who provided city services during the pandemic, purchasing police department radios, installing a backup generator for city hall, significant improvements to the playground at Tusculum City Park, crosswalk improvements on Shiloh Road, and construction of a new fire station necessitated by
the purchase of the ladder truck since it will not fit into any of our current buildings,” Corley said. There will be an election in November 2022 for one Board of Mayor and Commissioners seat in Tusculum. Commissioner Mike Burns’ seat will be up for election to a four-year term. Corley and Vice-Mayor Barbara Britton were elected to four-year Commissioner terms in November 2020. Corley is happy with progress in the city. “The City of Tusculum’s continued success is due to its citizens, its employees, and its volunteers,” he said. “I believe one sign of our success is that our population grew nearly 24% from the 2010 to the
2020 Census, from 2,663 to 3,298.” Corley said the city’s two fulltime police officers, Chief Danny Greene and Officer Josh Kyker; its two full-time public works employees, Warren Cutshall and Roger Hipps; and part-time Recorder Randy Harley “work hard on behalf of our city.” “Our volunteers, particularly the Tusculum Planning Commission under the leadership of Chairman Dale Landers and Vice-Chairman Mike Burns, our fire department, under the leadership of Chief Marty Shelton and Assistant Chief Scottie Crawford, and our six auxiliary police officers provide countless hours of service to our city and our citizens. “We are blessed,” Corley said.
Page 8B
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 12, 2022
First Permanent Police Chief Took The Reigns In Mosheim BY SPENCER MORRELL STAFF WRITER Dustin Jeffers was named the Town of Mosheim’s first permanent police chief in July of 2021, three years after the department was first established. The Mosheim Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously selected Jeffers to be the first permanent Mosheim chief of police at its July meeting at Mosheim Town Hall. Jeffers was officially sworn in July 29. The Mosheim Police Department was formed in 2018, under previous Mayor Tommy Gregg, with the Board of Mayor and Aldermen’s official approval in July that year. Officers with the department began their first patrols throughout the town in January 2019 with former Greene County Sheriff Steve Burns serving as its first temporary chief to help things get up and running. Until the department was formed, Mosheim had been the only Greene County municipality without a police department. Before becoming Mosheim’s chief of police, Jeffers was a member of the Tusculum Police Department for 17 years. Jeffers said he was honored by the board’s decision to name him chief and excited to take on the role. “I want to thank everyone for their support and I look forward to growing this department,” Jeffers said in July. “I’m looking forward to the new challenge of growing this new department and making a difference in the community.” Jeffers said he understands the unique challenges the Town of Mosheim faces, and explained what his priorities will be as leader of the police department. “There is a very high traffic count in Mosheim due to the 11-E and Old Knoxville Highway,” Jeffers said, “so road safety will be a big priority for us. I will also look to combat the very serious drug issues we have in the county.” Jeffers said he was optimistic about the future of Mosheim and excited to get out into the community. “The important thing is working with the community. Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure,” Jeffers said. “This is the start of a new and good chapter.” Jeffers was chosen from a numerous candidates, according to Mosheim Mayor David Meyers. “We had three or four excellent candidates, but I believe Dustin Jeffers should be our next police chief,” Myers said before the board voted on the hire in July. Jeffers wasted no time in asking the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for changes and additions to Mosheim Police Department policy in the months after he was
SUN FILE PHOTO
Dustin Jeffers was sworn in as the Mosheim chief of police during a ceremony in July.
hired. The board passed an ordinance that established impound lot fees for impounded vehicles in Mosheim. According to the ordinance, the fee for impounding a vehicle will be equal to the fee charged by the wrecker service that tows the vehicle. There is also a storage cost for any impounded vehicle of $25 a day. According to Jeffers, this will help the town recoup the costs of having to impound a vehicle. The board also passed a measure that allows the Mosheim Police Department to contract with a collection agency to collect unpaid fines, fees and court costs. Under state law, a collection agency may be employed to collect fines that have not been collected within 60 days after they are due. The Mosheim Police Department had $8,000 in unpaid fines and citations when Jeffers became chief of police in late July, and he said a collection agency would get some of that money owed to the town and its police department. The board also approved a measure that increases court costs in the town. The measure sets the court costs for the town at $147.50. Previously, the town’s court costs were $108.50.
Jeffers told the board in October that the measure will prevent the town from spending money it does not need to spend. According to Jeffers, the town must pay printing and postage to send notices to offenders who do not pay their citations. The increase in court costs will cover those costs. Jeffers also had the Mosheim Police Department hold a drug take-back event for the first time in October. Jeffers said Mosheim collected 29.6 pounds of medications in total on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a convenient and safe way for citizens to get rid of unused, expired or unwanted prescription medications from their homes. Prescription medications are often abused and can harm water supplies if flushed. The Mosheim Police Department also began offering a driving school program in February after completing the National Safety Council Defensive Driving School Program. Myers was optimistic about the future of Mosheim and the police department at Jeffers’ swearing in ceremony in July. “This will be great for the department and for the town,” Myers said.
SUN FILE PHOTO
A Mosheim resident drops off some medication as a part of the Mosheim Police Department’s drug take-back event in October.
Baileyton Mayor Looks Forward To Prosperous 2022 BY KEN LITTLE STAFF WRITER Projects launched in 2021 in Baileyton will improve the town’s infrastructure and provide more activities in the community. Federal American Rescue Plan Act funds secured by Baileyton to provide aid related to the novel coronavirus pandemic will help with some of the improvements.
“That’s what we’re working on now that we’ve got our ducks in a row,” Mayor William K. Kerr said in March. Town employees performed their duties throughout the pandemic, along with members of the United Volunteer Fire Department. “We’ve got a great staff,” said Kerr, who was elected in 2020 to a four-year term as mayor. Kerr said work is under-
way to upgrade the town’s sewer system, including pumps and pump stations. Improvements were also made at Baileyton Park, including the installation of LED overhead lights. Pending the award of a state grant, playground equipment would also be installed in the park. Other grants to improve town infrastructure are in the application stage. Several popular activi-
ties were held in Baileyton Park in 2021, Kerr said. One was a “Trunk or Treat” event at Halloween held at the park for the second year in coordination with the United Volunteer Fire Department. “We had Trunk or Treat in the park, which has never been done before. There was a big turnout. It was a big success for the last two years,” Kerr said. “We were thinking of things to try and bring the
public together,” Kerr said. The popular Baileyton Days celebration was held in September 2021 in the park. The event and others last year in the town provided residents of the close-knit community the opportunity to visit with each other after pandemic-related restrictions began to be lifted, Kerr said. Baileyton also held a Christmas parade in 2021. The parade included more
than 20 floats. “We had a lot of people show up for that,” Kerr said. Monthly car shows sponsored by area car clubs are planned in downtown Baileyton and should be popular with the public, Kerr said. The first was held on March 19. “We’re going to try it and see how it does and if it does good we’ll have it SEE BAILEYTON ON PAGE 9B
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 12, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 9B
BAILEYTON CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8B
once a month,” Kerr said. Baileyton’s business community looks forward to a prosperous year ahead. In 2021, several new businesses opened in the town. Public safety is a focus in Baileyton. Police Chief Joshua Ferguson has supervised the department since 2013, and United Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jay Wihlen leads a dedicated group of volunteers, the mayor said. The town’s estimated population in 2022 is 461, according to the U.S. Census. That’s an increase over 431 in 2010. The town’s median age is 33.8 years. “Baileyton is a good place to live. It’s a good community,” Kerr said. As the world emerges from the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, the mayor is optimistic 2022 will be a better year for Baileyton. “So far, so good. Everything’s looking up,” Kerr said. “The main thing with this Covid is people going back to work.”
SUN FILE PHOTO
Erik Estrada, the guest star of the 2021 Baileyton Days celebration, laughs with a fan who got his autograph.
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The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Saturday, March 12, 2022
GreenevilleSun.com
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SECTION C
AGRICULTURE
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition March 19, 2022
Page 2C
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 19, 2022
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Research Center Director Justin McKinney holds some fresh cut alfalfa. The center planted 55 acres of the forage to support its animal and veterinary science programs.
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
The Northeast Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center may have a different name, but it has not forgotten its roots as workers still labored to cut tobacco stalks in August of 2021.
UT Agriculture Research Station Undergoes Overhaul BY SPENCER MORRELL STAFF WRITER
E
stablished in 1932 at the University of Tennessee’s Tobacco Experiment Station, the agricultural research facility on East Allens Bridge Road became known as the Northeast Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in 2021. While being most wellknown for its research on burley tobacco production, the center has now diversified into many different areas of agriculture research, and the new name of the center is meant to reflect that change. “We have begun work in row crops in 2021 and brought back animal science work, much of which had been absent for 30 or 40 years,” Research Center Director Justin McKinney said. “Row crops are becoming more and more important in this region.” The center also began conducting educational sessions regarding consumer horticulture in 2021. “We have blueberries and strawberries planted on the center. With help from the UT Extension Office and the Big Spring Master Gardeners we teach people the basics of agriculture and gardening,” McKinney said. “It especially helps people that are new to the area that are interested in agriculture to know what grows here and the best practices here.” The center began emphasizing work with corn as part of its new initiatives with row crops. “We are testing different varieties of corn to see how well they perform in this region. Each year, the
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Once harvested and cured, workers at the UT Research Center stripped the leaves off of the tobacco stalks in November 2021 that had been picked in August.
information from our corn study will be collected and published for the public to see so that farmers can know which varieties grow the best here. Those varieties can be purchased at your local Farmer’s Co-Op,” McKinney said. The center also started experimental work with soybeans in 2021. “We began a soybean breeding program looking at experimental lines of soybeans and comparing them against current lines to see how they grow in this region in relation to the current lines,” McKinney said. Beginning in January 2022 the center began
working more with cattle in conjunction with the Veterinarian School located at UT Knoxville through the help of a grant from the USDA. UT Vet School large-animal students come to the center in Greene County to learn more about cattle and their possible health issues. McKinney says that the students began studying about bovine viral diarrhea, or BVD, while at the center. McKinney also said that scientists are working at the center to find ways to prevent aborted calves. “We are working with scientists on finding the things that can cause abortions or
slipped calves. That fetal environment is what we are really on the cutting edge of research with.,” McKinney said. The center also began providing beef to all of the dining halls at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville through a cooperation with the university’s food vendor Aramark. “For all these years we didn’t really have any active animal science research in Northeast Tennessee. Now that has come back. We have come full circle, especially with Greene County being the second highest cattle producing county in the state,” McKinney said.
However, the center has not forgotten about its roots in tobacco research. “Even though things are completely different than they used to be, we still have five to seven acres of tobacco here at the center,” McKinney said. “Right now, Bob Miller, who recently retired, has come back out part-time to finish up some breeding work on finding varieties of tobacco that are less harmful to the human body. When he finishes that he will go back into full retirement.” McKinney sees the changes that occurred at the center in 2021 as positive. “We have completely
transitioned the center from a single commodity to all of these other elements that we have been able to add to our research portfolio. We think that is very applicable to the taxpayers that support us and the farmer that we are here to find solutions for. We want to be able to develop new techniques and ideas that will serve farmers well in the region,” McKinney said. “We are the only research center east of Knoxville so it is important that people know that we are here and that we are working to be an asset to farmers and a pillar of the community.”
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Rows of soybeans were planted at the UT Research Center for the first time in four decades in 2021.
A new soybean research crop was harvested at the UT Research Center in November 2021.
Benchmarks C Story Index
Benchmarks C Advertisers Index
UT Agriculture Research Station Undergoes Overhaul ....................................................... 2 Raising Beef Cattle, Other Farming Activities Persevere .................................................... 3 4-H Remains Active In Greene County ................................................................................ 5 Report To The Governor Reveals Gains In All Major Agricultural Sectors ........................ 6 Companies Make Advancements In Livestock Technology ................................................8
Farm & Produce Guide ........................................................................................................ 5 Funeral Home Guide ...........................................................................................................4 Greene County Kubota ........................................................................................................8 Greeneville Oil & Petroleum ................................................................................................ 3 Plumbing Guide ...................................................................................................................4 Restaurant Guide .................................................................................................................6 Tax Guide ............................................................................................................................. 7
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 19, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 3C
SUN PHOTO BY KEN LITTLE
Farmers Livestock Market at 336 Bohannan Ave. was sold in early 2022 to two buyers from Washington County. The business is now known as Volunteer Stockyards.
Raising Beef Cattle, Other Farming Activities Persevere BY KEN LITTLE STAFF WRITER
A
griculture remains a way of life in Greene County. There are nearly 70,000 farms in the state, according to Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee. Less than 200 are in Greene County. The county once had a thriving agricultural economy based on beef cattle, tobacco and dairy products. Raising cattle remains a generational tradition for many. SEE CATTLE ON PAGE 4C
This photo of a busy day at Farmers Livestock Market in the 1970s is displayed in the business office on Bohannan Avenue. The business is now known as Volunteer Stockyards after being acquired in early 2022 by new owners.
Page 4C
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 19, 2022
SUN PHOTO BY KEN LITTLE
Customers come from the region and nearby states for the regular cattle auction held at Volunteer Stockyards on Bohannan Avenue, formerly known as Farmers Livestock Market. These trucks and cattle trailers were parked in the business lot during an auction in March.
CATTLE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3C
Tennessee is one of the top beef-producing states in the U.S., and Greene County is routinely one of the leading counties for beef production. The state had an inventory of nearly 1.75 million cattle and calves in January, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Beef cattle are consistently among the top three agricultural commodities in Tennessee, accounting for 16.7% of all agriculture cash receipts in 2021. In 2020, cattle and calves generated $487.7 million in cash receipts, according to Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee. One Greene County institution came under new ownership in 2022. The former Farmers Livestock Market, at 336 Bohannan Ave., was acquired from the McNeese family. The business is now known as Volunteer Stockyards. The business owners are Robert Jason Day and Chadwick J. Fleenor, both of Washington County. Day said in March that improvements are planned at the business, which was operated for about 75 years by the McNeese family. “I think right now (the market) is doing really well. Cow prices are up. As we’re getting into spring, I think we will do really well,” Day said. “It’s a seller’s market right now.” The business attracts customers from a wide area. “There are all kinds of
different buyers here, different packing companies and there’s a lot of other people buying stuff here,” Day said. “We get people from North Carolina, Virginia and (Tennessee) up toward Knoxville and a lot of local people as well.” All agricultural operations in Greene County were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the virus subsided in spring 2022, events in Europe occurred that may affect Tennessee farmers. “Russia’s recent military action in Ukraine significantly increased the uncertainty of agricultural supply and demand conditions in the region and globally,” Nashville commodity broker and consultant Christopher B. Swift wrote in a commentary on his website, www.shootinthebull.com. The U.S. imports about 80 percent of the fertilizer and fertilizer components it uses. Local farmers have reported increases in the price of feed corn, hay and fertilizer. Increased fuel prices also have an impact on agriculture, as does a shortage of workers. Milton Orr, director of the University of Tennessee Extension office in Greene County, also raises registered Angus cattle. He said in a 2021 interview that a beef farmer’s herd is able to feed twice as many people as a herd of the same size fed 70 or so years ago, while using a third of the land and and less than half the water. Modern farmers achieve those results while reducing their carbon footprint more than 68%, Orr said. Orr estimated about 20
dairy farms remained operational in Greene County in 2021, far fewer than 25 years ago. The 2017 Census of Agriculture identified 206 farms in Greene County encompassing 34,979 acres of farmland. Between 2012 and 2017, the last year statistics were available, 53 farms went under in Greene County. “Most farms lost were mid-size farms,” according to the census. One bright spot in the Greene County agriculture picture is the growth of agritourism as a means of providing additional revenue. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Biennial Report for 2020 noted 37,668 licensed agricultural operations in Tennessee. The most recent tally by
county available, the 2017 U.S. Census of Agriculture Data by Tennessee County for Farms Selling Agricultural Products Directly to Consumers for Human Consumption, showed Greene county had 96 such farming operations that garnered $267,000 in sales. There are about 800 Pick Tennessee Product businesses in the state that offer agritourism activities such as wagon rides, fishing, equine stabling and trails, Christmas trees, pick your own, on-farm lodging, wineries, distilleries, and breweries. Orr said that farmers have embraced technology and agricultural science to maintain a competitive advantage. Americans enjoy what Orr said is demonstrably
SUN PHOTO BY KEN LITTLE
A crowd of buyers and sellers participated in a cattle auction in March at Volunteer Stockyards, formerly known as the Farmers Livestock Market, on Bohannan Avenue in Greeneville.
the “cheapest and safest food supply in the world.” Orr noted that agriculture involves far more than
food. “Everything we wear or eat goes back to agriculture,” he said.
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GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 19, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 5C
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Mackenzie Castro and Elaina Philbeck enjoyed gem mining during the 4-H Camp Traveling Road Show in 2021, held at the Clyde Austin 4-H Center. They discovered some rose quartz from the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Orr: 4-H Remains Active In Greene County BY CICELY BABB STAFF WRITER
A
s school took on a more typical appearance in the second year of the pandemic, the local 4-H Youth programming has continued, and local University of Tennessee Agriculture Extension Director Milton Orr said he is hopeful for more opportunities in 2022. “COVID has been a struggle for us for the past two year, and even this past
year while schools have had a semblance of normal, it is still a challenge for us to get schedules adjusted to meet with clubs,” Orr said. “The good news is that the Horse Club, Shooting Sports Club and livestock project group have been active.” Those groups provide opportunities for students to practice working with areas of interest within agriculture and meet like-minded students from other parts of the county. “They allow kids from across the county that
have an interest in one of those projects to come together and prepare for a show,” Orr explained. “The shooting club is practicing to shoot clays in the state competition, and we had one young man come in second place last year in the state, so those projects are going really well.” He said the majority of students who compete through 4-H project groups or clubs are in fourth through eighth grades. “There are a lot of opportunities at the high school
level to occupy youths’ time. We work with FFA on a lot of projects, and depending on the project a child is interested in, most likely it exists in both, so basically they have twice as many competition opportunities,” said Orr. To operate during the pandemic, Orr said extension offices across the state have followed guidance from the CDC as well as from UT. “The guidelines and restrictions have challenged us to find alternative ways to keep youth interested and involved. It just takes a
little head scratching to get it done,” Orr said. “We have been limited to keep groups below 50 people, so that has been a challenge for us as well as other things that limited our activities, particularly scheduling, so we are basically trying to overcome that. We have also been minus an agent for about four months now, and that has also been a huge challenge.” Orr said the extension office is in the process of evaluating applicants for the position and will begin
conducting interviews soon in hopes of filling the position by May. He also said 4-H is preparing to announce summer camp plans for the local Clyde Austin 4-H Center in mid-June. “We’ll be looking for about 50 kids that want to come out and have a really fun time at camp this year,” he said. For more information about local 4-H programming, visit greene.tennessee.edu/4-h-youth-development/.
Farm & Produce Guide Greene Farmers
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Page 6C
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 19, 2022
UTIA
Researchers from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture outline gains in all major agricultural sectors in this year’s economic report to the governor.
Report To The Governor Reveals Gains In All Major Agricultural Sectors KNOXVILLE — Researchers from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture outlined gains in all major agricultural sectors in a 2021 economic report to the governor, a marked improvement from the previous fiscal year that reflected depressed global demand for U.S. exports tied to the COVID-19 pandemic and continued trade tensions. Tennessee’s agri-forestry industrial complex encompasses the supply chain from farm and forest to the manufacturer and is a vital part of the state’s economy. Accounting for multiplier effects, the complex provides an estimated $79.3 billion to Tennessee’s economy and accounts for 339,400 jobs. Farm receipts in Tennessee totaled $3.6 billion, with approximately 65.5% of this value coming from crops and 34.5% from animals and animal products. In terms of harvested acreage, Tennessee’s four
largest row crops include soybeans (1.47 million acres, down 9% from 2020); corn (970,000 acres, up 18%); wheat (330,000 acres, up 43%); and cotton (270,000 acres, down 4%). “The dominant factors for producer profitability in 2022 will be input prices and availability, particularly fertilizer and crop protection products,” said crop marketing specialist Aaron Smith, an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. Cattle and calves represent the third largest agricultural sector in the state with cash receipts totaling $512.5 million, which accounts for 14.3% of total agricultural cash receipts. Total beef export value over the first eight months of 2021 totaled nearly $5.96 billion, an increase of 36% compared to 2020. “Looking into 2022, the livestock, poultry and dairy industries will continue to
navigate the changes to the domestic and international markets brought on by the pandemic,” said livestock marketing specialist Andrew Griffith, an associate professor of agricultural and resource economics. “The cattle and beef industry will look to expand as prices increase, while the hog and pork industry will follow export demand. Beef and pork demand are both expected to remain strong, which will further support prices.” Total U.S. agricultural and related exports were $186.8 billion in 2021, up 23% from 2020. This overall increase is attributed to the nation recovering from the pandemic and increased export sales to China, up 89% from the previous fiscal year. The increase is a result of the U.S.-China Phase One Trade Agreement where the Chinese government agreed to purchase $80 billion in U.S. agricultural products over a two-year period. In 2021,
China surpassed Canada as the leading destination market for U.S. agricultural and related exports, with purchases totaling $36.2 billion. The factors affecting exports at the national level directly impact Tennessee exports. The state’s agricultural and related exports totaled $2.2 billion in 2021, up $325 million or 17% when compared to the previous fiscal year. Tennessee experienced increases in all major categories in 2021. Consumer-oriented exports, which includes meat and dairy products, processed food products and distilled spirts, were up $138 million. Exports of bulk agricultural commodities, which include cotton, tobacco and soybeans, were up $104 million. Exports of intermediate products, such as soybean meal and oil and other feeds, were up $51 million. Related products exports, mostly comprised of forest products, were up
$32 million. The U.S. Department of Agriculture projected 2022 agricultural exports could reach a record year at $177.5 billion, primarily due to higher projected exports of soybeans and cotton. “While these projected increases should bode well for Tennessee in the coming year, there are two major issues that could affect Tennessee agricultural production and trade: the recent rise in fertilizer prices and container freight rates,” said UTIA trade expert Andrew Muhammad, a professor of agricultural and resource economics. The report also highlighted Tennessee’s rural infrastructure needs. The state’s off-farm storage capacity is projected to be short by roughly 57 million bushels, while the state’s road and highway system — the major mode of transporting agricultural products — has deteriorated due to insufficient state
and federal funding. As of 2021, approximately 14% of Tennessee’s major roads are in poor or mediocre condition, while 4% of the state’s bridges are rated poor or structurally deficient. Other infrastructure needs highlighted in the report include broadband and water/ wastewater. The following researchers from the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics provided the agri-forestry analyses: Kimberly Jensen, Burton English, Jamey Menard, Andrew Griffith, David Hughes, Andrew Muhammad, Aaron Smith, Sreedhar Upendram and Edward Yu. The complete economic report to the governor is prepared by the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at UT’s Haslam College of Business. The full report is available at https://haslam. utk.edu/?haslam_whitepaper=economic-report-to-the-governor-2022.
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The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 7C
TAX GUIDE
APRIL 18 Is Right Around the Corner Items to take to the tax preparer
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Page 8C
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Saturday, March 19, 2022
GreenevilleSun.com
Companies Make Advancements In Livestock Technology
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onsumer demand drives changes in industry, and the agricultural sector is no exception. Consumer demands for improved animal welfare have led to changes in the livestock sector, and various technologies have been developed and are in development to help this particular segment of the agricultural industry thrive. According to the Animal AgTech Innovation Summit, various startups have developed technologies that can make the livestock industry more sustainable and efficient.
TREATMENT The Israeli firm Armenta has developed a non-antibiotic treatment for bovine mastitis that utilizes acoustic pulse technology. The treatment has a 70 percent cure rate. Another firm working to treat livestock is the United States-based General Probiotics. Animal AgTech reports that General Probiotics develops cellbots and antimicrobial probiotics that eliminate harmful pathogens in livestock. That can reduce dependency on antibiotics and make food production safer.
WELFARE Faromatics, a firm based in Spain, has combined robotics, artificial intelligence and big data to improve animal welfare and farm productivity. One Faromatics product utilizes a robot suspended from a ceiling to monitor certain variables, including equipment function and health and welfare, that affect broiler chickens. The American firm Swinetech utilizes voice recognition and computer vision technology in its SmartGuard product to prevent piglet deaths from crushing and starvation. The product also makes it possible to track and facilitate obstetrical assistance.
OPERATIONS Based in Uganda, Jaguza Tech has developed a livestock management system that utilizes sensors, data science and machine learning to improve the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of modern farm operations. Farmers can utilize Jaguza to perform a host of functions, including monitoring their animals’ health and identifying their livestock. The Netherlands-based H2Oalert is a water control management system that checks the quality and quantity of cattle drinking water in real time. The management system also checks for pollution and malfunctions in the water supply. Livestock technology continues to advance, and firms across the globe are developing new products and platforms to help livestock farmers make their operations more efficient, sustainable and productive.
METRO CREATIVE
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SECTION D
HEALTH & EDUCATION
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition March 19, 2022
Page 2D
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Saturday, March 19, 2022
GreenevilleSun.com
SUN FILE PHOTO
The Thomas Howard Educational Center, located next to the Greene Technology Center on Hal Henard Road, is now a TCAT Service Center, housing the new HVAC program and the existing industrial electricity program. Cosmetology will relocate in the summer.
TCAT Grows In Greene County BY CICELY BABB STAFF WRITER fter plans were set back due to the pandemic, Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Morristown expanded its local footprint in 2021 with the addition of a new refrigeration technology program. TCAT Morristown utilizes the Greene Technology Center (GTC), where it operates college classes after 3:30 p.m. and trains many local high school students enrolled at the technology center through dual enrollment during the school day. The neighboring Thomas Howard McNeese Educational Center is now also serving as a TCAT Service Center, housing the new Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) program. It also now houses the existing industrial electricity program, which relocated into a larger space next-door and will soon also house the cosmetology program. Counselor Sandy Fine said work is on track for the cosmetology class to relocate in May. SUN FILE PHOTO Industrial electricity student Brandon Justice adjusts an LED light he installed in the Thomas Howard McNeese Education Center as instructor Johnny Frank“We’re still working on lin and two students look on. the building as far as renovating and moving walls. We’ll be doing electrical next, and it should be pretty smooth after that,” he said. The additional space for the cosmetology program will allow an additional daytime TCAT program in that building. Cosmetology instructor Kim Brewer said the expansion will also allow more clients to visit, which in turn will give more students more hands-on experience. “That will be a huge benefit,” she said. The new HVAC program is open to adult students in the evenings currently, with plans to allow high school students to take courses through dual enrollment starting in the fall. Cosmetology and industrial electricity are among the existing TCAT course options in Greene County, open to both adult and high school students. Industrial electricity students have gained practical work experience through helping prepare the McNeese building for its new SUN FILE PHOTO purpose.
A
SEE TCAT ON PAGE 3D
Cosmetology instructor Kim Brewer and students Morgan Jackson, Sandi Inscore and Tayan Harris practice with mannequins. Brewer said the added space next door in the T.H. McNeese building will allow more clients to visit.
Benchmarks D Story Index
Benchmarks D Advertisers Index
TCAT Grows In Greene County ............................................................................................ 2 Staffing Issues Plague Ballad As Hospitals Struggle To Keep Up With COVID-19............. 3 Schools Ease Toward Normal In Second Year Of Pandemic ............................................... 4 Greene County Endures COVID-19 Surges And Vaccine Hesitancy In 2021...................... 5 Strong Futures Addiction Rehabilitation Program Opens In Greeneville .......................... 6 Tusculum University Remains Active, Grows In 2021 ........................................................8 Walters State Community College Saw Growth In 2021 ................................................... 10
Ballad Health ..................................................................................................................... 12 Fitness Guide .......................................................................................................................9 Greene County Schools ........................................................................................................ 3 Greeneville City Schools ......................................................................................................8 Life Care Center ................................................................................................................... 7 Morning Pointe Assisted Living ..........................................................................................6 Nursing Home Guide ......................................................................................................... 10 Pharmacy Guide .................................................................................................................11 State of Franklin Healthcare Associates .............................................................................8 Summit Family Medicine .................................................................................................... 3 Summit Urgent Care of Greeneville .................................................................................... 4 Unity Urology ......................................................................................................................6 Walters State Community College ...................................................................................... 5
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 19, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 3D
Staffing Issues Plague Ballad As Hospitals Struggle To Keep Up With COVID-19 BY SPENCER MORRELL STAFF WRITER
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allad Health struggled with staffing in their facilities in 2021 as COVID-19 waves swept through the region in the late summer and winter of 2021 and federal vaccine mandates took effect. With hospitals already facing staffing challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the shortage and accelerated the need for more nurses. Three years ago, before the pandemic, Ballad Health had approximately 350 licensed nursing positions vacant. Two years ago, in the midst of the pandemic, the system had around 475 licensed nursing job openings. In October of 2021, for its current patient volume, Ballad Health had a deficit of about 600 licensed nurses. According information provided by Ballad in October, the COVID-19 pandemic led to frontline clinicians being constantly barraged with surges of COVID-19 patients. The instability and stress led many employees to become burned out and leave their nursing positions. Ballad said that during the winter COVID-19 surge from December 2020 to February 2021, its nursing
Alan Levine
staff was shorthanded but fairly stable. Most hospital needs were being covered. However, as 2021 went on and the delta variant drove a surge of COVID-19 hospitalizations beginning in July, Ballad began to lose nurses who did not want to work at bedsides anymore. At one point during the summer’s delta surge, Ballad saw four or five nurse resignations per week. Trying to keep nurses on staff, Ballad paid out $11.4 million in COVID-19-related pay incentives. Ballad also invested about $18.1 million in pay adjustments for its health care workers. Ballad also committed more than $100 million over 10 years to increase wages for frontline nursing positions. “This investment was one of many steps we took SEE BALLAD ON PAGE 4D
PHOTO COURTESY OF BALLAD HEALTH
Nurse Emily Egan works in the COVID-19 intensive care unite at Holston Valley Medical Center, wearing full personal protective equipment.
TCAT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2D
Instructor Johnny Franklin said his students typically build their own control panels to use as training stations, but such real-life work experience on campus is more of a unique opportunity. As they were working on the HVAC classroom areas in preparation for that course to start in November, Franklin said he and his students had been working on lights and wiring throughout the building. “Normally this would be a job for a maintenance team, but it’s good experience,” he said. Fine said those students are also assisting with the work on the cosmetology classrooms, and plans are on track for that program to begin instruction in its new classroom this summer. Further expansion to TCAT’s local presence could be on the horizon as the Greeneville-Tusculum-Greene County Industrial Development Board considers development of a new facility near the former Greene Valley Developmental Center in Tusculum. “We’re definitely excited about that,” Fine said, adding that the increase in space for TCAT locally would allow the college to add more courses. “We’ll be getting together and looking at how to support citizens of Greene County with any other programs that might be in demand here. We’ll see if we can get some of those programs closer to students here,” he said. The Tennessee Board of Regents, which oversees TCATs among other post-secondary education opportunities, has proposed about $30 million for both construction and equipment. If approved as written the project would be completed by 2025. For more information about TCAT Morristown, visit www.tcatmorristown.edu.
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
TCAT Morristown’s expansion into the Thomas Howard McNeese Educational Center last year provided practical experience for industrial electricity students, who helped work on the building and prepare classrooms for use.
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PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Industrial electricity students work on the Thomas Howard McNeese Educational Center to prepare it to serve as a TCAT Service Center.
Page 4D
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Schools Ease Toward Normal In Second Year Of Pandemic BY CICELY BABB STAFF WRITER
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fter more than a year of pandemic-related disruptions and changes to the educational setting, local schools welcomed students back to a setting more closely resembling pre-pandemic normal in the fall. Both Greene County and Greeneville City school systems altered schedules and teaching formats since the pandemic arrived in Tennessee in 2020, and at the start of 2021, both districts were preparing to expand in-person learning to four days a week. Following changes in state law and a declaration in May by Gov. Bill Lee that the pandemic was no longer an emergency, district leaders announced they were relaxing mask rules, first making them optional outdoors, and that when students returned for the fall 2021 semester, both would operate on a regular full-time schedule, in person, with mask use optional anywhere on school campuses. While contact tracing duties statewide were defaulted to local health departments, the city school board voted in September for the district to resume conducting its own contact tracing and later reversed the decision to comply with state law. Both districts were also granted Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity grants in the amounts of just under $300,000 for Greeneville City and a little under $1.04 million for Greene County. The funds have been supporting in-school COVID-19 testing as well as nursing station renovations. “Our goal is to keep kids in school. They need
SUN FILE PHOTO
Ashley Lawson, right, whose daughter started kindergarten in August, talks with EastView Elementary School secretary Connie Walsh at the start of the school year.
in-person learning,” said Coordinated School Health Supervisor for Greeneville City Schools Jeannie Woolsey, in September when the school board approved a contract for testing services and voted to resume contact tracing for COVID-19 cases as in 2020. “Nothing is perfect, but we need to be as effective as possible. If kids are sick, they need to stay home, and with this grant, all of the testing is free to parents and they don’t have to go somewhere else and pay a copay.” Case numbers in schools, as reported on both districts’ websites each Monday for the previous week, have fluctuated along with surges of cases in the
community, but remained low through the end of the year compared to early 2022, when cases rose to multiple new highs before dropping again. Local school systems also utilized federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding throughout the pandemic, approving plans for the third round of those grants last year. Greeneville City Schools received $4.5 million in ESSER 3.0 funding. Greene County received $14.7 million and was recognized in February for investing at least half of that funding in student achievement, such as through tutoring programs.
SUN FILE PHOTO
Angelina Carlucci takes a photo of her daughter Giana Tobey on her first day of first grade.
BALLAD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3D
to address the national nursing shortage, with the U.S. federal government projecting, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a shortfall of 800,000 nurses in 2020. This particular wage increase applied to a variety of nursing positions, including acute care registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPN), certified nursing assistants (CNAs) whose primary responsibility is direct inpatient care, scrub techs, longterm care LPNs and CNAs, clinic LPNs and certified medical assistants, behavioral health techs and telemetry techs,” Ballad said in a statement. Still Ballad is looking to do more to bring more nurses into its hospitals. “We’ve also focused a great deal of effort in recruiting new team members to Ballad Health, hosting drive-thru job fairs that allow candidates to learn about jobs, apply, be interviewed and receive job offers – all from their vehicles,” Ballad’s statement said. As staffing shortages persisted in 2021, Ballad was forced to pay for expensive contract nurses also known as “travel nurses.” Ballad said in October that prior to the pandemic, the system had fewer than 75 temporary contract nurses filling holes in its usual roster of 3,500 acute care nurses. In August 2020, the number of contract nurses working in Ballad’s system had more than doubled to 150 contract nurses. By August 2021, the number of contract nurses had reached 450. According to Ballad, contract nurses typically work 13-week stretches and previously made double or triple the amount of money permanent staff nurses make. However, as the pandemic progressed through 2021, Ballad was forced to pay travel nurses even more. As hospitals across the country competed for contract nurses to fill their many open jobs, Ballad found itself having to pay
BALLAD HEALTH
National Guard members deployed to Ballad Health hospitals in August to assist amid the COVID-19 delta variant surge are seen at Johnson City Medical Center.
up to seven times as much as it normally would for contract nurses. “With nurses burning out, staying home to care for family or quitting to become contract nurses themselves, Ballad Health has had no choice but to pay the additional wages,” Ballad said in a statement in October. Ballad also required assistance from the National Guard during the delta surge of COVID-19. In August, 20 National Guard members arrived at Johnson City Medical Center to assist medical staff, and in September an additional nine Guard members arrived to help the staff at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport. These National Guard members served in a variety of roles, evenly split between administrative and frontline care. A COVID-19 vaccine mandate through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also applied more pressure to Ballad’s staffing concerns. The mandate forced all health care employees in the United States, which includes all Ballad employees, to be vaccinated against COVID-19. About 63% of Ballad’s employees had been fully vaccinated, and Ballad tried to put off the mandate as long as possible. How-
ever, as the CMS mandate deadline neared, all Ballad employees had to either be vaccinated or receive an exemption from the mandate by Feb. 11 of 2022. While Ballad Chief Executive Officer Alan Levine was initially worried that over 1,000 Ballad employees would have to be terminated only two weeks before the deadline, only 63 Ballad employees were put on unpaid leave as the vaccine deadline passed due to increased vaccinations and a liberal application of exemptions. The health system also enacted crisis staffing in January during the omicron wave of COVID-19 in order to continue providing necessary services. According to comments by Levine in January, a crisis staffing declaration allowed the health system to follow guidance put forth by the Centers for Disease Control to have asymptomatic COVID-19 positive employees come back to work. “Team members who are home, have tested positive, and are asymptomatic are going to be asked to come back to work and help out,” Levine said. “Team members who are positive and symptomatic, must be fever-free without the aid of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours.” Those employees who
were COVID-19 positive and asked to return to work were not allowed to work in oncology departments, NICUs, labor and delivery units, or Niswonger Children’s Hospital. Ballad was able to cease crisis staffing in late February. In an effort to retain and recruit more employees,
particularly nurses, Ballad announced retention initiatives and bonuses in February. The bonus is meant to show appreciation to employees who have worked on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full-time Ballad employees who averaged 60 hours of work per two-week pay
period from July 4, 2021, through Jan. 31 will receive a bonus of $1,250. A $750 portion of the bonus will be paid to those employees in March, with the remaining $500 being paid in July, according to Levine’s message. Part-time Ballad employees will receive a bonus of $625. That bonus will paid in separate installments as well, with $375 being paid in March and $250 being paid in July. In an additional message in February to Ballad employees, Ballad Chief Executive Officer Alan Levine said the health system will invest millions in the expansion of affordable childcare within the system and full scholarships for Ballad employees who pursue higher education in certain clinical disciplines. As Ballad continues to work through staffing shortages, system officials asked for kindness, patience, and understanding. “Above all, please remember to treat health care workers — and everyone around you — with grace and patience as we work through an unprecedentedly difficult time,” Ballad said in a statement in October.
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The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 5D
Greene County Endures COVID-19 Surges And Vaccine Hesitancy In 2021 BY SPENCER MORRELL STAFF WRITER
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ven as COVID-19 vaccines became widely available in 2021, Greene County still endured two record setting COVID-19 waves in the latter part of the year. COVID-19 vaccines became widely available in Greene County in the spring of 2021 and residents lined up at the former Greene Valley Developmental Center to receive their vaccines in a drive-through line. However, as the summer season arrived, the rate at which Greene Countians were getting vaccinated began to taper off. COVID-19 cases levels also began to drop as summer arrived, but low case levels would not last. As the delta variant of COVID-19 swept through the nation, Greene County experienced a spike in COVID-19 cases beginning in late July that culminated in a new daily record for new COVID-19 cases in a day in the county in September. On Sept. 10, Greene County recorded 244 new COVID-19 cases in a single day, which broke the previous single day record of 144 set in December of 2020 according to data provided by the Tennessee Department of Health. As the delta surge began in late July, only about 34% of Greene County residents were fully vaccinated, and Ballad officials sounded the alarm that this low vaccination rate was driving up infections and hospitalizations in the region. On Sept. 8 at the peak of the delta surge, Ballad was caring for a record number of COVID-19 patients with
TENN. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
This graph from the Tennessee Department of Health shows the magnitude of the delta spike of COVID-19 cases in the fall and the omicron spike in the winter compared to the previous lower surge in the winter of 2020. SUN FILE PHOTO
Nurse Practitioner Tenicia Clark draws up a Pfizer vaccine during a clinic for students at Chuckey-Doak High School in May.
413 people in the region being hospitalized with the virus. “The only way to get this to end is to get as many people vaccinated as possible,” Ballad Chief Infection Prevention Officer Jamie Swift said in a September press conference. Ballad reported that 94% of the COVID-19 patients in the hospital in September were unvaccinated. The delta surge did spark a bump in vaccinations in Greene County, and by midway through November, about 43% of the county had become fully vaccinated. That was about a 10% increase in a period of 3 months. COVID-19 cases in the county also began to decline by November, but the arrival of the omicron variant in late December led to the largest and sharpest spike yet in the county’s COVID-19 case levels. According to state data. Greene County recorded
46 new COVID-19 cases on Dec. 20. One month later on Jan. 20, Greene County recorded 308 new COVID-19 cases in a day, breaking the daily record set in September. A record surge of hospitalizations in Ballad facilities quickly followed. By Feb. 7, Ballad was SUN FILE PHOTO caring for 454 COVID-19 patients in its hospitals, and People are seen lined up at a vaccine clinic at the Greene Valley Developmental Center in just as with the delta surge, March of 2021. most of those patients hospitalized with COVID-19 County residents lost their appointment is necessary. statement, while the antiviwere unvaccinated. lives to COVID-19 in 2021 However, those who prefer rals now available may help to make an appointment Ballad was caring for compared to 92 in 2020. treat COVID-19, vaccination can go to vaccinatetn.gov or is the best approach to 434 COVID-19 patients It was also the most call the Health Department prevent infection. on Feb. 9, and 84% of infectious year as both the at 423-798-1749. those patients were delta and omicron variCOVID-19 testing is Adults ages 18 and older unvaccinated. taking place at the counants of the virus exhibited are eligible for all COVID-19 ty Health Department. The omicron surge themselves to be highly vaccines while children receded almost as quickly contagious. PCR testing by a nurse is ages 5 and older are eligible available 8:30-9:30 a.m. as it arrived as only about According to state data, for the Pfizer-BioNTech a month later, COVID-19 Greene County saw 15,352 on Tuesdays. Self-testing COVID-19 vaccine. levels in the county had COVID-19 cases in 2021 kits are available at the The Health Department dropped to the lowest levcompared to 5,641 cases Greene County Health Deis also offering COVID-19 els they had been since late recorded in 2020. partment Monday through vaccine booster shots to The Greene County July 2021. Friday. those who are eligible. It was the deadliest year Health Department at 810 The Health Department According to the Tennes- is open 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. of the pandemic in Greene W. Church St. offers free COVID-19 vaccines. No County as 196 Greene Monday through Friday. see Department of Health
ws.edu
Page 6D
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
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Saturday, March 19, 2022
SUN FILE PHOTO
Ballad’s Senior Director of Addiction Services Dr. Michael Bermes speaks with judges and DAs during a tour of the Strong Futures facility in August.
Strong Futures Addiction Rehabilitation Program Opens In Greeneville BY SPENCER MORRELL STAFF WRITER
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allad Health’s Strong Futures residential rehabilitation program officially opened its doors Sept. 20 in Greeneville. Strong Futures is an addiction rehabilitation program for mothers with children. According to Ballad’s Senior Director of Addiction Services Dr. Michael Bermes, a woman must be a mother to be admitted to the residential program. This also includes stepmothers, pregnant women,
or those who have had their children removed from the home but are working toward the goal of reunification. The program is located on the remodeled fourth floor of the former Takoma Hospital. During a tour of the facility in September, Bermes said it was important that the space feel different than other rehabilitation facilities. The focus is on having the residents feel as independent as possible by being able to do their own laundry and cook for themselves. The fourth floor of the
former hospital was transformed into a residential space for up to 12 women. Of the 12 rooms available, two are suites which have two rooms each, one room for a mother and one for a young child. The other 10 rooms can house a mother and an infant or toddler comfortably. Each of the 12 rooms in the facility has a changing table, a small refrigerator, and a safe for the purpose of securing medication. In the two suites, the child’s bedroom has a bed and a crib. Cribs can also be placed in the other 10 rooms if needed.
Ballad’s Vice-President and CEO of Behavioral Health Services Tammy Albright said in September that keeping mothers and children together is a priority for the program. “We want children to have the best life they can, and we want to give the mothers skills that will help them have a positive impact on the community,” Albright said. Bermes agreed that the emphasis on family is what sets Strong Futures apart from other programs. “This is all about the families,” Bermes said. In addition to residential
rooms, the facility has two dayrooms for the relaxation and rest of the patients. One dayroom is meant for mothers to use mainly by themselves to read and relax. The other dayroom is geared more towards the recreation of children. It contains toys and room for play. Also included on the fourth floor is a large kitchen where instructors from the University of Tennessee Extension Office will come to teach residents how to cook. A laundry facility is also included where residents can do their own laundry as well as a study
room with computers so residents can work toward getting their GEDs or pursue other educational opportunities. There is also a common area where residents can eat and socialize with one another. Albright compared the arrangement to living in a condo or dormitory, and Bermes said Ballad patterned the facility after the Ronald McDonald house in an effort to make the fourth floor of Takoma functional and comfortable. The program was first announced by Ballad in SEE FUTURES ON PAGE 7D
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SUN FILE PHOTO SUN FILE PHOTO
Ballad’s Vice-President and CEO of Behavioral Health Services Tammy Albright shows a playroom designed for the children in the Strong Futures program.
Ballad’s Vice-President and CEO of Behavioral Health Services Tammy Albright shows the new kitchen on the fourth floor of the former Takoma Hospital during a tour of the Strong Futures facility in September.
FUTURES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6D
January 2021, and outpatient services for addicted mothers began in May while renovations to the fourth floor were completed. According to Albright, four women who were being treated as outpatients were able to move into the facility in September. Local judges from around the region toured the facility in August and were impressed with what they saw. Criminal Court Judge Lisa Rice for district 1, which consists of Carter, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties, said she wanted judges across the 10-county service area Strong Futures serves to see the facility and learn about the program when she visited in August. “We are always looking for assistance with housing and treatment programs, and this is a perfect solution for the people who want to change their lives,” Rice said. “We could probably fill it up today.” According to Bermes, one-monthlong recovery programs serve a purpose, but for many they are not effective enough. Mothers can stay at the Strong Futures facility for up to 15 months and children can stay who are 5 or younger. Strong Futures opened last year as part of the Niswonger Children’s Network and has served over 800 women and family members in its first year through its two-generational approach, according to Ballad. The Strong Futures program serves Greene, Carter, Cocke, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties. “Addiction is a cancer to our whole society. It creates disfunction, economic disaster and pain,” Bermes said in September. “It is our duty to provide this service to the community.”
SUN FILE PHOTO
Women in the Strong Futures program will stay in bedrooms such as this one.
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Page 8D
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Saturday, March 19, 2022
GreenevilleSun.com
Tusculum University Remains Active, Grows In 2021 and Nicole Bailey, designed a mural that has been placed in the Greene Couns the first instity YMCA. tution of higher The university has moved education in Ten- forward with two key ininessee, Tusculum tiatives it identified in 2021 University is honored to call – restarting the Tusculum Greene County home and music program and hiring a is proud to continue to play full-time campus minister. a vital role in the strength Tusculum chose Dr. and quality of life in the David Gonzalez as the community. director of bands, and For more than two centu- he has moved swiftly to ries, Tusculum has provided incorporate music into campus life. The Tusculum an outstanding education, Band entertained with its made a significant ecofirst formal performance in nomic impact, attracted December and supported students and faculty from many events, including all corners of the country and world, performed com- Hummel’s inaugural dinner and the Farm to Table dinmunity service, provided culture and entertainment ner during Homecoming. and prepared career-ready Gonzalez also assembled professionals. Even in the the Pep Band, which permidst of the pandemic, formed at home men’s and this past year has been no women’s basketball games. exception. Long-term plans include “We value our engagethe startup of the Pioneer ment with the community Marching Band. and appreciate the support The university is on the verge of hiring a campus we receive in return,” said Tusculum students work on a footbridge during Nettie Day. minister who will build on Dr. Scott Hummel, Tuscuthe university’s Presbyterilum’s president. “We are especially proud of the con- an heritage to help stutributions our faculty, staff dents, faculty and staff grow and students have made to in their faith. This individuunderstanding and serving al will strengthen the caring our county.” Christian environment of In the summer, faculty the university as it minismembers from Tusculum’s ters to all regardless of a History Department emperson’s faith tradition. phasized the importance of Hummel and faculty and Greene County by presentstaff members have worked closely with local churches ing a fascinating six-part series. “A History of Greene to increase their connecCounty in Six Objects” was tions with the university well-received and might be through the “adoption” the largest class ever held of athletic teams, service at Tusculum, with 240 reg- as chapel speakers, and proistrants from the university vision of lunch for new stuand the community. dents and their families in Tusculum student August during the Pioneer Samantha Nelson studied Welcome Orientation Week. burley tobacco’s impact on Now in its 228th year, the identity of the Horse Tusculum remains a Creek community in Greene pioneer in education. A County. As part of an primary example is the update to a 1980s research research undergraduate project on that part of biology and chemistry Greene County, a group students are conducting on of students and faculty anti-cancer drugs. Many members are reaching out faculty members are ento residents in the Horse gaged in research initiatives Creek community to hear as well, and the inclusion of their stories. Furthermore, SEE TUSCULUM ON PAGE 9D The Tusculum Band performs in the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre of Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center. two students, Lilliana Gall
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Saturday, March 19, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 9D
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Tusculum University’s Pep Band performs at a basketball game.
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
From left, Dr. Peter Noll, Maggie Vickers, Samantha Nelson and Dr. Katherine Everhart look at a map of Horse Creek as they explore the community.
TUSCULUM
include a Bachelor of Arts program in arts outreach CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8D administration; a Bachelor of Arts in communication, with concentrations in theatre students demonstrates the and arts outreach adminisimportance the university places on active and experi- tration; a Bachelor of Science program in sport science ential learning. The university continues to pre-physical therapy/occuadd academic programs to its pational therapy; concen60 majors and minors. These trations in historic tourism
and museum studies for a history degree, industrial organization for psychology, museum studies for art and design and mathematics education for grades 6-10 for mathematics; and minors in African-American studies and music. Tusculum also added a Master of Science in entre-
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
The Tusculum Band performs at the Farm to Table event.
preneurial leadership to the College of Business’ graduate roster. During the last two years, Tusculum has introduced 19 new concentrations to its Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees. “The value of a Tusculum education is enormous because of its impact on our students and the commu-
nity,” Hummel said. “Many generous individuals have stepped forward to help our students succeed, and we are grateful for the support. Several donors have recently established scholarships specifically for Greene County students. Others are making it possible to build a new wellness center on
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campus. “We encourage people to continue investing in our students through philanthropy and to remain involved with the university. Working together, we will positively impact the community’s quality of life and equip the next generation of leaders for success.”
Page 10D
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Walters State Community College Saw Growth In 2021
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Nursing Home Guide
BY DEBRA WILLIAMS WALTERS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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alters State Community College celebrated four commencement ceremonies in 2021, awarding 1,320 associate degrees and technical certificates. While ceremonies were socially distanced for safety, students enjoyed the traditional walk across the stage to signify the end of one chapter of life and the beginning of the next. As the pandemic continued, Walters State was challenged to devise new methods for serving students and the community. As a result, the college grew in many new areas that will serve to strengthen its mission for generations to come. The growth of 2021 began with the January opening of the Walters State Newport Center. The center offers both credit and noncredit courses. Through a partnership with the City of Newport, the Cocke County Partnership and the college, the center was able to locate in the historic Tanner Building. Attendance at the center has grown steadily Deidre’ Kyle throughout the year. The college also added an exciting, new program to its list of 150 majors. The Digital Media Program includes visual effects and motion graphics, principles of game design, principles of digital animation and principles of visualization. Students earning the Associate of Science in Digital Media will be able to transfer seamlessly into the bachelor’s program at East Tennessee State University. “This degree began with requests from our stuCandace Justice dents,” Dr. Tony Miksa, president of Walters State, said. “The skills learned through this degree are needed in the workplace and our students are excited about meeting that need.” Digital media degrees often lead to careers as special effects artists, animators, modelers, game designers and in fields such as public relations and marketing. Walters State’s apprenticeship program grew as more employers became interested in this unique training model. The Division of Workforce Training worked with the Tennessee Department of Labor to launch apprenticeship programs in the previous year. Students learn through noncredit courses, credit courses and onthe-job experience. Students are considered full-time employees and receive pay during the training. Many apprentices move into leadership roles after graduation. Manufacturing and hospitality are two areas where apprenticeships are gaining in popularity. Walters State employees were recognized for excellence. Deidre’ Kyle, director of student success and recruitment for the Niswonger Campus, was one of 21 educators in Tennessee to be named a Maxine Smith Fellow. The Maxine Smith Fellows program provides professional development, training and advancement opportunities for participants from traditionally underrepresented groups at Tennessee’s locally governed public universities and the community and technical colleges governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents. Members meet monthly for a year. “I am very excited to part of the 2021-2022 Maxine Fellows Program class,” Kyle said. “Our focus for the next year is increasing the success rate of Black males. I am looking forward to growing my leadership abilities and I also hope to see personal growth.” “Most of all, I hope to be able to share what I learn with my co-workers at Walters State. People helped me along my way through college and I want to use what I know to help others.” Candace Justice, director of instructional design at the college, was named the SOAR (Statewide Outstanding Achievement and Recognition) Community College Faculty Member of the Year. The award is given by the Tennessee Board of Regents. Justice trains faculty members in online and other nontraditional delivery methods. Justice’s department trained over 1,000 faculty members when the college had to move all classes online. “Community colleges offer education to a variety of students,” Justice said. “We are able to make a college education affordable for many. As an instructor here, I have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on students and that’s why I teach here.” International and cultural events remained popular with both students and community members. Many became virtual events, enabling a completely new audience to enjoy productions. The popular “Mildred Haun Conference” became a virtual conference in February 2021. Events were held throughout the month with attendees watching from other countries and throughout the United States. Acclaimed author Dr. Karen Saylors McElmurray delivered the keynote speech. The conference returned to the first weekend of February in 2022. The conference honors the late Mildred Haun, author of “The Hawk’s Done Gone,” and celebrates Appalachian literature, scholarship and culture. The Walters State Student Gallery exhibit was also SEE GROWTH ON PAGE 11D
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423.753.8711 1101 Persimmon Ridge Road Jonesborough, TN 37659
Celebrating 70 Years C For Tours, Information, Or Referrals, Contact: Tessa Woods, Patient Liaison
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 19, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 11D
GROWTH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10D
moved online. Future student exhibits may offer both an online presence and the traditional viewing in the Catron Art Gallery. Choral and theatrical performances also returned to the stage, as did many of the college’s bands. Due to the nature of instruction, some programs could not be moved online. Graduates of these programs proved key to East Tennessee’s successful response to COVID-19. Four classes graduated from the Walters State Basic Law Enforcement Academy, which is located on the Niswonger Campus. Classes in nursing, occupational therapy assistant, physical therapist assistant and respiratory care continued in Greeneville with support from clinical locations across the region. Registration for summer and fall semester begins April 4. For more information, email Senators Central at senatorscentral@ ws.edu.
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
The Walters State Community College Niswonger Campus in Greeneville is seen in this aerial photo.
Pharmacy Guide
Shelly Lewis Voted Best Pharmacist
Melissa Hughes Voted Best Pharmacy Tech
Count on us for all of your prescription and over-the-counter health care needs. Fast, friendly, reliable service when you need it most. Alan Corley and Jeff Ward
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PHARMACY 1004 Snapps Ferry Road Greeneville, TN 37745 (423) 638-7552 www.corleyspharmacy.com
511 Asheville Hwy. West Greene Shopping Center (423) 639-5155 www.atchleydrugcenter.com
Page 12D
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Accepting new patients. Start a lasting relationship with one of our experienced primary care providers. Tennessee Northeast Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine 350 Blountville Highway, Suite 106 Bristol tel 423.968.2446 • Grat Correll, MD • Michelle Pate, NP Ballad Health Medical Associates Internal Medicine 350 Blountville Highway, Suite 205 Bristol tel 423.968.6650 • Brenda Jessee, NP Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine 308 Eighth Street Bristol tel 423.844.6860 • Jared Hess, DO • Kayla Yates, PA Ballad Health Medical Associates Internal Medicine 1 Medical Park Blvd., Suite 200 E Bristol tel 423.844.5100
Northwest Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics 2204 Pavilion Drive, Suite 310 Kingsport tel 423.224.3900 • Sam Sadeghi, MD • Jane Williams, NP • Monna Nelms, NP
Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine and Internal Medicine 111 W. Stone Drive, Suite 200 Kingsport tel 423.723.2030 • Esther Ajjarapu, MD • Lilliana Murillo, MD • Sara Ball, NP • Brooke Gibson, NP • Shayla Kilgore, NP • Kourtney Oggero, NP • Jennifer Wright, NP Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine 2204 Pavilion Drive, Suite 200 Kingsport tel 423.224.3300 • Brittany Landore, DO • Wayne Smith, DO • Lisa Cook, NP • Mitzi Musick, NP Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine 405 Scenic Drive, Suite B Rogersville tel 423.272.2111 • Crystal Stiltner, DO • Brooke Carver, NP • Stephanie Cooper, NP • David Saunders, NP • Christie Woodward, NP Ballad Health Rural Health Clinic Sneedville, a department of Hancock County Hospital 1519 Main Street Sneedville tel 423.733.5070 • Lisa Gunter, FNP
Southern Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine 1497 W. Elk Avenue, Suite 21 Elizabethton tel 423.542.7420 • Megan Johnson, MD • James Shipley, MD • Jessica O’Dell, NP Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine and Internal Medicine 1505 W. Elk Avenue, Suite 2 Elizabethton tel 423.543.1261 • Sabaina Arshad, MD • Ryan Hackett, MD • Craig Schmalzried, MD • Prabha Long, NP Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine 2030 Temple Hill Road, Suite B Erwin tel 423.735.4080 • Katie Edwards, NP Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine and Pediatrics 115 Judge Gresham Road Gray tel 423.477.2010 • Melanie Davis, NP • Wanda Jarrett, FNP Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine 438 E. Vann Road, Suite 100 Greeneville tel 423.278.1700 • Amanda Herrell, DO • Benjamin Morgan, DO • Wesley Cook, PA-C • Josh Stone, PA
Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine and Internal Medicine 438 E. Vann Road, Suite 200 Greeneville tel 423.278.1856 423.636.9828 • Debra Lewis, DO • Margeaux Clements, NP Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine 378 Marketplace Blvd., Suite 10 Johnson City tel 423.433.6370 • Rita Plemmons, MD • Aimee Hurd, NP • Page McClanahan, NP Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine and Internal Medicine 1021 W. Oakland Avenue, Suite 301 Johnson City tel 423.952.8000 • Nathan Elliott, DO • Ambreen Warsy, MD Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine and Internal Medicine 701 Med Tech Parkway, Suite 401 Johnson City tel 423.631.0646 • Paul Lange, MD • Bethany Teilhet, NP • Rekha Kadam, NP Ballad Health Rural Health Clinic Johnson County a department of Johnson County Community Hospital 1901 S. Shady Street Mountain City tel 423.727.1103 • Lindsey Yoggerst, NP
Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine East – Greeneville 1404 Tusculum Blvd., Suite 2200 Greeneville tel 423.783.5520 • Jessi Bennett, PA • Valerie Mullins, PA
Virginia Northeast Mountain Laurel Internal Medicine 611 Campus Drive, Suite 200 Abingdon tel 276.258.4920 • Internal medicine residents Ballad Health Medical Associates Internal Medicine 16000 Johnston Memorial Drive Suite 213 Abingdon tel 276.258.2600 • Jessica Evans DO • Nathan Hitchcock, NP Primary Care Center Abingdon Physician Partners Dr. S. Hughes Melton Family Medicine Residency Program 613 Campus Drive, Suite 200 Abingdon tel 276.628.1186 • Sherry Barrett, NP • Family medicine residents Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine 24530 Falcon Place Blvd., Suite 201 Abingdon tel 276.619.3801 • Kellie Blackwell, DO • Charise Battel, NP Ballad Health Medical Associates Internal Medicine 603 Campus Drive, Suite 100 Abingdon tel 276.628.4406 • Eleanor Hess, NP • Sarah Johnson, NP Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine 250 Stagecoach Road Bristol tel 276.466.0584 • Sally Lively, NP • Amanda Combs, NP
Emory Internal Medicine Abingdon Physician Partners 12180 Alder Street Emory tel 276.695.0205 • Brenna Hinchey, NP Ballad Health Rural Health Clinic Glade Spring a department of Smyth County Community Hospital 636 S. Monte Vista Drive Glade Spring tel 276.429.5163 • Blakeley Lewis, NP • Deborah Hassebrock, NP Ballad Health Rural Health Clinic – Lebanon, a department of Russell County Hospital 344 Overlook Drive, Suite 100 Lebanon tel 276.883.8042 fax 276.883.8044 • Emily Crabtree, NP • Kelsey McCoy, PA Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine 7021 W. Lee Highway, Suite C Rural Retreat tel 276.686.4148 • Cassidy Hensley, NP • Jan D. Rasnake, NP Ballad Health Rural Health Clinic St. Paul, a department of Russell County Hospital 16431 Wise Street St. Paul tel 276.762.2300 • Candice Bolling, PA
Northwest Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine and Internal Medicine 323 Cloverleaf Square, Suite 1 Big Stone Gap tel 276.523.6715 • Christopher Basham, MD • Lauren Burns, DO • Samantha Addison, NP • Nicholas Sluss, PA • Karen Stallard, NP • Christy Swinney, NP
Ballad Health Medical Associates Internal Medicine and Pediatrics 338 Coeburn Ave. SW Norton tel 276.679.0800 • Samuel Deel, DO • Morgan Powers, NP • Melinda Wright, NP Community Clinic 96 15th Street NW, Suite 111 Norton tel 276.439.1871 • Bernie Sergent, DO • Internal medicine residents
Dickenson Medical Associates Critical access department of Dickenson Community Hospital 364 Hospital Drive Clintwood tel 276.926.0200 • Heather Blair, NP • Tristan Yates, NP
Community Physicians 1490 Park Avenue NW, Suite 4A Norton tel 276.679.8890 • James Wilson, MD • Christina Hammonds, NP • Sierra Morgan, NP
Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine 203 Front Street Coeburn tel 276.395.8293 • Kathi Price, NP • Brooke Mays, NP
Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine and Internal Medicine 127 Health Care Drive, Suite 8 Pennington Gap tel 276.546.5212 • Robin Butler, NP • Stephanie Purvis, NP
Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine and Internal Medicine 32576 Wilderness Road Jonesville tel 276.346.1137 • Robin Linda Butler, NP
Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine 417 W. Main Street Wise tel 276.328.7071 • Michael Wheatley, MD • Brooke Swiney, NP
Ballad Health Medical Associates Family Medicine 295 Wharton Lane Norton tel 276.679.0321 • Kyle Ward, DO • Ashley McGuire, DO • Alli Delp, DO • Family medicine residents
balladhealth.org
SECTION E
COMMUNITY
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition March 26, 2022
Page 2E
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Saturday, March 26, 2022
GreenevilleSun.com
Devils Win First Basketball State Title
T
he Greeneville boys basketball team, and North Greene boys and girls basketball teams got things rolling in the year in sports with all three reaching state tournaments in March of 2021 at MTSU in Murfreesboro.
GREENEVILLE BOYS Senior Connor DeBusk knocked down a 3-pointer with 12 seconds to play, lifting the Greeneville Greene Devils to a 47-46 win over Jackson South Side in the Class 2A state championship game. Reid Satterfield fired a pass to the left corner. And DeBusk, standing open in front of Greeneville’s bench, launched without hesitation to give the Devils their first state title. “It’s something every little kid dreams of, to hit that final shot. This feels amazing,” DeBusk said after the game. “I had confidence it was going in, and when it went through the net it was like a burst of energy came out of me. It was so exciting. “Last year when COVID canceled the tournament, we made the decision that we are coming back and we are going to win this thing. That’s what we did. It’s great to do it with these guys, and I hope they do it again next year.” DeBusk, a senior, had grown up watching Greeneville basketball. His dad, Doug, was a standout for the Greene Devils, as was SUN FILE PHOTO Greeneville’s Connor DeBusk (center) raises the Class 2A state championship trophy on March 20, 2021, after the Greene Devils beat Jackson South Side his older brother Dylan. His uncle, Frankie, played 47-46 for the program’s first state championship. on the Devils’ 1986-87 state semifinal team, what many believe to be Greeneville’s best team. With the final shot of his high school career, Connor ended that debate. “I’m still trying wrap my head around it,” DeBusk said. “Me and uncle Frankie have gone back and forth on who has the better team. But it really feels special to bring this program its first state championship.” DeBusk’s game-clinching triple was the only 3-pointer the senior point guard made all tournament. “Connor has the same mentality year round,” Greeneville coach Brad Woolsey said following the SUN FILE PHOTO SUN FILE PHOTO North Greene’s Breezy Savage (right) fist bumps with assistant coach Kurt Glover prior to the North Greene’s Chriss Schultz (33) shoots over Clay Coungame. “Whether it’s the ty’s Keaton Arms in the 2021 Class A state tournament 2021 Class A state tournament championship game in Murfreesboro. weight room, open gym or championship game. a game, his effort and exeThe loss ended the most years. 16 percent from the field cution is always there. It’s seniors – Breezy Savage, successful season in Husky “I think we all came tothrough three quarters, Basketball finalist or kids crazy to me that he hit the Haleigh Bernard, Natausha basketball history as they with Division I offers. But shot. He was the guy and gether this season,” Camp- and despite a valiant push Harmon and Emma Southadvanced to the state semi- bell said following the late fell 49-41 to Summerwe are a scrappy bunch, a he knocked it down. For tough-nosed group. They me to see all of the work finals for the third time and game. “I’d call it legendary. town in the semifinals of erland – finished their play together and it’s been careers at North Greene come together and for him finished with a program the Class A state tournaIt’s been a special year for an absolute joy to coach to step up on the biggest best 33 wins. us. With everything we with 106 wins. ment. them this year.” stage, in the biggest game “It says a lot about these were facing coming into North Greene junior “I have to give a lot of The loss ended the secis unreal.” kids to get here,” Tarlton the year, to be able to make credit to these girls for not Brooklyn Anderson finSatterfield led Greensaid following the game. it this far as seniors was giving up and showcasond-most successful season ished the semifinal with “We didn’t even know really special to us.” in program history as the ing a lot of fight,” North 21 points, five rebounds eville with 19 points while if were going to get to Chriss Schultz, a German Greene coach James Lady Huskies advanced to and three assists. It was going 11-for-12 at the play this year. We went exchange student led North Buchanan said following the state semifinals for just her second big game of the free-throw line. Ja’Kobi through a lot of protocols Greene with 19 points and the second time. In 2011, the game. “We were untournament. Gillespie put in 17 points and changes to what they 15 rebounds. North Greene advanced Shelby Davenport, andersized today. We don’t and grabbed seven reare used to. To have a “This year has meant a carry around the accolades to the state championship other North Greene junior, bounds. DeBusk finished school record in wins in lot to me,” Schultz said. “In these other schools do. game. finished with 11 points and with seven points, three this type of year says a lot Germany they haven’t got- We don’t have the Miss The Lady Huskies’ four five rebounds. assists and three steals. about these kids. I couldn’t ten to play basketball. To All 3 were named to the Class 2A State Tournament be more proud of these be a part of this team and seniors. I came in four All-Tournament Team as this community has meant years ago, and this is the the Devils wrapped up a a lot to me.” first group I have seen all 32-6 season. Campbell was also in the way through. I’m sure Gillespie was a finalist double figures with 10 for Mr. Basketball in Class going to miss them.” points. A Services Group, LLC ........................................................................................................17 North Greene’s five 2A. Clay County’s Grant Apartment Guide ...............................................................................................................23 seniors – Carson Whaley, Strong poured in a gameApex Bank .......................................................................................................................... 13 Cayden Foulks, Chance high 32 points and was NORTH GREENE BOYS Campbell, Kendal Loftis later named Mr. Basketball Assisted Living Guide ..........................................................................................................4 and Shane Cooter – finin Class A. The North Greene HusBuilding & Construction Guide ..................................................................................10 & 11 kies reached the semifinals ished their careers as Century 21/Mike McNeese ..................................................................................................8 of the Class A state tourna- the winningest class in NORTH GREENE GIRLS City of Tusculum ..................................................................................................................6 ment before falling to Clay North Greene history with County Officials Guide ......................................................................................................... 3 County, 65-49. 107 wins over their four North Greene shot just Dental Guide ...................................................................................................................... 21 Doughty Stevens Funeral Home ....................................................................................... 13 Eastman Credit Union .......................................................................................................24 Greeneville Federal Bank ...................................................................................................17 Greeneville Real Estate & Auction Team .......................................................................... 12 Devils Win First Basketball State Title ................................................................................ 2 Health & Wellness Guide ........................................................................................... 14 & 15 Football Teams Somewhat Return To Normalcy................................................................. 3 Lawn & Landscape Guide .................................................................................................. 16 South’s Volleyball Title Highlights Fall Sports .................................................................... 5 Legacy Fine Jewelers 1 .........................................................................................................9 Greene County Well Represented At Spring Fling .............................................................. 7 Legal Guide ..........................................................................................................................9 Flyboys’ First Season A Huge Success ................................................................................. 9 Link Hills Country Club ....................................................................................................... 7 Past Year A Busy One For Rural Resources ....................................................................... 13 Lynn Hope Towing .............................................................................................................. 5 Tusculum Arts Outreach Program Sees Leadership Change............................................. 14 McInturff, Milligan & Brooks, Inc. .................................................................................... 12 NPAC Again Hosting Well-Attended Shows ...................................................................... 16 Mosheim Guide ..................................................................................................................22 Greeneville Theatre Guild Continues To Thrive, Plans For Future ...................................17 Pool Guide ............................................................................................................................4 Capitol Theatre Got Upgrades In 2021, Has Full Schedule ............................................... 18 Recreational Guide ............................................................................................................22 Partnership Continued Supporting Businesses, Community In 2021 .............................. 19 State Farm/Lisa Crum .........................................................................................................8 Greeneville Light And Power System Approved Broadband Project In 2021 ...................20 Tusculum University ......................................................................................................... 19 Greene County Landmarks Got A Touch-Up In 2021 .......................................................20 Veterinarian Guide ............................................................................................................ 18 Greeneville Airport Introduced New Ways To Fuel Up In 2021 ....................................... 23 Wine & Spirits Guide ......................................................................................................... 16
Benchmarks E Advertisers Index
Benchmarks E Story Index
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 3E
Football Teams Somewhat Return To Normalcy BY SAM BUNDY
loss. Petersen had three sacks and broke up two passes with four quarterback hurries.
SPORTS EDITOR
A
fter having to overcome significant challenges like limited summer workouts and no scrimmages due to the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020, high school football teams somewhat returned to normalcy in the fall of 2021.
CHUCKEY-DOAK
GREENEVILLE With a high-powered offense and a stingy defense, the Greeneville Greene Devils went 12-1 and were ranked No. 1 in Class 4A most of the season before falling 13-7 to the Elizabethton Cyclones in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs at a jam-packed Burley Stadium. “This one will hurt for a long time,” Greeneville coach Eddie Spradlen said after the game. Prior to its season-ending loss, Greeneville had scored 658 points – the most in the state – and had done it nearly every way imaginable on offense, defense and special teams. And that was with its starters rarely playing after halftime. Elizabethton had lost to Greeneville 42-12 at home during the regular season, but the Cyclones came to Burley with a game plan to control the clock and keep the ball away from the Devils’ offensive stars. And that’s just what the Cyclones did. To near perfection. Elizabethton did it on the strong, durable legs of senior quarterback Bryson
SUN FILE PHOTO
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN/DANNY DAVIS, CARTER COUNTY SPORTS
Greeneville senior running back Mason Gudger was a Class 4A Mr. Football finalist in 2021.
Chuckey-Doak sophomore running back Brasen Murvin (13) was an all-state selection in 2021.
Rollins, who frustrated Greeneville with short runs that were just enough to keep the Greene Devils’ defense on the field more than their big-play offense. Rollins grinded out 200 yards on 38 carries, or a little over 5 yards each time he took off. With Elizabethton winning time of possession 29:28 to 18:32, the potent Greeneville offense tallied just 89 rushing yards and 220 net yards. “We just couldn’t finish on offense,” Spradlen said. “We had some opportunities. We had a touchdown called back (due to a penalty) there early and that
Belmont University before being named Mr. Basketball in Class 3A. And Gudger, Gillespie, lineman Rashard Claridy and linebacker Anthony Petersen were named to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association Class 4A all-state team. Gudger, Gillespie and Claridy were also named to the Tennessee Football Coaches Association Class 4A All-State team. Gudger averaged 9.4 yards per carry and finished the year with 1,621 and 30 touchdowns. With 265 yards receiving and 124 kick return yards, Gudger finished his senior
hurt. We just could not get our defense off the field.” While Greeneville’s season ended earlier than expected, there were plenty of positives. The Devils won their first region championship since 2018. Senior running back Mason Gudger was named a Class 4A football finalist before signing with Georgetown University and senior receiver Ja’Kobi Gillespie had a breakout season while receiving D-I offers from Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech. Gillespie passed on the football offers and signed to play basketball at
year with 2,010 all-purpose yards. Gillespie had 892 yards and 11 touchdowns receiving, while making 29 total tackles, breaking up 11 passes, recovering two fumbles, intercepting two passes and scoring twice defensively. Claridy posted 52 total stops on defense, 13 for loss and three sacks. He also caused two fumbles, broke up a pass and was credited 10 quarterback hurries. Petersen recorded 109 total tackles, second only to sophomore Amanuel Dickson, while posting a team-high 19 stops for
After leading Chuckey-Doak to a 6-5 record that included a 40-35 season-ending loss to Gatlinburg-Pittman in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs, coach Matt Ripley resigned, citing family matters. “... This was a huge step of faith as all I’ve known for nearly 20 years as a player and coach is CD football. The decision was heavy, but necessary as Brooke and I continue our journey to add to our family,” Ripley wrote on Twitter. Ripley played and coached at Chuckey-Doak for 16 years. He replaced Ben Murphy as the Black Knights’ coach in April. Murphy had coached the Black Knights 18 of the previous 19 seasons, taking 2012 off, and retired as the winningest coach in program history. Chuckey-Doak sophomore running back Brasen Murvin was named to the Tennessee Football Coaches Association Class 3A All-State team after running for 1,472 yards and 16 touchdowns. He averaged 7.7 yards per carry and 163.6 yards per game while cracking the 100-yard mark in six of the nine games he played.
NORTH GREENE Under first-year coach Eric SEE FOOTBALL ON PAGE 4E
County Officials Guide Assessor of Property
Sheriff
Wesley Holt I am honored to serve as your Greene County Sheriff. The men and women of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office are committed to the protection of life and property among the citizens of the county, and are committed to providing law enforcement, corrections, and criminal justice services through a partnership with the community that builds trust, reduces crime, creates a safe environment, and enhances the quality of life. I welcome your comments or questions and have an open door policy.
You may contact me at 423-798-1800 or email: wholt@greenetnso.org
Chuck Jeffers Our obligation in the Greene County Assessor’s Office is to be fair and unbiased to all citizens of Greene County. We strive to maintain our efficiency and constantly improve our level of professionalism so that we may better serve you. Our office staff are proficient, knowledgeable, experienced, and friendly professionals ready to assist you. Any time you have a question about an assessment or any other issue pertaining to county property, please give us a call. Or, you are always welcome to come by and pay us a visit in Suite 222 of the Courthouse Annex between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Contact me at 423-798-1738 204 North Cutler Street, Suite 222, Greeneville, TN 37745
Circuit Court Clerk Chris Shepard The Circuit Court Clerk serves as a clerk for the Circuit, Criminal, General Sessions, & Juvenile Courts. The Circuit Court Clerk also serves as the Jury Coordinator & ADA Coordinator. It’s an honor getting to serve the people of the community I love. My goal from the start has been to prepare our judicial system for the future, while also being a good steward of the tax payers’ money. I have a dedicated and forward-thinking staff that works diligently with me to achieve those goals.
101 South Main Street, Suite 302, Greeneville, TN In the Greene County Courthouse Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-4:30 PM
County Clerk
Lori Bryant • Motor Vehicle Registration available at the kiosk in the County Clerk’s Office. • Offering Vehicle Registration Mobile Service at the locations of Mosheim, Tusculum, Baileyton Town Halls, and Camp Creek Ruritan Memorial Park Pavilion. • Motor Vehicle Licensing. • Business Tax Help Desk for electronic filing through The Department of Revenue. • Prints titles for the State of Tennessee Department of Revenue. • Issues marriage licenses. • Issues on-premises and off-premises permits to sell beverages in unincorporated areas of the county. • Collects occupancy tax. • Issues Business Tax licenses. • Minutes for County Commission meetings. • Online Services. • Partnering with the Department of Safety Drivers License Services with a new service available in renewing Drivers License & also issuing duplicate Drivers License to the Greene County citizens. • “New Service” through the County Clerk partnering with the Department of Safety, which is the Handgun Permit Renewals and the new REAL ID in which a Gold Star can be placed on your Driver’s License for boarding an airplane or entering a Federal Buildings. Contact me at 798-1708 or
798-1775
“Thank You For Allowing Me To Serve The Citizens of Greene County”
(423) 798-1760
Road Superintendent
Greene County Trustee
Kevin Swatsell
Nathan R. Holt
It is my honor to serve the people of Greene County. Our department is working hard to meet infrastructure needs by focusing on hard work and intentional budgeting. The safety and advancement of the highway system in Greene County is our top priority. Thanks again for the opportunity to serve.
Contact me at 423.798.1745
County Mayor
Kevin Morrison The County Mayor is the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer of the County. The County Mayor primarily serves in a role of leadership, influence, and executive function for the entire County and directly manages several County departments. The County Mayor leads, directs, and/or influences: • Local Economic Development • County Budget/Financial Management • Overall Governmental Vision, Direction, and Function • Departmental Management, Policy, and Leadership It is the honor and privilege of my life to serve you. I will ensure that we (your local government) work hard every day to be responsive in our duty to you, and responsibly and judiciously use our tax dollars to make Greene County the best place to live, work, and play.
204 N. Cutler Street, Suite 206, Greeneville, TN
(423) 798-1766
The trustee serves as the county’s banker and treasurer. The three major functions of the trustee’s office are: (1) Collecting the county’s property taxes; (2) Accounting for and disbursing county funds; and (3) Investing temporarily idle county funds. The trustee’s office takes pride in providing Greene County citizens with professional,courteous, customer-focused service in an efficient manner. If we can be of service to you, please come see us or give us a call at 423-798-1705. Remember, we work for you!
Page 4E
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
SUN FILE PHOTO
West Greene kicker Blair Shelton (3) prepares to kick a field goal via the hold by Ethan Turner. Shelton was an all-state selection in 2021.
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN/MATT LAWS, CARTER COUNTY SPORTS
South Greene senior quarterback Luke Myers was a Class 2A Mr. Football semifinalist in 2021.
SUN FILE PHOTO
SUN FILE PHOTO
North Greene football coach Eric Tilson directs a practice in 2021. In Tilson’s first year, the Huskies clinched their first playoff berth since 2011.
Greeneville’s Ja’Kobi Gillespie was an all-state receiver in 2021.
FOOTBALL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3E
Tilson, the Huskies posted a 3-8 record, reaching the postseason for the eighth time in program history and first time since 2011. “Our kids believe now, which I think is the biggest thing,” Tilson said after a season-ending loss at Coalfield in the first round of the playoffs. “They think they deserve to be on the field with any team they play against.”
SOUTH GREENE Quarterback Luke Myers guided the Rebels to their third outright region championship in four years with a 9-3 record. He completed 72% of his passes (157-of-220) for 2,848 yards and 33 touchdowns against just four interceptions, while rushing for a team-best 562 yards and 11 scores. Myers was a Class 2A Mr. Football semifinalist in 2021 and a finalist in 2020, and he was named to the Tennessee Sports
Writers Association and Tennessee Football Coaches Association AllState teams for the second straight year. Myers also recorded 30 total stops on defense, including one tackle for loss. He was also the Rebels’ punter, averaging 35.1 yards a kick. In his final game on Rebel Hill – a 35-21 loss to Oneida in the second round of the playoffs – Myers completed 13-of-22 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns, hitting Chandler Fillers six times for 176 yards. Myers and his senior teammates went 39-11 over their four years at South Greene. “I just want them to remember how special it is … now they’ve got to go do life. Hopefully the last four years have taught them a few things about life,” South Greene coach Shawn Jones said after the season-ending loss to Oneida. “They started that culture when they were freshmen. Now it’s on us to keep it going.”
WEST GREENE The Buffaloes posted a 4-6 record, including a 2120 loss at Pigeon Forge in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs. In the season-ending loss, West Greene’s Ethan Turner turned in a monster defensive performance. He had a 51-yard fumble recovery for a score and had two huge stops in the first half as he had a tackle for loss of 2 yards on the last play of the first quarter and then had a
stop on fourth down to kill a Pigeon Forge drive on the first play of the second quarter. Turner also caught a touchdown pass that pulled the Buffaloes within 21-20 late in the contest. He finished with 97 receiving yards on five receptions. “Ethan played his guts out on both sides of the football. He has been great all year and is having big nights every night for us,” West Greene coach Scotty
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Verran said following the season-ending loss. West Greene senior kicker Blair Shelton repeated as Region 1-3A Specialist of the Year and was named to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association Class 3A All-State team. Shelton hit 24-of-24 extra points and 6-of-9 field goals, including a school-record 46-yard try at Union County. His average field goal made covered 39.3 yards, and his average punt went 40.4
yards. Shelton’s two field goals against North Greene are a West Greene single-game record, and his six field goals tied the school season mark. It’s not Shelton’s first All-State honor. The Tennessee High School Soccer Coaches Association named Shelton to its Class A All-State team in Spring 2021, making Shelton the first soccer player in West Greene history to earn AllState recognition.
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 5E
South’s Volleyball Title Highlights Fall Sports BY SAM BUNDY SPORTS EDITOR
W
ith South Greene winning its first volleyball state championship, Greeneville and Chuckey-Doak reaching soccer state semifinals, and a couple local golfers reaching state tournaments, the fall of 2021 was another banner season for local sports teams.
VOLLEYBALL Having been a state runner-up five times, the South Greene Lady Rebels volleyball team defeated two-time defending state champion Summertown 25-23, 16-15, 16-25, 25-15, 15-13 to win the Class A state championship on Oct. 22 at Siegel High School in Murfreesboro. Backed into a corner after three sets, South Greene (41-4) came out swinging to begin the fourth. The Lady Rebels trailed just one more time, 10-9 in the fifth set. But even that didn’t last, thanks to an Addison Williams kill. Ava Clark, whose push got South Greene to match SUN FILE PHOTO point, provided the winning South Greene players hoist the trophy after winning their first Class A state championship on Oct. 22. point. Her spike from the right side landed just inside of us right now.” Page escaped 1-0 in the TSthe back left corner for the Sydney Gentry, a twoSAA state semifinal round 15-13 win. It was Clark’s time All-State setter, tallied on Oct. 28 at Chattanooga ninth kill of the match. 52 assists and seven digs in Christian School. “Everybody got their mon- her last high school match. The Lady Patriots (19-3-1) Fellow senior Ashlynn King took four shots in the first ey’s worth,” South Greene added three kills, with Lexie 23 minutes to start the coach Stephen Gregg said second half, one of which following the match. “There Miller adding five digs. All Mikayla Weems saved. was a lot of bad momentum three along with Williams ended their high school volBut Page finally capitalagainst us, but the girls found it in the fourth, and leyball careers with Friday’s ized in the 65th minute. carried it into the fifth.” Abigail Thornton freed herstate championship. Junior outside hitter self inside the box just long Macey Snapp tallied 31 Jordyn Roderick led South enough to get a good look, digs, and Emma Cutshall Greene with 22 kills and and she struck the ball low served three aces while nine digs and was named and away into the left corner matching Aydan Dyer with tournament MVP. for the winning score. six digs. “I’m in complete shock. I “The effort was there,” did not think this was posGreeneville coach Jerry GIRLS SOCCER Graham said following the sible,” Roderick said of her match. “These girls played The Greeneville Lady accolade. “I could not have SUN FILE PHOTO done this without my team. Devils’ bid for three consec- their rears off, couldn’t be Greeneville’s Anna Johnson (33) fights for possession against Page’s Hayley Zehnder during I’m so glad we finally made utive Class 2A state chamSEE FALL ON PAGE 6E a semifinal match of the Class 2A girls soccer state tournament on Oct. 28. some history. Really proud pionships came up short, as
“We Doze But Never Close”
Page 6E
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Saturday, March 26, 2022
GreenevilleSun.com
FALL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5E
more proud of them. We just didn’t combine today like we have in the past, and a lot of that was due to what Page was doing.” Greeneville’s Annemarie Konieczny nearly found the equalizer with 1:02 showing on the clock. Delana DeBusk had crossed the ball toward the top of the 18, and Konieczny’s shot nearly found its target, bouncing off the crossbar. The Lady Devils, who entered having outscored opponents 55-2 in the postseason, finished with a 15-9 record. In Class A, Chuckey-Doak reached the Class A state tournament for the third time in school history and finished with a 3-0 loss to Merrol Hyde in the semifinals. Sydney Arreza found the back of the net twice for the Lady Hawks (17-2-1), who owned a 21-1 advantage in total shots taken. Twelve of those shots were on goal, with senior Breanna Roberts making nine saves in her final Chuckey-Doak match. Marci Merrill, a two-time All-State selection, also saw her high school career end with the loss. She finished the season with 42 goals. “Obviously, it’s not the result we wanted, but I’m so stinking proud of these girls,” Chuckey-Doak coach Anna Ricker said following the match. “We’re incredibly young except those two seniors, and those two seniors are amazing soccer players, amazing young ladies, amazing students.” Chuckey-Doak finished the year 17-4-1 overall, winning its first region title since 2005.
SUN FILE PHOTO
Chuckey-Doak’s Marci Merrill (29) tries to turn against a Merrol Hyde defender in the semifinals of the Class A state tournament on Oct. 28.
GOLF North Greene High School junior Aidan Collier shot a two-day score of 11-under-par 133 at the TSSAA Class A state golf tournament Oct. 7-8 at Sevierville Golf Club. Collier’s total tied him for the eighth lowest score in state tournament history. With a birdie on the par-5 18th hole, Cascade’s Evan Woosley-Reed claimed his third straight TSSAA state championship with a two-day total 132. Collier didn’t make it easy, though. His bogey-free second round consisted of seven birdies, including four in a five-hole stretch between 13-17. He made three straight birdies from 15-17, the last two gaining a stroke on Woosley-Reed and pulling Collier even as they began Hole 18. Collier also finished state runner-up in 2019 at Willowbrook, and has earned All-State three times. North Greene senior Rickey Compton, who qualified for the state tournament all four years of his high school career, tied for 10th in his North Greene finale. He shot a twoday total of 10-over-par 154, tying him with South Gibson’s Rogelio Gerena. The South Greene Lady Rebels made their first appearance in the TSSAA girls state tournament and finished fifth. The Lady Rebels shot a two-day total of 357 (179-178). Madison Hensley shot a non-counting 93 (51-42) on the final day, placing 19th individually for the tournament at 180. Lindsey Howlett finished at 183 over two days to place 21st, and Maylei Hildenbrand shot a two-day total of 185 to tie for 22nd. In the Class 2A tournament at Sevierville Golf Club, Greeneville junior Alex Broyles shot a two-day total 149 to tie for 26th place. Broyles is Greeneville’s first male golfer to qualify individually for state since Blake Kinser in 2013.
SUN FILE PHOTO
North Greene’s Aidan Collier watches his shot from the 18th fairway during the Class A state tournament on Oct. 7.
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 7E
Greene County Well Represented At Spring Fling BY SAM BUNDY SPORTS EDITOR
W
ith the North Greene baseball and softball teams reaching their respective state tournaments, the Greeneville boys soccer team reaching its state tourney and 90 local athletes qualifying for the track and field state meets, Greene County was well represented at the TSSAA’s Spring Fling in 2021.
BASEBALL The North Greene Huskies were one out from reaching the semifinals of the Class A state tournament, but lost the lead in the top of the seventh inning in a 7-5 loss to Moore County on May 26 at Stewarts High School in Smyrna. The Huskies then dropped to the losers bracket and had their season end with a 5-1 loss to South Pittsburg. North Greene finished its season with a 27-10 record. And the Huskies said goodbye to 10 seniors – Alan Bauer, Chance Campbell, Cayden Foulks, Micah Jones, Irving Medina, Carter Morelock, Tucker Owen, Jonah Palmer, Dakota Robbins and Carson Whaley. “There’s not enough I can say about those guys. Words will not do it justice,” North Greene coach Jason Lowe said following the game, tears in his eyes and his voice cracking. “What they’ve meant to this program, what they will continue to mean to this program for years ahead, the state they’ve left this program in – I’m just so proud of them. “It goes beyond baseball, though. They’re great kids. They’re going to go on to do great things. If I get a wedding invitation down the line or a phone call to
SUN FILE PHOTO
North Greene baseball coach Jason Lowe (center) talks with his Huskies during a 5-1 season-ending loss to South Pittsburg in the Class A state tournament on May 26 at Stewarts Creek High School in Smyrna.
see a newborn baby, that’s going to mean so much more to me than a baseball game. I thank them for letting me be part of this. They got us here. It was all them, and they let me come along for the ride.” North Greene’s tightknit community is reflect-
ed in its sports teams. Following the loss to South Pittsburg, parents and fans tearfully watched as the Huskies’ players and coaches shared memories, tears and long hugs down the right-field line. The scene was as heart-wrenching as it gets.
“I think what made these guys so special was the camaraderie and how tight they are off the field,” Lowe said. “They’ve all been so close. They’ve hung out together. When you have the cohesiveness that they’ve had, that carries over to the field. They
believed in one another. They trusted one another.”
SOFTBALL The North Greene softball team did something no other team in program history ever had on the morning of May 27. But
in the afternoon, the Lady Huskies’ historic season came to an end. The day started with a 7-4 win over Sale Creek in the Class A state tournament, making this Lady Huskies’ squad the first to SEE SPRING ON PAGE 8E
Page 8E
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
SUN FILE PHOTO
SUN FILE PHOTO
South Greene’s Abbey King clears the bar in the high jump at the Small Class state track meet on May 25 in Murfreesboro.
Left to right, Greeneville’s Jaden Stevenson, Keelen Lester, Mason Gudger and Jayquan Price stand on the podium after finishing second in the 4x100 relay at the Large School track and field state meet on May 27 in Murfreesboro.
SPRING
forward to what’s coming down the road for us the next couple of years.”
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7E
ever win two games at the state tournament. The day finished with North Greene falling to Eagleville 5-0 for a fourthplace finish in the state tournament. “This has been a good season for these girls. Fourth in the state is certainly an achievement,” North Greene coach Danny Weems said following the loss to Eagleville. “Getting to the state tournament was one of our goals at the beginning of the year. Winning two games down here made this a special season for us.” Two other North Greene teams have finished in the top four. In both 1979 and 1980, North Greene made what was at the time a four-team field in the state tournament. In 1979, the Lady Huskies won their semifinal game over Boyd Buchanan to advance to the championship series. That team from 42 years ago is the only team in program history to advance further than the 2021 Lady Huskies.
BOYS SOCCER
The Greeneville soccer team didn’t leave Murfreesboro with the state championship trophy for the first time since 2016. The Greene Devils fell to Page 1-0 on May 26 in the Class 2A state tournament semifinals to bring an end to their season. After missing the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greene Devils returned just one starter from their 2019 state title team and started this season 2-4-1. As the year went on, Greeneville began to figure things out and finished the year winning seven of its last nine games as part of a 14-8-2 season. “This team has been one SUN FILE PHOTO of the funnest to coach,” North Greene’s Cambell Gaby delivers a pitch against Sale Creek on May 27 in the Class A state tournament in Murfreesboro. Greeneville coach Jerry Graham said after the seaget it done.” South Greene’s Logan relay team of Katie Krol, half-second faster, clocking son-ending loss. “They have The senior leaper cleared Skyana Byrd, Riley Ottinger Wagner had a big day grown so much this year. in at 42.03. a height of 5 feet, 2 inches throwing as well, tossing the and Macey Snapp finished This has been one the most Only Memphis Central’s at the state meet. Prior to rock 51-2 to come in second 4x100 relay team finished in fifth place. cohesive teams I have had that, she had a clean meet, place in the shot put. Greene County athletes the pleasure of coaching. faster, doing so in 41.72 only missing once on the In the boys high jump, dominated the pole vault. That has made this year, seconds. way to reaching the winning In the girls event, ChristiSouth Greene’s Chandler regardless of the outcome, Stevenson began his day height. She was then the Fillers and Jalen Ingram one of the most enjoyable I with a state runner-up ana Ricker of West Greene only jumper to make it over cleared 8 feet to come in both cleared 5-8 to tie for finish in the long jump. Ste- have had in my tenure.” TRACK & FIELD the top height. fourth place. Defensively, Greeneville second place. Cadence venson leaped a distance of In total, 35 medals came Isaiah Olsen of South The TSSAA’s Spring Mancil of South Greene was 22 feet, 10.5 inches, second played good enough to back to Greene County after fourth, Taliah Johnson of Greene ran a season-best win. The back line of Jacob Fling got underway on only to Ripley’s TJ Edler a hugely successful day Hillyer, Drew Hillyer, May 26 at Rockvale Chuckey-Doak was fifth, Ni- 10.99 seconds in the 100 (23-4.25). for the track programs at High School with South ome Merrill of Chuckey-Do- meters to come in fourth The junior placed fourth in Connor Stayton and Cooper Shepard, with Landyn Greene’s Abbey King mak- South Greene, West Greene ak sixth and Aydan Dyer of place, after entering the the 100-meter dash at 10.75 race as the 14th seed. White mixed in plenty, were ing history by becoming the and Chuckey-Doak. South seconds and then earned South Greene eighth. Chuckey-Doak’s final pressured all night, but they first South Greene track and Greene earned 25 medals, another medal after aiding In the boys pole vault, Chuckey-Doak six and West Bryson Church of West medals came in the girls field athlete to win a state his school-record 4x100 relay gave up only one penalGreene four. 4x100 relay where Addison team. Stevenson placed fifth ty-kick goal. championship. Greene came in third place In addition to the top fin- with a vault of 11 feet. Blake McKechnie, Morgan Dyer, King won the girls high in the 200 meters with a time In the frame, Colby FreeMarci Merrill and Taliah jump at the small class state ish in the high jump, King of 21.72 seconds. May of South Greene was man grabbed 12 saves while Johnson came in sixth track meet, collecting the As a team, the Greene the Patriots fired 31 shots. was third in the 300-meter fourth and Ronan Buss of place. first gold medal for the first- hurdles. She was a member South Greene was seventh. Devils finished sixth in the The lone goal of the In the large school state year program. state with 25 points. BartWest Greene brought contest came in the 15th of the 4x100 relay team meet on May 27 in Mur“I’ve worked for this with Haley Kells, Ava Clark a small contingent to lett scored 69 points to win minute. Page was awarded for four years, I’ve always Murfreesboro for the state a penalty kick after a hard and Aydan Dyer that came freesboro, Greeneville’s the team title, beating out wanted to get here and it meet, but came away with tackle in the box. Nolan in seventh place, and the 4x100 meter relay team of Memphis Central (63). feels amazing,” said King, four medals among its three Jaden Stevenson, Mason Colladay took the shot and 4x200 relay team with “We had one of the best who ran for West Greene athletes. sent it into the lower left Clark, Dyer and McKenzie Gudger, Jayquan Price all-around teams I’ve ever as a co-op previously. “It In addition to Ricker and corner for a 1-0 lead that Niston that also came in and Keelen Lester not only coached this year,” Greenmeans everything to me to Church, freshman Abbey would hold for the next 65 seventh place. finished second in the state, eville coach Larry Blalock bring this championship minutes. Kells, also a senior, placed Cox medaled in the shot put but in the process broke a said following the meet. home to South Greene. While Greeneville’s dethird in the triple jump with and the discus. In the discus, 30-year-old school record. “We’ve had about three I know coach (Joe) Case a personal best leap of 35-8. she threw a personal best The old mark of 42.50 secfense was tough, Page’s was rebuilding years ... but wanted this for me, I know 99-4 to come in third place. onds had stood since 1991. She was also third in the even better. The Patriots held the rebuilding is done, so my family wanted this for In the shot put, she threw 100 hurdles. But the Greene Devils’ 2021 we’re ready to vault into the Greeneville to seven shots, me, and it feels so good to 32-9 to come in fifth place. South Greene’s 4x800 just one in the first half. relay team finished nearly a next stage. We’re looking
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Saturday, March 26, 2022 GreenevilleSun.com The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 9E
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN/TRACY PAINTER
The Greeneville Flyboys pose with their Appalachian League championship trophy after defeating Pulaski 9-8 on Aug. 9 at Pioneer Park.
Flyboys’ First Season Huge Success BY SAM BUNDY SPORTS EDITOR
Playing their inaugural season in the new wood bat summer collegiate Appalachian League in 2021, the Greeneville Flyboys quickly became a hit on the field and in the stands. The Flyboys, who replaced the Greeneville Reds after Major League Baseball pulled its affiliation with the Appy League, played to large crowds at Pioneer Park en route to winning the league championship. In front of what might have been their most lively crowd of the season, the Flyboys fought hard all night before taking the league championship game 9-8 over the Pulaski River Turtles in walk-off fashion on Aug. 9 at Pioneer Park. “I’m really happy for the players, staff and fans in Greeneville. We gave
them a good show tonight,” Greeneville manager Alan Regier said following the game. “It was a heavyweight fight with blows delivered by both teams, but our guys kept grinding. I just loved our competitiveness and our mental toughness.” The Flyboys finished the season with a 34-16-1 record and stayed in front of the college wood bat league’s West Division almost the entirety of the two-month season. The single-game championship event made for a successful close to what had been a tumultuous first season for the reformatted Appy League. During the season, Kingsport canceled its season after threats from a former player, and then restarted the season with replacement players. In the final weeks of the season, Johnson City fired
its manager and half the roster followed him out the door. Elizabethton had to revamp its roster after a major COVID-19 outbreak, and Bristol ended its season early due to coronavirus concerns. But after an instant classic of a championship tilt between the Flyboys and River Turtles, those woes seemed easily forgotten. “I’m glad the fans came out tonight and that we gave them a game that made it worth it,” Regier said.
THRILLING FINISH Entering the bottom of the ninth inning, Greeneville trailed Pulaski 8-7. Jac Croom led off the side with a four-pitch walk. Tayler Aguilar put him on third base with a chopper that bounced over second
baseman Ryan Johnson for a single. Then after fouling off three pitches, Chris Williams smacked a shot into the right-center gap. Croom scored easily, but Aguilar had to turn on the jets as he rounded third with no thoughts of slowing down. The throw to the plate from the grass was high and Aguilar slid in for the clinching run. “Chris Williams is a junior college guy who is going back to junior college. He’s not a power five guy but has been here 69 days with us, and he came up big tonight,” Regier said. “A ball in the gap in that situation was big, and obviously I was not going to stop Tayler in that situation. He flipped his helmet off about two-thirds of the way to third, and everybody knew he was going. Thankfully he was safe.”
NAME REVEALED
In a press conference on Feb. 4 at Tusculum University, officials from Boyd Sports, which operates the Greeneville franchise, revealed the team would be named the Greeneville Flyboys. The name reflects that Pioneer Park, home of the Flyboys and Tusculum University’s baseball team, sits in the center of what was once the runway at Tusculum Field, an airfield that was in operation from 1948-1968. Flyboys officials also said the team name is a tribute to World War I and World War II pilots. The team’s red, white and blue primary logo features a large star and a World War I-World War II era airplane. “Not many people know where the stadium sits used to be an old airfield,” Flyboys general manager
Kat Foster said during the press conference. “This area has such a rich history of patriotism and veterans dating all the way to the Revolutionary War. So we wanted to say a thank you to the members of World War I, World War II, so on and so forth. “Members of the Army Air Corps and also the Air Force during any conflict or war are known as Flyboys, so this is to pay homage to them and give attention to where the stadium is and where the airfield used to be.” The Flyboys were the only team in the new Appy League to wear cream-colored home uniforms last summer, giving the team a retro look. “We enjoyed looking into the rich history of the area to see how we could SEE FLYBOYS ON PAGE 10E
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The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
affiliated entries in the Appalachian League were the Astros from 2004-2017 and the Reds in 2018 and 2019. The team was still named the Reds in 2020, but the minor league baseball season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
FLYBOYS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9E
incorporate it the absolute best that we could and say thank you to veterans and thank you to the area for being such a wonderful community to us,” Foster said. “We hope everyone loves this new name, new logo, new team, new league just as much as we do.” Other names considered included Highlanders, Aviators, Capitols and Big Rigs. “We all fell in love (with Flyboys),” Foster said. “It was well received by everyone involved.” The Flyboys was a rebranding of Greeneville’s baseball team due to the Appalachian League losing its affiliation under Major League Baseball’s plan to contract minor league affiliates from 162 to 120. The 10 cities that were in the Appalachian League prior to contraction make up the new Appy League.
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FIRST GAME Those include Greeneville, Bristol, Elizabethton, Johnson City and Kingsport in Tennessee, Bluefield, Danville and Pulaski in Virginia, Princeton in West Virginia and Burlington in North Carolina. Greeneville is one of four Appy League franchises operated by Boyd Sports. Elizabethton, Johnson City and Kingsport are the others. It was also revealed at the press conference that the new Appy League would be part of the Prospect Development Pipeline run
by MLB and USA Baseball. College freshmen and sophomores make up the Appy League rosters, and USA Baseball and MLB will select the players and coaching staffs. Top performers from the Appy League will advance to the Cape Cod League as juniors. Top performers from the Cape who remain in school will advance to the MLB Draft League as seniors and could be drafted in the MLB draft that is being moved from June to August. Greeneville’s past two
With players in the new Appy League reporting just a day before the season got underway, managers were kind of throwing everything on the field in the June 3 openers to see what did and didn’t work. For five and a half innings, it looked as if the Flyboys’ season would get off to a winning start. But the Elizabethton River Riders erased a 2-0 deficit with three runs in the sixth inning and two in the seventh for a 5-2 victory at Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark in Elizabethton.
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN/IVAN SANDERS, ELIZABETHON STAR
Greeneville Flyboys starting pitcher Bryce Mayer pitched two hitless, scoreless innings in a 5-2 season-opening loss at SEE FLYBOYS ON PAGE 11E Elizabethton on June 4.
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FLYBOYS
victory over the Elizabethton River Riders on June CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10E 4 at Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark in Elizabethton. “We have nine position Greeneville erased a 5-3 players right now, so some deficit with six runs in the guys are having to play out top of the fifth inning. An of position on defense and RBI double by Jonathan that got to us a little bit tonight,” Regier said follow- Hogart gave the Flyboys the ing the game. “We’re trying lead for good at 6-5. Hogart finished 3-for-5 to get a look at all of our pitchers. Some guys came in with the double and two RBI for Greeneville. Chris and threw the ball aggresWilliams went 2-for-4 with sively. Those are the guys who have been pitching (in a home run and three RBI; college) lately. And we have Trevor Austin went 2-for-4 with a triple and three RBI; some guys that this is their first experience pre-COVID, Grant Lashure had a hit and an RBI; Zeddric Burnham and it’s going to take some had a triple; and Christian time to get them right. Ficca had a hit and walked “The first half of the season, we’re going to be on four times. Greeneville used five skates. But I like our team. I like our energy. Things will pitchers. Logan Peterson tossed get better.” two innings of relief and was credited with the win. FIRST WIN He gave up a hit, three runs, walked two and struck out The Flyboys cranked out three. 14 hits and notched their PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN/TRACY PAINTER Greeneville’s Tayler Aguilar slides into home for the winning run against Pulaski in the Appalachian League championship first victory in the new SEE FLYBOYS ON PAGE 12E game on Aug. 9 at Pioneer Park. Appy League with a 14-6
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Page 12E
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GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN/TRACY PAINTER
A fan from the Nemesis youth baseball team gets a fist bump from Ace during the Greeneville Flyboys’ 12-5 Appalachian League win over the Johnson City Doughboys in their home opener on June 8 at Pioneer Park.
our guys fired up to play.” Greeneville continued to CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11E swing the bats well, cranking out 12 hits. Through Luke Russo pitched three their first five games, the innings of hitless, scoreless Flyboys batted .297 (54relief. He walked one and for-182) while opponents struck out four. batted just .245 (41-for167). Third baseman Chris HOME OPENER Williams continued his hot start, going 3-for-5 with Summer baseball rea triple and three RBI. At turned to Pioneer Park for that point of the season, he the first time since 2019 was batting .500 (9-for-18) on June 8 due to COVID canceling the minor league with a double, a triple, a season in 2020, and it was home run and a team-best nine RBI. as if the game had never “This is a wonderful left. experience, honestly,” In front of a crowd of 2,928, the Greeneville Fly- Williams said following boys defeated the Johnson the game. “Being out there with all the fans coming to City Doughboys 12-5 in watch us and supporting their homer opener in the us, us playing the way we new Appy League. did and the great fireworks Tusculum Universiat the end – it was just a ty President Dr. Scott great team win tonight.” Hummel threw out the Catcher Eddie Micheletti ceremonial first pitch, and went 2-for-3 with a double the night was capped by what some fans and players and two RBI, and was batdubbed as one of the best ting .625 (10-for-16) with fireworks displays they had three doubles and seven seen at a baseball game. RBI at that point in the “We appreciate the treseason. And right fielder Jonamendous support tonight given the rainy weather,” than Hogart was 2-for-4 Regier said. “Our complex with an RBI. He was batis as good or better than ting .500 (10-for-20) with anybody’s in the Appathree doubles, a triple and lachian League, and we five RBI at that point in the appreciate playing here as season. well. And our president “People need to realize throwing out the first pitch these young men have been from the mound really got swinging metal bats in col-
FLYBOYS
lege and some are swinging wood bats in games for the first time,” Regier said following the game. “It’s a huge adjustment. It’s a heavier bat and it’s harder to get the head through the zone. If you don’t square the ball up, the bat can snap on you and we’ve seen some of that. “But for the most part, hats off to them for what they’re doing at the plate. I’ve been surprised at how well some of these guys have done. I thought it might take longer for them to get it figured out.”
Appy League All-Star Game the six batters he faced in the fourth and fifth innings. on July 27 at Calfee Park in Pulaski, Va. Flyboys on the West ALL-STARS roster included outfieldSeven Flyboys were ers Homer Bush Jr. and named to the West Division Jonathan Hogart; catcher roster for the inaugural Eddie Micheletti; and
pitchers Bryce Mayer, Zane Robbins, Austin Troesser and Cameron Wagoner. The Flyboys were 21-13-1 and in first place in the West Division standings at the all-star break.
ATTENDANCE RECORD The Flyboys scored 10 unanswered runs en route to a 10-5 victory in front of a record attendance (4,526) at Pioneer Park on July 4. The capacity crowd enjoyed a postgame fireworks display that was sponsored by The General Morgan Inn. Greeneville broke a 1-1 tie by rallying for three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning and would add to its advantage by scoring five runs in the sixth inning. Jonathan Hogart finished the night with a pair of hits and four runs batted in for the Flyboys. Austin Troesser (3-0) earned the win for Greeneville after fanning three of
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Page 13E
Past Year A Busy One For Rural Resources BY LISA WARREN SUN CORRESPONDENT
F
or over 25 years now, the Rural Resources Farm and Food Education Center has been working to connect area youth with agriculture and empower them with hands-on skills that they can use throughout their lives. Despite facing some challenges during the past couple of years, the staff and leaders of the Greene County-based nonprofit are looking ahead to the coming year with renewed optimism and hope. In a recent interview, Rural Resources’ board vice president and administrative volunteer Emily Bidgood talked about several plans for 2022. One of the biggest goals for the coming year, she said, is finding a new executive director to lead Rural Resources and its mission. Last May, Rural Resources bid a fond farewell to its longtime Executive Director Sally Causey who had led the organization for 24 years. At the time, Merri Younce was named Causey’s successor. By August, however, Younce announced that she would be resigning from the position. Since that time, board members have been helping the staff and volunteers with the organization’s day-to-day operations as their search for a new director continues, Bidgood said. “We did have the opportunity to add a new staff member to the team this year,” Bidgood said. Parke Brumit was named the community outreach and events coordinator for Rural Resources. Brumit, who began her new role on March 1, will be coordinating fundraising and community events. Her contact email is events@ ruralresources.net. The past year was a busy one for Rural Resources. In
to drive the organization is the fact that the leading cause of early mortality in Greene County is diet-related disease due to behavioral patterns that are set early in life,” Bidgood said. “About 16 percent of people in Greene County live in poverty, so, Rural Resources is the place where families and children have hands-on experiences with food and cooking that lead to lifelong health. “We empower generational change,” Bidgood continued. “In the teen program, we help kids realize their full potential through agriculture. About 70 percent of our teens qualify for free or reduced lunch, and they emerge from the program with stronger security, and job skills, for the rest of their adult lives.” Rural Resources has plans to continue its off-site community outreach this year, Bidgood said. “We hope to continue with our partnership in schools doing programs such as the children’s farmers markets and also working with some of our neighbors in Greeneville at Plaza Towers and Greeneville Terrace to have our teens do gardening and cooking programs with the residents there,” she said. Before the pandemic, the teens hosted a ThanksgivPHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN ing dinner for residents of Participants in the Rural Resources Teen Program grew basil from seed for an Ag Business Plaza Towers. “We changed class in order to conduct a cost analysis project to compare and measure the cost of growing things during covid and herbs versus buying them commercially. just delivered meals. So hopefully, this year, we can rekindle the event at the facility,” Bidgood said. addition to hosting its Farm rolled in the program this in the nation that work so Rural Resources will Day Camps and the annual comprehensively with youth year, Bidgood said. “They again offer its summer Incredible Farm Dinner on food and nutrition, come out to the farm regFarm Day Camps for chilon Main, the organization gardening, and the like. “It ularly and are involved in also saw growth in its Farm animal husbandry, cooking, has really had a positive dren this coming year. “We and Food Teen Training influence on many teens,” are also exploring holding gardening, and some comProgram, which is available munity leadership activities. she said. other camps this year, such for middle and high school Bidgood said she is as a cooking camp that gives Even during covid, our staff students. Last year, the pro- pivoted to hold virtual sesproud of the fact that Rural us a way to get more word sions and provided cooking Resources works to address out about our commercial gram’s curriculum was exnutritional issues and helps kitchen,” Bidgood said. panded to include classes in kits to the teens at home.” “The kitchen on the farm is The teen program is “defi- to educate teens on how horticulture, nutrition and diet-related diseases and fully certified and available food preparation, animal nitely unique to the region other health issues can be to rent for very reasonable husbandry, and agriculture and Tennessee,” Bidgood related to the foods we eat. prices for entrepreneurs business practices. said, adding that there are “I think what continues who need larger kitchen About 40 teens are enonly a few such programs
space,” she added. The Rural Resources Farm is also available to rent for large and small events, such as company picnics, family reunions, and other gatherings. In addition to the indoor facility, Bidgood said there are also spaces by the creek perfect for outdoor dining. Multiple fundraising events are planned for 2022 to aid the nonprofit organization. This spring, Rural Resources will debut the Farm Burgers & Bluegrass Festival. The event is planned for April 30 at the Rural Resources Farm at 2870 Holly Creek Road. “For all of the fans who have loved the Farm Dinner on Main in previous years and our other farm-to-table events, this is a chance for folks to come out and experience that on the Rural Resources Farm,” Bidgood said. “Community members are encouraged to come out and meet the farm, tour the facilities, and enjoy locally raised ground beef burgers and bluegrass music.” The event will be held rain or shine. “We will have appropriate accommodations if the weather is iffy,” Bidgood added. More details about the event will be announced soon. For more details, persons are encouraged to visit the Rural Resources website. Last September, another popular fundraising event, Brewfest, returned after its cancellation in 2020 due to the pandemic. Plans are in the works for the festival’s return this year with plenty of good music, craft beer, and family friendly activities. In October, Rural Resources hosted a Farm-toTable Dinner at the Doak House grounds as part of Tusculum University’s homecoming festivities. “It was a beautiful event, and we hope to continue it this year,” Bidgood said.
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Saturday, March 26, 2022
Tusculum Arts Outreach Program Sees Leadership Change BY LISA WARREN SUN CORRESPONDENT Changes have been happening for the leadership of the Arts Outreach program at Tusculum University. In 2020, long-time artist-in-residence Marilyn duBrisk announced her retirement from Tusculum University after 30 years of service as the director of Arts Outreach. Nearly two years later, the school has announced her successor. Beth Schnura was named the new director of Arts Outreach for TU. She began her new position on Feb. 1. In a recent telephone interview, Schnura talked about plans for the coming
Beth Schnura
year and what an honor it is for her to be following in the footsteps of duBrisk. Schnura and her husband moved to Tennessee from
the Chicago, Ill., area about five years ago. “We had traveled across Tennessee looking for a place to retire,” she said. The couple landed in Bulls Gap and decided to call it home. After their move, Schnura began volunteering with Theatre-at-Tusculum and the Greeneville Theatre Guild, where she served as a freelance director and lighting technician. Before moving to Tennessee, she served as the auditorium coordinator at Lincoln-Way West High School in New Lenox, Illinois, where she was responsible for bringing more than 20 plays and seven musicals
to the stage. “I helped do all of the theater tech and was the theater director for the high school,” Schnura said. She also helped start an after-school theatrical organization for students and a youth summer theater camp. Schnura holds an Associate of Arts in music and theatre from Joliet Junior College in Illinois and a Bachelor of Arts in musical theatre performance from Columbia College in Chicago. She is skilled in lighting design, basic sound, set building and painting, costumes and props, directing, stage management, frontof-house management,
fundraising, and program development. She said her involvement in the local theater scene for the past years had shown her what tremendous interest and support the Greeneville/Greene County community has for the arts and the traditions of the Tusculum Arts Outreach program. “I’m honored to be here, and I’m thrilled to be part of the Tusculum family,” Schnura said. “I hope that I can make Marilyn duBrisk proud.” To honor duBrisk’s longtime service, Tusculum University announced in October that it was dedicating its largest auditorium as the
Marilyn duBrisk Theatre. It is located on the main floor of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center. A native of Scotland, duBrisk also lived in Central East Africa before returning to the UK to attend college in London. Following her education, she took a teaching position in Germany, where she met her husband, Wess duBrisk, who was stationed there while serving in the U.S. military. The duBrisks eventually settled in Greene County in 1984. She became artist-in-residence for Greeneville City Schools and remained in that role until 1991, when SEE OUTREACH ON PAGE 15E
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she accepted the same position at Tusculum. During her tenure at Tusculum, she was responsible for bringing more than 70 productions to the stage with Theater-at-Tusculum and helping to spark interest in the theatrical arts for area children through the GLAWPIGT (Great Literature Alive, Well & Playing in Greeneville, Tennessee). The program was founded by duBrisk in 1986 to encourage children to read and bring books to life through youth theatrical performances. During the dedication ceremony, Wayne Thomas, dean of the College of Civic and Liberal Arts, said,
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
She also has plans for some new opportunities with smaller theatrical performances. Working with area educators, she wants to present skits tailored to the class curriculum. For example, if a class is studying the U.S. Constitution or reading a specific novel, she envisions delivering a related performance. “This would give the kids an opportunity to see it in SUN FILE PHOTO a different light,” Schnura said. “Sometimes just readMarilyn duBrisk and husband Wess pose in October for Jim Wozniak, director of coming about a subject doesn’t munications at Tusculum, for photos outside the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center, work as well as having it which now houses the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre. come to life for them.” creativity, and enhanced the While the Arts Outreach “The day Marilyn and Wess be pleased to uphold as a team is still in the process arrived in Greene County tribute to Marilyn. Naming region’s quality of life.” As the new Arts Outreach of planning for its next seawas a transformative event the theater after Marilyn director, Schnura said she for theater in the region. is the perfect way to thank son of shows, Schnura said wants to continue presentHer reach became even her for leading a program there are plans to present greater when she came to that flourished, presented ing at least two major shows a production in conjuncTusculum and set a stanopportunities for so many tion with the Doak House a year at Tusculum, just as people to display their duBrisk did for many years. Museum. dard for excellence we will
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Plans are to continue with the popular 5x10 productions, which feature five original plays written by Tusculum students and presented on stage during the annual Old Oak Festival. This spring, there are also plans to present Schoolhouse Rock Live, Jr., based on the 1970s-era children’s education series. The show, featuring youth ages 8-18, will be presented April 21May 1. “We’re really excited about that,” Schnura said. “We’ve been rehearsing, dancing and singing, and having fun being cartoon characters.” For more information about Tusculum Arts Outreach, visit www.home. tusculum.edu/ center-forthe-arts/.
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Page 16E
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Saturday, March 26, 2022
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN/TIM MASSEY
The Kentucky Headhunters are seen in concert at Niswonger Performing Arts Center. The venue is seeing well-attended shows again after shutdowns and postponements during the pandemic.
NPAC Again Hosting Well-Attended Shows BY LISA WARREN
to have students and artists back on stage at NPAC,” she said. “Artists have been thrilled fter bruising shutdowns, show to be back on tour and perpostponements, forming for live audiences and half capaciagain, and we are thrilled to have the artists and our ties, entertainment venues patrons back at NPAC,” are finally getting back to a sense of normalcy from the Hudson added. Looking ahead to the COVID-19 pandemic. future, Hudson said the The Niswonger Pervenue’s leaders are planforming Arts Center was certainly not immune from ning for the next season of the effects of the virus shows. as it reared its ugly head “We are working on bookin Greeneville. But now, ing our 2022-2023 season NPAC officials are thanknow and hope to announce fully seeing a bright light at a great new season of enterthe end of the tunnel with tainment in June,” she said. a string of well-attended “Visit our website at www. shows in 2022, including npacgreeneville.com to sign most recently Herman’s up for our newsletter and Hermits starring Peter receive a printed brochure Noone and the Gramin the mail.” In addition to hostmy-winning Kentucky Headhunters. ing music and theatrical “After 20 months without performances, NPAC has full capacity performances, also opened registration we reopened our doors for for its 2022 Camp NPAC season performances in Kids summer program for November and have had a budding stage actors. great four months of shows The drama camp dates with a number of sold-out are: performances,” said Vicky • June 13-17 — Disney’s Hudson, NPAC’s executive The Jungle Book Kids for director. kids who have completed “Greeneville City and grades K-4, and Greene County schools re• June 27-July 1 — Dissumed shows in November ney’s Beauty & The Beast as well, and it has been a joy Jr for students who have SUN CORRESPONDENT
A
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completed grades 5 and up. The camps, which will be open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, will be led by artistic director Jerry Maloy with assistance from camp staff specializing in art, music and choreography. The campers will be featured in a performance on Friday of their camp week at 3 p.m. The cost is $250 per student (or $225 for additional siblings.) A limited number of spots remain available to enroll children. For more information about Camp NPAC Kids, contact Jill Reeves, marketing director, at 423638-1328, or email her at
jreeves@npacgreeneville. com to learn more. In addition to planned school events, NPAC also has several significant shows coming up now through the spring months. “We still have lots of great shows coming up through the rest of this season,” Hudson said. The remainder of NPAC’s 2021-22 season features: • Richard Marx — An Acoustic Evening of Love Songs, March 26, 7:30 p.m.; • The Collingsworth Family, April 1, 7:30 p.m.; • Hotel California — A Salute to the Eagles, April 8, 7:30 p.m.;
• Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live, April 25, 6:30 p.m.; • Bluegrass artists Dailey & Vincent, May 1, 3 p.m.; • Hyprov — Improv Under Hypnosis, featuring master hypnotist Asad Mecci and comic actor Colin Mochrie, of “Whose Line Is it, Anyway,” May 7, 7:30 p.m.; • The Oak Ridge Boys, May 14, 7:30 p.m.; • The Commodores, May 20, 7:30 p.m.; • The Music of Boston & Journey, featuring Boston vocalist Tommy DeCarlo and American Idol’s Rudy Cardenas, May 21,
7:30 p.m., and • “Madagascar the Musical,” June 1, 7 p.m. At least one show for the next season at NPAC has been announced. On Aug. 13, the ABBA tribute band “Arrival from Sweden” will perform. Showtime is 7:30 p.m., and tickets are on sale. For more information about any upcoming NPAC show or how to purchase season ticket packages, visit npacgreeneville.com or call the venue’s box office at 423-638-1679. The theater is located at 212 Tusculum Blvd., next to Greeneville High School.
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Page 17E
Greeneville Theatre Guild Continues To Thrive, Plans For Future BY LISA WARREN
Mengal added. In addition to hampering some fundraising efforts, espite some the pandemic also delayed setbacks due to some GTG productions in the COVID-19 2000. However, the theater pandemic, the group was able to get back Greeneville Theatre Guild to stage productions last continues to thrive, producyear. Its presentation of “Clue” set all-time ating high-quality theatrical entertainment and working tendance records for the toward a new space for its Greeneville Theatre Guild audiences to enjoy shows. since its first production Now entering its eighth in the spring of 2015. “We season, the GTG has firmly were so excited about that,” established itself as a Mengal said. premier community theater This year, the GTG has organization in the region. three shows planned for its While the group holds its 2022 season. This summer, productions at the Capitol “Into the Woods” will be Theatre, it hopes to soon presented June 3, 4, 10, present shows in its own and 11 at 7 p.m., and June dedicated space on West 5 and 12 at 2 p.m. at the Depot Street. Capitol Theatre in downFor close to six years, the town Greeneville. Auditions GTG has been renovating have already begun for the a building at 250 W. Depot production. St. for the Theatre Depot. In September, the GTG This intimate performance will debut the comedic venue of 100-plus seats will play “Corners,” co-written serve as the home for the GREENEVILLE THEATRE GUILD by Mengal and two other The cast of Greeneville Theatre Guild’s production of “Clue: On Stage” is seen during a 2021 performance of the farcical Greeneville Theatre Guild Greeneville residents, Pam play based on the cult-favorite movie that is based on the board game. and allow closer seating Gosnell and Laura Dupler. to the performances for “One of our goals is to the audience. The Theatre provide a setting for local Depot will additionally and then covid hit.” playwrights and showcase allow GTG to host eduThe IRS recognizes the new plays,” Mengal said. GTG as a 501©(3) organizaIn December, the GTG cational workshops and on-site rehearsal and set tion. All financial contribu- will present “The Charitable construction. Officials with tions to the organization are Sisterhood Christmas Specthe theater group said it tax-deductible. Donations tacular,” a hilarious farce would also eliminate costly may be sent to the Greenabout an attempt by a group venue rental fees to present eville Theatre Guild, P.O. of church ladies to host a its shows. Box 2002, Greeneville, TN Christmas play. The GTG is current37744 or made online at the The GTG always welgroup’s website greeneville- comes people who would ly amidst a fundraising campaign to garner at least theatreguild@gmail.com. like to get involved in $500,000 to make this While the pandemic did community theater. “We’re vision a reality. GTG board pose a bit of a roadblock for an all-volunteer organizamember Paige Mengal says the GTG effort, things are tion, so we need volunteers that the group had initially starting to move forward for everything,” Mengal hoped to be already occuonce more, Mengal said. said. “If someone wants to The organization received a audition for a show, work pying the space, but some grant through Main Street setbacks created the need to backstage, serve as an ushGreeneville to remove the extend those plans into the er, build sets, or organize building’s old metal facade, costumes. We need all types future. which had been applied “We launched our capital of help.” on several buildings of its campaign awhile back and For additional infortype back in the 1970s. “We mation about the theater had some success (with were able to get that taken our fundraising efforts),” group, visit its website at off and put in windows,” Mengal said. “When we had https://greenevilletheatreMengal said. our architects come in and guild.org/ or call 423-470The organization was redraw up all of the plans and IMAGE SPECIAL TO THE SUN 2792. Persons can also find This rendering shows planned improvements at 248-250 W. Depot St,, the site of Theatre had a contractor give us a cently notified that it would information about the orquote on it, the cost came in Depot. be receiving an additional ganization on its Facebook about twice as high as what facade grant, which will be page or email greenevilletwe initially thought it was going to be. So we had to back up and continue to try and fundraise some more — used for exterior painting, heatreguild@gmail.com. SUN CORRESPONDENT
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Saturday, March 26, 2022
Capitol Theatre Got Upgrades In 2021, Has Full Schedule BY LISA WARREN
as “Gone With the Wind,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “Mr. Smith Goes to Washf live music, classic ington,” he added. In July, movies and theatrical the Capitol will showcase productions spark a series of Steven Spielyour interest, then the berg-directed movies. Capitol Theatre of GreenThis year, several theatrieville has you covered. cal productions and comedy Located at 104 S. Main shows are also planned for St., right in the heart of the Capitol stage. downtown Greeneville, Greeneville’s own Blue the Capitol is marking its Plate Special will be 88th year in 2022. Like returning to the Capitol most theaters, the historic for monthly shows, and covenue has spent the past median James Gregory will couple of years weathering perform on April 22. the effects of the COVID-19 The Morristown Theatre pandemic. The Capitol was Guild will present one of its closed for about 14 months productions at the Capitol due to the pandemic. It in May, titled “The Play reopened in July 2021, first That Goes Wrong.” In June, with movie showings, and the Greeneville Theatre then continued to build its Guild will continue its event offerings as things productions with “Into the finally got back to a sense of Woods.” During the past normalcy. year, the Greeneville The“Having people back in the atre Guild presented “Clue,” building, watching movies, which turned out to be one holding events, and listening of the group’s most-atto music was such a thrill,” tended shows, Horton said the Capitol’s Executive CAPITOL THEATRE said. “They also presented The Capitol Theatre refurbished its lobby last year using funding from grants, sponsorships and donors. Director David Horton. ‘Patsy,’ and it was also well During the second half received,” he added. of 2021, the Capitol was Horton is pushing a able to bring new talent to project this year called My town with such acts as the Capitol Memories. “We’re Spazmatics, comedian/ asking people to submit magician Andy Gross, and their best memories of the the band Run for Cover, Capitol,” he said. Horton said. “We also saw A Morristown native, old friends return like Blue Horton said he is relatively Plate Special, the Greennew to Greeneville. Since becoming the Capitol’s eville Theatre Guild, and executive director last April, the Jonesborough Rhythm Horton said he has enjoyed Express,” he added. “We hearing stories people in showed over 35 movies, had Greeneville have about the several special events and historic venue. were even part of the New “It seems everybody has a Year’s Eve Midnight on story about the Capitol,” he Main celebration.” said. “They may have met For those who haven’t vistheir boyfriend or girlfriend ited the Capitol in a while, there, or when they were in there may be a few surprishigh school, that’s where es in store when they do get they always went to watch out to see a show or a movie movies, for example. It was once again. really interesting to hear all “With some grants that of those stories.” we got, and some sponsorHorton said that people ships and donors, we were could either submit their able to do a refurbish of the memory electronically via lobby last year,” Horton the Capitol website or write said. “Plus, we also got it down and submit it inside brand new seating, upping our entire seating capacity.” CAPITOL THEATRE the lobby. “They can also The venue installed new seating and increased capacity last year. record a little video and The new seating features submit it as well,” he added. convenient cupholders, he More details about the he said. added. The venue previousbring people (from around This latest reno project As a matter of fact, we project and how to share The Capitol recently the region) into town to for the Capitol comes on ly had 295 seats, but now are already talking with memories are on the Capihosted a concert by Greene them about possibly doing celebrate Greeneville and the heels of a significant that capacity has grown to County’s own Paint Creek how wonderful it is. We’re 332, plus four handicapped upgrade to the theater’s another one in the fall and tol website at https://www. Blu and The Color 7. “We’ve definitely doing it again so proud to be a part of the facade a few years back. seating areas. capitolgreeneville.org. also got Smooth Sailor com- next year.” Horton said several thou- That project included a new community, and we hope The website also features that the community will marquee and other exteriClassic movie shows have detailed information about sand dollars were spent on ing up this month as well,” keep supporting us,” he been a major attraction at the lobby project, including or renovations, plus new Horton said. upcoming shows at the said. the Capitol, and this year, new paint, new hardware, carpeting and additional The Cosmo Bus MuCapitol Theatre and how to “We’ve got music, theater, sic Fest took place at the plans are to feature monthly purchase tickets. and new signage. A new updates inside the venue. and movies — so a little bit cooler was also installed in Horton said he’s excitPeople can also call the Capitol with overwhelming themes for popular films. of everything,” Horton said. success in January. “The During March, western the concessions area. Plus, Capitol box office at 423ed for folks to see what’s “Our big goal for this year Cosmo Bus Music Fest movies were shown, except 638-1300 for more inforhe added that all of the safe- new at the Capitol and is trying to have at least for the film “Dark Victory,” mation. Box office hours went absolutely awesome,” ty railings for the ramp and experience the venue’s one music event a month Horton said. In April, all quality entertainment. Horton said. “It was lots of staircases were taken off, are Monday, Wednesday and then supplement with of the films will be ones love and fun. Great musisandblasted, repainted, and “We strive to bring people and Friday, from 10 a.m. to movies and private events,” cians and a great audience. from the year 1939, such back to downtown, plus carefully reinstalled. 3 p.m.
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GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 19E
Partnership Continued Supporting Businesses, Community In 2021 BY CICELY BABB STAFF WRITER
A
s many aspects of local life began to return to a semblance of pre-pandemic normal last year, the Greene County Partnership was active in many events and initiatives to support local businesses. Among the biggest highlights last year was the return of the Iris Festival, sponsored by the Partnership and Chamber of Commerce. The annual event was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, and the 26th edition and grand return of the festival brought more than 100 crafters, merchants and food vendors to Academy and College streets, as Depot and Main streets hosted more than 500 cars, bikes and specialty autos for the sixth annual Sundown on Depot Car Show, which benefitted Holston United Methodist Home for Children. The Iris Festival of 2021 drew almost twice as many people as 2019’s Iris Festival, according to Partnership staff. Festival-goer Vicki Gibson said 2021’s Iris Festival was “bigger and better than ever.” “It’s just wonderful to be out after the pandemic,” she said. Well-known local hot dog vendor John Price, who attended last year’s Iris Festival with family rather than with his popular Top Dog stand, called 2021 the “comeback year.” Other entertainment and festivities throughout downtown for the Iris Festival weekend included dancing and music as well as the Iris Festival Pageant and the first Keep Greene Beautiful Iris Festival Walk. Other sponsors of the Iris Festival last year included
SUN FILE PHOTO
Organizers estimated around 10,000 people attended last year’s Iris Festival.
SUN FILE PHOTO
A crowd of local officials, business owners and shoppers gathered at the intersection of Depot and Main streets to kick off local Shop Small Saturday festivities.
Parker, Eastman Credit Union, WSMG Radio,
WIKQ Radio, WGRV Radio, The Greeneville Sun,
SUN FILE PHOTO
The Carr family enjoy a bite to eat in April 2021 from The Munchie Machine during a weekly Food Truck Friday at the Greene County Partnership’s parking lot.
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turff, Milligan & Brooks. The Partnership also created a new event last year called Food Truck Fridays, in which the parking lot at the Partnership hosted a different food truck each Friday for lunch throughout the warm months. “It has been great because a lot of the events these vendors would have been doing in the past year were halted. Food trucks are growing in popularity, and we have the perfect spot downtown,” said Joni Parker, former general manager of the Partnership. Parker left the position in October, and the Partnership welcomed new General Manager Aly Collins on Nov. 1, just in time for the annual Shop Small Greene initiative at the end of the month. Last year, to highlight the businesses open on Depot Street throughout ongoing heavy roadwork for the downtown revitalization project, Greene County Partnership President Jeff Taylor joined other local officials at the intersection of Main and Depot streets to kick off Greeneville’s Shop Small Saturday with a ceremonial groundbreaking. The Partnership also brought back its Shop Small Scavenger Hunt to encourage shoppers to visit as many local businesses as possible on that Saturday, and many businesses along Depot Street as well as around Greene County participated. “There is so much going on in Greene County that represents a reinvestment into our community,” Taylor said. The Partnership also welcomed more than 40 new members in 2021 and helped conduct numerous ribbon-cutting ceremonies, in addition to assistance with grants and loans for business owners.
Page 20E
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Greeneville Light And Power System Approved Broadband Project In 2021 electricity. It really is.” Morrison acknowledged that beginning the project may seem daunting, but The Greeneville Enersaid he supports it fully. gy Authority board gave “The first step is always Greeneville Light and Powthe longest stride,” Morer System the green light to create a broadband network rison said. “I don’t think in its final meeting of 2021. anybody could do it any In December 2021, the better than GLPS. We are in Energy Authority voted this together.” unanimously in authoAmong the many reasons rizing GLPS to create an discussed in December to initial broadband network get into providing broadbeginning in the Town of band services, Bowlin emGreeneville. phasized two to the Energy The initial service will Authority: electricity billing roughly follow the city rates and grant funding. limits of Greeneville and Additional revenue from service every resident withbroadband sales helps keep in the town. electric rates low in other According to GLPS CEO counties, as kilowatt sales Chuck Bowlin, the initial often remain flat even as broadband network will some costs go up. Broadserve about 25% of all GLPS band often helps prevent customers, which is about electric rate increases, 9,100 customers. according Bowlin. Bowlin The cost of the initial SUN FILE PHOTO wants to be able to keep network build will be about Greeneville Light and Power System CEO Chuck Bowlin provides details on the power syspower rates low and comtem’s broadband plans to the Greeneville Energy Authority in December 2021. $14 million. petitive with other counties The Greeneville Board in the region. of Mayor and Aldermen “Every one of our approved committing neighbors is providing $500,000 to the project at broadband to some or all of its first meeting of 2022 in their customers, and they January. are going to be able to keep “The intent of this their electric rates lower. initial project is to be able We could be handicapped to eventually go beyond with electric rates in the Greeneville and out into the long-term if we don’t do county with this service,” this. This is the biggest reaBowlin told the board. son that I think we need to Greeneville’s aldermen take this step, because of we were vocal about their supdon’t do this and compete port of the project during with other counties we are the January meeting. going to fall behind on what Alderman Tim Teague we charge for electricity agreed that providing the because our rates will go service to rural areas of the up,” Bowlin said. county was important. Bowlin told the Energy “There are people that live Authority that Chattanooga in the county that still have and Bristol have been in to use DSL, so if something the broadband business the happens to their phone line longest in East Tennessee then they are out of work,” and have the lowest electric Teague said. “That’s why rates. it’s so important we get GLPS, the Town of Greenthis started and out to the GREENEVILLE LIGHT AND POWER SYSTEM eville, and Greene County GLPS provided this image to the Greeneville Energy Authority in December that shows every had also been missing grant people who need it.” county surrounding Greene County has a public utility providing broadband at some level. The board approved the funding opportunities since This map will change once GLPS creates its broadband system. funding unanimously. GLPS was not authorized to “I think this will be great provide broadband. because Greeneville needs for broadband use before it internet. Kevin Morrison told the “We do not qualify for competition with internet can be used by GLPS. “My husband has been Energy Authority in Deany of these grants if we are services. We saw with the “To the exclusion of all working from home for 12 not authorized to provide cember that Greene County pandemic that internet ser- years, so this is not a new else that we can do to com- services,” Bowlin told the was prepared to pledge $2 thing for us. To be able to million in funding to the vice and price was not very pete, grow and prosper, we Energy Authority in Decemoffer this service to remote broadband project with competitive,” Alderman need to get Greene County ber. workers is such a fantasmoney the county received Scott Bullington said. covered with broadband inTherefore, GLPS had to through the American Alderwoman Kristin tic way for Greeneville to ternet,” Morrison said. “We receive approval from the Rescue Plan. The Greene Girton noted that her provide for our taxpayers,” need it to be competitive in Energy Authority before County Commission will husband had been working Girton said. the 21st century economy. It any grant funding could be have to approve the funding is as important as water and accessed. at home for years using the Greene County Mayor
BY SPENCER MORRELL STAFF WRITER
Some of the grants GLPS could receive are through the Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund which came into being with the passage of the American Rescue Plan. The fund contains $400 million to be awarded across the state for the purpose of providing broadband. GLPS could receive a portion of the funding, but it had to be authorized to provide broadband first before it could apply for the grant. Bowlin told the Greene County Budget and Finance Committee in March that GLPS has divided its project to reach unserved households in the county into three separate grant applications that deal with northern, western and southern Greene County respectively. Each of three projects will cost about $7 million, for a total of approximately $21 million. One, two, or all three of the projects could be approved for broadband grant funding by the state. The county would provide 30% in matching funding if the grant funding is given to GLPS. The matching funds would come from Greene County’s American Rescue Plan funds. GLPS communicated with other power companies that provide broadband in order to get a feel for the benefits and possible difficulties of providing broadband. GLPS employees visited BrightRidge in Washington County, Newport Utilities in Cocke County, Erwin Utilities in Unicoi County, Holston Electric Cooperative in Hawkins County, Bristol TN Essential Services in Sullivan County, and EPB of Chattanooga in Hamilton County. “One of the nice things about our business is that we have a defined boundary, and we are not directly competing with each other. Each place we visited bent over backwards to help us,” Bowlin said in December. The project will take six to 12 months to complete, barring supply issues once materials are received.
Greene County Landmarks Got A Touch-Up In 2021 BY SPENCER MORRELL STAFF WRITER
T
wo Greene County historical landmarks got some much-needed care and attention in the fall of 2021. Greene County’s Bible Covered Bridge and Chuckey National Guard Monument were both on the receiving end of beautification efforts. The Bible Covered Bridge, located at the intersection of Denver Bible Lane and the Warrensburg Road on 998 Bible Branch Road, had restorative work conducted on it by Skyline Restoration, a Greene County building restoration service. Skyline Restoration removed and replaced any exterior boards that were rotten or damaged. The company also cleaned the bridge and scraped off old paint and dirt from the exterior. The bridge was then given a new coat of primer and three new coats of paint. Skyline also replaced the wooden pedestrian ramp that allows visitors to enter and walk across the bridge from the small parking area next to it. Greeneville Light and Power System installed security lights on each side of the bridge that illuminate the area at night. The restorative work on the bridge itself went on throughout the month of September, and was completed on Sept. 30. Built in 1923 by the Bible family, the bridge stretches across Little Chucky Creek.
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
A new coat of red paint now shines on the Bible Covered Bridge after its restoration in September. PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
A new pedestrian ramp leading up to the bridge was constructed in September.
2004 by the Greene County Highway Department with the help of a grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation. “There are certain trademark things that we identify with our home, and that bridge is one of those things for many people. There is a great love and affection for the bridge in our county. It is a unique symbol of our home,” Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison said in September. “That bridge is worthy of the dignity and SUN FILE PHOTO honor that we have reThis monument in Chuckey honoring those National Guardsmen who were killed or injured in turned to it.” the 1966 truck accident was cleaned and cared for in 2021.
The bridge originally connected the Bible family farm with the Warrensburg Road.
In 1948, the bridge was deeded to Greene County, and in 1975 it became a his-
torical structure. The original restoration of the bridge was completed in the fall of
NATIONAL GUARD MONUMENT The Chuckey National
Guard Monument that honors 16 members of the National Guard who were involved in a vehicle crash in Chuckey in August 1966 received clean-up and restorative work in September and October before a rededication ceremony was held in early December. The monument site in Chuckey, where eight men were killed and eight more were injured while traveling for a training exercise, had fallen into disrepair over the years, and Greene County worked to restore the monument to a respectable condition. Morrison noted in September that the memorial SEE LANDMARKS ON PAGE 22E
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 21E
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Page 22E
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
SUN FILE PHOTO
Officials from Greeneville and Greene County gathered at First Baptist Church in Greeneville to rededicate the Chuckey memorial site in Dec. 2021.
LANDMARKS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20E
had become overgrown and that the flagpole there had been toppled by a falling tree. As a part of the improvements at the site, located where Chuckey Highway meets Campbell Circle, the landscaping was trimmed and a new flagpole and light were
installed. Riverstone was also placed at the monument as well as eight miniature boxwoods, and eight autumn blaze trees to honor the eight men who lost their lives. New benches were installed at the memorial as well as a twospace parking area where people may pull off the road to stop by the memorial. “We are very proud of this site
and those men,” Morrison said. A total of 12 people lost their lives in the accident in 1966 when the military transport truck carrying the National Guardsmen suffered a brake failure on a rainy day and skidded into a car. Four civilians were killed as a result of the collision as well as eight of the guardsmen as the truck overturned after striking the car. Morrison said the accident is
considered one of the most deadly traffic accidents in Greene County history. National Guard members killed in the accident were Roy Dean Hice, Harry E. Gass, Ronnie Cox, Cody Erwin, Elmer Mullins, Herb Shelton, Jimmy Kenney and Harold Lee Smith. Survivors were Robert Purgason, Terry Whittenburg, Donald A. Dean, Clyde David Henry, Ross
Conner, Walter “Bob” Bowman, Glen Lloyd Malone and Dean Shipley. Morrison closed the rededication ceremony in December by quoting a scripture passage from the Gospel of John. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,” Morrison said. “The men we remember certainly lived this scripture.”
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This marker placed at the site in 2004 tells the history of the Bible Covered Bridge.
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GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 23E
Greeneville Airport Introduced New Ways To Fuel Up In 2021 BY SPENCER MORRELL STAFF WRITER The Greeneville Municipal Airport began leasing a fuel truck and offering a self-service fuel station on the tarmac in 2021. The $32,000 self-service fuel station was approved by the Greeneville Municipal Airport Authority in July 2021 and began operations in November 2021. The station did not cost the airport a penny to install. Ninety-five percent of the cost of the project was paid for through grant funding from the federal government and state government. The remaining 5% of the project cost was paid for by Phillips Petroleum. As a result, pilots coming through Greeneville now have a new and easier way to refuel their aircraft. “This upgrade will provide more convenience for pilots that visit our airport,” Airport Authority Chairman Jeff Hollett said in July. Before the self-service fuel station was installed, pilots coming through Greeneville had to wait on someone from the airport to help them refuel in a process that could cause lengthy wait times. If a pilot was looking to refuel an aircraft at night, the process could take even longer as someone would have had to drive to the airport from home to help refuel. The new self-service system does not require anyone to be present at the airport. The service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “You don’t have to wait on
GREENEVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
The Greeneville Municipal Airport welcomed a new fuel truck to the airport in late December.
someone to fill up your car at a gas station. You swipe your credit card, pump your gas, and then leave,” Hollett said in July. “This new pump will work in the exact same way, except you’re filling up an airplane.”
The airport also began leasing a jet fuel truck with a 3,000-gallon fuel tank for about $1,500 per month. The trucks do not leave the airport property, and help expedite fuel delivery to aircraft at the airport.
The lease is a structured as a pay-to-own three year lease. At the end of the three years, the airport can purchase the two trucks for $1 apiece. According to Airport Manager Steven Neeson, both additions have led to increased fuel sales and revenue for the airport. The Greeneville Municipal Airport Authority also approved a new fee structure in December 2021 that took effect in January 2022. Before the fee structure was approved, Greeneville Municipal Airport had no official fee structure for those
This new self-service fuel pump was installed at the Greeneville Municipal Airport in 2021.
coming through the airport. The new fees include tie down, main hangar, facility, call out, ground power unit, and nightly hangar fees. However, some fees are offset for patrons who purchase fuel at the airport. The fees are for transient aircraft only. The new fee structure does not apply to aircraft that use Greeneville Municipal Airport as their base airport. Neeson told the Airport Authority in December that the fees are no more than aviators would see at other airports in the region. “These fees are in line with
most other airports,” Neeson said. The Airport Authority board agreed that the fees were fair and often lower than can be found at other airports. The effort to have an organized fee structure is expected to generate some revenue for the airport, but the windfall in funds is not expected to be dramatic. Neeson told the authority that he expects the fees will generate possibly a couple thousand dollars a year in revenue, and would not adversely affect traffic flying into and using the airport.
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The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Saturday, March 26, 2022
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SECTION F
PERSPECTIVES
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition March 26, 2022
Page 2F
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
SUN FILE PHOTO
This undeveloped property at the former Greene Valley Developmental Center is now under local control of the Greeneville, Tusculum, Greene County Industrial Development Board.
Greene County Takes On Challenges To Advance Into The Future
Mayor Kevin Morrison
A
dvancing with vision in a challenging environment might very well characterize Greene County’s perspective position today from just one year ago. Despite the continued challenges and surges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Greene County accomplished a great deal since last year’s publication of “Perspectives,” with the main focuses being broadband, Greene Valley property action, water and sewer infrastructure, business and industry recruitment and retention,
and long-range vision and planning. On the subject of broadband, the county saw the initiation of a collaborative plan with the Town of Greeneville and the Greeneville Energy Authority to maximize the use of available infrastructure grant dollars to partner and deliver broadband internet across Greene County. We see this one endeavor as a game-changer to take Greene County to the next level of competition for business and industry recruitment, education delivery and improvement, local economic development growth, and overall improvement in our community’s quality of life through diversified jobs with growing wages. We took aggressive action to secure and develop property at Greene Valley. Leaders of the Town of Greeneville, City of Tusculum, and Greene County, along with David Hawk, our state representative, and our State Sen. Steve Southerland, worked a plan and held many discussions with Governor Lee, multiple state commissioners
and agency leaders to make this our No. 2 pick for advancing Greene County. This action establishes local control over the future destiny of most of the land there. Ongoing ideas and discussions are optimistic that a TCAT (Tennessee College of Applied Technology) will be constructed there. Governor Lee’s budget, if passed, earmarks nearly $30 million for this technical education center project that would serve the region and fill a much-needed role in the training of service and technology jobs. The county committed to improving water and sewer infrastructure. With the announcement of the federal government’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA funds), Greene County has vigorously sought to parlay the original $13.5 million allocation it received into larger amounts of available funds for use on aging and insufficient utility water lines. To guide and entice counties and municipalities, the state government is making more grant funding available for these
types of specific projects. So far in 2021-2022, Greene County has committed sufficient funding as a percentage match to get an additional $7.7 million for these water and sewer projects. Once again, we feel these commitments enhance Greene County’s economic development position now and in the future, with a specific vision to capture revenue along Greene County’s portion of Interstate 81. We forged ahead when it comes to businesses and industry expansion, recruitment, and retention. Cooperation and collaboration between the municipalities and Greene County, combined with the relentless, proactive enthusiasm of the Greene County Partnership, has resulted in nearly 10 major new businesses and industries or expansions across the county. Our leaders have carefully evaluated the “good growth” needed and wanted for investment in Greene County, and this evaluation is providing diversity in our economy
that provides a measure of protection when the overall economy weakens in the future. We have made strides in our long-range vision and planning for the future of Greene County. Greene County has aggressively pursued available grant funding in several areas. These available monies have been invaluable to help upgrade critical services like turnout gear for our volunteer fire departments; replace aging equipment like ambulances, HVAC units, security equipment, etc.; assisted in service delivery efficiencies at Solid Waste, transfer station operations and recycling; and enhanced courthouse security with technology that provides for remote arraignments. This focus on longrange vision and planning resulted in the county’s ownership of the former Takoma Hospital for use as an administrative office complex. The 110,000-squarefoot facility acquired for just $30 per square foot is being renovated to provide
much needed space to multiple departments, especially the Sheriff’s Office, and once completed it will provide for the consolidation of multiple offices into one space. This will reduce the financial burden of maintaining multiple facilities, while providing flexibility for an ever-increasing inmate population. Leaders are in discussions to perhaps offer space for some Town of Greeneville government functions to serve the public better and more conveniently. Greene County has made numerous smaller, but just as important strides, as it looks toward a bright future including managing revenues and resources responsibly to maintain Greene County’s strong financial position, maintain facilities, replace equipment when needed, enhance pay and incentives for our employees, and continue to provide reliable, efficient, and effective services to the best residents in the state. Kevin Morrison is the mayor of Greene County.
SUN FILE PHOTO
The former Takoma Hospital building was purchased by the Greene County Government in August 2021. It will serve as the new Greene County offices complex.
Benchmarks F Story Index
Benchmarks F Advertisers Index
Greene County Takes On Challenges To Advance Into The Future .................................... 2 Greeneville Sets Goals In New Strategic Plan ...................................................................... 3 Partnership Finished 2020, Started 2021 Strong ................................................................ 5 Greeneville Light And Power System Is Ready To Take On The Future............................. 7 Water Commission Working To Rehabilitate Entire Sewer System ...................................8 Greene County Schools ‘Guide, Cultivate, Succeed’ ............................................................ 9 Greeneville City Schools Can Be Proud Of Challenging Year ............................................ 10 Many Recent Changes In Higher Education Here To Stay ............................................... 12 Greene LEAF Supports Technology, Literacy, Arts In Greene County Schools................ 14 GCSEF Celebrates 25 Years Supporting Greeneville City Schools .....................................15 Tusculum University Values Its Role In The Community ................................................. 16 Plenty Of History To Experience In Greene County ...........................................................17
Antiques Guide .................................................................................................................. 16 Baileyton Guide ................................................................................................................. 16 Business & Service Guide .............................................................................................. 6 & 7 Childhood Education Guide ...............................................................................................17 Church Guide .................................................................................................................4 & 5 Clubs & Organizations Guide ............................................................................................ 12 Dance & Gymnastics Guide ............................................................................................... 16 Financial Guide ..................................................................................................................20 Golf Course Guide .............................................................................................................. 10 Local Business Guide ......................................................................................................... 19 Oil & Lube Guide ............................................................................................................... 12 Reader’s Choice Awards Guide .............................................................................13, 14 & 15 Real Estate Guide ......................................................................................................... 8 & 9 Security & Communications Guide ....................................................................................11 Wedding Guide .................................................................................................................... 3
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 3F
Greeneville Sets Goals In New Strategic Plan BY AMY ROSE
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ooking toward the future, the Greeneville Board of Mayor and Alderman adopted a wide-reaching strategic plan in December 2021. The “Greeneville Strategic Plan 2021” includes a new mission statement for the town and sets 10 goals addressing broadband internet, community wellness, election changes, a youth civics shadowing program, downtown redevelopment, and several other topics. “The strategic plan is the town’s roadmap to the future,” said City Administrator Todd Smith. “It represents input from citizens, strategic partners, and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and will set the path for Greeneville to meet challenging goals in the next five to 10 years.” The new mission statement describes the Town of Greeneville as “Always working to be the most desirable and dynamic small town in Tennessee; a thriving community in which to live, learn, work, and advance business.” The strategic plan was developed over several months through workshops with both the public and town staff, which were facilitated by the Municipal Technical Advisory Service. Once the 10 goals were identified, board members voted for their priorities. The top vote getter was “Work together better (with businesses, the County,
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Greeneville Mayor W.T. Daniels speaks to the crowd during the groundbreaking of the Depot Street revitalization project in November.
other agencies, etc.).” To achieve this goal community leaders will need to meet monthly or quarterly. The Greene County Partnership president should be a key leader and facilitator of this goal, according to the plan. “We will know this goal has been completed when we work together to solve common problems, share success stories, share resources, increase efficiencies, etc.,” the plan states.
The second highest vote getter was “Improve our gateways.” This goal calls for highlighting the entrances to the community, including the airport, downtown, city limits, etc., with attractive, low-maintenance signage by 2025. Two goals tied for the third highest vote getters: Finish the downtown redevelopment project and connect better with our citizens. For downtown redevel-
opment, Phase 1 would be complete by 2023, and Phase 2 within three to eight years, according to the plan. “This goal will be completed when the downtown provides citizens with a place to be proud of. New infrastructure will be in place and will provide for growth. Shopping, dining, and residential will be the focus points of the development,” the plan states. To connect better with
our citizens, a marketing plan will be developed by summer 2022, addressing the town’s website, use of social media, and dissemination of more positive but important news in a variety of modes of communication. The next goal on the list of priorities is to develop a civics shadowing program for youth by the 2022-2023 school year. This goal will be considered complete when a 10–
e
to 12-member, active youth commission is in place. Their activities will include: an annual project, job-shadowing opportunities with town employees, an annual roundtable-style workshop with the BMA, holding regular gatherings, and piggy-backing on the Youth Leadership Program of the Greene County Partnership. Next in priority is the goal of moving to four-year SEE GOALS ON PAGE 4F
ng
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Owner: Megan Johnson-Rohr Open Mon-Fri 8:30a-5:00p • Sat 8:30a-12:00p 901 West Main Street • Greeneville, TN 37743
423.638.1217 Same Day Flower Delivery To Greeneville, TN And Surrounding Areas
Page 4F
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
GOALS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3F
staggered terms of office. Strategies include community discussion, an MTAS study, and compiling any changes to the Town Charter by December 2022. The next two goals also tied in priority: Facilitate reasonably priced broadband throughout the community and have MTAS study the arrangement of the water and sewer utility. For broadband, a business plan will be developed by January 2023, grant funding will be sought for serving 10,000 customers of Greeneville Energy Authority by 2027, and a long-range plan would serve all GEA customers by 2036, according to the plan. The study of the water and sewer utility will benchmark other similarly sized communities to determine the most appropriate changes (if any) to deliver services to customers. The study will be complete by end of 2022, and any Town Charter changes will be considered by the end of 2023 for the 2024 session of the state legislature. And finally are the goals of expanding the town’s Wellness Program to the community at large and studying redistricting and/or moving to at-large elections. For wellness, the town will compile data on the benefits of its Wellness Program into a presentation to give 50 Greeneville-based businesses and groups by July 2023. Also, the Town will seek grant funding to host a regional wellness forum by Fall 2023. For election redistricting, town staff will work with MTAS to study at-large elections and potentially changing or removing wards by the end of 2022. The Greeneville Strategic Plan 2021 also includes three goals for the Greene County Partnership: Attract remote workers, continue business recruitment, and help small businesses. For the full text of the Greeneville Strategic Plan 2021, please visit www. greenevilletn.gov and click “About Us.” Amy Rose is the public relations manager for the Town of Greeneville.
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Town of Greeneville City Administrator Todd Smith speaks at the Depot Street project groundbreaking ceremony. The project is part of the town’s strategic vision for the years to come.
Church Guide Church Guide
FLAG BRANCH CHURCH OF GOD Where Salvation Makes You a Member Pastor, Willis Bowers
3709 Old State Route 34, Limestone
423-257-3163
SERVICE TIMES Sunday School 9:30am Sunday Morning 10:30am Sunday Evening 6:00pm Wednesday Night 6:00pm
Tim Roach, Pastor Larry A. Kelley, Outreach Coordinator Worship Opportunities *Sunday School: 10am Morning Worship: 10:55am Evening Worship: 6pm WEDNESDAY: Bible Study & Children/Youth Group: 7:00 p.m. email: office@limestonefwb.org www.limestonefwb.org *Please call to verify meeting schedules due to COVID-19
9800 107 Cutoff, Greeneville, TN (423) 638-6521
2320 Old Tusculum Blvd. 423-639-9241 • oakgrovegreeneville.com Billy Gragg, Pastor Sunday Services 9:30 a.m.: Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.: Morning Worship/Oak Grove Kids 6:00 p.m.: Evening Worship/OGYM (7th-12th Grade) Wednesday Services: 6:30 p.m.: AWANA Club (Preschool-12th Grade) 7:00 p.m.: Prayer Meeting
Christ United Methodist Church 307 South Main Street (423) 638-6224 In-Person Worship: Sunday 10:30a.m. YouTube Worship @ CUMC, Greeneville email: christum307@gmail.com
website: cumcgreeneville.com
Rev. Jim Fillers, Pastor
St. James Lutheran Church
Worship Opportunities
3205 St. James Rd., Greeneville
Victory Church of God 166 Sanford Circle, Just Off Asheville Hwy.
423-798-1992
Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m. Children’s Church: 10:30 a.m. Evening Worship: 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Evening: 6:00 p.m. Youth Programs: Sun & Wed 6:00 p.m.
Towering Oaks Baptist Church 1985 Buckingham Rd. 638-7464 • Fax 638-6026 Dr. James K. Pierce, III, Sr. Pastor Worship Opportunities Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 6:00 p.m. www.toweringoaks.org
638-3008 Sunday Morning Service: 10:30 a.m. www.stjames1811.org
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 5F
Partnership Finished 2020, Started 2021 Strong Greene County supported Greene County. My perspective on our community has not changed during the pandemic or post pandemic but only strengthened. We are blessed with natural beauty, a community of kind and caring individuals and a “can-do” spirit that was demonstrated through many actions of giving of monies, time and talents. Jeff Taylor
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OPPORTUNITIES
am often asked, “How was your first year at the Greene County Partnership?” Obviously, it had challenges and was a very different year than I had envisioned and planned. Fortunately my experience prepared me for crisis management. Granted, no one is prepared for a global pandemic. Einstein is credited with the quote, ”Out of crisis comes opportunity.” In addition to the danger of contracting COVID, The Partnership also faced a potential financial crisis. Reviewing the financial support from both our municipalities and supporters, there had been a steady decline in support. Over 50% of our funding is through memberships, donations and fundraising, so imagine the thoughts that I had when Gov. Lee issued his executive order to shut our businesses down. Through disciplined cost control measures, contin-
According to the quote by Albert Einstein, the second part of a crisis is opportunity. We, as a community, SUN FILE PHOTO have the opportunity to The Iris Festival returned to downtown Greeneville in 2021 after a COVID-19 hiatus in 2020. capitalize on this crisis for the betterment of our impacted as we watched very aggressive in our eco- our obligations. community. The inued local support and the our unemployment rate As I state very publicly creased awareness of the assistance of the Paycheck nomic development efforts skyrocket to double digit and proudly, we live in diversity of the eateries Protection Program (PPP), and assisted local mannumbers, but through an amazing community. and shopping has been we held the status quo. We ufacturing with organic great leadership amongst beneficial to our comstill are appreciative of the growth and grant opportu- All 632 square miles of our manufacturers, COVID munity. Local sales tax support that was provided nities from state and local Greene County. Through to the Greene County Part- initiatives. My perspective the pandemic the generos- protocols and creative revenues support local ity, caring spirit and com- scheduling quickly allowed initiatives such as schools, nership. Again, thank you! of how my first year as roads and tourism. These the leader of the Greene mitment to our community our workforce to return My prior work expeto work. Collaboration are all important to our County Partnership is very was reinforced. rience prepared me for amongst the industries for economic development good. As expected, our small the challenges a global best practices was key to strategy. businesses were immedipandemic would present, stabilizing our economy. Did you know it is not and it also presented the ately impacted. However SECOND YEAR Lastly, Greene County manufacturing that is the “opportunity.” As we were we were able to launch PERSPECTIVE supported our local econo- number one economy in unfortunately having to our Small Business Grant Tennessee? Agriculture is cancel our regularly schedthrough the Greene Coun- my. In addition to Greene We began year two continuing our efforts ty Partnership Foundation. County capitalizing on the number one, and number uled events, the team at The immediate financial recently passed legislation two is tourism. Right or the Partnership embraced to provide information wrong regarding the federsupport and generosity to retain online sales tax, innovation and executed a on COVID protocols and safety to the community. was demonstrated as we our community supported al monies that are flowing plan that was literally day our local stores as well. to day. We transitioned to The Partnership still faced raised $103,000 in less to communities, Greene than three weeks. We have Our sales tax year-overthe new norm of too many the challenge of funding. County has and will conFortunately we did qualify been able to award 50% of year increased in a very Zooms and managed to tinue to benefit from the for the PPP as part of the the funding to our small positive and aggressive launch programming that passage of the Stimulus businesses. double-digit percentage as Package. These monies supported our community CARES Act, and through increased marketing efOur manufacturing we lead the region in yearneeds. SEE PARTNERSHIP ON PAGE 6F over-year growth. Additionally we were forts, we were able to meet sector was immediately
Church Guide First Church of God 1505 West Main Street 423-638-4818 Dr. Nathan Leasure, Senior Pastor Ralph Shipley, Associate of Pastoral Care Thomas Ervin, Associate of Worship Sunday School 10am Sunday Worship 11am Wednesday 7pm
Worship Opportunities Sunday Worship 10:00am & 6:00pm Tuesday “Celebrate Recovery” 7:00pm Wednesday Bible Study 6:30pm Thursday Bible Study 10:00am Sunday Children & Youth 6:00pm Home of Noah’s Ark www.greenevillefcog.org and Facebook Childcare & Preschool
210 Luther St. Greeneville, TN 37745 (423) 639-9754 www.sanctuarytn.org Pastor: Jeremy J. Carver
Greeneville Seventh-Day Adventist Church
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710 Asheville Highway Greeneville, TN 37743 423-638-5014
day Morning Worship 9:30AM
110 N. Main St., Greeneville
423-638-4533
Worship Times
524 Tusculum Boulevard Greeneville, TN 37745
Sabbath School: 9:15 a.m. Worship: 11:00 a.m.
(423)638-7521
Adventist Community Service Center
www.trinity-um-church.org
120 Idletime Drive (423) 639-7127 Open Monday & Tuesday 9:00am - 11:00am
First Presbyterian Church
Tune in at WGRV 99.5 FM or 1340 AM Find Us On FaceBook Live: @TrinityUMCGreeneville YouTube: TrinityUMCGreeneville
Pastor: Rev. Sarah Varnell
www.firstpresgreeneville.org Call Or Check Website For Current Schedule Sunday 8:30 a.m. Worship with Weekly Communion 9:30 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages 11:00 a.m. Worship (broadcast beginning at 11:00 a.m. on WSMG 1450 AM , YouTube, & Facebook)
Youth Fellowship Weekly MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES Vocal and Handbell Choirs WEDNESDAY After School Youth Program, Family Supper, Worship & Education for all
Cedar Creek Church of God 2800 Cedar Creek Road, Greeneville, TN • 423-639-3468 Samuel Chaffin, Senior Pastor Charles Heater, Teaching Pastor Sunday 9:00am - Small Groups For All Ages 10:00am - Worship Service In The Building & On Facebook Live 10:00am - Children’s Church For 3 Years Through 5th Grade
Wednesday Morning 10:00am - Senior Adult Bible Study
Wednesday Evenings 6:00pm - Meal In The Christian Activities Center 6:30pm - Family Activities www.facebook.com/ccreekcog www.cedarcreekcog.com
Tusculum Baptist Church 775 Erwin Hwy., Greeneville, TN
423-638-8361 Worship Opportunities Sunday Worship: 8:45 a.m. (Traditional) 11:00 a.m. (Contemporary - Team Kid After Worship) Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. Wed.: 6:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting & Youth Only
Dr. David Smith, Pastor www.tusculumbaptist.org
195 Serral Drive, Greeneville, TN
423-639-2582 www.eastsidebaptist.info
David Fox, Senior Pastor D.J. Willis - Assistant & Music Jac Castillo - Assistant & Youth
WEEKLY SERVICE SCHEDULE: Sunday School 9:30 am Morning Worship 10:30 am Sunday Evening 6:30 pm Wednesday Evening 7:00 pm (Kids4Truth & Ignite Teens on
Wednesday night; Loving childcare provided in every service)
“To Know Christ & To Make Him Known”
Notre Dame Catholic Church 212 Mt. Bethel Rd., Greeneville, TN (423) 639-9381
www.notredamechurchtn.org
Weekend Mass Schedule Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday 4:00pm Vigil Mass: Saturday 5:00pm Sunday Masses: 8:00am; 11:00am; 3:00pm Holy Mass is live streamed at 11:00am each Sunday morning on Youtube.
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GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
PARTNERSHIP
ented residents to work in Greene County strengthens our reputation and provides a competitive advantage. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5F Lastly, working to provide a more will allow for upgrades to our schools and diverse manufacturing base coupled with having the certified sites and building infrastructure. inventory is another opportunity. CurA strong small business economy coupled with a vibrant downtown is an rently, companies entertaining relocating important component to economic devel- or expanding to a new community desire a pre-existing building. The average size opment. As we slowly recover from the is 100,000 square feet with expansion pandemic, we are seeing a renewed level capabilities. Currently, we do not have of interest in downtown and our community that we have not seen in decades. that space. Our opportunity at the GCP is to work Supporting our businesses, volunteering with state and local officials to identify with the organizations that promote the the optimal location and secure funding. economic development and beautificaWe have recently applied for grants as tion of our downtown is vital. well as entry to programs to accomplish Additionally we continue to work both goals. These are not overnight towards certifications that only further accomplishments but mid- to long-term enhance our opportunities for new business and industries. One such is our TVA strategies. What is my perspective on our opporSustainability Community certification. In 2017, Greene County was awarded a tunities for our community? I believe Silver Community designation, and we we are poised to return downtown to a were able to be recognized again as a TVA vibrant, fun, opportunity district. I also Sustainability Community. This is a great think that we have a commodity — land honor for a community the size of Greene — that no one else in northeast TennesCounty and especially as we continue to see has as much opportunity. This posiwork to diversify our already global man- tions Greene County for the recruitment ufacturing base. Note, you can apply as a of the right industry for our citizens — municipality or as a county. Companies industry that respects our surroundings want to relocate where communities are yet improves the quality of life for the engaged in green initiatives to improve employees and supports the community. the quality of life and the environment in which they live. 2022 AND BEYOND One of our key opportunities is the continued development and retention of The mantra for the Greene County our workforce. Currently, we have apPartnership in 2021 was “Finish Strong! proximately 1,200-plus people who leave Start Strong!” The “Finish Strong” refers to the end of 2020 and the “Start Strong” Greene County each morning to work in referred to the start of 2021. Despite surrounding counties. Retaining our tal-
the many challenges of COVID and the impact on our programming in 2020, we built a positive momentum to carry us into 2021. In May, we decided with some angst and trepidation to host the 26th Annual Iris Festival. It was the first major community event in the region. It was a tremendous success and launched us to a great year in 2021. We carried the momentum into 2022 and are very excited about what lies ahead. The economy continues to be strong despite recent global events and we have many jobs in all sectors that continue to need to be filled. Our community survived the loss of Philips and tobacco to our economy plus the “Great Recession.” We now can add the global pandemic to our list. The Greene County Partnership will continue to provide programming to assist our small businesses. We will continue to work to provide entertainment opportunities such as the Iris Festival, Wings and Wheels and the NCJAA DIII World Series Memorial Day weekend, as well as new events in 2022. We will continue to work with other organizations that make us a more viable community. Collaborating with other organizations to assist in their sustainability and growth is a part of our strategic plan. We capitalized on the success of summer to enhance our Shop Small event that had a great opening with the “I DIG Greeneville” Depot Street project launch. Recognizing an impact to those business on Depot Street as well as those impacted by all the road improvements, the Greene
County Partnership Foundation was able to extend the Small Business Grant to those impacted by this inconvenience and disruption. Again, we received anonymous donations to support the expansion of the program. We have since modified the “I Dig Greeneville” campaign from being just a Depot Street marketing campaign to “I Dig Greene County!” Recently during our visit to see our elected officials in Nashville, these buttons were distributed with a very positive reception. Greeneville/Greene County also recently hosted the state “Keep Tennessee Beautiful” state-wide launch. This honor is a result of the leadership of Jennifer Wilder and her efforts with Keep Greene Beautiful. We will continue to promote all of our programing and work to modify as we adjust to our new norm. Lastly, we are diligently working to align better with our state agencies, increase our engagement with all our representatives (state and federal) and to build a system for industry recruitment. As mentioned, we recently made the trip to Nashville to promote Greene County and request for funding. We are fighting for every dollar to enhance our community in all areas. We specifically have been working on Greene Valley, a new TCAT facility and tourism funding. We continue to work with state and local officials to develop the best plan that we all will be comfortable with and proud of. Building a TCAT facility in Greene County will allow our citizens to gain additional skill certifications without having to commute to SEE PARTNERSHIP ON PAGE 7F
Business & Service Guide David Shelton Builders SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM HOMES & NEW ADDITIONS
David Shelton Afton, TN
423-552-6410 TN Lic. # 28309
~ Since 1978 ~
sheltonhomes78@gmail.com
Greene County Pest Control
Charter# 3816
Call us, we treat what’s bugging you! Roaches • Rodents • Ants • Termites • Wasps & more.
Tim Jones
Now Offering Mosquito Service
Licensed, Insured & Bonded 1565 Marvin Road Mosheim, TN 37818
Tony Jones
(423) 329-0034
Termite & Pest Control
Trusted Service. Proven Quality. Walter Schwartz
A
423-422-1624 • 423-823-0355 Ask about a FREE TERMITE INSPECTION
Licensed and Insured
(423) 329-4398 www.schwartzconstructionsolutions.com
Keith Dyer Pest Control Office: 423-235-0621 Cell: 423-327-4996 Charter #4019
• Residential • Commercial
(423) 636-ROTO (423-636-7686)
Voted Best Septic Tank Service
(423) 639-1221
Michael Harrell Owner
BM Septic Tank Company, LLC Pump Septic Tanks 9640 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy Limestone, TN 37681
Brad & Maria McPeck
(423) 426-6255
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 7F
Greeneville Light And Power System Is Ready To Take On The Future BY CHUCK BOWLIN
but I believe a decision of similar significance was made by the Greeneville eventy-seven years Energy Authority (GEA) ago on March 30, board on December 27, the Greeneville Board of Mayor and 2021. That was when the GEA board approved a Alderman agreed to purchase East Tennessee Light plan to begin offering broadband services to the and Power, which was the beginning of the Greeneville central portion of Greene County roughly bounded Light and Power System. Although we continue to by the city limits of Greendo business as the Greeneville. eville Light and Power SysWe hope to be providing broadband services in this tem, we officially became area by the end of 2023, the Greeneville Energy and we will be pursuing Authority on July 1, 2019. Many things have trans- grants and evaluating the possibility of expanding pired over these 77 years,
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PARTNERSHIP
beyond this area as time progresses. If that was all that we had going, it would probably be enough, but there is much more. In June of 2021, GEA entered into Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Silicon Ranch to generate solar energy in Greene County that will serve GEA customers. This generation should come on line before the end of 2022. That will mark the first time in our history that any portion of our energy will be supplied by an entity other than
Disabilities) to redevelop the former Greene Valley Campus. Increased funding for tourism would allow Greene County to develop our outdoor recreation economy that has not been developed, as well as improve upon our historic tourism base. Outdoor tourism/ recreation is an untapped revenue source
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6F
Morristown and/or Elizabethton. Additionally, we are working with DIDD (TN Depart of Intellectual & Developmental
TVA. We continue improving our electric system through ongoing capital projects. Some of the key projects in the coming year will be the completion of the rebuild of our Mohawk substation, the construction of our new Chuckey Highway substation and the rebuilding of distribution lines along Chuckey Pike and Kingsport Highway. These projects will enable GEA to continue to provide the high degree of reliability that our custom-
ers have come to expect. Finally, the Town of Greeneville has expressed an interest in purchasing the GEA building on College Street. Although this building has served our needs for many years, we will be evaluating the possibility of relocating these personnel to our operations facility on 11E as part of the big picture of beginning to offer broadband services and addressing the needs of our operations assets and personnel. I recently read a quote that said, “if you are not
for our Greene County. From my perspective, the future is bright. Did we encounter some bumps and roadblocks due to COVID? Absolutely! Yet, we were able to take make the best out of a bad situation. We are a strong community comprised of amazing talent and compassionate people. We are surrounded by
changing, you are falling behind.” You can be comforted in knowing that we are not falling behind. The employees of Greeneville Light and Power are always up for a challenge, and we look forward to bringing the same level of service to our broadband offerings as we have with electric services for many years. We thank you for your support as we continue to serve you. Chuck Bowlin is the president and CEO of Greeneville Light and Power System.
majestic mountains and beautiful rivers and streams. From my perspective, we are poised to achieve the goals and dreams that we all want for our community and I look forward to that day soon. Jeff Taylor is president and CEO of the Greene County Partnership.
Business & Service Guide
• Large Building Pads • Commercial Site Prep • Demolition • Land Clearing • Laser Level Grading • Road Building • Soil Stabilization • Trenching • Paving • Ponds • Concrete Flatwork • GPS Grading
831 Fairview Road Afton, TN 37616
Specializing in Pole Buildings, and Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Office 423-416-4709
We build for you as we would for ourselves.
FREE ESTIMATES
~Matthew 7:12
COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND RESIDENTIAL SITE SPECIALISTS Martin Malone, Owner
423-823-0898
Marvin Smucker TN Lic# 00053604
sb@emypeople.net
malonebrothers@comcast.net
3755 Chuckey Pike, Chuckey, TN 37641 Cell: (423) 306-4930
FRESH DAILY• CUT TO ORDER
638-7001 301 Bohannon Avenue • Greeneville, TN 37745
Fresh, local meat from our family owned market
(423) 787-2087 creative.masonry@aol.com
www.creativemasonrytn.com
J & K Pressure Washing We truly appreciate the confidence of all our past, present and future customers.
Jerry or Kathy 423-440-4434
“Providing all your pressure washing needs” House, Mobile Home, Deck, Driveway, Fence and More
MOUNTAIN VIEW E X C AVAT I N G , L L C Licensed & Insured • Free Estimates
501 E. McKee St., Greeneville, TN 37743 HVAC License # 00038449
(423) 636-8409
Robert Bailey Owner
Best Heating/Air Service Person
Jeremy Raber Bert Raber 423.502.1196 423.502.1195 jeremyraber6@gmail.com
TENNESSEE CLEANING H Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning H We Specialize in Air Duct Cleaning H Fire & Water Restorations 2017 H FREE Estimates H 10% Discount for Seniors or Churches H 24 Hour Emergency Service
423-620-9230 or 423-798-0100
Page 8F
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Water Commission Working To Rehabilitate Entire Sewer System can allow water to infiltrate and cause damage and increased flow t has been a busy time for the on our system. Greeneville Water CommisThe repairs being made will allow us to keep treatment costs sion. If it seems like you see one down and provide a more efficient means of conveying sewage to our of our trucks on every street, you treatment facility. would be just about correct! Our staff is procuring new We are working hard to imtechnology at our plants that will prove our aging infrastructure allow better solids handling. downtown and throughout our We will be able to provide Class system. A Biosolids that can be used to ferThe Greeneville Water Commission was chartered in 1911 to tilize fields and crops without any provide water and sewer service environmental or health effects. for the Town of Greeneville. We are working hard for our The oldest sections of our discommunity. We realize that inconvenience is frustrating, but tribution system are downtown. The downtown restoration project with progress there must be some inconvenience. has provided a way for all of the Good things are coming to utilities to be updated so that our customers can receive a more effi- Greeneville! Thank you for your cient service that will take care of patience and we can’t wait to see our needs for many years to come. what is in store for us in the near future. We are also working hard to rehabilitate our entire sewer Laura White is the superintensystem. This is a time and money inten- dent of the Greeneville Water sive endeavor. As lines age, cracks Commission.
BY LAURA WHITE
I
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Crews worked to replace water and sewer lines downtown in 2021.
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GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 9F
Greene County Schools ‘Guide, Cultivate, Succeed’
LeAnn Myers
T
hroughout the challenging pandemic, the Greene County School System has continued to make strides in closing learning gaps for the students of Greene County and has a strong vision for the future of education in our system. This is thanks in large part to the perseverance and effort of the talented faculty and staff and our resilient students. On February 11, the Greene County School
SUN FILE PHOTO
Baileyton Elementary School students, supervised by Schneider Electric representatives, cover the roots of a newly planted oak tree with soil and mulch SEE GREENE ON PAGE 10F during an Earth Day program in August.
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Page 10F
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Greeneville City Schools Can Be Proud Of Challenging Year T
he past year has certainly been filled with unprecedented challenges, but Greeneville City Schools’ students and staff certainly have much to be proud of. Chief among the accomplishments is that Greeneville City Schools earned Level 5 academic growth, the highest level of growth, as a district during a global pandemic. Level 5 growth reflects that students showed significant growth above expectaSteve Starnes tions when compared with (TVAAS). Also, Greeneville their peers as measured High School ranked in the by the Tennessee Valued Added Assessment System top ten in the state in six
subject areas on End of Course (EOC) exams. Additionally, Greeneville City Schools was ranked the fourth best public school district in Tennessee by the 2022 Niche Rankings. The district ranked the best school system in the Kingsport/First TN Region and ranked in the top 5% of school systems nationwide. Greeneville City Schools has been consistently ranked among the top five districts in the state by this organization. Finder.com named Greeneville City Schools the top school district in America to purchase an affordable
home. Finder analyzed 13,506 school districts and filtered those rated an “A+” on Niche.com’s list of Best School Districts in America. Greeneville City Schools also ranked in the top 10 in the state in graduation rate. Challenge oftentimes leads to innovation. One such innovation during the past year was that GCS partnered with Bristol City Schools to offer a fully online K-12 learning experience. TOPS @Greeneville opened in the fall of 2021 and provided students and parents, not only in Greeneville and Greene County
but across the state, an opportunity to participate in virtual learning. While virtual learning is not for every student and family, some students thrive in this environment. Another new and exciting opportunity for students was the addition of the Tango Flight program at the Greene Technology Center (GTC). Tango Flight is a high school class which provides a college-level curriculum with practical, hands-on experience building an airplane. Students learn about aviation and aerospace engineering as they
work alongside seasoned aviation mentors. Students in the class may go on to pursue further education and careers in engineering, manufacturing, aviation mechanics, or as pilots. GTC is the 11th school in the country and the first in the state of Tennessee to offer this exciting cutting-edge curriculum. Greeneville City Schools is committed to providing opportunities for students to not only excel in academics, but also in the arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Excellence
GREENE
McDonald and Mosheim. The Niswonger Foundation is partnered with our four middle schools to focus on literacy improvements through the Rural Life Grant and the Strong Start Network, and at the high school level, all four high schools are partnered with the Niswonger STEM Grant. Save the Children partners with six of the seven elementary schools – Baileyton, Camp Creek, Chuckey, Doak, Mosheim and Nolachuckey – to provide both in-school and after school literacy supports. The LEAPS Grant allows for a before and after school program at McDonald Elementary School. The
Greene LEAF foundation works alongside the system to help secure additional funding for projects and programs that support our students and teachers. When considering opportunities to succeed, the Greene County School System works to help not only prepare students for academic success, but also to provide programs which support students in other important areas for success. The Greene Reads Community Collaborative has goals to support students for kindergarten readiness and third grade success. Several community organizations have come alongside the collaborative to promote events and
activities that provide information and support to families for their child’s success. The Save the Children Early Steps program works with families of students from 0-5 to provide resources, training, and support to help students enter school kindergarten ready. Early Steps Coordinators and the Kindergarten Readiness Ambassador visit with families in their home and in centralized locations to meet parents where they are in supporting their children. The Family Resource Center continues to partner with the Greene County Schools and other community organizations to
assess and meet the needs of students and families with the goal of helping to eliminate barriers to student success by providing direct services of basic needs and assisting in referral to local agencies. Additional guidance counselors at the high school level to assist juniors and seniors with college and career planning have been made possible through a partnership with the Niswonger Foundation. For more information about Greene County Schools, visit www. greenek12.org.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9F
System was named one of 68 Best for All Districts by the state Department of Education. This recognition is based on the system’s dedication to utilizing COVID-19 stimulus funding to drive student achievement and improve academic outcomes. Greene County Schools is also a Level 5 Schools System based on Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) growth for the 2020-2021 academic year. Four schools were identified as Level 5 schools based on TVAAS growth from the 2021 state assessments – Doak Elementary School, Chuckey Doak Middle School, South Greene Middle School and South Greene High School. We are proud of the work that is being done in our system to continue to address academic improvement and closing learning gaps. Greene County School System continues to follow the motto – Guide, Cultivate, Succeed.
Work continues during the current school year to guide students in an effort to be successful academically and prepared for their future. Providing additional learning opportunities during before and after school tutoring and summer learning camps, ensuring all students in middle school and high school have opportunities to explore college and career possibilities, and working to continually improve daily instruction are just a few of the ways Greene County is working to guide students forward. Strong partnerships continue to be cultivated in order to help meet the needs of the students in Greene County. The Niswonger Foundation has partnered with our system through the Project On Track program to provide additional literacy tutors in kindergarten through fifth grade during after-school programming at McDonald and Mosheim Elementary Schools. Four elementary schools have Tennessee All Corps tutoring before and after school. These schools are Baileyton, Camp Creek,
SEE CITY ON PAGE 11F
LeAnn Myers is the data and assessment supervisor for Greene County Schools.
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GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 11F
CITY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10F
in all Endeavors is the motto that frames this work. During the past year, Greeneville City Schools experienced success in these areas. The GHS Pride of the Devils Band finished seventh in the Division II State Marching Competition, its highest finish to date. The GHS Chorus had 19 upperclassmen eligible for the All-East Honor Choir including two alternates. This is the highest number from any school in East Tennessee. The GHS Boys Basketball team won the TSSAA Class AA Basketball State Championship. The GHS Wresting Team recently won the TSSAA Class A Traditional State Wrestling Championship. The GHS Boys and Girls Soccer teams were both TSSAA state semifinalists in their respective classes. The GHS Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (AFJROTC) recently completed their annual inspection and earned an overall result of “Exceeds Standards.” This is the highest rating attainable. Greeneville Middle School had two student artists whose work was accepted into the 16th Annual East TN Regional Student Art Exhibition at the Knoxville Museum of Art. The GMS Baseball team was a TMSAA state semifinalist. These are a few of the outstanding performances by our GHS and GMS teams and does not begin to touch the numerous individual performances and accolades received by our students. These are only a few highlights of the many ways that all Greeneville City Schools educators overcame the challenges to provide a high-quality educational experience for all students. I am extremely proud of each educator for their dedication and hard work during a year like no other we have experienced. Steve Starnes is director of Greeneville City Schools.
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Greeneville High School biology students participate in water quality research in Richland Creek in 2021.
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Page 12F
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Discussing Walters State Community College education options for veterans are, standing, Jason Wilder, coordinator of veterans services at Walters State, and Tim Forte, regional director for the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services; with Gary Brewer, exercise science major and Tennessee National Guard member; Dr. Tony Miksa, president of the college; Elias Bond, a physical therapist assistant major and Army veteran; and Melvin Kast, a general studies major and a veteran of both the Army and the Air Force.
Many Recent Changes In Higher Education Here To Stay T Tony Miksa
he start of every semester is a time of great joy and hope for me — joy in that students are back on campus, and hope in that they will achieve their educational goals. Throughout the pandemic, I have had to continually adjust my expectations at the start of a semester. We do not have as many students on campus as we had before the pandemic because many students are choosing to enroll in
Clubs & Organizations Guide
online classes instead of face-to-face classes. Because of this, I have been concerned about whether or not students enrolled in online courses will be as successful as students in face-to-face classes. However, in looking over some recent student data,
I am excited to see how well they are doing! This past fall semester, 75 percent of all students achieved a grade of C or higher, and 91 percent of dual enrollment students succeeded in their courses. Our three-year graduation rate has also held
steady during the pandemic. We realized a small increase in students earning their degree, from 31 to 31.7 percent. This past fall, 390 students earned 417 degrees and certificates. This is in addition to the 1,320 degrees and certificates
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SEE EDUCATION ON PAGE 13F
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awarded in the previous academic year. These recent graduates transferred to four-year colleges or were employed as nurses, police officers, electrical engineers, computer programmers or respiratory
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GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
EDUCATION
assistants — again to name just a few of the career areas. We also offered 75 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12F apprenticeship opportunities with area businesses and industry, and we providtherapists — to name just a few career ed over 400 industry-specific training paths. courses. Throughout the pandemic we have also Such successes during a pandemic are a provided non-credit workforce training to testament to the resilience, creativity and meet local employer needs. This past fall, resourcefulness of our students, faculover 200 students benefited from our ty and staff. They have adapted to new non-credit health care training, preparforms of learning, whether it’s all online ing individuals to work as phlebotomists, or a hybrid of online and face-to-face, and they have demonstrated that they certified medical assistants or dental
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
can be as successful in this new learning environment. While face-to-face learning and on-campus student engagement will always remain a priority as we move forward, I believe that the way we teach and support students has permanently changed. During registration, our students are choosing online classes in higher numbers than face-to-face classes. Our employees are providing support both online and face-to-face, giving students even more options. And I don’t
Page 13F
think these things will change when the pandemic recedes. The good news that has surfaced in the midst of this pandemic is that we have developed new ways to meet the needs of our students and local business and industry. Furthermore, we now know our students are succeeding. This brings me great joy and tremendous hope for our future! Tony Miksa is president of Walters State Community College.
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Page 14F
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Greene LEAF Supports Technology, Literacy, Arts
Suzanne Richey
G
reene LEAF, the Foundation for Greene County Schools, continued to support programs of the Greene County School System in 2021. While efforts in 2020 helped the schools reach the
milestone of one device for each student in the system, work continues on upgrading outdated devices, providing support with Internet connectivity, as well as supporting literacy and arts education programs. Additional donations are currently being solicited from local businesses and individuals. Anyone who wants to support the Greene County School System can support this campaign. While we are thrilled to have reached this milestone, there is much more to be done to give our students their best chance. Funds from the Foundation not only support the Greene County Schools technology program, but also provide funding for the Magic Book Bus program and have worked over the past three years to provide
resources to music and band programs at every school in the system. This was the first year the foundation was able to make teacher grants through the Clark Justis Teacher Appreciation Grant Fund. Three teachers received grants that provided additional resources for their classrooms. Recipients included Michelle Phillips, librarian at South Greene Middle Schools, Donna Reed, special education teacher at West Greene High School and Pam Foister, art teacher at Chuckey-Doak Middle School. Donations are welcome in all dollar amounts. The $25 gift is as valuable to fund the project as a larger contribution. Funds are still needed to improve connectivity and to repair and replace devices as they age out.
The Greene LEAF board of directors wishes to express its gratitude to everyone who supported the Greene County Schools in this year of endless challenges. This community responded to our needs with a great deal of generosity and compassion. Since its inception, Greene LEAF has undertaken a fundraising drive, provided hundreds of computers and tablets for schools each year, supported a variety of initiatives focused on literacy and coordinated grant funding to support music and band programs in every school. The founding members of Greene LEAF were concerned citizens who came together to form a nonprofit organization. The purpose of the organization is to assist
the Greene County School System’s teachers, staff and students with projects and needs above and beyond what tax revenues can provide. The Greene LEAF board has set out three primary goals for the next three years – supporting literacy programs, providing support to increase student access to technology in and out of the classroom, and supporting arts education The Greene County School System is one of the most resource-challenged school systems in the State of Tennessee, serving students from the region’s neediest families. Of the students served, 75.4 percent qualify for the free/reduced school lunch program. Additionally, 20.8 percent of students are classified as being from households below the pover-
ty rate. Greene LEAF is a nonprofit organization developed by community leaders to bridge the gap of funding for materials and programming not supplied by local government. The organization’s mission is to serve as an advocate for creating a premier educational environment for the students of Greene County through raising funds for literacy programs and technology initiatives. For more information or to find out how to support the Greene LEAF and the Greene County Schools, contact Suzanne Richey, executive director of Greene LEAF, at director@greeneleaf.org or visit www.greeneleaf.org. Suzanne Richey is executive director of GreeneLEAF.
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GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 15F
GCSEF Celebrates 25 Years Supporting Greeneville City Schools BY AMANDA WADDELL
tury this group has had many milestones and successes, all supporting the vision and n September of 1996 mission of Greeneville City Mrs. Kathryn LeonSchools. ard, Greeneville City In 2000, GCSEF began the Schools Board of EduCharacter Education Awards cation chair, and Dr. Ernest to complement Character Martin, director of schools, spearheaded a movement to Counts programing of GCS. establish the Greeneville City Through this program, students from each school Schools Education Founare selected by their peers or dation, whose focus would teachers and recognized for be to serve and support the continuance of the “tradition exemplifying good character. Beginning in 2002, of excellence” within GreenGCSEF saw a need to supeville City Schools. This year Greeneville City port innovative initiatives Schools Education Foundathrough teacher grants. We developed SEED Grants tion is celebrating its 25th year of service to Greeneville and Focus Grants. Between these two programs GCSEF City Schools. Our motto is has funded over $130,000 going “beyond the basics” for Greeneville City Schools, of direct teacher requests. In 2006, GCSEF launched and that sentiment has been embedded in this group since the Daddy Daughter Dance as a joint venture with its founding. GSIA. The event has beOver the last quarter cen-
I
come a local tradition and has provided over $45,000 of scholarship funds to GHS students. The dance will be held on April 9 this year at Hal Henard Gymnasium. Tickets will be available at the NPAC box office beginning March 28. We hope families will return this year and continue to grow this sweet tradition. In 2011 GCSEF hosted the inaugural CORE Champions Event. Each class of CORE Champions consist of an Outstanding Young Alumni, Distinguished Alumni, Distinguished Servant, and an Outstanding Patron. Public nominations are sought from the community and selected by a committee. These individuals excel in their vocations and are making a difference in their communities.
GCSEF hosted the Inaugural Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot in 2015. This event has grown each year and we had 575 participants in 2021. A huge part of this event is the school participation challenge. Eastview broke a record last year and had over 24% participation. GCSEF began public recognition of GHS Over 30 ACT students in 2018. Of all the programs and events GCSEF has funded in the last 25 years we have had one area of high concentration — technology. From Enterprise Network through Reach4IT, each capital campaign was focused on technology funds. Through those campaigns, GCSEF has invested over $1.4 million in technology. In 1996 technology was groundbreaking in educa-
tion, and Greeneville City Schools led the way. Dr. Martin and Mrs. Leonard had a clear vision that set Greeneville City Schools apart from their peers. With the culmination of Reach4IT, GCSEF has also been essential in making that vision a reality. GCSEF received a note of appreciation from a third grader at Tusculum View. It reads: “The new computers are great, and they help me learn. If something is too hard, the computer makes it easier. If something is too easy, the computer gives me things that are harder to do so I can learn more.” The student was Marhall Harbison, a third grader in 1997. Its almost like GCSEF has come full circle. Enterprise
Network placed computers in every classroom and Reach4IT helped provide laptops for every student. As GCSEF enters the next 25 years, current leadership will begin to explore options for the next phases of GCSEF. Though predecessors set the bar high, one constant throughout our history has been exceptional leadership. This board is, and has always been, filled with highly capable individuals that care for their community and deeply value public education. GCSEF is still guided by the same devotion to public education and desire to go beyond excellent to exceptional. Amanda Waddell is executive director of the Greeneville City Schools Education Foundation.
Reader’s Choice Awards Guide
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639-1402 9:00-5:00 Mon.-Fri. 9:00-1:00 Sat. 403 Bernard Avenue Greeneville, TN
24 HOUR SE VICE
We will continue to offer the “BEST” Buy on Quality Stones and Markers BRONZE • GRANITE • MARBLE
111 Tusculum Blvd.
423-639-6671
Local & Long Distance Service Available Lock Out Service Available
423-638-5546
J & K Pressure Washing
501 E. McKee St., Greeneville, TN 37743
Robert Bailey Owner
HVAC License # 00038449
Best Heating/Air Service Person
(423) 636-8409
We truly appreciate the confidence of all our past, present and future customers.
Jerry or Kathy 423-440-4434
“Providing all your pressure washing needs” House, Mobile Home, Deck, Driveway, Fence and More
The Region’s Choice for Assisted Living
Donnie L. Adkins, DMD Brent Cornette, DMD B
Donnie L. Adkins, DMD Voted Best Dentist
2017
Staci Shipley Voted Best Dental Hygienist
...it’s your best asset! 600 Tusculum Boulevard, Greeneville, TN 37745
(423) 638-5141 adkinsfamilydentistry@gmail.com
Trey Youngblood - LUTCF Agency Manager Greene-Greeneville Agency 1431 W. Main Street, Greeneville, TN 37743 Phone: 639-7212 Fax: 639-7215 Trey.Youngblood@fbitn.com www.fbitn.com
324 Mt. Bethel Rd., Greeneville, TN 37745 (423) 787-1711 morningpointe.com
Page 16F
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
SUN FILE PHOTO
Tusculum University launched a voter registration campaign on National Voter Registration Day in 2021. From left, Estefania Juarez, Ben Gall and Aaron Phillips chat about the importance of voting with Steveland Anderson, multicultural retention coach, and Mary Cooper, sponsor of TU’s Center for Civic Advancement. The three seated students are Bonner Student Leaders.
Tusculum University Values Its Role In The Community ly. After so many events had been canceled, it was especially nice to experience the vibrancy of the crowds. We left knowing we have moved to a special place. Now we cannot wait for our first Old Oak Festival. It has been a privilege to serve as a member of the Greene County Partnership’s board of directors and to become a member of the Greeneville Noon Rotary Club. I was impressed with Greene County and its history when Dr. Scott Hummel I moved here, and these or the two years opportunities to serve I have lived in have given me greater Greeneville, much understanding of the comof my perspective munity’s strengths. It has of the region and Tusculum also reinforced to me that University has come from Tusculum plays a vital role behind a face covering. in enhancing the quality of As COVID-19 wanes and life in Greene County. masks have come down, I As the president of Tusam finally seeing the area culum, I am also pleased return to normalcy. when the community visits I cherish the opportuniour campus and witnesses the caliber of our faculty, ty to spend more time in staff and students. Tuscuthe community and build additional personal and lum took great pride during professional relationships. the summer in hosting “A I have been proud that History of Greene County in Tusculum University found Six Objects,” which enabled creative ways to remain en- the community to reflect on its wonderful heritage and gaged with the community through education, service, interact with our exceptionathletics and the arts. al history faculty. Between COVID variants It was terrific to see and surges, my wife Starr thousands of communiand I were thrilled to attend ty members worship on the Iris Festival in May and campus during the Mercy enjoyed ourselves immense- Me Concert. I was honored
F
to throw out the first pitch for the inaugural season of the Greeneville Flyboys in Pioneer Park. There is no better way to spend a summer afternoon in Greeneville than enjoying a hot dog with friends at a Flyboys game in the best stadium in the league. Congratulations to the Flyboys on winning the Appalachian League title in 2021! Our arts programs remain one of our greatest contributions to the community. We are thrilled when community members join us for our theater productions and art exhibits. Even in the midst of COVID, the show went on. I have been impressed with the quality of the arts programs and the talent at Tusculum and in Greene County. Your donations help ensure we can continue to enrich personal lives with these outstanding programs. I am especially thankful for the many churches in Greene County who have stepped forward to minister to our students. During Pioneer WOW (Welcome Orientation Week), nine churches greeted our new students with a lunch and helped them move in. Even more churches have “adopted” our athletic teams, inviting them to church, attending their games and
investing in their lives. Tusculum, with the help of our churches, is committed to providing a caring Christian environment for our students. This month, we are excited to launch the Greene County President’s Advisory Council. I look forward to sharing our many initiatives on campus and the direction we are heading as a university. But most importantly, I am interested in hearing the council’s feedback about workforce needs and preparing career-ready professionals. I am proud to be president of Tusculum University. In 2021, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges reaffirmed our accreditation. Our dedicated faculty and staff continue to provide an outstanding education. Greene County residents and employees can be confident they will receive an exceptional education at Tusculum, and we welcome and invite you to enroll at the university. Those who choose us for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees will benefit from smaller class sizes and professors who are committed to working one-on-one with students to attain optimal results. We consider this personal attention to
Come To Bailey
t on !
I-81 At Exit #36 Classical Ballet & Pointe Competition Dance & Performance
• Blue Ridge & Cash Family Pottery Tue - Sat 10:30am - 5pm Sun & Mon - By • Art Pottery Appointment • Good Glassware & China
Martial Arts & Self-Defense
Always Buying!
Baileyton Guide
423.234.6911
50-75% off everything in the mall. Inventory Reduction Sale.
109 South Main Street • Erwin, TN 37650 Glenna Lewis 423-743-6737 Joey Lewis 423-743-4895, 423-220-7372 joetheantiquer@hotmail.com
Dr. Scott Hummel is president of Tusculum University.
6530 Horton Hwy., Baileyton, TN
Dance & Gymnastics Guide 423-743-4136
April 2, for students who are seeking a traditional undergraduate college experience. Participants can tour our campus, meet faculty members and learn more about the process of becoming a Pioneer! You can register at my.tusculum.edu/openhouse. Thank you for supporting Tusculum University. We value being part of Greene County and being your neighbor.
William K. Kerr, Mayor Jessica S. Brown, City Recorder Josh Ferguson, Police Chief Danny Neely, W.W.T.P. Operator
Antiques Guide Valley Beautiful Antique Mall
students to be critical to a student’s success and a differentiator for our university. I also want to emphasize that Tusculum is affordable. With Pell grants and scholarships, students and their families will discover that the cost of a Tusculum education is well within reach. I urge anyone who wants to examine this in greater detail to email our financial aid team at financialaid@ tusculum.edu. Please join us for the open house we are holding 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday,
Praise Cloggers
423-620-2036 www.centralballet.com 120 W. Summer St. Greeneville, TN
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 17F
SUN FILE PHOTO
The Dickson-Williams Mansion in Greeneville.
Plenty Of History To Experience In Greene County BY KEN LITTLE STAFF WRITER
H
istory, both hidden by nature and highly visible, is alive to explore in Greene County. The county’s wooded trails, historic buildings and parks all have compelling tales to tell for local adventurers. With spring blooming, it’s time to get out and discover the county’s rich historical heritage, said Shawn Gillette, chief of interpretation and education at the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site. “We have people who have lived and worked here all their lives and never took the time to visit them,” Gillette said. With gas prices soaring and some travel still impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Gillette urged Greene Countians to take a “staycation in history.” There is much to see. Many sites have hidden backstories attached to them that should keep history sleuths busy. SUN FILE PHOTO
SEE HISTORY ON PAGE 18F
The Doak House Museum, on the Tusculum University campus.
Childhood Education Guide
Towering Oaks Christian School 1985 Buckingham Road
423-639-0791 Classes For Two Years Old - Twelfth Grade
Nurtured in Academic Excellence Rooted in God’s Word Open Monday-Friday 6:45 am - 5:45 pm 1421 Tusculum Blvd. Greeneville, TN 37745
(423) 525-4951 (423) 525-5735 Fax
Page 18F
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
SUN FILE PHOTO
Margarette Falls is located in the Greene County section of Cherokee National Forest.
SUN FILE PHOTO
The Andrew Johnson Homestead in Greeneville.
HISTORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17F
For instance, David Crockett Birthplace Park once had a hotel on the property. Remnants can still be found. “You have the big places, but also the
lesser known stories, too,” Gillette said. The large expanse of Cherokee National Forest in Greene County includes hiking trails through lush wooded areas and other varied landscapes. Remnants of settlers’ cabins remain. “They have just got this vast wilderness of untapped beauty, but in that forest are
historic sites,” Gillette said. “A lot of these local (historical marker) signs people drive by and they don’t even see them,” Gillette said. There are many sites to remind visitors of Greene County’s role in the years leading up to and during the Civil War. The three stars on the Tennessee flag
represent the state’s western, middle and eastern section. Northeastern Tennessee had strong Unionist and abolitionist sympathies. “A lot of people here did not support slavery,” Gillette said. SEE HISTORY ON PAGE 19F
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
Page 19F
SUN FILE PHOTO
David Crockett Birthplace State Park in Limestone.
HISTORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18F
There’s the story of the State of Franklin, a sovereign state that existed between 1785 and 1788 with Greeneville as its capital. “To me, the two areas that really are missed are the (Crockett) state park and
the national forest. There’s hidden history,” Gillette said. “It’s not just hit-you-in-theface history, it’s the little subtle things.” Of course, there are the various National Park Service sites connected to Andrew Johnson, the 17th president of the United States, who made Greeneville his home. “If you want history in Greeneville, there no shortage of it. Greeneville is replete with historic sites, but if you want history off the
beaten track, there’s no shortage of that,” Gillette said. Some sites to visit include: • The Andrew Johnson Homestead, Andrew Johnson National Cemetery and other sites connected to the former president. • The Dickson-Williams Mansion, at 108 N. Irish Street in Greeneville, one of more than 11 Civil War sites in Greene County.
Local Business Guide
• The Greeneville-Greene County History Museum, at 101 W. McKee Street. • State of Franklin log cabin replica of capitol building on North College Street. • Cherokee National Forest, managed by the USDA Forest Service. • David Crockett Birthplace State Park, in Limestone. • Tusculum University and the Doak House Museum, in Tusculum
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Page 20F
The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition
GreenevilleSun.com
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Financial Guide
Jake Ottinger, FIC
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423-636-5000 3626 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy.
Suite Sutie 3
Rob Gay III,
CRPC®, AAMS® Financial Advisor (423) 639-7241
423-636-5030 1435 Highway 70
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903 Tusculum Blvd.
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2305 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy. ATM
523 Asheville Hwy., Food City Shopping Center
(423) 638-4154
111 Village Drive Greeneville, TN 37745 B 423-639-4691 C 423-329-0345 jacob.c.ottinger@ mwarep.org
Financial security - I can help you achieve it. Let’s talk. ACH0813
