Elizabethton Star, December 2, 2015

OPINION

COMMUNITY Crime News Page 3

PREP HOOPS Happy Valley vs Unaka Page 9

Reader pays tribute to Lindberg Estep Page 5

Elizabethton Star Wednesday, y, December 2,, 2015

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Volume 90 - No. 236

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City nears completion on two major utility projects

BY REBEKAH PRICE STAR STAFF rebekah.price@elizabethton.com

Star Photo/Rebekah Price

City of Elizabethton employees replace water line off Keg Mottern Road.

The East Side water line replacement project is now more than 90 percent complete, according to Elizabethton Director of Engineering Johann Coetzee. Before the project began nearly two years ago, Coetzee said 70 percent of East Side’s water was leaking out due to outdated lines — the worst leak in the city.

“This is a very large accomplishment for us,” said Coetzee.

“We’ve caused a lot of disruption for the public, but I’m very pleased with the results. We are now looking at our water loss figures to see what effect these changes will make, and this will take months to analyze.”

The city received a $450,000 Community Development Block Grant and one $650,000 loan for repairs. The city is only required to pay back 70 percent of the loan over 20 years with a low interest rate. Coetzee said all work afforded by the loan has been completed and that additional costs were covered in the city’s operational budget.

Cost calculations have not been finalized because the East Side project is considered an ongoing budget expense. These costs will be announced mid-January when they have been quantified, and water loss improvements will be determined in a few months.

Coetzee said one of the biggest advantages is now they are not spending money to repair old

pipes over and over again, so they can use that saved money to replace other pipes.

“If we replace, it means that for the length of that line, we don’t have to go out and do repairs, and we can now allocate those resources elsewhere,” he said.

“When we start putting Band-aids on Band-aids, we become very inefficient.”

Most of the 2-inch water lines that have had the most leaks were installed in the 1930s or later, with an intended lifespan significantly less than their current age, Coetzee said. The new lines have an estimated life span of 60 years.

In each project, crews have strived to work as efficiently as n See CITY, 4A

AG says state cannot refuse refugees lawmakers worry about safety, security

BY ABBY MORRIS-FRYE STAR STAFF abby.frye@elizabethton.com

In the wake of terrorist attacks in Paris and other parts of the world, many states, including Tennessee, asked the federal government to halt the placement of thousands of Syrian refugees throughout the country. On Tuesday, Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III issued an opinion saying the state does not have the authority to refuse to accept the refugees if the federal government decides to place them in Tennessee.

The attacks in Paris occurred on Nov. 13. During the early stages of the investigation into the Paris n See REFUSE, 3A

Rep. John Holsclaw

Photo contributed by ETSU

In October, researchers at the Gray Fossil Site uncovered a portion of a skull with visible teeth. Researchers have now confirmed the skull belonged to a giant mastadont.

Rep. Timothy Hill

Diva Fit bringing fitness to downtown

BY REBEKAH PRICE STAR STAFF rebekah.price@elizabethton.com

chines, you’re taught everything you need to know when you walk through these doors,” said Amy Galliher, owner, instructor and personal trainer. “We’re always making progress and we’re always right here. It’s pretty much personal training without the added expense.”

She has been an Elizabethton resident for 26 years, and is originally from Piney Flats. She got her start as the owner of a co-ed hardcore gym, where she taught a shred class.

Diva Fit Studio, now open downtown, is a cross training gym with classes instructed by and designed uniquely for women of all ages.

Four local trainers teach Shred, yoga, Zumba turbulence, pilates, beginner and general kickboxing classes, but women can also go to workout with a personal trainer, a service included in membership fees.

“We do a little bit of everything — you’re not held back by just taking classes or just doing ma- n See FITNESS, 4A

Elizabethton Star Established 1926

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Giant mastodont skeleton discovered at Gray Fossil Site JOHNSON CITY – The 2015 field season at the East Tennessee State University and General Shale Natural History Museum and Visitor Center at the Gray Fossil Site is wrapping up with a huge discovery. According to paleontologists at ETSU, this find is “huge” in terms of its scientific potential, as well as the overall size of the animal.

“We have known that an elephant-like animal existed at the Gray Fossil Site since the site was discovered in 2000 during a road

Obituaries Richard D. Campbell Elizabethton

Betty A. Dempsey Elizabethton

Ella M. Hardin Elizabethton

Roy J. Hart Jr. Elizabethton

construction project,” said Dr. Steven Wallace, excavation director and museum curator. “Earlier researchers suggested that ‘elephant’ remains from the site might belong to a group known as the shovel-tusk elephants, so called for their large, flat lower tusks that are reminiscent of large shovels. This identification was always uncertain because flattened lower tusks and diagnostic cheek teeth hadn’t been recovered.”

As excavations began this year at the Gray Fossil Site, various tar-

get areas were selected. One target was the location where Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) workers first hit and recovered tusk fragments in 2000.

“Although this tusk area was a primary target for the 2015 field season, our work there was postponed because a duck decided to nest in that area,” said Shawn Haugrud, lab and field manager at the Gray Fossil Site and the Natural History Museum. “Once the duck was finished, we moved in and began a number of excava-

Index Billy Graham 4 Classifieds - Dear Abby 6 Lottery 6

tion units. We immediately started finding tusk fragments under the duck area.”

Following this, Wallace contacted TDOT and asked if they would be willing to donate any remaining tusk fragments in their collection recovered in 2000.

“TDOT graciously donated the remains, and the pieces fit together with specimens (that were) recovered this season,” noted Haugrud, who was put in charge n See MASTODONT, 3A

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(423) 542-4151 • www.elizabethton.com

Classic holiday tale comes to the stage with a twist MORRISTOWN — Ralphie Parker will be on a quest to get an official Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun under the tree when Encore Theatrical Company closes its ninth great season with “A Christmas Story, The Musical!” This stage version of everyone’s favorite holiday movie will play for three weekends, Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 20, at Walters State Community College in Morristown.

While searching for his prized BB gun, Ralphie encounters everything from kooky leg lamps to pink bunny pajamas to cranky department store Santas. Based on the classic 1983 movie, “A Christmas Story, The Musical” captures holiday wonder with such deliciously wicked wit that it is sure to delight children and grown-ups alike.

“This show has been crazy fun to bring to the stage,” said Drew Ogle, Encore’s managing director, who is also serving as stage director for this production. “We have a large cast ranging in age from 6 to over 60 who has been working hard over the last 5 weeks to bring this tale to the stage, and maybe even introduce it to a new generation. It will be a great way to

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ring in the holiday season.”

Audiences may remember that Encore closed its first season in 2007 with a stage version of “A Christmas Story.” However, this is a completely different production, and the biggest difference is that this year’s show is a musical. This version premiered on Broadway in 2012 and has quickly become one of the most popular holiday productions around the country.

Bringing this musical to life along with director Ogle is choreographer Allison East, whose work was last seen this summer in Encore’s “Cabaret.” Lee Akins is the show’s musical director and Mary Wallen is the stage manager.

Making his Encore debut in the role of Ralphie Parker is Alec Phillips. Alec is an eighth grader from Newport who was previously seen in “Riversong The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” at Greeneville’s Niswonger Performing Arts Center and in “Les Miserables in Concert” with the Newport Theatre Guild.

Joining Alec is an ensemble of 28 actors and musicians, including some familiar Morristown theatre faces as well as more newcomers like Alec. The cast includes Brant Adams, Teresa Adams, Mikki Brooks, Elizabeth Doswell, Devon Drybread, Allison East, David Freeman, Faith Guillen, Zadita Hewitt, Cheyenne Hewitt, Will Holt, Steven McCoy, Nicholas Noble, Ralph Noble, Sean Norris, Tara Oglesby, Gregg Perry, Macie Rogers, Connie Sexton, Ian Sexton, Kelli Sexton, Stephen Smith, James Templin, Hannah Grace Wallen, Troy Wallen, Amy Webb, Joe Wilaniskis, Steve Wilaniskis, and Kim Wilaniskis.

“In addition to the actors, musicians, and crew, who donate their time and talents, it takes a lot of financial support to bring a show like ‘A Christmas Story’ to the stage,” said Ogle. “We could not do it without the support of our sponsors.”

Performances are December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19 at 8pm. Matinee performances are December 6, 13, 19, and 20 at 2pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for Seniors, and $12 for Students and Youth.

For tickets, call 423-3188331 or visit the Encore website at etcplays.org.

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Mastodont n Continued from 1

of overseeing the field crew for the first time this year.

Haugrud worked with site surveyor Brian Compton to map all the tusk fragments in the disturbed surface sediments. Using the resulting map, they were able to narrow in on the most promising tusk area, and the excitement really began to pick up in late August as the tip of an intact tusk appeared. The excavation team then moved in the opposite direction and soon hit more tusk – a continuation of the same tusk. By October, part of the skull was uncovered with visible teeth.

“As soon as teeth were discovered, I rushed to the site for a

Refuse n Continued from 1

attacks, it was reported that at least one of the attackers involved was able to enter France as a refugee from Syria.

As information about the attacks and those responsible was released, several Tennessee lawmakers and officials called for Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam to tell the federal government that the state would not accept any refugees until security questions could be resolved.

On Nov. 16, Haslam issued a statement concerning the attacks and potential placement of Syrian refugees being granted asylum in the United States. “Since (Nov. 13) the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security has been in contact with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and this administration has actively shared information with our local public safety partners across Tennessee,” Haslam said on Nov. 16. “We are currently working to get specifics from the U.S. Department of

Community

look,” noted Dr. Blaine Schubert, executive director of the Gray Fossil Site and Natural History Museum. “It was clear that we had something quite different from a shovel-tusker – we had an early mastodont!”

There is no doubt that ETSU paleontologists are ecstatic about the discovery of a mastodont (also spelled mastodon).

According to Dr. Jim Mead, chair of the Department of Geosciences and museum curator, “There are many types of extinct elephant-like animals that roamed North America over time, ranging from mammoths to mastodonts, and stegodons to shovel-tuskers. Mammoths weren’t around in North America at the time of the Gray Fossil Site, but we still had three or four posState on the status of any Syrian refugees currently slated to come to Tennessee. While screening, acceptance, and placement is legally under the authority of the federal government, they have said in the past they would be open to cooperating with receiving states. Today I’m asking the federal government to suspend placements in Tennessee until states can become more of a partner in the vetting process.”

Following that statement by Haslam, State Representatives John Ray Clemmons, Jason Powell and Mike Stewart — all Democrats representing the Nashville area — requested Slatery issue an opinion as to whether or not the state had the authority to refuse refugees.

On Monday, Slatery issued a sixpage opinion saying the authority to grant refugee status rests solely with the federal government, and the state government has no authority to interfere in that process.

However, the opinion issued by Slatery does not settle the question at the root of the issue for many who called for a moratorium on the placement of refugees.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 - STAR - 3

tential of filling significant gaps in our understanding of their evolutionary history.”

Visitors to the ETSU and General Shale Natural History Museum may see the mastodont project in action. This winter, Shawn Haugrud and his crew will work on the tusks, skull, teeth, and vertebrae in the Prep Lab. They will clean and put them back together in the laboratory upstairs at the museum. Excavation of the rest

sibilities to consider. Now that we know it is mastodont, this is incredibly exciting for us, the university, and the world of paleontology.”

“We have all had our fingers and toes crossed that we would hit more of this ‘elephant,’ and that was the

area that had the greatest known potential,” said Wallace. “We now have a cranium, lower jaw, teeth, tusks, and neck vertebrae. This suggests that we have an entire skeleton out there, and we will be working on this for years.”

Schubert notes that the identification of mastodont from the site is extraordinary and unique.

“While relatives of these giant animals were common during the Ice Age at sites like Saltville, Virginia, they are rare from older sites in North America,” he said.

“Thus, paleontologists know very little about ancestral mastodonts on the continent, especially in eastern North America. Now that we have this remarkable MioPliocene skeleton, we can see that it has extraordinary transitional features. This skeleton has the po-

“It’s really a difficult situation, but the bottom line is we’ve got to find a way to make sure Tennesseeans are safe from an influx of potentially bad people,” said State Rep. Timothy Hill, who represents Carter County. “If we can find a way to petition the federal government to bring this to a halt, we should.”

While clarifying the state’s legal authority is important, Hill said he does not think Slatery’s opinion will put the matter to rest.

“The Attorney General’s opinion is just that, it’s an opinion,” Hill said.

“I don’t think it will be the end of this.

It’s nothing new; it’s just very important in the wake of everything that is going on in the world.”

Hill and his colleague in the State Legislature, John Holsclaw, who also represents Carter County, were among the state’s congressional members who petitioned Haslam to ask the federal government to halt the refugee placement program.

The pair of lawmakers joined a large number of their colleagues in drafting a letter to Haslam asking him to “stand up for the state” and protect Tennessee from any potential

dangers that could come with the influx of refugees.

“I think we need to take any means necessary to keep them out of the borders of the State of Tennessee,” Holsclaw said of the refugees. “We don’t want them in our state because they are a security risk.”

Holsclaw said the investigation into the Paris attacks proved that ISIS had been able to slip operatives into other countries mixed in with the refugees.

“We have to make sure our state and our citizens are safe,” Holsclaw said, adding he is still strongly opposed to allowing Syrian refugees to enter the state.

While Slatery said in his opinion that issues of immigration and the granting of refugee status are undeniably powers given to the federal government, he also said federal law also requires that federal agencies work with state and local governments to determine the best placement for refugees, and federal agencies must take state and local concerns into consideration.

“It bears noting that while the State of Tennessee must respect the

federal government’s determination that particular aliens are entitled to refugee status and admission to the United States, the State is not precluded from communicating with the federal government about concerns relating to the placement of refugees within the state,” Slatery said in the opinion. “Federal law specifically requires the agencies that are responsible for refugee resettlement to consult with State and local governments concerning the ‘intended distribution of refugees among the States and localities before their placement in those States and localities. And those agencies are required, to the extent possible, to ‘take into account recommendations of the State.’”

“Tennessee law, too, recognizes the importance of communication

Photo contributed by ETSU

The tusk shown above is part of the skeletal remains of a giant mastadont discovered at the Gray Fossil Site.

of the skeleton will start in 2016.

The Natural History Museum is located 1.8 miles off Exit 13 on Interstate 26. Regular museum hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. TuesdaySaturday.

For more information, call 423-439-3659 or toll free 866202-6223, or visit the museum at www.etsu.edu/naturalhistorymuseum. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346.

Elizabethton Senior Dance Club cancels dance The Elizabethton Senior Dance Club’s dance for Friday, Dec. 11, has been canceled.

The next dance will be held on Friday, Dec. 18.

The club holds dances the second and fourth Friday nights of each month.

All seniors are welcome.

between the State and the federal government; it establishes a process for Tennessee’s office of refugees to request a moratorium from the federal government on refugee resettlement in localities that lack ‘absorptive capacity,’” Slatery added.

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Teen faces charges for not reporting runaway

BY ABBY MORRIS-FRYE STAR STAFF abby.frye@elizabethton.com

Police arrested an Elizabethton teen on Monday saying the man knew the whereabouts of a female runaway and didn’t inform police.

Officers of the Elizabethton Police Department arrested Ronald Kennard Napier, 18, of 1418 Broad Street, on Monday and charged him with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

According to police reports, police encountered Napier on Sunday afternoon while investigating a report of a verbal argument at a set of apartments on Bluefield Avenue. One of the parties involved in the argument reported to officers they had found Facebook

Ronald Napier

messages between Napier and a juvenile female runaway indicating that Napier and the juvenile had been together since she ran away from home.

“Napier admitted that he had been with (the female juvenile) knowing

she had run away from home,”EPD Sgt. Shane Darling said, adding Napier told police the last time he saw the female juvenile she was in a wooded area going toward Lynn Valley.

On Sunday, officers once again responded to a report of a fight on Bluefield Avenue where a the female juvenile had run away from her parents again. When Darling arrived on the scene, he said he saw the female juvenile running away from him but she failed to stop when ordered to do so.

Officers later found the female juvenile inside an old barn and took her into custody. Darling said he asked the female juvenile about when she had made contact with Napier.

“She advised that she knew about my contact with him on

Traffic stop leads officers to Elizabethton man sought in Unicoi County rape case

FROM STAFF REPORTS

A routine traffic stop led officers to an Elizabethton man wanted by Unicoi County authorities in connection with a rape investigation.

Officers of the Elizabethton Police Department arrested Ryan Ramey, 27, of 1253 Bluefield Ave., Elizabethton on Tuesday morning on outstanding warrants from Unicoi County charging Ramey with rape, aggravated burglary and theft of property under $500.

Around 6:15 a.m. on Tuesday, EPD Cpl. James Sexton stopped a purple Plymouth sedan on East F Street after he saw the vehicle traveling down the road with no headlights on. The driver of the vehicle, 24-year-old Jessica Rickus-Elswick, also of 1253 Bluefield Avenue, Elizabethton, was issued a criminal summons charging her with first offense driving on a revoked license, violation of the light law and violation of financial responsibility.

When officers conducted a routine warrant check on the passenger, later identified as Ramey, officers learned Ramey was wanted out of Unicoi County.

Officers arrested Ramey and transported him to the Carter / Unicoi County line where he was turned over to officers of the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Department.

No further information on the Unicoi County case is available at this time.

Sunday, and that after that she saw him at the Covered Bridge Park,” Darling said. “She stated from there, her and Napier went to an abandoned apartment at 1025 Bluefield Avenue where they had been staying.”

Because Napier knew the female juvenile was a runaway and continued to be with her without informing authorities of her location, Darling said he charged Napier with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

POLICE BEATS • Ronald Kennard Napier, 18, 1418 Broad St., Elizabethton, was arrested Monday by officers of the Elizabethton Police Department and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

• Ryan Ramey, 27, 1253 Bluefield Ave., was arrested Tuesday

by EPD Cpl. James Sexton on warrants out of Unicoi County charging Ramey with rape, aggravated burglary and theft under $500.

• Jason Miracolo, 41, 124 Reeser Road, Johnson City, was issued a criminal summons by EPD Cpl. James Deese on Monday charging him with leaving the scene of an accident.

• Jessica Rickus-Elswick, 24, 1253 Bluefield Ave., Elizabethton, was issued a criminal summons by EPD Cpl. James Sexton on Tuesday charging her with first offense driving on a revoked license, violation of the light law and violation of financial responsibility.

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Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the Senate STATE OF TENNESSEE District 4 • R - Blountville Johnson and Sullivan Counties & Part of Carter County

Obituaries

4 - STAR - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

(423) 542-4151 • www.elizabethton.com

Obituaries are accepted only from Funeral Homes. For obituary publication contact the funeral home handling arrangements. Call 542-4151 with questions.

Roy James “R.J.” Hart Jr. Lt. Colonel Roy James “R.J.” Hart Jr., USAF (Ret.), 87, of Elizabethton, formerly of Marietta, Ga., passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, at Johnson City Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced at a later time.

Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Hart family.

City n Continued from 1

possible, and Coetzee said he hopes this will help make each work area more comfortable in a shorter period of time.

By focusing on one neighborhood at a time, he said they are able to concentrate efforts and be more effective.

Work areas are prioritized by the urgency of their needs, which is determined by number of leaks and service calls, water quality and other factors. East Side was an area on this list, as well as Keg Mottern Road and Burgie Street.

While the ground was open along Siam Road, Coetzee said they used that time to do sewer line maintenance as well, using extensive video and robotic equipment to repair those lines.

“It’s a large disruption for residents, but I’m very happy that we’ve got Siam Road open,” he said. “The main project is done.”

The sidewalks and roads there have also been repaired.

The last section to complete in East Side will be along Berry Road, where specialized equipment is required to break rocks to access and replace the water lines. It will be repaired in sections in the coming weeks.

“Hopefully we can limit the work to that one street to disrupt as few as possible,” said Coetzee.

Burgie Street is near completion after completely rebuilding a sewer line in one section. Coetzee said they still have to repair roads and sidewalks there, but that they are trying to complete

it as quickly as possible, to avoid any further complications with dropping off children to West Side Elementary.

City officials found out several homes in that areahave been discharging sewage into the storm system, which pollutes the river, Coetzee said. When they found that out, they immediately began work redesigning the sewer system between Williams Avenue and Dakota Avenue. He said that system is replaced, with the exception of disconnecting three homes from the storm system, and the Burgie Street project overall is now 80 percent complete.

They also installed 2,000 feet of 6-inch pipe on Riverview Drive, and Coetzee said that all clients in that area have been reconnected.

Upcoming repairs will only be closed in sections and Coetzee said they should not be as difficult to bypass as the Siam repairs.

One of the next focus areas will be in Golf Course acres, where galvanized water lines were installed in the 1960s.

Coetzee said that no pipe material has a permanent life span because water lines are subject to pressure changes as well as movement of the soil.

“Like any other engineering material, they become fatigued,” he said.

Some water lines in the city are 100 years old, and Coetzee said they are doing very well.

“Part of the challenge of running a water and sewer system is to recognize that materials don’t last forever and to replace and repair as part of daily business,” said Coetzee.

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ter and son-in-law, Judy and Larry Estep, Elizabethton; a son and daughterin-law, Phil and Karla Hardin, Fairhope, Ala.; four granddaughters, Beth Ella Mae Ritchie Hardin, 84, of ElizaBare and husband Daniel, Hollie Shah and husband Sam, Audrey Hardin bethton, passed away Monday, November and Abigail Hardin; four great-grandchildren, Kendall and Kacie Bare and 30, 2015, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital.

Carson and Ava Shah; and a sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Don MyA native of Carter County, she was a ers, Elizabethton. Several nieces and nephews also survive. daughter of the late James and Hazel Funeral services for Mrs. Hardin will be conducted at 2 p.m. ThursCole Ritchie. day, December 3, at Memorial Funeral Chapel with Mr. Tom Caraway, Ella Mae was a 1949 graduate of minister, officiating. Interment will follow at Happy Valley Memorial Unaka High School and a retired emPark. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. The ployee of the Raytheon Corporation, family would like to express a special “Thank You” to Dr. James ShiBristol. She was an active member of pley. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2 p.m. Thursday Carter Christian Church, having served at the funeral home, prior to the service. To those who prefer, memoriin various committees in the church. als may be made to the benevolence fund of Carter Christian Church, In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Howard and Wayne Ritchie, and a 1765 Highway 91, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website at www.memorialfcelizabethton.com. sister, Charlotte Davidson.

Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Lawrence Hardin; a daughMemorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Hardin family

Ella Mae Ritchie Hardin

Dr. Sarah Schumaier

Richard Donnelly Campbell Richard Donnelly Campbell, 91, of Elizabethton, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2015, at his residence.

A native of Washington County, he was a son of the late James Clyde and Valerie Lineville Donnelly. His beloved foster parents, H.N. and Delia Campbell, were deeply loved and appreciated by him more than words can express.

Mr. Campbell was a past member, deacon and Sunday School Superintendent of Calvary Baptist Church, President of the Industrial Management Club, member of the Optimist Club and Treasurer of the Band Booster Club. He worked at Bemberg Corporation for 33 years until it closed in 1977. He retired from Independent Life Insurance where he worked as sales specialist for 10 states.

Mr. Campbell was a member of Freedom Road Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

Betty Ann Dempsey Betty Ann Dempsey, 75, 213 South Hills Drive, Elizabethton, went home to be with her Lord, Sunday, November 29, 2015, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital.

A native of Washington County, she was a daughter of the late Walter and Addie Mae Pembelton Stanley. She had lived a number of years in Elizabethton.

Betty was employed as a mail clerk at Carter County Memorial Hospital for several years. She was a member of Biltmore Baptist Church.

Betty loved her church and was an avid Atlanta Braves fan.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Gladys Freeman, and two brothers, Billy Joe Stanley and Charles Stanley.

Survivors include two sons, Bobby Gene Dempsey and Brenda Crosswhite, Erwin, and Ronald Lynn Dempsey and Patsy L. Morrell, Elizabethton; two grandchildren, Ashley Norris and Tosha Morrell; two

Fitness n Continued from 1

“I realized there that women want a place of their own where they can workout,” Galliher said.

Since opening Diva Fit, she said they have seen a great turnout in classes all throughout the day, and some women attend classes on their lunch breaks from work.

“Some classes are similar to Crossfit, or it can be a gym where you can go and learn everything,” Galliher said.

With a membership, women can come workout solo or attend classes, which are scheduled throughout the day to accommodate working women and parents.

“We’ll design you a workout and set up exercises, and we’re always here to watch and make sure you’re doing everything correctly,” she said.

The ages of Diva Fit’s members range from teenagers to seniors, Galliher “To women who may be intimi-

Daily Bible Verse Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till He come and rain righteousness upon you.

Hosea 10.12 KJV

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Hayworth Tire 4070 Hwy. 19-E. 423.543.8566

Happy Valley Credit Union 210 East C St. 423.542.6078

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Elizabethton Star and these great businesses.

dated to join, I’d say everybody starts somewhere,” she said. “We stay with low impact people, and more experienced people can do a higher level of exercise.”

In each class, Galliher said the instructor will work on an individual level to allow everyone to train independently according to their capability.

“It’s women’s only, and we’re very supportive,” she said. “We’re going to help them no matter what.”

It is possible to get gym and class memberships as well as unlimited packages.

“There is something for everybody,” she said.

Galliher described cross training as agility and body weight exercises as well as workouts using tools like weighted balls.

“It’s just enough to get you a really good workout,” she said. “You can train for power lifting, body building, figure competitions and everything.”

The shred class features body weight exercises like burpees, walk-

Survivors include his wife, Frances Arnold Campbell; a daughter, Anne Campbell Davis and husband Ray, Ormond Beach, Fla.; and his grandchildren, Rick MacLean, St. Louis, Mo., and Dr. Brett L. MacLean, his wife Sheri and their four children, Dawson, Kenan, Silas and Haven of Mali, Africa.

Graveside services for Mr. Campbell will be conducted at 11 a.m.

Saturday, December 5, at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Pastor Steve Davis officiating. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Saturday to go to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Mr. Campbell to the Freedom Road Baptist Church, 708 West C Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643 or First Church of God, 609 N. Lynn Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643 or to the ministry of Dr. Brett MacLean in Mali, Africa (Global Partners in Hope, 1441 DuPont Ct. #101, Omaha, NE 68144). Condolences may be sent to the family at annedavis1134@gmail.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Campbell family.

great-grandchildren, Damien Norris and Justin Thomas; a sister, Peggy Fender, Johnson City; a brother, John Stanley; and several nieces and nephews, including a very special nephew, Terry Freeman.

Funeral services for Ms. Dempsey will be conducted at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, December 2, at Memorial Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Bill Davis and the Rev. Gary Barnett officiating. Music will be provided by Jeff Davis. The graveside service and interment will follow at Monte Vista Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Friends may also visit with the family at her residence.

The family would like to express a special “Thank You” to the staff of ICU Sycamore Shoals Hospital and her caregivers at home. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 11:15 a.m. Thursday to go to the cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website at www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Dempsey family. ing lunges, body bars, weights and floor work.

“It’s basically everything you can imagine in one class,” Galliher said.

The turbulence class focuses on specific areas of the body with isolation exercises.

Diva Power Kick is high energy upper and lower body work.

Diva Fit also offers a unique tabata/hit class, which alternates between high and low intensity exercises.

Galliher teaches Zumba, Shred and turbulence classes and doubles as a health and nutrition coach. Three other experienced instructors teach classes at the facility as well.

Christina Austin, Galliher’s cousin, is a certified personal and group fitness instructor who only took a serious interest in fitness five years ago. Galliher said Austin has taken her career far with it and is currently enrolled in exercise science classes as well as being the gym’s hard-core bootcamp instructor.

“We can also get people in class certified to be trainers; if I see someone that has a talent, I want to feed it,” said Galliher.

Certified group fitness instructor Macie Lyons teaches diva power kick classes, and Galliher said she is “flawless” in her routine.

Nancy Garrison, certified group fitness instructor, taught with Galliher in a step aerobics class in downtown Elizabethton years ago and is now teaching beginner fitness, tabata and hit class.

The gym also offers health and nutrition coaching with Freda Mitchell who is certified in group and personal fitness training. She also teaches pound classes.

The gym’s hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday, from on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Diva Fit also offers special evening classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

For more information, call 423956-2036 or stop by the studio at 508 E. Elk Ave.

Don’t be a slave to lust and pride, let Jesus set you free

D

rejected God and pushed Him out of your life, but especially because you seem to have closed your mind to the possibility that you might be wrong.

Why are you this way? Your letter suggests the answer: You want to be free to live Billy any way you want Graham to, without worrying about God or His standards of right and wrong. And you’ve probably Dear D.B.B.: Your question convinced yourself this is the saddened me very much — best way to live; you even look not just because you have with scorn at those you think %LOO\ *UDKDP·V are enslaved by their faith in Christ.

My Answer But in reality you are the one who is enslaved — be— Sponsored by — cause you are a slave to your First Baptist Church own lusts and pride. And sadly, 212 East F Street someday you’ll begin to realize Elizabethton, TN this. Instead of finding lasting happiness and peace, you’ll (423) 543-1931 end up restless and unfulfilled. www.fbcelizabethton.com You’ll experience what the ear Rev. Graham: In our local paper your column is printed on the same page as the comics, which I think is very fitting.

How can anyone take religion seriously today? I outgrew religion years ago, and it’s great to be free of all that nonsense. — D.B.B.

My Answer

writer of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament discovered: “When I surveyed all that my hands had done ... everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 2:11).

Don’t be a slave any longer, but face honestly the emptiness of your life. Then discover the lasting joy and peace that only come from knowing Christ. God loves you; He loves you so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to free you from your sins. You’ll never be the same once you discover this truth.

The Bible says, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” ( John 8:36).

(Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the website for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)

(423) 542-4151 • www.elizabethton.com

OUR VIEW

For a merrier Christmas, take extra precautions when shopping

Christmas shopping can be a happy time, but the joy of giving can be shattered by ycriminals taking advantage of unprepared shoppers. Too often, in the hustle and bustle of crowds, well meaning shoppers are taken advantage of.

Whether it’s the holiday spirit or the thrill of shopping, many shoppers can get easily distracted while shopping.

For some people, this is one of the few times of the year that they go shopping, and then to become a victim of a criminal can be both annoying and heart-breaking.

It is a sad commentary on our times that people use this spirit of giving to take advantage of others, but unfortunately it is nothing new. Every Christmas, there are criminals out there who make it a sport to steal and vandalize.

The best thing to do is be aware and be prepared. There y are some simple things you can do to keep you and your purchases safe. First and foremost, be alert. While you’re concenytrating on getting bargains, be aware of what’s going on around you.

f

Opinion

Park in well-lit areas away from dumpsters or large vehicles that can serve as hiding places for thieves or carjackers, police said.

Cars should also be locked at all times. They should not be left running or unattended.

Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle This will allow you to be ready to unlock the door and not be delayed by fumbling and looking for your keys.

When you return to your vehicle, scan the interior to be sure no one is hiding inside.

Check to see if you are being followed.

Don’t resist if someone tries to take any of your belongings.

Don’t chase someone who robs you; they may have a weapon.

Instead, call 911.

If you go to an automatic teller machine for cash, check for people around and make sure it is well-lit and in a safe location. Protect your PIN number by shielding the keypad from bystanders.

Protect the valuables in your purse or wallet. If you put your purse down for a moment while you check out a product, you’re inviting someone to take it.

Don’t leave valuables unattended in shopping carts.

Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.

Dress casually and comfortably. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.

Keep cash in your front pocket.

Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.

Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.

Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.

Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.

At this time of year, “con artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

If you are making several trips to your car in the parking lot to stow purchases, be sure to put them out of sight, preferably in the trunk. Police even advise moving your car from time to time to thwart thieves.

Most of all, do everything you can to protect your personal safety. This includes having others with you when you go to the parking lot. Look around to make sure of your safety. And if you see anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to report it. Better to be wrong than robbed.

Make the most of this time of buying gifts. Stay safe.

Lastly, drive defensively.

Traffic is heavier during the holidays, and some drivers may also have been drinking.

If out of town, ask a neighbor or friend to check on your house daily, picking up mail and newspapers to avoid the appearance that no one is home.

Also, avoid posting social media updates indicating you are not at home.

You can never be too safe, but taking extra precautions during the holiday shopping season, may make your Christmas a little more merrier.

Friend pays tribute to Lindberg Estep

To the editor: If it was Wednesday, it was Estep Coal Company. Yes, there are many books and at least one movie titled “If it is...etc.” But this is a personal memory about my personal friend and a friend of thousands of people in Carter County, poor and wealthy, living and deceased; it is a memory of Lindberg Estep.

For nearly twenty years, each

Wednesday morning I would make my way to the coal yard to receive my “education” for the week. The coal yard was a special place: there was, of course, an abundance of coal: lump coal, stoker coal, coal by the ton, coal by the bag, the blue Ford coal truck, the Bob Cat, and of course, “Red Bar Coal,” reputably the best coal available (some say it was just plain coal that Lindberg

had put a swash of red paint on).

There I learned the difference between “...that good coal you sold Momma last winter. It burned hot and didn’t leave ashes.” or “...that old hard coal from Kentucky. It stopped up the grates in the cook stove.” I even learned how to use the “big scales” that measured the weight of coal by the ton, or your empty truck by the thousands of pounds. And he made sure I knew

that ton of coal weighed 2,000 pounds at Estep Coal Company.

But mostly my education was about politics, history, current events, economics, or religion, and OPINION, a lot of opinion.

Running a coal yard left many people thinking Lindberg Estep was an ignorant man, OH! How wrong you were.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 - STAR - 5

LET’S TALK Gift shopping at local businesses is great way to stuff the stocking

This past Saturday stable and resilient local E^m l was Small Business economy. Using the exTalk!

Saturday. I hope ample in my first point, everyone took this if you shop locally, and opportunity to go out other businesses you and shop with some of spend your money with our local small busishop locally, and they nesses! If you forgot or purchase products from didn’t have time with local businesses...well all of the Thanksgivyou get the idea. All of ing rush, there is still that money multiplies Jon a lot of time left and creating an internal it’s a great way to help Hartman economy that can your community. be more resistant to When you purimpacts to the national chase services or products from or state economy. Asheville is an a local, small business you excellent example of this. During contribute to the Elizabethton the Great Recession starting in and Carter County economy 2008-2012, the Asheville, N.C. and make it stronger. Each economy actually grew and time you make a purchase at a expanded. Jobs were created, local, small business retail store new construction was occurapproximately 48 cents of every ring while the rest of the state dollar stays within our local and nation slowed or declined. economy compared to purchas- Asheville’s economy is strongly ing at a non-local, big box store based on tourism and a buy local where approximately 13 cents mentality. of every dollar stays within the This year, I’m challenging local economy. That 48 cents everyone in Elizabethton and can then be spent again locally Carter County to spend at least by the retail store purchasing 20 percent of their holiday gift materials to make new products purchases with a local, small or making improvements to business — that’s $200 if you their building. spend $1,000 total or $100 if Additionally, when you you spend $500 total. This could decide to purchase products be a gift certificate to a local from any businesses in Elizarestaurant in Roan Mountain or bethton or Carter County you a unique hand-made craft from pay a small portion of your a boutique store in Downtown purchase in sales tax. Your city Elizabethton. As you begin your and county government pay shopping season, stop in and for repaving roads, fire fighttake a look at what some of our ing services, police and sheriff local, small businesses have to services, and the school systems, offer! You might be surprised to with the sales taxes you pay. By find just what you were looking shopping with a local business, for. Let’s talk about it! you also help keep that business alive and in turn, that business Jon Hartman is director of pays property taxes, which also Planning & Development for help support the government the City of Elizabethton. Reach services you rely on. him at jhartman@cityofelizaLastly, when you make bethton.org. Send comments or purchases with local, small busiquestions about his column to nesses you help create a more community@elizabethton.com.

n See FRIEND, 11

Commissioner weighs in on ever changing educational standards, student testing

Editor’s Note: The Elizabethton Star thanks Mike Hill for sharing his views in this guest editorial. Mike is a first-term Carter County commissioner, who lives in Roan Mountain and serves the 2nd District. y

BY MIKE HILL

For the past two years, the Carter County Schools have been coping with the monumental ttask of bringing our school facilities into compliance — buying PCs and networking infrastructure — to take next year’s Common Core tests, which will bear the new label, TNReady.

TNReady is a test developed

by Measurement Inc., a North Carolina-based testing company.

Officials with the Tennessee Department of Education say the new assessment is better aligned with Tennessee classroom standards, but the first big question here (other than, ”Aren’t there any test writing companies in the great state of Tennessee?”) is what our Tennessee classroom standards actually are.

The curriculum waters are a bit murky, thanks to the latest state mandate that curriculum

standards once again be re-developed. According to the repeal legislation’s timeline, the new standards won’t be completed until at least 2017-2018. The new test is being written with the current standards in mind, but also to be adaptable to potential changes under the review. So basically it is an amalgamation of multiple standards developed from years of indecision.

In the meantime, our kids are being taught and evaluated using these very inconsistent and constantly changing standards, because, above all, we must generate testing data. A student graduating this year will have been subjected to at least three different curricula over the course of his or her time in our Carter County public school system. This student will have been held accountable for at least three different testing standards, with testing times as high as 27 days, or 15 percent of his or her school year.

For the past half-decade, we have been jerking the rug out from under our kids, watching them climb to their feet only to repeat the process. This is all while their inconsistently applied

statistical data is used to either reward or punish our school systems and educators.

This is colossally unfair to our kids, our schools and our teachers.

This year’s assessments in math and language arts were written in accordance with the Tennessee Diploma Standards, which the state first adopted back in 2008. Just two years later, in 2010, the State Board of Education adopted the Common Core State Standards for math and English during the period when Tennessee was pur-

suing the federal Race to the Top grant. Tennessee’s Department of Education fully implemented the Common Core by the 201314 school year. Then, just as school districts planned to switch to the PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) assessment, designed to test mastery of the Common Core, the legislature nixed the transition last spring as a pushback to Common Core.

That forced Tennessee students to take the multiple-choice TCAP another year.

Although school districts have

been preparing for an online test via PARCC, concerns remained that many districts, especially in rural areas, didn’t have the technology to administer it.

Soon afterward, the state Department of Education cut ties with the consortium and hired Measurement Inc. to develop an updated assessment for Tennessee.

The state Department of Education has tried to mitigate the problems of misalignment by removing and reordering test questions from TCAP tests according to the Common Core. The result-

ing “TNReady” will be the first assessment in Tennessee truly designed with Common Core in mind.

This very expensive process to improve our education system would be impressive if Tennessee were as “TNReady” for this online testing, as the state’s reports indicate.

A school system is deemed ready by the state if it has one computer station for every six students, regardless of the age or condition of its facilities. n See COMMISSIONER, 11 Delaney Scalf General Manager

delaney.scalf@elizabethton.com

Rozella Hardin Editorial Director rozella.hardin@elizabethton.com

The Elizabethton Star’s mission is to be the voice of Carter County.

We are here to serve our community, tell your stories and inform you of events — past, present and future — that are meaningful to you.

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

Sherry Shepherd Sales Manager sherry.shepherd@elizabethton.com

Kathy Scalf Customer Service kathy.scalf@elizabethton.com

6 - STAR - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015

(423) 542-4151 • www.elizabethton.com

Man wants his girlfriend to stay dressed for bed her, because she is a sweet person, and it was a complete misunderstanding on my part. She told me she accepted my apology.

What else can I do for her, or should I just learn my lesson?

— FLUBBED IT IN FLORIDA DEAR FLUBBED: I think your apology was enough.

However, because it hasn’t assuaged your guilt, consider asking if you can treat her to lunch. And in the future, look twice before hitting “send.” Better yet, go “old school” and write your thoughts in a notebook you keep in your purse.

———— DEAR ABBY: I am scheduled to attend a wedding later this month. Well, I just found out the groom’s uncle is not a real minister, and that he purchased his minister’s license online.

I think it is very disrespectful to people who take religion seriously, and to real ministers who spend years studying in order to be ordained. There’s nothing wrong with having a judge preside over the ceremony, but to have a fake minister preside makes the whole ceremony a fraud.

If I say anything, I know it will cause hurt feelings, so I’m keeping my mouth shut. Am I an old fuddy-duddy? — SILENT IN SPRINGFIELD, ILL.

By Dave Green

5 8 9 2 3 1 3 7 1 4 6 1 2 7 3 3 9 4 5 9

DEAR SILENT: You are entitled to your feelings, but if this uncle is the person the happy couple wants to officiate, you shouldn’t judge. If their choice makes you uncomfortable, stay home.

———— Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or Difficulty Level P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

———— Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.” To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

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pregnancies and the DEAR ABBY: I have Dear pull of gravity can dated a lot of women Abby cause them to sag. over the years — By the way, with including actresses, the exception of beauty contest winners pregnancy, this can and models. Every one affect men as well of them, except my curas women. rent live-in, “Amanda,” Bottom line: If would dress up in physical perfection lingerie when I asked is what you need to them to.

Jeanne feel aroused, then Amanda adamantly Phillips you and Amanda refuses. She says if I may be a mismatch love her, I should be because NOBODY’S perfect. turned on whether she’s nude (And this includes you.) or wearing lingerie. Part of the ———— problem is she’s not in the best DEAR ABBY: I have started shape, and the lingerie would using an effective coping skill hide that.

I have tried bargaining with when I get upset about something or someone at work. I her, but she won’t agree. She doesn’t understand why I’m not “vent” in a personal email to chasing her around all the time. myself and send it to my home email address.

I have tried to explain that I Well, today I got upset with don’t find a tummy sexy. She just calls me Shallow Hal. Advice? — my office buddy, so I sent myself an email. But instead of it going HAL IN NEW YORK to my home, I mistakenly sent it to her and it hurt her feelings. I DEAR HAL: I’d love to know what attracted you to never meant for her or anyone else to read it. The technique Amanda in the first place, keeps me from staying angry at since your “type” seems to work. As soon as I realized what have always been women I had done, I sent her an apology who are arm candy. Sadly, and we talked about it afterward. taut bodies don’t always I feel terrible about hurting last. At some point, age,

To the 9s

12/02

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CALL: 542-1101

(After Hours - Emergency)

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 - STAR - 11

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Commissioner n Continued from 5

There is a more involved laundry list of requirements for testing readiness published at: https://www.tn.gov/assets/entities/education/attachments/tnready_school_guide.pdf Most of the online testing contracts are being awarded to three companies: Pearson, McGraw-Hill Education CTB, and the Educational Testing Service. These top winners of prime assessment contracts awarded through those state consortia with federal money have raked in more than $300 million combined so far. Carter County’s assessment tests are administered by the Pearson Corporation, (a London-based company which started in 1844 as a construction company).

Pearson’s requirements for TNReady test administration have mandated the reorganization of space and equipment to some degree within every facility in the system. After hearing education committee reports and taking tours of facilities where the computer labs have been upgraded to compliance with the Pearson testing requirements, I have seen solutions ranging from conversions of storage areas and closets to the procurement of additional costly temporary classroom pods — of which we already have more than 40 in use.

Carter County School Superintendent Kevin Ward confirmed that preparing for TNReady

Friend n Continued from 5

You see, Lindberg was an educated man with a bachelor’s degree, majoring in English from a well-known Tennessee university.

Not only was he formally educated, he was self-educated. Lindberg never stopped learning. There was always a new book to discuss or an article in “The Economist” or “News Week” or “USA Today” or “Time” and a dozen other periodicals and, of course, the STAR. And most importantly to him, the Bible, which he seemed to know from cover to cover and could quote it at will. I personally considered Lindberg to be the best read citizen in Carter County and those who knew him would back me up without hesitation. I returned to the coal yard Wednesday after Wednesday to be tutored by a highly educated and well-read treasure of Carter County.

Lindberg Estep was more than the last coal yard owner/operation, a trade he learned from his father. He was a public servant, whether as a Boy Scout leader, a church deacon, a candidate for public office, or member/chairman of the City Civil Service Committee. And every Wednesday I was schooled in those disciplines, and more.

Not only was he a servant, he was a sportsman. I challenge anyone who thinks they knew more than he about fishing. Sharing the wall of the “coal shack” was a Large Mouth Bass as a testimony to his skills and there were many stories of the “big one” he caught and, of course, the ONE that got away. Those personal interest stories of his fishing partners: numbering among them were doctors, lawyers, preachers, judges, educators and most importantly, Boy Scouts, and young men.

Lindberg Estep knew what sacrifice on behalf of his fellow man was also. You see, Lindberg was a veteran of the Korean War. As a soldier, Lindberg’s service was not ordinary. It was his duty to go into the battlefields and mine fields and retrieve the bodies of those who gave the last measure of service for their country. A duty

testing compliance has cost our school system a commitment of capital, time and resources in excess of $100,000 over the past two years. Pearson has required all of our testing labs to be hard-wired with specific space requirements for these desktop computer stations.

Here is the kicker — now that we have invested significant capital into temporary classroom pods, storeroom conversions, desktop computers, and software upgrades to allow for the debut of TNReady, Pearson announced on April 28, 2015 that they have developed a system that brings the ease of the tablet-environment to literacy assessment with the launch of the Developmental Reading Assessment, Second Edition PLUS (DRA2+) iPad App ... now available on the App Store.

The logical implication of this is that the ability exists to test our kids in their existing classrooms, wirelessly and securely, using a wireless tablet device.

Given all this, and after hours upon hours of testing our children in these costly, yet carefully measured and equipped testing labs if the test itself is not even able to accurately measure whether our kids have LEARNED anything? The new state tests significantly increase the time students will spend testing, especially in the earlier grades.

Low test scores have consequences for kids. Students are put into remedial classes. Test scores are used to decide who gets into gifted programs and into competitive schools. In a

pro-Common Core report titled “Opportunity by Design,” The Carnegie Corporation estimated that due to the Common Core, the national six-year dropout rate will double from 15 percent to 30 percent, and the four-year graduation rate will drop from 75 percent to 53 percent. New York’s students have taken Common Core tests twice. Proficiency rates dramatically dropped to the low 30s, with minimal improvement in year two. Results have been especially devastating for special-education students, English language learners, and students of color and poverty — with proficiency rates in single digits for students with disabilities who are poor.

The establishment of education standards by bureaucrats and corporate sponsors is the wrong approach for Tennessee. It seems to me that if we truly wish to reform our educational and assessment systems, we should be utilizing technology to develop programs that will allow us to adapt our existing spaces in a manner that is scalable to accommodate future growth. It is no stretch to imagine that with the capital we have committed locally to computer lab compliance upgrades, we could have supplied every student in Carter County with a tablet for test-taking right at their desk. We should also demand that a proper curriculum be developed, approved and implemented once and for all... ideally without the complications of extra federal mandates. I believe that Tennesseeans should be determining what is

that often exposed him to the same dangers of the fallen. Many a grieving mother or father had the comfort of having their son brought home because Lindberg performed the duty assigned him with skill and honor.

There is much more I could say about Lindberg Estep but space doesn’t allow. And even more that his old friends from the Horse Shoe or the Southern or City Market or a customer might remember, a last, Lindberg had lived a full and long life and now joins those old friends.

Our Wednesdays at the Coal Shack ended a couple of years ago when a stroke, first slowed and then stopped Lindberg from his daily routine. I still would visit him, though not as much as I wished, and then this morning, Wednesday morning, his wife Zelda, called to tell me that Lindberg had taken his final rest, a rest earned and well deserved in His creator’s arms.

This Wednesday, I salute Lindberg Estep, the soldier. I congratulate him on the big catch. I thank

him for his service to Elizabethton and Carter County. And I remember and cherish my memory of the scholar.

If it is Wednesday, I will remember Lindberg Estep.

Richard Gray Elizabethton

good for Tennessee children, because our situation is completely different than that of Oregon or California. The top-down regulation of education is entirely the opposite of what is needed, and none can offer a better assessment of what works and what doesn’t than those with “boots on the ground”: the teachers, with parental input.

On 1/9/2015, Senator Mike Crapo’s (R-ID) Local Leadership in Education Act, Senate Bill 144, was introduced. This Act, if passed, Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to “prohibit the Federal Government from mandating, incentivizing, or making financial support conditional upon a state, local educational agency, or school’s adoption of specific instructional content, academic standards, or curriculum, or on the administration of assessments or tests, and for other purposes.” Personally (although my research indicates that there is only a 2 percent likelihood of this happening), I believe this bill should be passed to place control and evaluation of the school curriculum back into the capable hands of our educators.

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on purchases of $200 or more

Themed Christmas decorating is one of our favorite ways to celebrate.

Merry Up the Mantel Set the Tablescape Trim the Tree Use the attached coupon and save!

JOHNSON CITY 155 Marketplace Blvd | 423-283-0102 KINGSPORT 2003 N Eastman Rd | 423-765-2962 ASHLEYFURNITUREHOMESTORE.COM

For more inspiration visit blog.ashleyfurniturehomestore.com

JOHNSON CITY KINGSPORT Does not apply to clearance items or managers specials.

Cannot be combined with other offers. See store for details. Must present coupon to receive discount. Expires 12/13/15. ES