Newport-Cocke County INFO GUIDE 2023-2024

Advertiser Index For Info Guide

ACEHARDWAREOFNEWPORT....................................................................55

AMYFRANCEINVESTMENTPLANNING.....................................................18

APPALACHIANVETERINARY........................................................................71

ASKEWREALTYGROUP.................................................................................69

ATYOURSERVICE..........................................................................................15

BESTWESTERNNEWPORTINN...................................................................89

BETHELBAPTISTCHURCH...........................................................................36

BRIDGEPORTMARKET..................................................................................53

BROCK’SOPENAIRMARKET........................................................................71

BROCKWELLCONSTRUCTIONCO................................................................41

BUSHBROS.VISITORCENTER.....................................................................43

CARVER’SORCHARD&APPLEHOUSERESTAURANT...............................77

CITYOFNEWPORT.........................................................................................6

CITY/COUNTYOFFICIALS..............................................................................26,27,28

COCKECO.SHRINECLUB..............................................................................32

COCKECOUNTYMONUMENT.......................................................................69

COCKECOUNTYPARTNERSHIP...................................................................48

COSBYREALESTATE......................................................................................29

CROSSROADSCOMMUNITYCHURCH.........................................................56

DUTCHBOTTOMSBAPT.CHURCH...............................................................44

EDDIEBALLCONSTRUCTION.......................................................................96

EVANSTOWING..............................................................................................69

FABRIKANT,DON............................................................................................37

FOOTHILLSFURNITURE...............................................................................6

FORBIDDENCAVERNS...................................................................................47

FOUSTSCREENDESIGNS..............................................................................63

FREDNAILLON&SONSSEPTICTANKS......................................................57

GOODESEPTICTANKSERVICE....................................................................51

GRACEBAPTISTCHURCH.............................................................................8

HOMMELCONCRETECOMPANY..................................................................25

JEFFERSONCOCKEUTILITYDISTRICT.......................................................8,31

JEREMYFAISON..............................................................................................32

JOE’SSPORTINGGOODS...............................................................................69

KELLEY’SQUILTSHOP...................................................................................20

LEWISELECTRICALSERVICE.......................................................................24

LIBERTYCHURCHOFCOSBY........................................................................67

LINCOLNAVENUEBAPTISTCHURCH.........................................................54

LONGCREEKCHRISTIANCHURCH.............................................................85

LOOKINGGOOD..............................................................................................45

LOWLANDCREDITUNION............................................................................9

LUCKYPAWNSHOP........................................................................................59

MANESFUNERALHOME...............................................................................12

MAPLERIDGEHOMES...................................................................................24 MASSEYREALTY.............................................................................................13

MCCARTERAUCTIONINC.............................................................................63

MCSPADDEN,INC............................................................................................83 MCSWEEN,MCSWEEN&GREENEPLLC.....................................................83 MONTERREYMEXICANRESTAURANT.......................................................7 MORRISTOWNANIMALHOSPITAL..............................................................35 NEWPORTASPHALTSEALERS......................................................................63 NEWPORTFAMILYDENTALCARE...............................................................54 NEWPORTFEDERALBANK...........................................................................91 NEWPORTPRESBYTERIANCHURCH..........................................................42 NEWPORTREALEST.&AUCTIONCO,INC.................................................17 NEWPORTUTILITIES......................................................................................5 NORTHPORTBAPTISTCHURCH...................................................................77 OAKESSALVAGEDFREIGHT.........................................................................35 OURPLACE......................................................................................................56 PARROTTSVILLERURITANCLUB................................................................59 PETCAREGUIDE.............................................................................................45 PINEYGROVEBAPTISTCHURCH.................................................................36 RAMSEYFURNITURE.....................................................................................47 REALTORS........................................................................................................38,39 ROCKYTOPPESTCONTROL..........................................................................60 RURALMEDICALSERVICES..........................................................................30 RUSTYWALLACEFORD.................................................................................12,63 SCENICREALTY,MARIEWOOD...................................................................79 SEVENTHDAYADVENTISTCHURCH..........................................................42 SHOEMAKER’SLANDSCAPING.....................................................................57 SMOKYMOUNTAINMOWERS.......................................................................61 SMOKYMTN.HOMEHEALTH.......................................................................20 SOUTHSIDEBAPTISTCHURCH....................................................................32 SPICEWOODCABINETS..................................................................................57 STINNETTMOTORS........................................................................................73 STINSON&VOSSPT........................................................................................44 STRANGE’SCUSTOM......................................................................................59 STRANGE’SEASTPORTLLC...........................................................................19 TANEASY..........................................................................................................91 TENNESSEECOLLEGEOFAPPLIEDTECHNOLOGY..................................67 TENNESSEEMOUNTAINMUSICBARN.......................................................57 TENNESSEESTATEBANK..............................................................................65 TOMMESSERSEPTICTANKSERVICE.........................................................24 TOWN&COUNTRYDRUGS............................................................................8 UNITYBAPTISTCHURCH..............................................................................24 VICTORYMOUNTAINMINISTRIES..............................................................31 WALTERSSTATECOLLEGE...........................................................................73 WESTCARETENNESSEEINC.........................................................................85 WESTMORLANDDENTISTRY........................................................................32 WHITEPINEBUSINESSES.............................................................................45 WILSON’SSAV-MORPHARMACY.................................................................79

isiting The Smokies has been helping tourists plan activities in the eastern portion of the Smoky Mountains for 20 years. While promoting commerce near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and in its border communities businesses in Neport

A word from The Newport Plain Talk publisher

Dear Readers:

Thanksforlookingat our2023-2024InformationGuide.

TheNewportPlain Talkhaspublishedthis guideforthebetter partoftwodecades toserveasasourceof informationfornot onlyvisitors,tourists andthoselookingto relocatetoourbeautifulcommunity,but alsothoseofyouwho havecalledCocke Countyhomefor years.

CockeCountyhas manynaturalresources andblessings.Wehave threebeautifulrivers —theNolichucky,the PigeonandtheFrench Broad—alongwith fourparksystems— theCherokeeNational Forest,theAppalachianTrail,theMartha SundquistStateForest andthemostvisited nationalparkinthe country,theGreat SmokyMountainsNationalPark.

FormerCockeCounty MayorIliffMcMahan

Jr.usedtotelleveryoneourblessingscome inthreesandfours,becauseoftheresources thatareinourbackyardthatservemany purposesformany people.

CockeCountyoffers tremendouspotential andthepeoplehere thathavemadetheir homesinourhometownarethegreatest resourcewehave.

Thepeoplewhohave calledCockeCounty theirhomeandmade investmentsinour communityarethe lifeblood.Muchblood, sweatandtearshave beenpouredintotheir effortsandinvestments.

Whetheritbeestablishinganewbusiness, workingforoneofour establishedmanufacturersoremployersor

comingheretoretire, ourpeopleareour greatestasset.

CockeCountyhas alottoofferandI hopethisguidewill beofmuchuseto youandyourfamily overthecomingyear. Whetheryou’rejust passingthrough,or you’vebeenherefor allyourlife,Ibelieve allofthisinformation willbeofgreatvalue

toyou. Alsoagreatdeal ofappreciationand thankstoouradvertisingpartnersand sponsorswhomake thisInformationGuide possible.Without theirtimeandeffort, thisprojecttoserve youwouldbenext toimpossibletopull off.

OurdoorsatThe NewportPlainTalk

arealwaysopenand justlikewehavesince 1900,wecontinueto beherefortheneeds ofthecitizensofCocke County.

Ifthere’severanythingmyselforour staffcandotoassist you,pleaseletus know!

All the best, DuaneUhls Publisher & Editor The Newport Plain Talk

Duane Uhls

ELECTRIC WATERWORKS

Since1940,NewportUlieshas proudlyservedthecizenso Cocke Countyandthesurroundingarea withrelialeelectricity,cleanwater, andefcientwastewatertreatent urtea isdedicatedtodelivering the ostrelialeservicesavailale asefcientlyaspossile

NUisecitedto ringthatsae ualityanddedicaontodeliveringhighspeed nternetaccessthat opensaworldo possiilies llatcopeveprices

BROADBAND

NEWPORTUTILITIES

170CopeBlvd. Newport,TN37821

(423)625-2800

www.newportutilities.com www.nuconnect.com

Cocke County’s history goes back to late 1700s

WhenCockeCountywas formallyestablishedin 1797,settlershadalready carvedouthomesand farmsheretwentyyearsor soearlier.

NativeAmericans,of course,werethefirsthumanresidentsofthearea. Proofoftheirresidency continuestosurfacein theformofarrowheads andbitsofpotterywhen springtimeplowingis done.

Althoughithasnotbeen proven,circumstantial evidenceindicatesthat SpanishexplorerHernandoDeSotoandhisparty passedthroughhere.

Whitetrappersand huntersdefinitelybegan makingtheirwayinto thiswildernessbythe mid-eighteenthcentury. Bythe1770sand1780s, moreandmorepioneers movedhere,trickling downfromtheUpper Wataugacommunityand acrossthemountainsfrom NorthandSouthCarolina. Quitenaturallytheearliestsettlementssprouted alongthethreerivers— Nolichucky,FrenchBroad, andPigeon—whichflow throughthecounty.With thesesettlerscamethe needforprotectionagainst theoccasionalIndian attacks.Severalforts, includingBell’sStation, Whitson’s,Huff’s,Wood’s, McKay’s,andSwagerty’s, wereerectedassafe havensforthecitizens.TodaySwagertyFort,which standsalongsideOldHwy. 321northofParrotts-

ville,istheonlysuchfort remaining.

LegendaccordsJohn Gillilandthehonorof plantingthefirstcorn cropinthecounty“atthe mouthoftheBigPigeon River.”Gillilandisalso creditedwithdonating fiftyacresofland,inwhat wenowcallOldTown, fortheestablishmentofa countyseat.

Forclosetoacentury, OldTownwasthecounty’s hubofactivity.Herewere thecourthouse,thejail, PeterFine’sferry,ahotel ortwo,andafewother earlybusinesses,suchas Rankin&Pulliam’sstore.

TodaytheGilliland-Cameron-O’Dell houseistheonlyremainingoriginalstructure inOldTown.Theother

reminderofOldTown’s prominenceistheRoadmanCemetery,highon theParrottsvillesideof theriver,whichoverlooks thearea.Hereliesuch earlyleadersasPeterFine, EdomKendrick,andWilliamRoadman.

Thosehardysouls broughtadeepfaithin Godwiththemwhenthey movedintothisarea.In 1787,nineyearsbefore Tennesseewasadmitted totheUnionandtenyears beforetheformalestablishmentofCockeCounty, agrouporganizedBig PigeonPrimitiveBaptist Church.Itsminutesmentionacessationofmeetingsdueto“Indiansbeing troublesome.”

Withintwenty-fiveyears severalotherdenomina-

tions—Baptist,Methodist,andPresbyterian —arrived,andin1845 SalemLutheranChurch wasorganizedintheParrottsvillehomeofMichael Ottinger.

TheonlyRevolutionary Warskirmishknownto haveoccurredinCocke CountywasattheWar Ford.

Manyoftheearlysettlerscameheretoclaim landgrantedtothemfor theirserviceduringthe RevolutionaryWar.Over 100suchveteransare knowntohavereceived acreage.

Becauseofthecounty’s topography,largeplantationsandtheslavelabor associatedwiththemwere fewhere.Whileseveral familiesdidownslaves,

theaveragefarmerowned amanandhiswife,rather thanthedozensofslaves weconnectwiththestory ofScarletO’Hara.

Bythe1830s,thecounty’spopulationremained small.Effortstobringthe railroadhereperiodically flourishedanddwindled untilaftertheCivilWar.

Whenhostilitieserupted,CockeCountiansfound theirloyaltiesdivided. Oftenbrothersfoughton differentsides.Although nomajorbattleswere foughthere,therewere atleasttwoskirmishes, oneatParrottsvilleand anotheratCosby.Much sufferingwasinflictedon thewomen,children,and elderlybybandsofmaraudingbushwhackers.

In1865,peacearrived andprosperityslowly returned.In1867,the railroadfinallyarrived andwithitcameaperiod ofunprecedentedgrowth. Thetracksranthrough whatwascalledGorman’s Depot,today’sdowntown Newport.

Inthe1880s,aftermuch controversy,thecounty seatwasmovedfromOld TowntoGorman’sDepot (alsocalledClifton).CitizensinParrottsvillebitterlyprotestedthemove, becausenowtheyhadto fordtworiverstoreach thecountyseat.Citizensin Bridgeportlobbiedheavily forthenewcourthouseto bebuiltthere.

FormaleducationarrivedintheformofAndersonAcademy,whichstood

betweentoday’sNorthwest ElementarySchooland OldTown.Asthedecades passed,dozensofone-and two-roomschoolssprang upthroughoutthecounty. Highschoolwork,atone time,wasofferedatParrottsville,HarmonyGrove, Raven’sBranch,Moraine, WiltonSprings,Edwina, andNewport.

Thetwentiethcentury broughtmorechangeand prosperitytotheregion. Withtheestablishment oftwocanneries,the BushandStokelyfamilies broughtjobsandbetter livingstandardstodozens offamilies.Thetannery’s openinginthelate1800s didthesame.

CockeCountianshave alwaysdonetheirpart toupholdTennessee’s nickname,“TheVoluteer State.”Probablythefirst citizensheretoenlistbecauseofwardidsoduring theWarof1812.Atleast oneagingRevolutionary Warsoldierjoinedup. Dozensofmenandnota fewwomenansweredtheir country’scallduringthe twoworldwars,anddidso againduringKorean,Vietnam,DesertStorm,Iraq, andnowAfghanistan. Now,inthe21stcentury, thecounty’sgrowthlooks morepromisingthanever, asamoreconcertedeffort topromotethecounty’s touristoptionsandto attractmoreindustryto theareagrow.Retirees continuetoflockhere. Whoknowswhatthe nextdecadeswillbring?

City of Newport governed by mayor and aldermen

STAFFREPORTS

TheNewportBoard ofMayorandAldermen systemgovernstheCityof Newport.

RolandDykes,IIIisthe currentmayorofthecity, havingbeenelectedin 2018.

Servingonthecouncilas

Aldermenare:Vice-Mayor ConnieBall,MikeHansel, RandyRagan,SteveSmith andLouannaOttinger.

Theyeachservefouryearterms.

MayorDykesappoints allthevolunteercity boards.CityCouncil appointstheboardswith paidpositions,which are:thebeerboard,the policeandfirecivilservice boardsandtheutilities board.

Thealdermengovernthecity,butCity AdministratorJames

Finchumperformsmost oftheadministrative duties.

TheMayorandBoard ofAldermenmeetonthe secondTuesdayofeach monthinthechamber oftheNewportCityHall buildingat5:30p.m.The meetingsareopentothe public.

TheNewportCityHallis locatedatlocatedat300 E.MainSt.Thetelephone

numberis(423)623-7323. Moreinformationisalso availableonthecity’s websiteatwww.cityofnewport-tn.com.

TheCityHallisopen from8:30a.m.to 5p.m.Mondaythrough Friday,excepton holidays.

TheNewportBoardof ZoningAppealsandthe

Newport City Hall as the sun sets on the Pigeon River in downtown Newport.

Alderman Steve Smith Alderman Randy Ragan Vice Mayor Connie Ball

Alderwoman Louanna Ottinger Alderman Mike Hansel

City Judge Brittany Wild Vick City Attorney Terry Hurst Fire Chief Jeremy Shelton Police Chief Maurice Shults

Parks and Recreation Director Tim Dockery Street Superintendent Ben Hicks

Director of Animal Control Lisa Layman

City Administrator James Finchum City Recorder and Finance Director Tina Matthews Community Development Director Gary Carver

Planning Commission Chairman Cecil Gilland Planning Commissioner Steve Smith

Planning Commissioner Jim McSween Planning Commissioner Rick Carr Planning Commissioner Randall Freeman Planning Commissioner — Mayor Roland A. Dykes, Planning Commissioner Terry White Building, Zoning and Codes Compliance Ocer Mark Robinson

Mayor Roland A. Dykes, III

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Cocke County Government provides services to all citizens

CockeCounty’sgovernmentisstructuredinthe samewayastheother94 countiesinthestateofTennessee.

Thereisacountymayor, whostandsforelectionevery fouryears,whoisthechief operatingofcer orthe countryandhandlesadministrativeduties.RobMathisis thecurrentcountymayor.

Mathis’ofce,alongwith otherofcials,including thecounty nancedirector, administratorofelections andchancerycourtclerk andmaster,islocatedinthe CockeCountyCourthouse Annexat360EastMain Street.

Thecountyisdividedinto sevendistrictsandeachdistrictelectstwomembersto theCountyLegislativeBody (CLB),whichmustapprove all nancialexpendituresby thecounty.

TheCountyBoardof Educationconsistsofseven members,oneelectedfrom eachdistrict.Itmeetson thesecondThursdayofthe monthat6p.m.attheSchool System’sCentralOfce,which

islocatedat305HedrickDrive inNewport.Thecountyschool systemisoverseenbyadirectorofschools,ManneyMoore, whoisappointedbytheBoard ofEducation.

TheCockeCountyRegional

PlanningCommissionmeets onthefourthTuesdayofthe monthat5:15p.m.atthe courthouseannex.

Thecountyhighwaycommission,whichoverseesthe countyroadsystemisserved

byasevenmemberboard, whichcomesfromsevendistricts.Thecurrenthighway superintendentisDwayne “Bullett”McCallister,was re-electedinAugust2022to anotherfour-yearterm.

Visit the Town of Parrottsville

TheTownofParrottsville istheonlyotherincorporatedtowninCockeCounty, asidefromNewport.

Parrottsvilleisthe third-oldesttowninTennessee,havingbeensettled byJohnW.Parrottovertwo centuriesago.

TheTownHallislocated at2025OldParrottsville Highway.Thetelephone numberis(423)623-9380. AboardofthreecommissionersgovernsPar-

CITY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

rottsville,whichislocated aboutsevenmilesnorthof Newport.

Thecommissionerwho receivesthemostvotes isdesignatedasthetown

NewportRegionalPlanningCommission,

mayor.GaylaAnnHommeliscurrentlyservingas Parrottsville’smayor.Sheis servingwithcommissioners RonnieHommelandDennis Worley.

whicharemadeupofthesameofficials, meetonthefourthTuesdayofeach monthinthechamberofCityHallat 3:30p.m.

TheNewportUtilitiesBoardof

SharonPetersisboth townclerkandtown recorder.Je Greeneisthe townattorney.MelissiaBall servesastownjudge.

Thetowncommission

meetsmonthlyonthe rst Thursdayofthemonthat 6p.m.attownhall.

Thecityhasseveral committeesthatinclude parksandrecreation,Fourth ofJuly,HeritageDaysand Christmas.

Parrott-Larue-Myers GreenwayandMemorial Park,whichislocatedinthe centeroftown,isamajor drawingcardforresidents andvisitors.

Thetownactivelysupports

DirectorsmeetsonthefourthTuesday ofeachmonthattheutilities’administrationcenter,170CopeBoulevard,at 10:30a.m.

TheNewportHousingAuthorityboard

theParrottsvilleVolunteer FireDepartment.Thetown’s policedepartmentisledby ChiefRickyHolt.

RuralMedicalServices operatesaclinicinParrottsville,locatedat111MockingbirdAvenue.

Thetownhasatennis courtandabasketballcourt, whichwereopenedtothe publicin2012.

Communityorganizations includetheParrottsville RuritanClub.

meetsonthethirdMondayofeach monthat12noonatitsmainofficeat 440LennonCircle,Newport.Thehousingauthority’stelephonenumberis(423) 623-1575.

County Mayor Rob Mathis Josh Blanchard Admin. of Elections

Kristy Nease Circuit Court Clerk

Shalee’ McClure County Clerk

Mayor Gayla Ann Hommel Commissioner Dennis Worley

Commissioner Ronnie Hommel

Sessions and Juvenile Court Clerk Brenda Ramsey

Law enforcement agencies serve Cocke County

CockeCountyhasfour locallawenforcement agenciestoprotectand servethepublic,including theCockeCountySheri ’s Ofce,theNewportPolice Department,theParrottsvillePoliceDepartment, andTennesseeHighway Patrol(THP). Incaseofemergencydial 911.Thehighwaypatrolcan bereachedbycellulartelephonebydialingStarTHP (847).Itcanalsobereached

bydialing1-800-737-2682. Fornon-emergencies, thesheri ’sofcecanbe reachedat(423)623-6004, thepolicedepartmentat (423)623-5556,andthe

highwaypatrolat(800) 737-2682(press“0”).

TheCockeCountySheri isArmandoFontes.

TheSheri ’sOfce islocatedintheCocke

CountyCourthouseat111 CourtAvenue.Thesheri ’s detectivedivisionislocated intheCourthouseAnnexat 360EastMainStreet.The sheri ’sofcerespondsto allemergencycallsoutside theNewportcitylimits.

C.J.Ballisthechie deputyandChuckEvansisthe majoro theSheri ’sOfce. Thetelephonenumberfor theCockeCountySheri ’s DetectivesDivisionis(423) 623-4827.

TheNewportPolice Departmentislocatedat 330EastMainStreet.It respondstoallcallswithin thecitylimitso Newport. Themainofcehoursare MondaythroughFriday rom8a.m.to4:30p.m. Thephonenumbertothe policedepartmentis(423) 623-5556.

MauriceShultsisthe Chiefofthepolicedepartment.SteveHudsonis DeputyChie

Accidentandincident reportscanbe ledor pickedupattheappropriatedepartmentbuilding dependingonwhether theaccidentorincident occurredinsideoroutside thecitylimits.Thesheri ’sofcedoesnotcharge forcopiesofitsreports requestedbythepublic.At thepolicedepartment,a copyofanaccidentreport costs$5;incidentorarrest reportsare$4each.

Eight re departments protect Cocke County citizens

Atotalo eight redepartmentsservethecitizens o CockeCounty.Theseare Newport,CockeCounty, Centerview,Cosby,DelRio, GrassyFork,LongCreek andParrottsville.

Incaseo a re,itisalwaysbesttosimplycall911.

TheNewportFireDepartment,locatedat103 CAvenue,iscomposedof 25 reghters.Thedepartmenthasthreeengines, oneladdertruck,andone

mini-pumper.Jeremy Sheltonisthe rechie.The telephonenumberis(423) 613-4048.

CockeCountyFireDepartment,locatedat120 FairgroundCircle,hasfour enginesandonetanker.The telephonenumberis(423)

623-4444.

TheCenterviewVolunteer FireDepartmenthasapair o locations,210Turner RidgeRoad,and109FullingtonWayinBybee.They

havemultiplebrushtrucks, twoengines,andonetanker.Thetelephonenumberis (423)623-9444.

CosbyVolunteerFire Departmenthasthree locations,itsmainhall at3292CosbyHwy.,and twobranchstations-one inEdwina,andtheother adjacenttotheCosby PostO  ice.Theyrecently constructed,inconjunctionwiththeNewport RescueSquad,a  ourth

stationneartheNationalGuardArmory.The telephonenumberis(423) 487-2593.

TheDelRioVolunteer FireDepartmentislocated at480Hwy.107.Thedepartmentalsohasasub-stationat325RiverBendWay. Thetelephonenumberis (423)487-2215.

GrassyForkVolunteer FireDepartment,locatedat 4110BigCreekRoad,canbe reachedat(423)487-5222.

Cocke County Legislative Body governs county

TheCockeCountygovernmentisstructuredlikeevery othercountyinthestate, withaCountyCommission governingall nancialexpendituresandmakingother legislativebranchdecisions.

CockeCounty’sLegislativeBodyiscomprisedo 14 individuals,whocomefrom

sevendistrictswithinthe county.Eachdistricthastwo postsandindividualsare freetoservethepostoftheir choosinginthedistrict.

Eacho CockeCounty’s 14commissionerswere electedintheAugust2022 CountyGeneralElection. Thenextelectionwillbe

heldinAugust2026.The CLBmeetseachmonthon thethirdMondayat6p.m. intheCockeCountyCircuit Courtroom.

Commissioners:

District1:AndyFord, WilliamMiller District2:GaylaBlazer, JasonMcMahan

District3:TracyStepp, NormanSmith

District4:JonathanTemplin,Je Eslinger District5:WilmaBall,Dan “Pete”Bright

District6:RichardVassar, DavidVeridal District7:Billy“Jobob” Hudson,TimLeyman

LongCreekVolunteer FireDepartmentisCocke County’snewestdepartment.Locatedat924GunterCornerRoad,Parrottsville,thedepartmentcanbe

reachedat(423)625-8655. ParrottsvilleVolunteer FireDepartmentislocated at2059Hwy.321.Their telephonenumberis(423) 623-7174.

AtYour Service

Newport Police Chief Maurice Shults CCSO Chief C.J. Ball

Cocke County E-911 ready for emergencies

TheCockeCountyEmergencyCommunicationsDistrictE-911ofceislocated at145MineralSt.anditdispatchesallemergencyunits inCockeCountyincluding police,sheri,ambulance, re,andrescue.

TheE-911directoris NancyHansel.

TheE-911businessofce alsoassignsallresidential andbusinessaddresses andthisserviceisprovided

betweenthehoursof8a.m. and4p.m.Mondaythrough Friday.Thephonenumber

forthisserviceis(423) 623-5978.

Residentialandbusiness numbersmustbeobtained beforeapplyingforelectric, sewer,gas,water,orphone serviceconnections.

E-911numbersmustbe prominentlydisplayedon homes,businesses,and mailboxes,soemergency unitsareabletolocatethe residencewithoutlossof valuabletime.

Adeveloperspermitmust beobtainedfromthePropertyAssessor’sOfcewhen anindividualappliesfora newaddress.Thisisastate lawandmustbedonebefore anaddresscanbegiven.

Individualsthathave movedinthelast veyears oraremovinginthenear future,shouldcontactE-911 tomakesuretheiraddress andinformationhasbeen updated.

“Oneofourbiggestproblemsthatwehaveispeople whofailtoputtheiraddress numbersontheirdriveways orhomes,”Hanselsaid. “Ourtoppriorityisthat whensomeonedials911 thatwereachhimorher justasquicklyaspossible. Identifyingtheaddress couldpotentiallybealifeor-deathissue,asemergencyrespondersanswera distresscall.”CockeCounty

E-911workscloselywiththe stateE-911boardtoutilize allavailablefundingfrom thestate.

Thecenterphonenumbersare911(foremergency only)and(423)623-8777 (policedispatch),(423) 623-5556(policedepartment’sofce),(423)6233064(sheri ’sdispatch),or (423)623-6004(sheri ’s ofce) ornon-emergency services.

State, Federal legislators represent Cocke County

TwolegislativebodiesgoverntheStateof Tennessee—theHouseof Representativesandthe StateSenate—collectively knownastheTennessee StateLegislature.

RepresentingCocke Countyaspartofthestate legislatureareRepresentativeJeremyFaison (R-Cosby),whoserves the11thHouseDistrict, andSenatorSteveSoutherland(R-Morristown), whoservesthe1stSenate District.

Faison,aCockeCountyresident,represents Cocke,Jefferson,andpart ofGreeneCounties.

Hislocaladdressis 1009CountryMountain Road,Cosby,TN37722.

HisNashvilleaddressis 4255thAvenueNorth, Suite622,CordellHull Building,Nashville,TN 37243.Hecanbereached byphoneinhisNashville

officeat615-741-6871and 1-800-449-8366-extension16871.Hisfaxnumberis615-253-0225,and hise-mailaddressisrep. jeremy.faison@capitol. tn.gov.

Southerland’slocal addressis4648Harbor Drive,Morristown,TN 37814.Herepresents Cocke,Greene,Hamblen, andSevierCounties.

HisNashvilletelephone numbersare615-741-3851 and1-800-449-8366–

ex.13851.HisNashville addressis4255thAvenue North,Suite722,Cordell HullBuilding,Nashville, TN37243.Hise-mail addressissen.steve. southerland@legislature. state.tn.us.

Onthenationallevel, CockeCountyisrepresentedintheU.S.Houseof RepresentativesbyDiana Harshbarger,aRepublican andKingsportresident. Shecanbereachedin Washingtonat202-225-

6356orbyfaxat202-2255714.Hermailingaddress inWashingtonis167CannonHouseOfficeBldg., Washington,DC20515. Locallyshecanbereached inKingsportat423-3985186.Hermailingaddress is205RevereStreetKingsport,TN37660.

Sen.MarshaBlackburn andSen.BillHagerty, bothRepublicans,serve CockeCountyinWashington.

Blackburn’sWashington

addressis357Dirksen SenateOfficeBuilding, Washington,DC20510.

HerKnoxvilleareaoffice islocatedat800Market St.,Suite121,Knoxville, TN37902.HerWashingtontelephonenumber is202-224-3344.Her Tennesseenumberis 865-540-3781andher Tennesseefaxnumberis 865-540-7952.

Hagerty’sWashington AddressisRussellStreet OfficeBldg.,SuiteSR-

B11,Washington,DC 20002.HisWashington contactnumberis(phone) 202-224-4944.Hisarea officeislocatedat800 MarketSt.,Suite112, Knoxville,TN37902. HisTennesseecontact numbersare(phone) 865-545-4253and(fax) 865-545-4252.

Gov.BillLee’soffice islocatedat1stFloor, StateCapitol,Nashville, TN37242.Thetelephone numberis615-741-2001.

Nancy Hansel

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn

State Rep. Jeremy Faison

State Sen. Steve Southerland Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger

U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty

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Election Commission oce handles voting in Cocke County

TheCockeCounty ElectionCommissionofce managesallvoterregistrationinCockeCountyand allvoterlistmaintenance; Plansandimplementsall electionsinCockeCounty;federal,state,county, andmunicipal;Provides electioninformationto residentsandprospective voters;Maintainscandidate andreferendumrecords, includingnominatingpetitionsandlocalcampaign nancereports;Complies withallstatelawandpromulgatedrulesregarding ElectionsintheStateof Tennesseeandmonitors newlegislationandupdates foranychangestothelaw orrules.

VoterRegistration, in-personandnow online

TheVoterRegistration Deadlineisthirty(30) daysbeforeeachelection. RegistertoVotein-person, bymail,oronline.

In-personandby-mail: CockeCountyElection CommissionOfce,CourthouseAnnexRoom130, 360E.MainStreet,Newport,TN37821.OpenMonday—Friday,8:00a.m.— 4:00p.m.Closedallfederal andstateholidays.

Online:CockeCountyElection.orgorGoVoteTN. com.

HowdoIknowifIam registered?Ihavenot votedinseveralyears, amIregistered?

Calltheelectioncommis-

sionofceat423-623-2042 orusethevoterlookuptool onGoVoteTN.com.Ifyour statusisInactive,immediately lloutandsubmita voterregistrationapplicationifyoustillliveinCocke County.Inactivestatus meansthatyouareonthe clocktoberemovedfrom thevoterrollspursuantto statelawifwedonothear fromyou.Ifyouarenot registered,ittakeslessthan 10minutesto lloutaregistrationapplicationonline orin-person.

HowdoIupdatemy currentaddresswith theelectioncommission?

Completeanupdatedvoterregistrationapplication onlineatGoVoteTN.com orin-personattheelection commissionofce.

DoIhavetoregister tovotewiththeCocke CountyElectionCommissionofcei Iwas registeredinanother countyinTennessee?

Yes.InTennessee,voter registrationdoesnotautomaticallytransferfrom countytocountywhenyou move.Youmustcomplete andsignanupdatedvoter registrationapplication.

Whenyouregistertovote, youwillreceiveproofof yourCockeCountyvoter registrationinthemail.

DoIhavetoregister byparty?

Votersdonotchoosea partywhentheyregisterto voteinTennessee.Voter mustdeclareapartyeach timetheyappeartovotein aPrimaryelection;youdoit whenyousignintovoteor lloutyourabsenteeballot application.

Ihavebeenconvicted ofafelony.CanIregistertovote?

Somepersonswitha felonyconvictionmay applytohavetheirvoting rightsrestored.Contactthe electioncommissionofce directlyat623-2042.Voting rightsrestorationpaperworkshouldbecompleted assoonaspossibleso,if approved,theindividual couldhavetimetoregister tovotebythedeadline.

CanIvoteabsentee by-mail?

Manyvotersareeligible tovoteabsenteeby-mail, whetherduetobeingoutof townonElectionDay,age, disability,caretaker,orseveralotherreasons.Callthe electioncommissionofce orvisitGoVoteTN.comfor thecompletelist.Voters mayrequestanabsentee by-mailballotasearlyas90 daysbeforeeachElection butnolaterthansevendays beforeanElection.Voters

Administrator of Elections Josh Blanchard

Keep Cocke County Beautiful promotes clean, safe community

ThepurposeofKeepCockeCountyBeautifulistopromoteacleaner,healthierandsafer environmentforNewportandCockeCounty andtoprotectourpreciousnaturalresources.

KCCBoerssolutionsthatcreateclean, beautifulpublicplaces,reducewasteand increaserecycling,generatepositiveimpact onlocaleconomiesandinspiregenerationsof environmentalstewards.

Throughourprogramsandpublic-private partnerships,weengageindividualstotake greaterresponsibilityforimprovingtheir community’senvironment.Weworktobuild andsustainvibrantcommunitiesthatare sociallyconnected,environmentallyhealthy andeconomicallysound.

KCCBpridesitselfonhardworkand dedication.ExecutiveDirectorGrettaCarr andtheBoardofDirectorscontinuallywork oneducatingthecommunityonrecyclingand environmentalissues.

Eachyear,thegroupcoordinatestheGreat

ELECTION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

DoesTennesseehave EarlyVoting?

AmericanCleanUpfromMarch31toJune 22,whenarearesidentsareencouragedto takePRIDE(PersonalResponsibilityinYour DesignatedEnvironment)throughavarietyof events.Projectsthroughouttheyearinclude lakeandstreamcleanups,educationinarea classroomsandrecyclingeorts.

“KCCBisdedicatedtoimprovingthe county’sappearanceandenvironmentandattainingobjectives orthebeneto ourcitizens andvisitors,”Carrsaid.“Wearecoordinating anexpandedrecyclingeortcountyandcity wide,notjusttoimproveappearancesbutalso tocontroltheescalatingcostsofwastedisposal whichimpactsthetaxesweallpay.”

KCCBcontinuestopromotethethreeR’s— ReduceReuseandRecycle.

Itsofceislocatedupstairsinthehistoric TannerSchoolat115MulberrySt.,Newport, TN37821.CallKCCBat423-623-1050.The websiteiswww.keepcockecobeautiful.organd onFacebookatKeepCockeCountyBeautiful.

mustsignarequestform foreachelectioninwhich theywanttovoteabsentee by-mail.Exceptionsapply forsomeactivemilitary andoverseasvoters.

WhatdoIneedto votein-person?

Allvotersmustpresenta federalorTennesseestate governmentIDcontaining thevoter’snameandphotographwhenvotingatthe polls,whethervotingearly oronElectionDay.An exampleofavalidphoto IDisaTennesseeDriver License.FormoreinformationonphotoIDrequirements,call623-2042or visitGoVoteTN.com.The voterregistrationcardis notrequiredtobeshown whenvoting.

EarlyVotingin-personis availabletoallregistered Tennesseevoters.Early Votingbegins20days beforeeachelectionand ends5daysbeforeeach election.Theexceptionis thePresidentialPreference Primary,duringwhich earlyvotingends7days beforeElectionDay.Early Votinglocationandtimes willbeannouncedbefore eachelection.

WherewouldIvote onElectionDay?

Refertoyourvoter registrationcardorproof ofregistrationmailed toyouwhenyourvoter registrationapplication wasapproved.Theelection commissionofcenow printstheaddressofthe ElectionDaypollinglocationoneachproofofregis-

tration.Youmayalsocall theofceat423-623-2042 orusethevoterlookuptool onGoVoteTN.com.

CountyElectionCommissionmembersare VaughnMoore,chair; VickieMoore,secretary; CharlotteT.Leibrock;StephenV.Stokely;andWard Williams.TheAdministratorofElectionsisJosh Blanchard,officestaff DawnMousseauandTeri Spinks.Joshhasservedas theEastTennesseeoffice residentoftheTennessee AssociationofCounty ElectionOfficialssince 2019.

TheElectionCommission operateswithanetworkof over100dedicatedCocke Countyresidentswhoserve aspollofcialsduringeach election,withoutwhomno successfulelectioncouldbe possible.

University of Tennessee Extension in Cocke County

UTExtensionservesthe citizensofCockeCounty witheducationalprograms intheareasofAgriculture, FamilyandConsumer Sciences,CommunityResourceDevelopment,and 4-HYouthDevelopment. Itisanoutreachbranchof theUniversityofTennessee InstituteofAgricultureand TennesseeStateUniversity, providingresearch-based solutionsandinformation tothecitizensofTennessee.

SarahOrrhasservedas thecountydirectorsince 2019.Thecurrentsta,in additiontoOrr,consists ofLenaGeFellers,the4-H YouthDevelopmentAgent; StephanieMaples,theTennesseeNutritionandConsumerEducationProgram Assistant,whichisfunded throughFederalNutrition Grantdollars;4-HProgram AssistantGingerCantrell andAdministrativeAssistantLisaJustice. Themostvisualofthe programsintheExtension

ofceis4-H.Theyouth componentofExtension reacheshundredsofyouth, providingthemwith citizenshipandleadership developmentopportunities. Programslikelivestock judgingand4-HChick Chainarejustafewofthe waystheyprovideopportunitiesforyouthtodevelop lifeskills.The4-Hhorse programledbyvolunteers isaveryactivepartofthe 4-Hprogram.Thisgroup competesandhaswonin variousEasternRegionand Statecompetitions. WithGeFellersnowon board,the4-Hprogram isexpandingtoinclude

WildlifeJudging,4-HGrill Masters,ShootingSports, andtheOutdoorRecreation ProjectGroup,justtoname afew.Themostexciting new4-Hprogramis4-H AdventureCamp,which willbealocalopportunity opentoallyouthinadditiontothemoretraditional 4-Hcampthatishosted eachsummerinGreeneville.

AdventureCampwillincludemanyoutdooractivitieslikerafting,horseback riding,andmore!Ifyou areinterestedinsigning yourchildupforAdventure Camporanyothercamps theyoer,pleasecallthe

ExtensionOfceat(423)623-7531.

Themajorfocusofthe FamilyandConsumer Sciencesprogrammingis parenting,nutritionand health.Classesinclude co-parentingcourses, whicharemandatedfor divorcingparentswith minorchildren,healthy eatingclasses,andfood preservation.

Acommonlyunknown perkoftheFCSprogram inNewportisthetestingof pressurecannergaugesto ensureusersafety.TNCEP programmingprovidesnutritioneducationtospecic clienteleaswellasnutrition

programmingtoyouthin countyschools.

ThenewestFCSprogram involvespartneringwith theGreatSmokyMountainsNationalParkforthe creationofStorybookTrail oftheSmokies,locatedin Cosby.

Theprogrammingin Agricultureconsistsof theAdvancedMasterBeef Program,FreezerBeef Institute,BeefQuality Assurance(BQA),Small FruitsWorkshop,Tree Grafting,HomeGarden Series,PrivateApplicator PesticideCertication, BackyardPoultryclasses, andmanyothereducationalopportunities.

TheAgricultureAgent alsoprovidesCockeCounty Producers,homeowners, andlandowners,with up-to-dateinformationon insect,disease,andweed controlintheirgardens, crops,lawns,andhomes aswellasplanningagricultureenterprisesontheir

property.

TheAgricultureAgent assistswiththecounties livestockproducersin applyingforcostsharing thoughtheTennessee AgricultureEnhancement Program(TAEP).

Extensionoersavariety ofprogramsinagriculture andnaturalresources, 4-Hyouthdevelopment, andfamilyandconsumer Sciencesforallcitizensof CockeCounty.UTExtensionprovidesequalopportunitiesinprogramsand employment.

Formorequestions concerningExtension ProgramsinCockeCounty,contactSarahOrrat sorr6@utk.eduor(423)623-7531.

Throughitsmissionof research,teachingand extension,theUniversity ofTennesseeInstituteof Agriculturetoucheslives andprovidesReal.Life. Solutions.ag.tennessee. edu.

Convenience centers available for garbage disposal

CockeCountymaintains asystemofconvenience centersthroughoutthe countyforresidentsto disposeoftheirgarbage andbringrecyclablessuch aspaperandplastics.

Thesecentersarefenced andsupervisedbycounty employees.Thecenters areopenMondaythrough Saturday  rom7:30a.m. until6:30p.m.

Theconveniencecenters accepthouseholdgarbage, eachcenterhasrecycling binsforpaper,plasticand aluminum.Eachcenter hasreceptaclesforused motoroil,oilfilters,transmissionfluidandused cookingoil.

Eachcitizenisallowed tobringuptofourtires totheconveniencecenter withoutbeingcharged.

Anycitizenwithmore thanfourtiresmusttake themtothelandfill.The feesfortiresis$1each fortiressmallerthan20 inchesand$2eachfor tiresthatare20inchesor larger. Constructiondebris, roofingshingles,old furnitureandmattresses areallowedinthelandfill. Nobrushortreelimbsare

allowedinthelandfill.

Thosewishingtodispose ofconstructiondebris shouldhaulthistothe landfilllocatedinIrishCut CommunityoffHighway 25/70easto  Newport.

TheIrishCutConvenienceCenterisalso wherethelandfillis locatedat1160OldAshevilleHighwayandisopen MondaythroughSaturday

 rom7a.m.until4p.m. Thetelephonenumberis (423)623-6498.

TheseservicesareprovidedforCockeCounty citizensonly.Convenience Centerswillacceptno garbage,wastetires, constructiondebrisorany wastefromoutofcounty.

ConvenienceCenters arelocatedat:Rankin (269ClayHillRoad),

1470Highway25/70,965 MorrellSpringsRoad, Cosby(3887CosbyHighway),WiltonSprings(606 WiltonSpringsRoad), Raven’sBranch(2315 OldFi  teenthRoad),Del Rio(2990EastHighway 25/70),Parrottsville (2061CanaryDrive),Bogard(3136BogardRoad) andCenterview(2474 HoltTownRoad).

Sarah Orr Lena GeFellers Stephanie Maples

Cocke County Veterans Service Oce

TheCockeCounty VeteransOfceislocated intheCourthouseAnnex, 360E.MainSt.,Suite141, Newport.MikeBarnesis theCockeCountyVeterans ServiceOfcer.

TheofceisopenMonday —Fridayfrom8a.m.— 4p.m.,andthetelephone numberis423-623-7911.

Theofcewillhelpveteransand/ortheirfamilies withcompensationclaims, pensionclaims,education, andmanyotherthings.

Theofcealsoprovides informationtoVeterans andfamiliesonallfederal andstatebenetsearnedby Veteransintheirserviceto theircountry.

Newport Housing Authority

TheNewportHousing Authorityhas400unitsin eightapartmentcomplexes thatitrentsouttoeligible low-incomeresidents.Some arefamilyunits,andothers arefortheelderly/disabled. Rent,whichisbasedon incomelevels,includes allutilities.Maintenance isalsoprovidedfree-ofcharge.

ThemainNHAofce, whereapplicationsfor housingcanbepickedup, islocatedat440Lennon Circle.Eachapplicantmust

provideanoriginaldriver’s licenses,birthcerticate, andSocialSecuritycard. Foreverychild,abirthcerticateandSocialSecurity cardordocumentationthat thesehavebeenappliedfor mustbeprovided.

Thephonenumberforthe ofceis(423)623-1575.

The400unitsarelocated on12streetsscatteredin dierentlocationswithin Newport’scitylimits.

TheNewportHousing Authorityenforcesazero drugtolerancepolicy.

WhitePine,atownwithabout 2,200residents,islocatedbetweenNewportandMorristown alongHighway25EinJefferson County.ThetowniseasilyaccessedoffI-81atExit4,whichis insidethetownlimits,andExit8, justonemilenorthoftown.

MayorFredTaylorhasserved asmayorsince2020.Thecurrent fivecouncilmembersareAnn Strom,JarradStump,TylerMarshall,JoshSinardandWhitney Woods.Thecouncilmeetsthe firstTuesdayofeachmonthat 7p.m.atTownHall,1548Main Street.

AlysonSusongisthetownrecorderandjudge.

Themainofficenumberis865674-2556andthewebsiteiswww. whitepineTN.com.

TheWhitePinePoliceDepartmentislocatedat1548 MainStreet.Thedepartment’s non-emergencynumberis865674-7771.ChadCotterispolice chief.

TheWhitePineVolunteerFire

Departmentislocatedat3208 SchoolStreet,andthephone numberis865-674-6568.The firedepartment’sISORatingis4, whichisexemplaryforavolunteerdepartment.

TheWhitePinePublicLibrary islocatedat1708MainStreet. Thelibrarynumberis865-6746313.

TheWhitePineRegional PlanningCommissionmeetsthe thirdTuesdayofeachmonthat 5:30p.m.atTownHall.

WhitePineSchool,located at3060RoyMesserHighway, servesstudentsPre-Kindergarten througheighthgrade.Theschool numberis865-674-2596.

RID(RemoveIllegalDumpsites)wascreatedbyaCocke CountyLegislativeBody(CLB) resolutionwiththemission“to educatethepublicaboutthe impactthatdumpinghasona communityandtoeliminate illegaldumpinginCockeCounty byusinglawenforcementand communitypressuretokeep

theseareasclean.”

RIDmeetsthesecondWednesdayofeachmonthatnoonatvariousarearestaurants.Allinterestedpartiesareinvitedtoattend.

TodateRIDhascleanedup numerousillegaldumpsites,an excellenteffortrecognizedbya KeepTennesseeBeautifuland TennesseeDepartmentofTrans-

portationAwardofExcellence. “Thisisavolunteercommittee andwedependonCockeCountycitizenstoreportanyillegal activitytheysee,”saidCommittee ChairmanDavidVeridal.

ChairmanVeridalwasrecognizedasCockeCounty’sState VolunteeroftheYearinNashville in2017.

White Pine Mayor Fred Taylor

Cocke County School System strives for higher excellence

TheCockeCounty SchoolSystemcontinuestostriveforhigher excellence,buildingona continuedadvancement tobecomeoneofthe leadingschoolsystemsin Tennessee.

TheCockeCounty SchoolSystemisunder theleadershipofDirectorofSchoolsManney Moore.Mooresays,“Our continuinggoaltoprovideourchildrenwiththe besteducationalopportunitiestopreparethem forproductivefutures remainsthesystem’s drivingforceandfocus.”

ComposingtheCocke CountySchoolSystemare nineelementaryschools: Bridgeport,Centerview,Cosby,DelRio, Edgemont,GrassyFork, Northwest,Parrottsville, andSmokyMountain, andtwosecondary schools,CockeCounty HighSchoolandCosby HighSchool.Additionally fundsprovidetutoring

andinterventionprogramsforK-12,aswell asfamilyengagement activitiesandevents.

Studentsateachhigh schoolhaveaccessto CareerTechnicalEducationclassesatBenW.

HooperVocationalSchool (CCHS)andRaymond LargeVocationalSchool (CHS).Additionally,the CockeCountyAdultHigh Schoolprovidesservices toreturningadultstudentswhowanttoeither completetheirgraduation requirementsorobtaina GED.

TheCockeCounty AlternativeEducation ProgramincludesAdult Education(GED)prep, theAdultHighSchool,

andbasicliteracyclasses, theGraduationAlternativeProgram(GAP),and theCockeCountyAlternativeSchool.

AllCockeCounty schoolsmeettherequirementstoreceive TitleIfunding.Utilizing ‘school-wide’programs, fundsareusedtoprovide personneltoreducethe overallteacher-student ratiosfortheschools. Currently,overforty personnelareemployed withTitleIfunding. TitleIfundsalsoprovide substantialmaterialsand equipmenttosupportthe academicprogramsofthe schools.

Withanemphasison technology,TitleIfunds havebeenutilizedfor wirelesscomputerlabs, iPads,andPromethean boards.Additionally, fundsprovidetutoring andinterventionprogramsforK-12.

Ahighpriorityofthe systemistoensurethat

allteachersarehighly qualifiedandthatboth certifiedandclassified staffhaveaccesstoprofessionaldevelopment opportunitiesnecessary tobehighlyeffective. Includingteachersand administrators,thesystememploysjustunder 400certifiedpersonnel. TwoTitleIinstructional coaches,onefull-time andonepart-time,along withonefull-timeRead ToBeReadyinstructional coach,servetheelementaryschools.

TheCockeCounty SchoolSystemenjoys positiveandbeneficial partnershipswithseveral outsideentities.Savethe Childrenprovidesinschoolandafter-school literacyprogramsat Bridgeport,CosbyElementary,Edgemont,and Northwest.Highschool studentshaveaccessto dualenrollmentcourses throughanagreement withWaltersStateCom-

munityCollege.Savethe Children(STC)provides in-schoolandafter-school literacyprogramsat Bridgeport,CosbyElementary,Edgemont,and Northwest.InSeptember 2016,anewSTCpilot programwasimplementedatCenterview,DelRio, GrassyFork,andSmoky Mountain.Allelementary schoolsparticipateinthe SecondHarvestBackpack program.

Technologyremains astrengthoftheCocke CountySchoolSystem. Atleastonecomputer labisineachschool,and PrometheanBoardshave beeninstalledinthemajorityofclassrooms.

Highlysuccessful PreKclassesarenowin operation.TheFamily ResourceCenterservesas aliaisonbetweenparents, theschoolsystem,and thecommunity.

CockeCounty’sNaval JuniorROTCprogram onceagainearnedstate

andnationalhonorsthis year.HousedatCCHS andopentostudentsat bothCCHSandCHS,the groupishighlyvisiblein thecommunityasthey performcountlesshours ofvolunteerservice.Also ahighlightoftheschool system,boththehigh schoolbandandchorus studentshavebeenrecognizedatmultiplelevels asbothindividualsand groupsforoutstanding performances.

MembersoftheCocke CountyBoardofEducationareRoseLovell, RichardCoggins,Otha Rolen,JohnJohnson, TerryHurst,DarlaMorganandJimmyStokely. TheCockeCountySchool System’sCentralOffice islocatedat305HedrickDrive,Newport,TN 37821andcanbereached bytelephoning423-6237821orbyfaxing423625-3947.Thesystem’s websiteiswww.cocke. k12.tn.us.

ImaginationLibraryprovidesbooksfrombirthtoCockeCountykids

Over1,500CockeCounty childrenreceiveafree bookeverymonththrough theDollywoodImaginationLibrary,aprogram initiatedbyDollyParton toprovideadditionaled-

ucationalopportunitiesto Tennessee’schildren.

Applicationformsfor ImaginationLibraryare availableatNewportMedicalCenter,NewportPediatricClinic,CockeCounty

HealthDepartment,the officeoftheCockeCounty Mayor,CockeCounty’s RuralMedicalclinics, andCockeCounty’sfour libraries:CosbyCommunity,DelRio(MarieEllison

Memorial),Parrottsville, andStokelyMemorial.

Childrenmustresidein CockeCounty.Anapplicationmustbesubmitted. Enrollmentmayalsobe madeonlineatwww.imag-

inationlibrary.com.Childrenfromothercounties mayregisterbyvisiting www.governorsfoundation. orgonlineorbycalling1 (877)99-BOOKS.

Childrenreceivethefree

booksfrombirthtoage5. Themonthoftheirfifth birthday,childrenreceive theirfinalbook,anintroductiontokindergarten. Formoreinformation, call423-623-7821.

Director of Schools Manney Moore

Newport Grammar School dates to 1898

Foroveracentury, NewportGrammarSchool hasoverlookeddowntown Newportfromitsposition atopMimsAvenue.First openedin1898,NGShas thedistinctionofbeingthe oldestelementaryschool inTennesseeincontinuous operation.

Consciousofitshistory andreputation,NGSproudly acknowledgesitstellarpast whileembracingthefuture. ItremainsasoneofTennessee’sfewone-schoolsystems.

OverseenbytheNewport BoardofEducation,NGS averagesenrollmentof

over675studentsingrades PreK-8,whilealsoserving additionalchildreninNGS LittleWarriorsPre-School.

SandraBurchetteisthe directorofschools.Dustin Morrowservesasprincipal andRonCofeyisassistant principal.

JanBrookschairsthe

board.Othermembersare vicechairMickeyPowers, SethButler,DavidPerryman andNathanVernon.

Inordertoimprovetheir instructionalskills,they attendnumerousprofessionaldevelopmentsessions, seminars,andothertraining opportunities.Alowteach-

er-studentratiocontributes tobettereducationalopportunities.

Research-basedinstruction,teachercollaboration, technology,coordinated schoolhealth,andfamily engagementarepresent areasofconcentrationforthe school.

Theschoolhasexpanded sixtimessinceitsinitial construction,themostrecent projectbeingtheaddition ofaprimarybuildingfor 300-plusstudentsingrades Pre-K-2.

Inadditiontothetraditionalstudiesofmath,sci-

MeetYourCity/CountyOfcials proudtoserveourcommunities!

AsyourCity/CountyOfficials,ourdoorsarealwaysopen.Weencourageeveryonetocontactus wheneverwecanansweraquestionorbeofservice.

COCKE COUNTY SHERIFF C.J.BALL

•••••

Iappreciatethe supportofthe peopleofCocke County.Iwillwork hardtoseeour countyreachitsfull potential&ensure thatwehavea sheriff'sdepartment thatyoucanbe proud of.

ence,socialstudies,andlanguagearts,auxiliaryclasses, suchasmusic,art,physical education,library,guidance, technology,STEMlab,specialeducation,andgiftedand enrichmentprogramarealso ofered.Twoguidancecounselors,aschoolpsychologist, afull-timespeechtherapist, andpart-timephysicaland occupationaltherapistsare available.

NGSstudentsingrades K-8eachhaveaccesstoindividualChromebooksaswell astwocomputerlabs.

KathyRagan,RN,serves asafull-timeschoolnurse. Additionally,theCharlotteJ. Mimsonsiteclinicmanaged byNewportPediatrics,PC, openedin2022.Theclinic servesstudents.

Nutritiousbreakfastsand lunchesareserveddailyin theschoolcafeteria.Forover sevenyears,theschoolhas ofereduniversal reebreakfasttoallstudents.

AllNGSstafmembers wearidenticationbadges forsecuritypurposes.Video surveillancecamerasoperate 24hoursperday.Alldoors arelockedduringtheschool day.Additionalsecurity

camerasandothersafety measuresareinplacetohelp maintainasafeenvironment orstudentsandstaf.Inthe eventofacriticalsituation, aCrisisManagementteam standsready.Regular re andsafetydrillsareconducted.

NGSstudentshavethe opportunitytoenjoyclubs andorganizations,including choir,theHistoricalAssociation,GreenTeam,Junior BetaClub,ModernWoodmenJr/Sr,DramaClub,4-H Club,HikingClub,Builders Club,band,WarriorPatrol andAnnualStaf.

After-schoolandsummer studyandenrichmentsessionsareprovided.

Athleticscontinuetoplay anintegralpartinthelivesof NGSstudents.TheNewport GrammarSchoolWarriors basketballteamrecorded thehonoroftheschool’s rststatechampionshiptitle duringthe2021season.The teamfelljustshortintheir repeatbigin2022.

Formoreinformation aboutNewportGrammar School,call423-623-3811or visittheschool’swebsiteat www.newportgrammar.org.

Weareproudthatyoubelieveinusenoughtoallowustoserveinthepositionsoftrust. Tankyouforyourcontinuedsupport.

Principal Dustin Morrow Director of Schools Sandy Burchette

Newport Grammar School

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Morristown serves Cocke County

Overtheyearshundredsoflocalhigh schoolgraduateshavechosentoattend TennesseeCollegeofAppliedTechnology inMorristown,wheretheyhavereceived post-secondarytraining,whichhas launchedthemintohighlylucrativejob opportunities.

InadditiontoTCAT’smaincampusin Morristown,ithasanadditionalbranch campusinHawkinsCountyandInstructionalServiceCentersinGreenevilleand Tazewell.

Foundedin1963,TCAPoers16 programs:AdministrativeOfceTechnology,AutomotiveBodyRepair,AutomotiveTechnology,AviationMaintenance Technology,CertiedNursingAssistant, ComputerInformationTechnology, DraftingandCADTechnology,Graphic Arts,Heating/Ventilation/AirConditioning/RefrigerationTechnology,Industrial

Electric,IndustrialMaintenance,License PracticalNurse,MachineToolTechnology/CNC,Pipetting,PracticalNursing,and Welding.

TCATalsooersspecialindustrialtrainingclasses,eitheronsiteatthecollegeor ositetomeetspecicindustryneeds.

Financialassistanceisavailablethrough PELLgrants,Wilder-NaiehTechnical SkillsGrants,andtheVeteransAdministration.

TheTennesseeCollegeofAppliedTechnologydenesitsmissionas“tobethepremierproviderforworkforcedevelopment throughoutourservicearea.”

Morethan500studentsareenrolled fulltimeatTCATandattendclassesthere MondaythroughFriday.Eveningprograms arealsoavailableonapart-timebasisand meetMondaythroughThursday.

TCATworkscloselywithareahigh

schoolcareerandtechnicaleducation centers,byprovidinghighschoolteachers withplansofstudydesignedtofacilitate thegraduate’swork.

TCAT’sjobplacementratesexceedthe levelsrequiredbythestate.TheTennessee CollegeofAppliedTechnologyisgoverned bytheTennesseeBoardofRegents(TBR), theseventhlargestgoverningboardof highereducationintheUnitedStates.As such,TCAT ulllsitsmissionbyproviding highqualitytrainingthatiseconomical andaccessibletoTennesseeresidents, therebycontributingtotheeconomicand communitydevelopmentoftheregionit serves.

TheTennesseeCollegeofApplied Technologycanbereachedbyphoneat 423-586-5771,orbyfaxat423-586-8030. TCAT’swebsiteiswww.tcatmorristown. edu.

AdultEducationoffered inCockeCounty

TheDr.HobartFordSr.Adult EducationCenterisnowlocatedat 345HedrickDriveandisadjacentto WellingtonPlace.

Allclassesarefree,andstudentshave twooptionsforobtainingahighschool credential.

First,adultstudents(atleast18 yearsofage)maypursueahighschool diplomathroughtheCockeCounty AdultHighSchool.Theadulthigh schoolfollowstheCockeCounty schoolsystemcalendarandoperating hours(Mondays-Fridays8a.m.to 3p.m.).

Also,otheradultsmaypreparefor aTennesseeHighSchoolEquivalency throughtheadulteducationprogram. Thisprogramisavailableforstudents whowishtoattendclassesthatprepare themtopassanequivalencyexam. Formoreinformation,calltheAdult HighSchoolat423-613-0032.

Award-winning Walters State serves Cocke County

WaltersStateCommunityCollegewasrecognized astheCommunityCollege oftheYearbytheTennesseeBoardofRegents duringtheTennessee BoardofRegentsSOAR awardinMarch2022,and againinMarch2023.

TheCollegeoftheYear awardrecognizesthe collegethathasdemonstrated,throughevidence, asustainedcommitment toandproactiveadvancementofstudentsuccess andworkforcedevelopment.

“Thisawardreflectsthe dedicationandworkof ourstudents,facultyand staff,”Dr.TonyMiksa, presidentofWaltersState, said.“Iamsoproudofeverymemberofourcollege familywhohasremained dedicatedtostudent success,especiallyduring thechallengesofthepast twoyears.Wearedeeply

honoredandhumbledby thisawardandknowthat itwouldnotbepossible withoutthetremendous communitysupportthat wereceivefromthroughoutourserviceareaand fromtheleadershipof theTennesseeBoardof Regentsandthestate Legislature.”

WaltersStateconferred 1,158degreesandcertificatesin2022duringfour commencementcelebrations.Thecollegemoved tofourcelebrations duringthepandemictoallowforsocialdistancing. Thatdecisionprovedto bepopularandthecollege willcontinuehostingtwo Saturdaycommencements inMay,andonThursday andFridayeveningceremoniesinDecember.

InJune,Miksaannouncedatuitionfreeze forthey2022-23academicyear.Theannounce-

mentwasmadejointly bytheTennesseeBoard ofRegents.WaltersState remainscommittedto keepingcollegeaffordableforstudentsinits 10-countyservicearea, Miksasaid.TBRestimates thattheannualcostof attendingcommunitycollegeislessthanhalfthe estimated$10,000costat publicfour-yearuniversities.Manystudentsattend tuition-freethroughprogramssuchtheTennessee HopeLotteryScholarship, TennesseePromise,TennesseeReconnectandthe PellGrant.

TheWaltersState NewportCenter,located intheTannerBuilding, continuestogrowwith 23classesplannedforthe fall2023semester.Many ofthesearegeneralstudy requirements.Students maytakethesetotransfer tofour-yearinstitutions

orapplythemtospecific associateorassociateof appliedsciencedegrees suchasnursingorcomputerandinformation science.

Thecollegehasaddeda newtechnicalcertificate programinbutchery, becomingthefirstcommunitycollegetoofferthe programandoneofonly twosuchprogramsinthe state.

“Thisprogramisdesignedtomeettheworkforceneedsofourservice area,”saidTonyMiksa. “Studentswillbeprepared toworkinartisanbutcher shops,grocerystores,and wholesalemarkets.The programwillbeoffered forcreditasatechnical certificateandaspartof abutcheryapprenticeship program.”

Thetechnicalcertificateinbutcheryhasbeen approvedbytheSouthern

AssociationofColleges andSchoolsCommissiononColleges.The apprenticeshipprogram inbutcheryhasbeenapprovedbytheTennessee DepartmentofLaborand WorkforceDevelopment.

Thecollegealsobecame thefirstcommunitycollegetoofferanacademic certificateinSpanishthis year.Classesareoffered onlineorinatraditional classroom.Studentshave thechoiceofincludingcustomizedcourses teachingcommonSpanish skillsforuseinpublic safety,hospitalitymanagementandhealthcare withothersplanned.

“Whileplanningthis program,wereceived somuchpositivefeedbackfrombusinessand industryleadersinthe communitiesweserve,” Miksasaid.“Theneed forSpanishspeakersis

spreadacrossallfields, includinghumanresources,healthcare,manufacturing,educationand tourism.”

TheDivisionforWorkforceTrainingalsooffered freeonlinedementia-care trainingforcertified nursingassistants(CNAs) workinginlong-termcare facilitiesinGreeneCounty.TheCARESDementia Trainingclassteaches CNAshowtomakea connectionwithapatient, minimizefalls,recognize pain,andkeyresponsesto dementia-relatedbehavior.

Thedivision’ssummer campsincludedweldingformiddleandhigh schoolstudentsandunderwaterrobotics.

Registrationforfall 2023beganApril1. Prospectivestudentsmay applyforfreeatwww. ws.edu.

EducationFoundationbeneftslocalstudents,honorspaststudents

Establishedin1999,the CockeCountyEducation Foundationisanon-prot corporationwhosepurpose istobeneteducational institutionsandrelated activities.

Inparticular,itoversees

morethan30scholarships forlocalstudentsand CockeCounty’sImaginationLibraryprogram.The FoundationhostsCelebrate OurSuccess,abanquetat whichselectedalumniof CockeCounty’shighschools

—CockeCounty,Cosby, Parrottsville,andTanner —whohaveachievedhigh degreesofsuccessintheir chosen eldsarehonored.

JudgeJ.KennethPorter wasthe rsthonoree;othershavebeenDr.Kenneth

Olden,Rev.BennyProftt, Dr.Cli Shults(deceased), Gen.HubertSmith,Dr. KathyDykes-Sims,Jay Gaddis(deceased),Dr. NathanFord,Dr.RobKisabeth,JimmyFranks,Esther HoustonVassar,RogerBut-

ler,RitaButlerLayman,Dr. GaryThomas,Dr.Janice

BarnesJamesC.McSween, Jr.,RoyT.Campbell,Jr., LarryB.Blazer,CarrieMae

DawsonCaldwell,Ken Jenkins,TippiHampton, FreddyJames,Jr.,Dr.

CharlesLindsey,BethO. Freeman,GordonBall,and Dr.PattiKetterman.

Donationsarebothwelcomeandtaxdeductible. Theymaybemailedtothe Foundation,305Hedrick Dr.,Newport,TN37821.

ETSU serves thousands across the region

EastTennesseeState Universityisgoverned byitsBoardofTrustees. Sinceopeningin1911as atwo-yearnormalschool educatingteachers,ETSU hasgrownintoamajor, diversifieduniversity.It servesmorethan13,000 students,manyofthem fromtheTri-CitiesTennessee/Virginiaregion andsurroundingareas. Studentsfromall50 statesandfromnumerousothercountriesalso attendETSU.

ETSUiscomprisedof11 collegesandschools:CollegeofArtsandSciences, CollegeofBusinessand Technology,Collegeof ClinicalandRehabilitative HealthSciences,Claudius G.ClemmerCollegeofEducation,HonorsCollege, JamesH.QuillenCollege ofMedicine,Collegeof Nursing,BillGattonCollegeofPharmacy,College ofPublicHealth,School ofContinuingStudies andAcademicOutreach, andSchoolofGraduate Studies.

ETSUnurturesan

educationalenvironment whichrespectsindividualityandstimulatescreativity.Itexpandseducational opportunitiesforallwho desireandneeduniversitypreparationwhile maintainingasetting conducivetointellectual curiositythatproducesan enjoyablecampuslife.

Theuniversityiscommittedtotheneedsofall ofitsstudents—from thosewhohaveemerging potentialforuniversity-levelcourseworktothe gifted.ETSUalsoserves theregion’scitizensby providinganumberof opportunitiestocontinue lifelonglearning.

ETSUhasexpanded toincludebaccalaureatedegreeprogramsin manyfieldsandgraduate

programsleadingtothe master’sdegree,educationalspecialistdegree, anddoctoratedegrees. Forundergraduates,the universityoffersbroad programmingwhich embracesthephilosophy ofaliberaleducationfor allwithspecialprograms providingaprimarylevel ofexpertiseinthearts andsciencesdisciplines andselectedprofessional fields.Itsmaster’sstudies provideadvancedand increasinglyspecialized preparationinacademic, technical,andprofessionalfieldsthatmeet theneedsofourstudent populationandpromote regionaldevelopment. Doctoralprogramsare availableinanumberof fields.

Theuniversityoffers allprogramsanddegrees duringitsregularday schedule;extensiveeveningprogramsandonline courseofferingsarealso provided.Witha350-acre maincampusinJohnson Cityalongwithcenters inKingsportandEliza-

bethton,ETSUmaintains asemesterenrollmentof morethan13,000studentsandserves5,00010,000personsannually throughcontinuingeducationandextendedservice programs.

Astatewideleaderin transferarticulation, ETSUsharesover280 agreementswith15state andregionalcollegesand universities,allowing studentstotransfercredit hourseasily.

Affirmingacommitmenttothefundamental valuesofhighereducation,ETSUpresents programsofstudythat promotecuriosity,stimulatethought,encourage reflectionandthefree interchangeofideas,and fosteragenuinedesirefor learning.Undergraduate andgraduateeducation atETSUbroadenthestudents’viewoftheworld andencouragestudents toparticipateactivelyin creatingaresponsible, ethicalsociety.

Throughscholarship, research,andcreative

activity,theETSUfaculty bothcriticallyreviewand addtohumanity’sknowledgeandculturalachievements.Facultyandstaff applytheirknowledgeand expertiseintheserviceof theregionandtheworld beyond.

Throughoutitshistory, ETSUhasplayedavital roleinmeetingthehealth careneedsoftheregion. Programsinhealtheducation,publicandenvironmentalhealth,andnursing,somedatingfromthe institution’searliestdays, haveevolvedintoformal colleges.Theexpansionof ETSU’sDivisionofHealth Sciencesinthe1980screatedstillgreateropportunitiestoservetheregion, state,andnationthrough thedevelopmentofa comprehensiveacademic healthsciencescenterin NortheastTennessee.The creationoftheCollegeof Pharmacyin2005further enhancedthisaspectof theuniversity’smission, asdidthe2007divisionof theCollegeofPublicand AlliedHealthintotheCol -

legeofPublicHealth(the firstofitskindinTennessee)andtheCollegeof ClinicalandRehabilitative HealthSciences.

Theuniversity’svision ofeducation,scholarship, andserviceextendsinto thefuture,asoutlinedin “TurningToward2011: AReportbytheCommissionontheFutureof ETSU.”Themorethan 100faculty,staff,communityleaders,alumni,and studentswhospenttwo yearsenvisioningwhat ETSUmightbelikeonthe waytoitscentennialin 2011describedauniversitythatcontinuestobuild alliancesbeyonditswalls, exertingstrongleadership inhealthcareandhealth promotion,economic development,education, environmentalconcerns, crimeandviolenceissues, andpublicadministration. Indoingso,ETSUseeks tobalancetheinnovations ofthe21stcenturywith theneedtopreservethe humancontactthathas characterizededucationat ETSUsince1911.

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Carson-Newman University,aChristian, private,liberalartsinstitution,islocatedinJeffersonCity,25mileseastof Knoxville.Carson-Newmanoffersacampusof statelywhite-columned buildingsonrolling, grassyhillsclosetoCherokeeLakeandnearthe GreatSmokyMountains.

Carson-Newmanhas beennamedtothePresident’sHigherEducation CommunityServiceHonor Roll,thehighestfederal recognitionacollegeor universitycanreceivefor itscommitmenttovolunteering,service-learning andcivicengagement. Carson-Newmanhasalso beenrecognizedbyWashingtonMonthlyasone

ofthetoptenliberalarts collegesinthenation.The University’sreputationis bornfromitscommitment toChristianexcellence andacademicrigoras manifestedthrough50 undergraduatemajors andgraduateprograms inbusiness,counseling,education,nursing,socialjustice,and theology.

Intheearly1840s,a numberofBaptistleadersinEastTennessee desiredtoofferbetter preparedministerstoarea congregations.TheEast TennesseeBaptistEducationalSociety,which wascomprisedoftwo groupswithacommon interest,appliedin1850 forachartertoestablish

aninstitutionofhigher learning.Affordedtheuse ofalocalchurchbuilding, MossyCreekMissionary BaptistSeminaryopened tostudentsinthefall of1851.TheTennessee Legislaturegrantedthe school’scharterinDecemberofthatyear. Asnotedintheir foundingdocuments, thefounderspossessed atwofoldintent:“to promoteeducationin general,andamongthe ministryinparticular.”

Overtime,thatidealhas becometheinstitution’s DNAofChristianservice asevidencedinstudent volunteersaswellasin thelivesofalumni.

Theinstitutionproduceditsfirstgraduate,

PineyGroveBaptistChurch

1200PunktonRoad,DelRio,TN37727

RichardScruggs,in 1855.Manifestingthe idealof“educationin general,”Scruggswent ontobecomeaphysician. Thefollowingyear,the secondgraduatingclass reaffirmedtheschool’s missionbyproducinga lawyerandaminister,in thatorder.

The1889mergerof men’sandwomen’s institutionsmadeCarson-Newmananearly entrantincoeducationin theregion.Throughout itshistory,theinstitutionhasinstilledadeep commitmenttoservice initsstudents.Thefruits ofitslabor,itsalumni, havefilledschoolrooms, courthouses,hospitals, boardrooms,pulpits,and missionfieldstheworld overinspreadingthelessonsofCarson-Newman’s mottoofTruth,Beauty, andGoodness.

Servantleadershipprogramsaboundoncampus. Carson-Newman’sBonner Centerannuallyoversees some40,000hoursof communityserviceby

students.Since1984, AppalachianOutreachand itsvolunteershaveperformedhundredsofhome repairprojectsthroughouttheregion.Eachyear BaptistCampusMinistries sendsoutmorethan300 fallandspringbreakvolunteerstoservenotonly acrossTennessee,butalso nationallyandinternationally.Becauseofsuch efforts,Carson-Newman wasrecognizedin2012, earningthePresidential AwardinthePresident’s HigherEducationCommunityServiceHonor Roll,thehighestfederal recognitionauniversity canreceiveforitsinvolvementincommunity service.

Globaleducationand broadeningstudents’ horizonsarestaplesofthe Carson-Newmanexperience.Scoresofinternationalstudentsstudy atCarson-Newmaneach yearwhileotherstravel fromcampustostudy abroad.Recentabroad experienceshaveincluded tripstoAustralia,China,

CostaRica,France,Great Britain,Haiti,Ireland, Israel,JordanandSouth Africa.

OnOctober18,2012, Carson-NewmanCollege’s BoardofTrusteesunanimouslyvotedtobegin theprocessofchanging theinstitution’snameto “Carson-NewmanUniversity.”Themovewasmade tomoreaccuratelydescribetheinstitutionand itsofferingsbothathome andabroad.Thename changebecameofficialon February11,2013.

Throughtheinstitution’snamehaschanged, itsmissionremains unwavering.Itsheritage istailor-fittothevision ofDr.O’Brien:“C-N’s futurewillbebuiltonthe twinpillarsofacademicrigorandChristian excellence.”

Carson-Newmanstudentslearntothink,to write,toreadwell,andto presentandenterintothe giveandtakeofargument soastobecomeeducated citizensandworldwide servantleader.

Carson-Newman oers local higher education opportunities

Tusculum is oldest higher ed institute in Tennessee

TusculumUniversityhas acombinedcampusand

o-campusenrollmento about1,800studentswith astudent acultyratioo 15 to1.TheCollegebelieves thatlearningisanintimate processbestsupportedon apersonalbasisbetween teacherandstudentandthat noenvironmentnurtures thisprocessmorecompletely thanasmallcollegecommunity.

LOCATION: Tusculum islocatedeasto Greeneville,Tennessee,agrowingcommunityo 15,035. Thepopulationo Greene County,includingtheCity o Greeneville,isaround 68,335.Themaincampus issituatedinpicturesque

NortheastTennessee.The Collegemaintainsaregionalcenter orGraduate andProessionalStudies inKnoxvilleandasitein Morristown.

LocatedbetweenKnoxvilleandtheTri-Citiesarea

o Bristol,Kingsportand JohnsonCity,Tennessee, Tusculumiseasilyaccessible byautomobile,interstatebus linesandairlines.Interstate Highway81is10miles rom campusandInterstate26 isabout25miles romthe College.

Majorairlinesserveeacho theseairports:theTri-Cities

RegionalAirport(40miles), theKnoxvilleMcGhee-Tyson Airport(80miles)andthe Asheville,NorthCarolina RegionalAirport(70miles).

MEMBERSHIPS:

Tusculumisaninstitutional membero theAssociation

o AmericanCollegesand

Universities,TheCouncilo IndependentColleges,the NationalCouncilo EducationalOpportunities,the NationalCommissionon Accrediting,theCommissiononChristianHigher Education,thePresbyterian CollegeUnion,theTennesseeCollegeAssociationand theTennesseeStateBoard o Education.TheCollegeis alsoontheapprovedlisto theAmericanMedicalAssociation,theNewYorkState Boardo Regentsandthe AmericanAssociationo UniversityWomen.Tusculumis aninstitutionalmembero theAppalachianCollegeAssociationandtheTennessee IndependentCollegesand UniversitiesAssociation.

FACILITIES: TheTusculumcampusconsistso 160acres.TheCollegehas occupiedthisrolling,wooded sitesince1818,andthecampusisastrikingcombination o modernstructuresand historicredbrickbuildings

clusteredintheshadeo shelteringoaks.

Atthehearto campus,the ThomasJ.GarlandLibrary providesstudentswithaccesstobothprintanddigital materials.

Thelibrarywebsite providestwenty-ourhour/ seven-dayaccesstoe-books, journalarticlesthrough databases,subjectguidesand onlinereerenceassistance. Inadditiontocomputer stationsatbothGreeneville andKnoxville,thelibrary alsohaslaptopsavailableto loan orin-houseuseonthe Greenevillecampus.Alldigitalresourcescanbeaccessed romthelibrary’swebpage VirginiaHall,originally designedbynotedarchitect LouisSullivan,isthecentral arrivalpoint ornewand prospectivestudentsoncampus.Thebuildingishometo theRegistrar,Admissionand FinancialAidofcesandthe NortheastTennesseedivision o theGraduateandPro-

essionalStudiesProgram. Italsocontainsacomputer lab,severalclassroomsand acultyofces.

Acrossthestreet romVirginiaHallistheAnnieHogan ByrdFineArtsBuilding, thesiteo manycommunity activities.

Thebuildingcontainsa 700-seatauditorium,used ortheaterproductions, musicalperormancesand Collegeassemblies,aswellas a200-seatarenatheatre.

ThePresidentAndrew JohnsonMuseumand Library,theoldestacademic buildingoncampus,houses thecollectiono theseventeenthpresident’sprivate and amilypapersand amily artiacts.The acilityalso holdstheoriginalCollege library,whichisthelargest extantlibrarydatingbeore 1807intheSoutheast.

Thenewestacademic acilityoncampusisthe RonaldH.andVernaJune MeenCenter orScience andMath.Theapproximately100,000-square-oot buildingincludeswings or biology,chemistry,mathematics,computerscience, environmentalscienceand nursing.TheMeenCenter also eaturescuttingedge technologyincludingspaces equipped orinteractive distancelearning,alarge lecturehall,andlabspace andresearchareas orboth acultyandstudents.

TheHerbertL.Shulman Centerisbuiltinadistinctive circulardesign.Studiosand ofces ortheArtandDesign programarelocatedinthe buildingaswellastheAllison

ArtGallery,which eatures exhibitso studentwork andguestartiststhroughout theyear.Otheracademic acilitiesincludetheCharles OliverGrayComplex.

Amajorhubo student activityoncampusisthe NiswongerCommons building,whichhouses a ull-servicepostofce, Studentsareabletousethe latesttechnology ortheir assignmentsinthelabsin theRonaldH.andVernaJuneMeenCenter or ScienceandMath,which openedinJanuary2017.

Tusculum’sathleticand recreation acilitiesare amongthebestamongEast Tennesseeinstitutionso higherlearning.Insidethe NiswongerCommonsarea gymnasium-swimmingpool complexthatincorporates the2,000-seatPioneer Arena,aweightroom/tness centeraswellastheStudent ActivityCenterhousingthe RecreationalSportsand CampusActivitiesprograms. Throughthegenerous supporto businessand communityleaderScottM. Niswonger,analumnuswho isamembero Tusculum’s Boardo Trustees,amodern athleticscomplexenhances campus.NamedinNiswonger’shonor,itincludes anindoorsportscomplex, PioneerFieldandPioneer Park.Theindoorsports complexincludesa eldhousethat eaturesanindoor practiceandsoccerspace withaspecialhigh-quality, realistictur

PioneerField’sseating capacityis3,500.Amodern

pressbox acility,builtto blendwiththearchitectural styleo thecampus’smost historic acilities,isadjacent tothe eld,onwhichTusculum’s ootball,soccerand lacrosseteamsplay.

Thebaseballstadium,PioneerPark,isusedbyboththe TusculumPioneersbaseball teamandtheGreeneville Redsproessionalteam.The stadiumhasaseatingcapacityo 2,500and eaturesa coveredseatingarea,locker acilitiesofcesandamuseumo Tusculumandlocal baseballmemorabilia.

Residencehallsinclude historicHaynesandWelty-CraighallsandKatherine Hall,aswellasMastrapasquaHalland veother buildings eaturingapartment-stylehousingandthree residencehallsintheCharles OliverGrayComplex.

Morethanadecadeago, TusculumbuilttheKnoxville RegionalCenternearthe intersectiono Pellissippi ParkwayandLovellRoadto housetheGraduateandProessionalStudiesprogram inthatcityandserveasthe headquarterso theprogram insoutheastTennessee.

Ninebuildingsandthe ArchareontheNational Registero HistoricPlaces and ormtheHistoricalDistrictoncampus:DoakHouse (1830s),OldCollege(1841), McCormickHall(1887), Welty-CraigHall(1891), VirginiaHall(1901),The ThomasJ.GarlandLibrary (1910),HaynesHall(1914), TheArch(1917),RankinHall (1923)andTredwayHall (1930).

SUNFILEPHOTOBYMICHAELS.RENEAU

Dr. Scott Hummel assumed the presidency of Tusculum College in February 2020.

Tennova Healthcare — Newport Medical Center is a cornerstone of Cocke County

Theskilledandcompassionatehandsof physicians,nursesand otherteammembersof NewportMedicalCenter supportsthehealthand well-beingofpatients wheneverneeded.Beyond providingclinicalcare, NewportMedicalCenter isacornerstoneofour communityandcontributestotheeconomic healthofCockeCounty asamajoremployerand tax-payerandthrough resourcesitinveststo

expandandenhancethe medicalservicesavailable closetohome.Theoverall impactissignificantand totaledmorethan$67 millionin2022. Carewasprovidedat morethan80,200patient encounters,includingmorethan22,600 emergencydepartment visits,morethan2,300 inpatientadmissionsand morethan3,200surgeries.Over52,000patients

Celebrating200Years

CENTER

receivedcareacrosstheregion includingatthenewmulti-specialtyclinic.Joywasdelivered tolocalfamilieswiththebirth ofmorethan190babies.

“Stronghospitalshelpcreate healthycommunities,”said ScottWilliams,chiefexecutive officerforTennovaHealthcare —NewportMedicalCenter. “Weserveourcommunitywith theknowledgethatthereis agreatercausewearesupportingwhenwecareforeach other.”

appliesitsresourcestomedical services,facilitiesandtechnologiesthatareimportantto patients.Theseincludenew vascularcareservicesincluding peripheralvascularintervention(PVI),forpatientswhoare experiencingpainorweakness intheirlegs.Toenhancepatientaccess,NewportMedical Centeropenedamulti-specialtyclinicthatincludeswomen’s care,pulmonology,primary care,generalsurgeryandgastroenterologyservices.

asemployeesbuygoodsand services.Lastyearthehospital addedenhancedbenefitsto helpteammembersachieve theirpersonalandprofessional goals,includingassistancewith studentloanrepayments,reimbursementoflicensureand certificationexpenses,aswell astuitionreimbursement.

NewportMedicalCenter

NewportMedicalCenteralso givesbacktothebroaderCocke Countyareasbyprovidingover $33.6millionincharityand

uncompensatedcareforthe community’smostvulnerable.Andthepaymentof$2.3 millioninproperty,salesand GRTtaxeshelpssupportcivic resourcesandservices. Supportforlocalcharitable andcommunityorganizations includesfinancialcontributionstoEmpowerCocke CountyandtheBoys&Girls Clubandthehospitalactively participatesincommunityeducationexperiencessuchasthe localPainttheTownPinkfor BreastCancerAwareness. Thehospital’spayrollof morethan$22.3millionripplesacrossthelocaleconomy

Stinson&VossPhysicalTherapy,PLLC

“However,oneconstantis thatweremaincommittedto meetingtheneedsofourgrowingcommunitybyproviding high-qualitycarerightherein CockeCounty.”

Tosupportthedevelopment offuturecaregiversforpatients intheCockeCountyarea,

NewportMedicalCenterworks withWaltersStateCommunity College,TennesseeCollegeof AppliedTechnology,Lincoln MemorialUniversity,and SouthCollegetohelpeducate andtrainnursing,paramedic,respiratoryandradiology students.CockeCountyHigh SchoolandCosbyHighSchool studentscanalsoparticipate inaprogramtogainhours towardbecomingcertified asanursingassistantinthe TennovaNewportConvalescent Center. Thefutureisbrightwith manycommunitymembers eagertoprovidequalitycare.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 42 www.newportplaintalk.com/jobs

Amedisys Home Health Care serving Cocke County

Withover40yearsofexperienceinthehealthcare industry,Amedisysunderstandstheimportanceof deliveringqualityservices toyouinyourhome.Workingwithyourphysician, ourmultidisciplinaryteam addressesyourindividual needs,providescustomized servicesusingthemost advancedtechnology,and deliversthemostefcient, patientfocusedhealthcare available.

Amedisyshomehealth servicesareprovidedby highlytrainedhomehealth careprofessionalsdedicatedtothecareandcomfort ofourpatients.

Weoeracomprehensivecontinuumofhealth careservicesthatmay

include:

•Skillednursing

•HomeHealthAides

•Physical,Occupational andSpeechTherapy

•MedicalSocialWorkers

•Specializedprograms forwoundcare,diabetes, rehabilitationservices, cardiaccare,COPDand behavioralhealth

•Specializednursing servicessuchaswound care,infusiontherapyand psychiatricservicesThe followingcriteriadetermineifyoumaybeeligible toreceivehomehealth careunderyourMedicare benets:

•Youmustrequireintermittentskillednursing care,physicaltherapyor speechtherapy.•Youmust

currentlybeunderaphysician’scare.Yourphysician mustorderallhomehealth services.

•Youmustbehomebound.Youareconsidered homeboundifyouare connedtoyourhomedue toillnessorinjury.Itisnot mandatorythatyouare bedridden,butleavingyour residencemustrequirea considerabletaxingeort

andtheneedforsupportivedevicessuchasacane, wheelchairorthehelpof anotherperson.

Homehealthcare servicesarecoveredby Medicare,Medicaid,privateinsurance,workers’ compensationandprivate payment.There’snoplace quitelikehometoprovide ahealing,relaxingenvironmentforapatientrecover-

ingfromanillness,injury orsurgicalprocedure.It’s theplacewherefamily, friendsandfamiliarsurroundingsmakepatients feelmostcomfortable,and recoverfaster.

Formoreinformation onthebenetso qualityhomehealthcare, consultyourphysician orcallAmedisysHome HealthCareinNewportat 423-623-6540.

Chamber of Commerce promotes, improves business climate

TheChamberofCommerceisthearmofthe CockeCountyPartnership thatprovidesourlocalbusinessesandprofessionals awaytoworktogetherto helppromoteandimprove thebusinessclimatein CockeCounty.

TheChamberofCommerceachievesthisgoal inmanyways.Themain vehicleinvolvesoering numerousnetworkingopportunitiesthroughoutthe yearincludingthepopular monthlyChamberMemberBreakfast,Connection Lunchesandeducational seminarsthroughoutthe year.Theyalsoprovide GrandOpenings/Ribbon Cuttingsforchambermembersfreeofcharge.

Theyalsodocommunity eventsthroughouttheyear. TheChamberofCommerce

beganasummerconcert seriesalongtheRiverwalk inDowntownNewport, drawingfolkstothebeautifulbackdropsofthePigeon River.Andintroducedthe sold-outinauguralInternationalWomen’sDay luncheonthisyearthatwas abighit.TheannualEast TennesseeTradition–The NewportHarvestStreet Festival,organizedbythe PartnershipwasvotedBest Festivalinthearea.The Thanksgivingweekend co-operativeinsertoers areabusinessesanamazing

aordableopportunityto promotetheirholidaysales.

TheChamberofCommercealsobelievesthat localbusinessowners/managersarethebestmarketing toolseachbusinesspossesses;therefore,theChamber ofCommercestrivestogive theseindividualsadierentavenueofpromotion withthecommunityand regionally.Theyencourage allmemberstobecome involvedintheseevents inordertohelppromote andgrowtheirbusinesses aswellasawaytowork

togethertomakeCocke Countyabetterplaceto live,workandplay.

ThroughtheTSBDC,the ChamberofCommerce oersone-on-onebusiness and nancialplanning or entrepreneurswitharepresentativethatcandirectly helpthemwiththeirneeds. TheChamberofCommerce ofcealsoservesasan informationalstop.

Theyoermaps,brochures,businesscardsand numeroustourismrelated publicationsfreeofcharge tocitizensandvisitors.

OftentheChamberofCommerceisthe rstplacethat newcomerstoourbeautiful areastopto ndoutwhatto doandwheretogo.

TheChamberofCommerceofcesta answers hundredsofinquirieseach yearaboutNewportand CockeCounty,andaplethoraofinformationcanbe foundonthewebsitewww. newport-cockecountychamber.com.

NewportandCocke Countyhaveofciallybeen designatedasa“SmartStart”Community,through theTennesseeDepartment ofEconomicandCommunityDevelopment.The SmartStartCommunity initiativecontributestothe goalofmakingTennessee theeasiestplacetoopen andrunabusinessinthe nation.

Thisinitiativesupportsa thrivingsmallbusinessand entrepreneurialenvironmentbyprovidingnewand existingbusinesseswitheducation,toolsandresources suchastheTennesseeSmall BusinessDevelopment Center(TSBDC).

Theentiresta works veryhardtoguaranteethe successoftheseeventsand invitesthecommunityto comeoutandsupporttheir eorts.

LynnRamseyisdirector, NicoleShislerismember servicecoordinatorand nancialassistanceand SusanBallprovidessupport services.

TheChamberCommerce maybereachedbycalling 423-623-7201orvisitthe websiteatwww.newport-cockecountychamber. com.

Cocke County Cradle to Career Coalition

TheCockeCountyCradle toCareerCoalitionwas launchedinMay2019,with themissiontoimprovecradle-to-careeroutcomesfor childreninCockeCounty throughthecollaborative engagementofcommunity stakeholders.Theinitiative hasdeclaredandaligned eortstowardsthreepopu-

lations-levelresultsaround kindergartenreadiness, third-gradereadingand highschoolgraduation.

C-5’sworkisgroundedin cross-sectorgroupssharing acommonvisionand workingcollaborativelyto achievesharedresultsfor

allchildreninCockeCounty.Thisrequiresbuilding astrongresultsinfrastructurethatcansupport andsustaintheworkof cross-sectorpartners.The CockeCountyPartnership servesas scalagentand communitychampionfor

thisworkbysupporting thestafng,operations, andcontributingitsown resourcestotheeort. Localstrategiesto achieveresultsare:toincreaseawarenessofkindergartenreadinessstandards amongparentsandcaregivers,increasechildren’s accesstoandengagement withearlylearningresourcesandincreaseparent andcaregiverengagement withchildrenbirthto5 yearsold.Otherstrategies aretostrengthenliteracy programmingcounty-wide,

increaseawarenessabout thirdgradelevelreading skillsandincreaseparent andcaregiverengagement ofschool-agechildren.

Foodsecurityandcollege andcareerreadinessround outthestrategies.

ThevisionofC-5isthat allCockeCountystudents willgraduatefromhigh schoolwiththenecessary skillstopursuepost-secondaryopportunitiesand tobecomeproductive citizens.

C-5willworkwithall sectorsofthecommunity

toimprovethewell-being ofourcounty’schildren, ensurethatallchildren haveanequalopportunity toahealthy,strongfoundationtothriveaslearners andsupportthechildren ofCockeCountyontheir educationaljourneysfrom birthtocareer.

CollectiveImpactLead fortheteamisJenniferEllisonandNicoleHowardis FoodSecurityCoordinator. Formoreinformation, visitwww.cockecountyc5. orgorcallEllisonat423608-2845.

Lynn Ramsey Nicole Shisler Susan Ball

Jennifer Ellison Nicole Howard

Workingalongsidefamilies, schools,andcommunities tosupportchildrenacross CockeCounty

Economic Development Commission works for preparedness

TheCockeCountyPartnership,throughtheNewport/CockeCountyEconomicDevelopmentCommission (EDC),hasastatedmission toenhancethecommunity forall.TheEDChasworked toprepareastrategicplanto helpindirectingitsactivities andtoidentifypriorities. Thecountymusthaveaplan thatpreparesforgrowthand newpartneringopportunities.

Thecurrentplanhasthree primarygoals:1)qualityjob creation2)increasenewcapitalinvestmentinthecounty and3)toexpandtheoverall taxbaseofthecounty.

Theplantargets vesectorsthatplayamajorrolein helpingtoachievethegoals oftheEDC.Theyare1)the

industrial,manufacturing sector2)theretail,commercialmarket3)thetourism industry4)theresidential housingmarketand5)the redevelopmentofdowntown Newport.

Inadditiontothetargeted sectors,aprimaryfocusof theEDCistoassistinthedevelopmentofinfrastructure withinthecityandcounty; infrastructuredevelopment thatwillbenetthe vetargetedareasaswellasother

developmentinthefuture.

Infrastructureincludes broadband ber,electric,naturalgas,railway enhancement,roadway improvements,water,and sewersystemupgrades.The keyissueisprovidingcapacitytoourexistingindustries andhaveavailabletheitems newbusinesseswillrequire forgrowth.

Twootherissuesidentiedasextremelyimportant forthefuturegrowthofthe

countyareeducationand healthcare.Businesseslook toinvestforthefuturewhere theyarecondenttheycan ndeducatedandtrained workersinaplacethat oersqualityhealthcareto theirfamiliesandworkers. Progresshasbeenmadein both elds;morewillneed tobedoneinthisglobally competitivemarketplace.

Inthe nalanalysis,Newport/CockeCountymust beabletomanageadiverse

businessplantooerworld classamenitiesofbusiness andindustrytomatchthe worldclassnaturalsurroundingsoered.

Approximatelyonethird ofthecountyhasbeenset asideforrecreationaluse; havingfournational/state parksandforestsandthree distinctriversystems,there isanabundanceofoutdoor activitiesatthedoorstep. Thechallengeistomesh thetwotofutureenhance economicopportunitiesto allresidents.

TheEDCBoardofDirectorsareZacValentine/ chairman,JasonOury/vice chairman,GeorgeBarton/ treasurer,ClintHammonds/secretary,Mayor RobMathis,MayorRoland

Dykes,III,MayorGayla Hommel,DavidGilliam, DollyBlazer,Je Eslinger andTrevorCates.

LucasGrahamisthe executivedirectorofthe EconomicDevelopment Commission.JacobOttinger (whoservesasGraham’s right-handman)isthedeputydirectoroftheEconomic DevelopmentCommission. SommerWhiteisthedirectoronanceandhuman resourcesandhandlesalot oftheadministrativework ortheofce.TheEDC BoardandPartnershipsta areworkingtobenetthe peoplewhocallNewport/ CockeCountyhome.

Formoreinformation,call theEDCofceat423-6233008.

Tourism department markets the adventure side of the Smokies

TheCockeCountyPartnership’sDepartmentofTourist Developmentservesasthe marketingarmoftheCocke CountyPartnership.Tourism

DirectorLindaLewanski worksdailytoshareCocke County’samazingstorywith visitors.Marketingeortsare supportedbytheTennessee DepartmentofTouristDevelopment,membershipin

MiddleEastTennesseeTourismCouncil,theTennessee HospitalityandTourism Association,GreatSmoky MountainsAssociation, GreatSmokyMountains RegionalGreenwayCouncil,TennesseeRiverValley websiteandEastTennessee

PreservationAlliance. Lewanskihasservedas pastchairofMETTC,andon ScenicBywaysHighway25E Committee,assecretaryfor KeepCockeCountyBeautiful andRID(RemoveIllegal Dumpsites),boardmember forEastTennesseePreservationAlliance,formerboard memberofLeadershipCocke County,memberofthe

StewardshipCouncilforthe NationalGeographicRiver ValleyGeoTourismproject, publicrelationschairmanfor KeepCockeCountyBeautiful andboardmemberofthe CherokeeNationalForest’s ResourceAdvisoryCommittee.

Lewanskisaiditis importanttobeapartofa regionalpartnership.“Our EastTennesseePartnersare specialfolks,”shesaid.“Each oneofusknowstheothers’ assets,andwemakeaspecial eorttopromotetheregion.”

LewanskiisaCertiedTennesseeTourismProfessional andaTourismMarketing Professional.Sheearned

acerticationasaGuest ServiceProfessionalandwas namedTourismLeaderof theYearin2019byMETTC. In2019shewasnamed NPT’s“MostCommunityInvolvedPerson,”andin2021 wasnamedaGovernor’s VolunteerStar.

TheState’strailinitiativeisofspecialinterestto CockeCounty.“Wearelucky enoughtobeonthreetrails,” Lewanskisaid.“Rocky Top,WhiteLightningand Sunnyside.Hundredsof milesofroadsarereceiving somewonderfulattention.In addition,ScenicBywayHighway25Ebringsevenmore attentiontoourcorridors.”

AsamemberofEast TennesseeRiverValley GeoTourismMapGuide project,sponsoredinpart byNationalGeographic, Lewanskiseesmanyfolks interestedintheregion. “TheMapGuideprojecthas beenagreatopportunityto showcaseourmanyassets andwelookforwardtothe travelersitwillgenerate.”

Raftingcontinuestoboom andalmost300,000folks wentdownthePigeonRiver lastyear.Manyoftheraftingcompanieshaveadded orimprovedopportunities attheiroutposts.AconcertedeorttobrandthecountyastheAdventureSideof

theSmokiescontinuesthis yearandthePartnership wasawardedagrantfrom ARCtodevelopmountain biketrailsneartheCherokeeNationalForest.The TennesseeDepartment ofTouristDevelopment continuestooeramarketinggranttothedepartment andARPAfundshavebeen awarded.

“Itismydistinctpleasure tobeabletoshareCocke County’sstorieswithourvisitors,”Lewanskisaid.“Real heritage,realpeople,realadventure—foryournextreal adventuregiveusaholler— 423-625-9675orvisitwww. yallvisitthesmokies.com

Lucas Graham Jacob Ottinger Sommer White

Linda Lewanski

CockeCountyPartnershipfacilitatesbusiness,economic, tourismdevelopmentandkindergartenreadiness

TheCockeCountyPartnershipwas formedin2005tohelpcreatesynergy forareagrowthanddevelopment.The Partnershipiscomprisedo theOfceo TouristDevelopment,theNewport/Cocke CountyChamberofCommerce,TheNewport/CockeCountyEconomicDevelopment Commission,andtheCockeCountyCradle toCareerCoalition(C5).

Seekingtorepresentthebroadand diverseperspectivesofthecommunity, throughitsboardofdirectorsandpartnershiporganizations,theCCPfocusesonthe improvementofeconomicconditionsand qualityoflifeissuesfacingourcommu-

nity.Thegoalsaretocreateandmarketa positiveimageforthecountyandbalance growthandqualityoflife.

“Itisimportantforcommunitiestohave aplanforthefuture,”saysPartnership PresidentandExecutiveDirectorofthe EconomicDevelopmentCommission, LucasGraham.“Foracommunitytobe successful,thecitizensmusthaveashared vision.Thisvisionshouldaddressthefull rangeoflocalconcerns:schools,jobs, industries,andsmallbusinesses,neighborhoods,andnaturalresources.

“Folksmaydieronhowtoachievethe vision,butitisimportanttohavethat

visionandtoworktowardaconsensus.”

ThePartnership’sboardofdirectors areJasonOury/chairman,ZacValentine/ vicechairman,GeorgeBarton/secretary/ treasurer,CockeCountyMayorRob Mathis,NewportMayorRolandDykes,III, ParrottsvilleMayorGaylaHommel,David Gilliam,DollyBlazer,Je Eslinger,Clint HammondsandTrevorCates.

Sta members,inadditiontoourpresidentandexecutivedirectorofeconomic developmentcommissionLucasGraham, areSommerWhite,directoronance andhumanresourcesforthepartnership, DeputyDirectoroftheEconomicDevelop-

mentCommissionJacobOttinger,Tourism DirectorLindaLewanski,Chamberof CommerceDirectorLynnRamsey,ChamberMemberServicesCoordinatorand PartnershipFinanceAssistantNicoleShisler,ChamberSupportServicesCoordinator SusanBall,CockeCountyCradletoCareer CoalitionCollectiveImpactLeadJennifer EllisonandCockeCountyCradletoCareer CoalitionFoodSecurityCoordinatorNicole Howard.

TheCockeCountyPartnershipcontinues toserveourcommunityandweaskyouto joinus!Formoreinformation,call423623-3008.

The staff of the Cocke County Partnership has been serving the community in economic development, tourist development and through the Chamber of Commerce. From left are Partnership Director of Finance and Human Resources Sommer White, Deputy Director of the Economic Development Commission Jacob Ottinger, Cocke County Cradle to Career Coalition Collective Impact Lead Jennifer Ellison, Chamber Support Services Coordinator Susan Ball, Partnership President and Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission Lucas Graham, Chamber Member Services Coordinator and Partnership Finance Assistant Nicole Shisler, Chamber of Commerce Director Lynn Ramsey, Cocke County Cradle to Career Coalition Food Security Coordinator Nicole Howard and Tourism Director Linda Lewanski.

Newport Convalescent Center provides top-notch care for residents

TennovaNewportConvalescentCenter(NCC)is designedtoprovidequality residentcareinasafeand homelikeenvironment whilestrivingforcontinuousqualityimprovementin residentcareservices.

NCCisa56-bedintermediatecarefacilitythathas servedtheneedsofarea residentssince1972.Itprovidesaninterdisciplinary approachtoprovidingcomprehensivetreatmentfor residents.AspartofNewportMedicalCenter(NMC) andTennovaHealthcare, residentsofNCChavefull accesstothewiderangeof servicesavailableatNMC, whichislocatedadjacentto thefacility.

Thenursingsta is trainedtocareforindividualsthatneedassistance withtheroutineofdailyliving,rehabilitativeservices, and/orclinicalmonitoring andtreatment.Theyfocus oneachindividualneedof everyresident.

Aregistereddietitian plansmenuswithdaily supervisionprovidedon site.Mealsarepreparedat NMC.Inadditiontothree meals-per-day,snacksare oeredinthemorning, afternoon,andevening.Everyeortismadetomeet foodandbeverageneeds. Specialdietsorderedby physiciansarealsoprovided.

Pharmaceuticalservices areprovidedbythepharmacydepartmentofNMC. Medicationsareindividuallywrappedtoprevent contaminationandtoen-

sureaccuracy.Pharmacist consultantscheckmedicationsfordruginteractions, allergies,andduplicationof therapy.Thepharmacists areavailabletoanswer questionsfromresidents andfamilymembers.

Physicaltherapists individualizegoalsfor residentstoimprovelevels ofactivitybyrestoring function,decreasingpain, andincreasingstrengthand endurance.Occupational therapistsworktohelp residentsregainindependenceintheactivitiesof

dailyliving. Speechtherapistsare availabletoprovidetreatmentforlanguageimpairments,swallowingdifculties,cognitivedysfunction, memoryproblems,and articulationdisorders.

Dentalservicesare providedthroughalocally contracteddentist.Routinedentalexamsaredone onanannualbasis,and emergenciesaretreatedas theyarise.

Apersonalphysician serveseachresident.Hospicecareisalsoavailable.

Mentalhealthservices areprovidedunderthe supervisionofalicensed psychiatrist.

AspartofNMC,NCCisa completelynon-smokingfacilityforeveryone.Smoking isnotpermittedanywhere insidethebuildingoroutsideonanypatioareas.

Thesocialservicecoordinatorisavailabletoassist residentsandfamiliesfrom thebeginning.Theyserve asaliaisonbetweensta, family,andtheresident. Familiesandresidents areencouragedtoexpress

concernsorproblemstothe coordinator,whowillcommunicatethoseconcernsto theappropriateparties.

NCCprovidesanactivity programthatincludesa widerangeofevents,offeringresidentsentertainment,intercommunication, exercise,relaxation,and creativeexpressionto ulll basicpsychological,social, andemotionalneeds.

Otheractivitiesinclude reminiscencetherapy, religiousservices,Bingo,andholiday-related events.NCCalsooerspet

therapyforresidents.The activitydirectoratNCCis acertieddementiatrainer andprovideseducational opportunitiestoresidents,sta, amiliesand public.Volunteersfrom thecommunitygivetheir timewhileworkingwith residentsduringactivities suchasmusic,theweekly beautyshop,Bingonights, andreligiousservices. Formoreinformation, pleasecallNCCat423-6252195.Thefacilityislocated at450CollegeStreet,adjacenttoNMC.

The Newport Convalescent Center provides quality care in a safe, compassionate atmosphere. It is located at 450 College Street, adjacent to Newport Medical Center.

Cocke County Health Council promotes accessibility of quality healthcare to residents

Thislocalnetworkingand project-orientedgroupwas establishedin1991.Itsmissionistocollaboratewith communitymembersand organizationstopromote andimprovetheoverall healthandwellbeingof thosewholiveandworkin CockeCounty.

TheCockeCountyHealth Councilconsistsofhealthcareproviders,social serviceworkers,teachers, mentalhealthprofessionals, representativesofcommunityagencies,organizations andvolunteers.TheCocke

CountyHealthCouncil partnerswiththeCocke CountyHealthDepartmentandotheragencies inpromotingahealthier CockeCounty.TheHealth Council’sCrisisResponse Committeewasestablished inordertorespondtoapotentialcrisisintheschools orcommunity.Itisacollaborationofmentalhealth professionals,guidance counselors,pastors,law enforcement,healthcare providersandinterested citizens.TheCrisisResponseTeamconnectsand

NewportHealthandRehabilitationCenter offerspatients,residentsallthebest

planstrainingstobeready toofersupportand/or crisisdebriengintheevent ofacrisisintheschools,as wellasthecommunity.

Itwasinitiallyorganized afterastudentsuicideand accidentaldeathofayoung personinthecommunity. TheHealthCouncilmeets monthlyonthethirdTuesdayatnoon.Membersare notiedo monthlymeeting placebyemailandinthe NewportPlainTalk.For moreinformationaboutthe HealthCouncil,call(423) 487-5505.

Inthemorethanthreedecadesithas beenopened,NewportHealthandRehabilitationCenterhashadseveralnames. MostrecentlyrememberedasMariner, theestablishmentadopteditscurrent monikerin2004.

Thebusinessofersseveralservices, includingphysicaltherapy,occupational therapy,speechtherapy,IVtherapy,24hournursingandonsitevision,dentalcare andwoundcare.Themedicaldirectorvisits thefacilityseveraltimeseachweek.

NewportHealthandRehabilitation Centerhasbeenvotedthebestinelderly careforeightyearsinarowandwasalso votedbestrehabfacility,accordingtoBest oftheBest.

Thepatientsandresidentsenjoymany ofthegreatactivitiesthataredirectedby theactivitiesdepartment.Theactivity programsstrivetoimprovequalityoflife

oneactivityatatime.Someoftheactivitiesincludecofeesocials,bingo,movies andpopcorn,artsandcrafts,groupexercise,religiousservices,andmuchmore.

A nediningprogramensuresthat patientswilleatmealstotheirliking.All home-stylemealsarepreparedonsite.Residentsreceiveachoicemealatleastoncea month,anythingfrombeansandcornbread tobiscuitandgravy.

TheCNAsthatworkthereareconsideredresidentcarespecialists.Theytake prideincreatinganatmosphereofcare andrespect.

NewportHealthandRehabilitation Centerislocatedat135GenerationDr.in Newport.WhencomingfromKnoxville, takeI-40EasttowardsAshevilleanduse Exit432towardsNewport.Turnleftatthe bottomoftheramp,thenturnleftafterBP. Call423-623-0929formoreinformation.

RuralMedicalServicesservingCockeandJeffersoncounties

RuralMedicalServices,Inc.(RMS)is aCommunityHealthCenterservingthe peopleofCockeandJeffersonCounties andsurroundingareas.RMShasfiveprimarycareclinicsconvenientlylocatedin:

•Newport:229HedrickDrive(423) 623-1057

•Cosby:103WiltonSpringsRoad (423)487-2222

•Parrottsville:111MockingbirdLane (423)625-1170

•GrassyFork:4621BigCreekRoad (423)487-2249

•Dandridge:3222ChestnutHillRoad (865)509-6611

RMS’comprehensivehealthservices areavailableinbothSpanishandEnglish andincludeprenatalcareanddeliveryat

thenewlyrenovatedBirthingCenterat theTennovaNewportMedicalCenter.

Otherservicesincludeintegrated behavioralhealth,wellchildchecks, immunizations,familyplanning,diabetes education,casemanagement,carecoordinationandsickcare.

AtRMSwecarefortheentirefamily andstrivetoensurethateachpatientis abletoaccesstheservicestheyneed.

Apatientcentered medical home model

A“patientcenteredmedicalhome”is amedicaloffice/clinicwhereateamof healthcareprofessionalsworkstogether toprovideevidence-basedcareforeach

patient.RuralMedicalServices,Inc. providesprimarycareforthepeopleof Cocke,JeffersonandsurroundingcountiesinTennessee.

RMS’familypracticephysiciansand nursepractitionersareboardcertifiedandtrainedasspecialistsinevidence-basedcare.RMSalsooffers behavioralhealthservicestoallpatients. Behavioralhealthprovidersarelocated on-siteatthreelocationstohelpina wholeperson,patient-centeredapproach. Ourpatient-centeredapproachoffersthe combinationofatraditionalstylefamily doctorassistedbyateamofmedical professionalswithuptodatetechnology, includingapatientportalwherepatients cancommunicatewiththeirphysician/

careteamandchecklabresultsviathe internet.

RMS’sroleasatrustedhome health care team

•Provideasafeandhealthyhealthcare environment.

•Partnerwithyouinmakingyour healthcaredecisions.

•Coordinatecarewithyou,your authorizedrepresentativesandother healthcareproviders.

•Keepyouinformedandon-track byprovidingself-caremanagement support,preventativecare,health resources,healthcoachingandtailored care.

Cocke County Health Department serving local citizens

Forover75years,the CockeCountyHealthDepartmenthasservedlocal citizens.Duringthistime, thepublichealthprograms havebeeninstrumentalintheeliminationof polio,areductioninchild blood-relateddiseases, adeclineintoothdecay throughfluoridatewaterandadentalsealant programintheschools, immunizationsagainst preventablediseases, themaintenanceofgood nutritionalstandards,and theprovisionoffamily planningservices.

Thefollowingservices areavailableattheHealth Department:

•ChildHealth-Wellchild checkupsincludephysical exams,healthscreenings, andimmunizations

•CareCoordination-This programprovidesreferralsandresourcesthat couldimpactpregnancy, childandmaternalhealth outcomes.Individualsmay alsoqualifyforChildren’s SpecialServices(CSS) whichmayprovidereimbursementformedicalservicesandassistancewith co-pays,deductiblesand co-insuranceforchildren withphysicaldisabilities frombirthto21yearsof age.

•Dental—Thedental clinicprovidesgeneral dentistryservicesfor childrencoveredbyTennCarefrombirthtoage21. Emergencyservicesmay beprovidedforothersona slidingfeescale.

•Immunizations—Immunizationsagainstpolio, diphtheria,whooping cough,tetanus,measles, mumps,rubella(German measles),Haemopilus (meningitis),human papillomavirus(HPV),and HepatitisB,amongothers, areprovidedforchildren.

•Women,Infants,and Children(WIC)—EBT cardstobuynutritious foods(cheese,milk, cereals,etc.)areissuedto womenwhoarepregnant orbreastfeedingandto childrenunder5years ofagewhoareatrisk ofpoorgrowth,ifthey meetincomeguidelines. Breastfeedingclassesand supportareavailabletoall newmothers.

•BabyandMeTobacco Free—Thisprogramprovidessupportforpregnant

womenwhocurrentlyuse tobaccoproductsandare interestedinquitting. Participantswhoareable toquitandstayquitreceivevouchersfordiapers foruptoayearfollowing delivery.

•InfectiousDiseaseControl—Allhealthdepartmentsprovidenecessary andtimelyinformationto patients,theirfamilies, andhealthcareproviders aboutseriousinfectious diseases.Thehealth departmentcollectsand providesinformationon diseasesinthecommunity, investigatesandmonitors outbreaks,andkeepsthe communitysafethrough investigation,earlydetection,andearlyinterventionofdiseasesthatcan harmthepublic.

•BreastandCervical

Screening—Clinical breastexams,papsmears, andmammogramsare providedforthosewith abnormalbreastexams orpapsmeetingprogram requirements.Patientsare alsoscreenedforpresumptiveeligibilityforTennCare,relatedpaperworkis completed,andareferral madefortestingorcare.

•SexuallyTransmitted DiseaseControl—The healthdepartmentprovidesconfidentialtesting, treatment,andpartner notificationforsexuallytransmitteddiseases, includingHIV/AIDS.

•TuberculosisControl —Diagnosis,treatment, andfollow-upservices forpatientswithtuberculosis,andtheircontacts, areprovidedatthehealth department.Medication,

whenneeded,isalso available.

•FamilyPlanning— Patientsreceiveacompletephysicalexamand allappropriatelabtests. Patientsarealsotaught aboutbirthcontroland maybesuppliedwitha birthcontrolmethod.

•PrenatalServices-Pregnancytestingandpresumptiveeligibility screeningforTennCareare available.

•VitalRecords—Copiesofdeathcertificates areissueduponrequest. Certifiedcopiesofbirth certificatesforpersons borninTennesseewith birthyear1949orafter mayberequestedthrough thehealthdepartment dailyforafeeof$15.

•GeneralEnvironmental Health—Anenvironmen -

talspecialistisresponsible forinspectingfoodservice establishments,hotels, motels,publicswimming pools,bedandbreakfast establishments,child carefacilities,organized camps,schools,plants, tattooandbodypiercing establishments.Other dutiesincludecontrolling rabiesandWestNile Virus,providingeducation andtrainingforpublic facilityworkers,and monitoringestablishments forcompliancewiththe Non-Smoker’sProtection Act.Formoreinformation aboutservicesprovidedby theHealthDepartmentor tomakeanappointment, call423-623-8733.The departmentisopenMonday-Fridayfrom8a.m. until4:30p.m.

Inadditiontoservices providedintheHealth Department,ahealth educatorisavailableto workwithindividualsand groupstoprovideinformationonavarietyof topicsrelatedtoahealthy lifestyle.Specialemphasisisgiventotobacco, obesity,substanceabuse, teenpregnancyprevention,rapeprevention,and diabetescontrol.Ifyou areinterestedinhostingaprogramorrequire moreinformationabout whatsubjectstheHealth Educatorcancover,please contacttheCockeCountyHealthDepartmentat 423-623-8733,andask tospeakwiththehealth educator.

Cocke County Health Department, 430 College St., now provides better and expanded services to the hundreds of clients in the county.

Jabo’s,theGoodNeighborPharmacy

Lookingforapharmacy thatdoesmorethanjust handyouaprescriptionin apaperbag?Apharmacist whoknowsyouandyour amilymembersona rstnamebasis?Ahealthcare destinationwhereyou cangetpersonalizedcare fromfriendlypeopleand servicesthatarecompetitivewiththebignational chains?Looknofurther, Jabo’sPharmacyisthe drugstoreforyou!

Jabo’sPharmacyisa

GoodNeighborPharmacy—afamilyoflocally owned,locallyloved,independentpharmacieswho offerthat“specialdoseof caring”onadailybasis.

GoodNeighborPharma -

cieshaverankedhighest inCustomerSatisfaction withChainDrugStore PharmaciesintheJ.D. Power2021U.S.PharmacyStudy.

Theirfriendlyandexpertlytrainedpharmacists, andtheirfriendlyhometownstafpridethemselves onmakingsureyourpharmacyexperienceexceeds expectations.Theyhave manyfaithfulcustomers thattheyknowbynameas wellastheirfamilies.

Theytotallyunderstand thatpatientcareisjust morethan llingquick prescriptionrells.They willprovideyouwith“head totoe”tailoredcaretohelp youmanageyouroverall

wellness,anddeliverthose prescriptionsrighttoyour car.

Anotherunique eatureis theold-timey ountaingrill insidethestore.Complete withlunchcounterstools andgreathomecooked food,youfeelrightathome hereatJabo’s.Pintobeans andcornbread,hotdogs, chuck-wagons,allprepared toorderanddelivered curbsiderighttoyourcar whenyoucallahead.

So,oldtimeyhometown grillservicecombinedwith high-techhealthcaredelivery-bothwiththeattention youdeserve!! Findoutmore,www. jabospharmacy.comoron Facebook.

WellingtonManor offersassistedlivingcare forseniors.Themodern seniorresidentialcommunityislocatedinbeautiful Newportandnearmany attractions.

Wellington’sgoalisto provideresidentswiththe bestpossiblecarewith afocusonmaintaining familyandsocialrelationships.Theydothat byhonoringtheunique needsoftheresidents whilerespectingtheir independence.

Thewonderfulresidents atWellingtonManorenjoy beingthefriendsand neighborstoeachother, thatmosthavealready beenforyears.

Wonderfuldining,ex -

cursionstofavoriteplaces, activitiesandentertainmentmakeitagreatplace towakeup,tospendthe daywithneighbors,and bideachothergoodnights. Familiesinthelocalarea dependonWellington Manortoprovidecareand alifestyletotheirloved onesknowingtheyare safe,happy,andcreating excitingnewmemoriesat home.

AtWellingtonManor, you’llfeelthedifferencein ourwarm,family-focused environmentofcare.

TheWellingtonManor team,residentsandtheir familiesgettoknoweach otherpersonally,building closerelationshipsthat fosterafullnessofcare

thatfeelslikehome.At WellingtonManor,residentsarelikemembersof alargeextendedfamily. Visitorsandresidentsimmediatelyfeelthewarmth andcareweprovide.

WellingtonManorwould behappytoprovidefamiliesandindividualswith acomplimentarytourand lunch.

ComevisitWellington Manorandexperiencethe differenceforyourself. Stayforatourwhereyou’ll beabletoseethemany wonderfulamenitiesand activitiesthecommunity offers.

Formoreinformationor toscheduleatour,contact WellingtonManorat(423) 613-4585.

2021/2022

Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice celebrates community care since 1982

Since1982,SmokyMountainHome HealthandHospicehasbeenprovidingmedicalcaretothousandsofEast Tennesseeresidentsintheirhome,the placewhereeveryonewantstobe.

Theagencyoperatesthecorporate officeinNewport,aswellasbranch officesinMorristown,Greeneville, Tazewell,KingsportandKnoxville.It employsaround200employeesand servesCocke,Claiborne,Grainger, Hamblen,Hawkins,Greene,Hancock, Jefferson,Unicoi,Washington,Sevier, SullivanandKnoxcounties(hospice only).Recently,asecondofficelocated onExecutiveParkDrivehasopened servingtheKnoxCountyareaforhospiceonlypatients.

Thecorporateofficeremainsin Newport,Tn.,andtheagencyactively supportscommunityeventssuchasAlzheimer’s,RelayforLife,andnumerous otheroutreachprogramsaswellasprovidesjobsforthecountiestheyserve. Theagencystrivestobeatrustedand vitalpartofeachcommunityandtheir “patientfirst”mentalityhasguided theirmissiontoprovidecompassionate andlovingcaretoresidentsinthese communities.TammyFrancis,RN,CDE hasownedandoperatedthecompanysince1982thatisoneofthefew privatelyownedhomecareandhospice agenciesinEastTennessee.

Theaward-winningagencyspecializesindiseasemanagementprograms aswellasendoflifecare.Oneofthe benefitsoftheendoflifecareprogram istheextraassurancetothefamilythat theirlovedonewillbekeptpainfree andascomfortableaspossible.

Dr.KenJohnson,servesastheHos-

piceMedicalDirectorandconsultswith theagency’sprofessionalteamaswell asthefamilythroughoutthepatients care.Severalotherphysicianscomplete theteamthatservespatientsthroughouttheir13countycoveragearea.

Theagencyhaswonseveralprestigiousawardsovertheyearsand continuestoberecognizedasoneofthe leadingprivatelyownedhomehealth andhospiceagenciesinTennessee. TammyFrancis,RN,CDE,istheowner andadministratorandhasbeenawardedHomeCareLeaderoftheYearaward inpreviousyearsbytheTennessee AssociationofHomeCare.

DEYTAAnalyticshonoredtheagency forcontinuouslyprovidingthehighest levelofsatisfactionthroughcareas measuredfromthepatient’spointof view.Theagencyhasbeenawardedthe NewportPlainTalk’sPeople’sChoice awardsforBestPlacetoWork,Best Nurse,BestHomeHealthCareand HospiceCompanybyreadersofthe NewportPlainTalkconsistentlyforthe lastdecade.

Medicareandotherinsurancescover homehealthandhospiceservices. SmokyMountainHomeHealthand Hospices’professionalstaffprovides theseservicesinyourhomeorplaceof residence:skillednursing,homehealth aides,diabeticeducation,medical socialservices,physical,speechandoccupationaltherapies.Medicalsupplies andequipmentcanalsobeobtained.

Hospiceservicesinclude:assessment ofspecificpainandcomfortneeds, skillednursingservices,bereavement andspiritualcounseling,medication relatedtotheterminalillness,medical

suppliesandequipment,respitecare, andbereavementfollowupforupto13 monthsforthefamily.

InregardstotheMedicarehospice benefit,studyafterstudyshowsthat hospicesavesmoneybyproviding expertpainandsymptomcontrol,care andsupportfordyingpatientsandtheir familiesathome,thereforeavoiding unnecessaryandunwantedhospitalizations.

Hospicecarestudieshaveshownthat hospicecaredecreasedtheuseofacute care,intensivecare,andemergency services.Accordingtoarecentstudy, patientsthatelectthehospicebenefit throughMedicareaverageliving29 dayslongerthanthosepatientsnot electingthisbenefit.

“Earlyinterventionbyouragencycan decreasestressandimprovethequality oflifeandalsobenefitsthepatientand familybyofferingmoreeffectivepain andsymptommanagement,”saidCorporateCommunityEducator,Barbara Morris.Fewervisitstothehospital andphysician’soffices,preparationof advancedirectives,andfullemotional, psychologicalandspiritualsupportare alsobenefitsofearlieradmissionto hospiceadmission.

“Somanyofourpatient’sfamilies mentiontousthat‘theywishthey hadknownmoreaboutourhospice servicesandhadchosenhospicecare muchsooner,’inregardstothecare oftheirlovedonedealingwithalife threateningillness,”Morrissaid.“Our patientsbecomepartofourfamilyhere andfamilymembersreallyappreciate beingabletoparticipateinthecareof theirlovedone,anddefinitelyfeelgood

abouttheircontributiontotheloved one’slastdaystogether.”

“Ourpalliativecareprogramconsists ofphysiciansandnursepractitioners trainedinpalliativecareandinclude socialworkersandchaplains,”Morris said.Thisspecializedprogrammayhelp patientswhoarestillseekingacurefor aterminalillnesstransitionmoreeasily tohospicecare.

SmokyMountainHomeHealth& Hospiceisanactivepartnerwiththe WeHonorVeteransprogram,which providesintensivetrainingthatprepareshospiceproviderstorelateto veteransandtheiruniqueneedsas wellastheneedsoftheirlovedones. Theagencyhasalsoachievedthevery prestigious5-StarstatuswiththeWHV program.

Asmembersofthisprogram,the agencyhasaccesstotrainingand resourcesdesignedtoservethespecial needsofveterans.Thecompanyalso isavitalpartoftheOPUSPeaceand BeRememberedprograms,whichbring addedvaluetotheservicestheyalready providetopatients.

“Volunteersfromthecommunityoffer theirtimeandtalentsandareavital partofourVolunteerprogram,offering personalizedassistancetopatientsas wellastheybecomeapartofourSmoky Mountainfamily,”Morrissaid.

Tobecomeavolunteer,obtainadditionalinformation,ortofindouthow SmokyMountainHomeHealthand Hospiceservicesmaybenefityouora lovedoneathome,pleasecall800-3587844orvisitusonlineatwww.smokyhhc.com,visitourFacebookpageor contactanofficenearestyou.

Newport Federal Bank serving customers since 1934

NewportFederalBank istheoldestlocallyowned financialinstitutionin CockeCounty.

Establishedin1934, NewportFederalBankis aleadingmortgagelender thatcontinuestogrowand serve.Itopeneditsnew mainofficein2005at170 WestBroadway.

OvertheyearsNewport FederalBankevolvedfrom itsoriginalroleasasav -

ingsandloaninstitution toafull-servicemodern bankwithbranches, ATM’s,andinternetbankingthroughnewportfederalbank.comforcustomers toaccesstheiraccounts atanytimeandtransfer fundstomakepayments orpaybills.

Thebankalsoboasts avoiceresponsesystem whichanswersinquiries, helpscustomerswith

transfersandprovides histories.Thatnumberis 1-800-516-3476.Patrons thatneedtoreportalost orstolencardcancall 1-833-337-6075.

CEO&PresidentChris TriplettishappythatNewportFederalBankcontinuestohelphundreds ofpeoplebecomehomeownersand/orsavefor theirfinancialneedsand futureretirements.The

bankisknownforkeeping itsmortgagesinNewport asanadvantagetoitscustomers.“Westrivetokeep ourratesstableandloans affordable,”hesaid.

NewportFederalBank hasafullserviceproduct line.

NewportFederalBank employeestakepridein theircommunityinvolvementthroughtheirvolunteerworkwithHabitatfor

Humanity,Boys&Girls Club,MarchofDimes, CockeCountyRelayfor Life,CockeCountyPartnership,andCockeCounty EDC.

Itactivelyassistslocal schoolsandpromotes educationthroughits sponsorshipoftheAdopta-Schoolprogramforall schools,andprovision ofsuppliesforteachers. Italsopraisesteachers

throughitsBellRingers featureinTheNewport PlainTalk.

NewportFederalBank continuestohelpitsyoung customersbyencouraging enrollmentintheKittyKat Club.

NewportFederalBank’s mainofficeislocated at170WestBroadway withbranchesonCosby Highwayandindowntown Newport.

Newport Utilities has served Cocke County since 1940

NewportUtilitieshas beenservingCockeCounty since1940asCockeCounty’ssupplierofelectric power.NUalsoprovides waterandsewerservicesin thecityandcertainareasof thecounty.

NU’sadministration ofcesarelocatedat170 CopeBoulevard,justo WestBroadway(Hwy 25/70)attheentranceto theCockeCountyIndustrialPark.

Customersareoered severalPaymentOptions, includinganoutdoorKiosk locatedbetweentheMain Ofce&LCUwhichtakes Cash,Debit/CreditCards, andE-checks;Drive-Thru windowserviceforCheck andCashcustomers,aswell asmakingpaymentsonline, throughtheSmartHubpaymentappavailable24/7 or bothAndroidandApple,or bycalling877-779-8581.

Inside,NUCustomer ServiceRepresentatives handlerequestsforNew Services,assistwithservice questionsandissues,take paymentsandanswerbillingquestionsandprovide informationonvarious programsthroughNewport Utilitiesandinpartnership withTVA.

NUservesover22,000 electriccustomers.Astateof-the-artcomputersystem allowstheutilitytoquickly respondtopoweroutages. ThemodernWastewater TreatmentPlant,locatedin

theindustrialpark,serves nearly5,000customers.Its operationhaswonseveral regionalexcellenceawards.

TheWaterTreatment Plant,whichdrawsitswaterfromtheFrenchBroad River,provideswaterto over11,000customersand hasthecapacitytotreatsix milliongallonsofwaterper day,meetingorexceeding

waterqualitystandards.

In2017,theNUBoard approveditsnewestessentialservice:NUconnect Broadband.Plannedasa sevenyearproject,NUconnectdeliversbroadband internet,videoandvoice servicesoveraproprietary bernetwork.As ofSpring,2022,more thanhalfofNU’selectric

customershaveaccessto this ber-richbroadband system,includingmany neighborhoodsthatnever hadbroadbandaccessbefore.NUrecentlylaunched anadvanced xedwirelessnetworktoprovide broadbandservicetomany neighborhoodswhere ber isnotyetavailable.

A ve-memberboard

overseespolicyandoperations.Boardmembers includeCraigWild,Dr. EmilyEisenhowerBaxter, MikeHannon,Dianne StokelyandChrisEdmonds.MichaelWillifordis thegeneralmanagerofthe utility.

Formoreinformation, callNewportUtilitiesat 423-625-2800.

General Manager Michael Williford

Sonoco Metal Packaging one of world’s largest suppliers

SonocoMetalPackaging,locatedon Hwy.92betweenNewportandDandridge(ChestnutHill),isoneofthe world’sleadingsuppliersofrigidmetal packagingproductsandservicesforthe foodindustry.

Sonocoalsomakesthree-piecewelded foodcansforfoodprocessorsinthe SoutheastandMidwest.Italsomakes two-pieceaerosolcans.

Thecompanyproducesaerosolcans, metalpaintcans,generallinemetal cans,oblongcansanddecorativetinsin avarietyofshapesandsizes.Features includefullprintingandeasy-poursolutionsforyourbrandandproductneeds.

TheDandridgeoperationbeganunder HeekinCanin1947withonesoldered

Cosby Real Estate serves region

canlinetosupplycansforBushBrothersandCompany.Thecompanyhas expandedovertheyearstoeightsolderedlines.The rstSoudronicwelder wasinstalledinDecember1980.By 1982,threeweldedlineswereinstalled. Anew70,000-square-footfacilitywas constructedin1989,andadditionallines wereaddedin1989and1990.TheDandridgeplantbecamepartofBallin1993.

In2014,itstartedproductiononthe G3line,whichistheonlyoneofitskind inNorthAmerica,andproducesatwo piececan.Inearly2019,theDandridge plantbecameapartofBallMetalpack,ta jointventurebetweenBallandPlatinum Equity.BallMetalpackwaspurchased bySonocoin2021.

CosbyRealEstate,Inc. servesnotonlytheCocke andSeviercountyareasthat makeupthecommunity knownasCosby,butallof bothcounties,aswellasthe surroundingregion.

Havingprovidedreal estateservicessincethe 1980s,theproessionalsta isexperiencedinallphases ofresidentialpropertiesand understandsthattheneeds ofretireesmightbevery dierent romthedemands ofayoungfamily.

Theyareknowledgeable abouttheopportunitiesthat

vacationrentalhomesoer. Thencanhelpguideyou intomakinganinformed decisionthatsuitsboth yourpersonaland nancial situations.

Thepurchaseofundevelopedland,either forprivateuseorfuture development,hasunique concerns,andtheCosby RealEstatesta hasconsiderableexperiencewith theserequirements.

Theyarewillingtohelp guideyouthroughthecountyplanningcommission toavoidcostlymistakes.

Owner/brokerGlenBeasley isdedicatedtopromoting boththeunsurpassedbeautyoftheareaandtohelping sellersrealizetheirfull potentialfortheirhomes andlands.

Theyhavebeenfortunate tohaveassociatesworking withthemthatknowthe areaandarecommitted toservingclientswith integrity.

Theofcenumber or CosbyRealEstateis423487-2705.Itislocatedat 4871HooperHighway(U.S. Highway321),inCosby.

Commercial Bank provides banking services to all of Newport and Cocke

CommercialBankcontinuestobecommittedtoits customersandthecommunitywithagoaltocreate positiveexperiencesfor everycustomer,everyday.

Communitybankingis aboutlocationandsomuch more.It’saboutfamily. CommercialBankresides inyourcommunity,weare apartofyourcommunity. Theircommitmenttoserve ourneighborsextendsbeyondthewallsofthebank branches.Itisdisplayed eachdayintheopportunitiesthebankprovides,the moneytheygiveback,and

thetimetheycommit—all tohelpimprovethelives ofthepeople,families,and businessesthatmakethis areagreat.

CommercialBankisyour neighborhoodbankandis aleading nancialinstitutionwiththeservices, capabilities,andresources ofregionalandnational banks.WhatmakesCom-

mercialBankdierent? Theyunderstandthatevery customerhasuniqueopportunities,challenges,and nancialconcerns.

CommericalBank doesn’texpectyoutofit inthesameboxasthe nextpersonorbusiness. CommercialBankisagile andunconstrainedbycorporaterulesandprocesses

allowingustodeliver productsandservicesto meetyourpersonalneeds asindividualsandfor businesses.

Therearetwobank brancheslocatedinCocke County,oneindowntown Newportat262East BroadwayandtheBryant TownBranch,locatedat 774CosbyHighway.Both branchlobbyhoursare MondaythroughFriday from9a.m.until5p.m. Thedrive-thruhoursat thedowntownbranchare 8a.m.until5p.m.MondaythroughFriday.Atthe

County

BryantTownBranch,the bankoersservices rom 9a.m.until5p.m.Monday throughFriday.Drive-thru hoursareMondaythrough Thursday8a.m.until 5p.m.and8a.m.until 6p.m.onFriday.

BothbrancheshaveATM locations,andthebank hasanotherATMinCocke County,locatedat575 WestBroadwayinNewport.

BoththeBryantTown andNewportbranchesof Commercialbankoera widevarietyofdepositservicesincludingcerticates

ofdeposits,checkingand savingsaccounts,andindividualretirementaccounts. Customerscanvisiteither branchforhelpwithyour bankingneeds.

Onlinebankingisoered forthosewhoalsolike the exibilityandconvenienceofbankinganytime, anywhere.Customerscan connecttothe“NetTeller” 24hoursaday,sevendays aweekandobtaininformationonaccounts,paybills, viewaccountactivity,view statements,andtransfer fundsfromanyCommercialBankaccounts.

Tennessee State Bank is a full-service bank

“BankingatitsBest!” ismorethanasloganat TennesseeStateBank. Exceptionalcustomer serviceandacommitment toqualityhasearnedthem thedistinguishedtitleof “BestBank”and“Best Ofcer”inarecentreader’s pollconductedbythelocal newspaperin2021.

TennesseeStateBank hasbeenlocallyowned andoperatedsinceopeningin1972with15branch locations.TennesseeState Bankisafull-servicecommunitybankservingSevier, Knox,JeersonandCocke Counties.TheirCocke Countybranchislocatedat 107EpleyRoad,Newport –neartheLowe’sshopping complex.

Thecheckingaccountsat TennesseeStateBankcome withavarietyofnocostand convenientservicessuch asOnlineBankingwithBill Pay,MobileAppBanking, MobileCheckDepositand e-statements.Exclusively forTennesseeStateBank checkingandsavings accountcustomers,account ownersmayaddBenets Plus®totheirexisting ornewaccountforalow monthlyfee.WithBenetsPlus®,customerscan enrollinUltimateIDTM, apowerfulIdentityTheft Solutionsprogramandcan receivetraveldiscounts, nationalretailerandrestau-

rantdiscounts,andmore.

TennesseeStateBank creditcardanddebitcard customershavetheoption tochooseabeautifulcard featuringtheGreatSmoky MountainsoraPatrioticthemeasstunningly portrayedbyartist,Robert A.Tino.Foranannual contributionofonly$10, youmayelecttocarrythis cardtoshowyoursupport o localnon-protorganizations.

TheSmokyMountains CardsbenettheFriends oftheSmokies;anorganizationdedicatedtothe preservationandprotection oftheGreatSmokyMountainsNationalPark.The

PatriotCardsbenetthe SmokyMountainService Dogs;anon-protorganizationthattrainspuppiesto providemobilityassistance toourwoundedveterans. Onehundredpercentofthe contributionscollectedare giventotheorganization representedonthecard selected.

TennesseeStateBank debitcardcustomersmay chooseaSchoolSpiritdebit card,featuringthecolorsof CockeCountyHighSchool orCosbyHighSchool oran annualcontributionof$10. Onehundredpercentofthe contributionscollectedwill begiventotheschoolof choice.

Fortheyoungatheart, TennesseeStateBankhas averyactiveSuperPartner Travelprogramforfriends age50orbetter.Super Partnermemberscanenjoy thesavingsandsecurityof grouptravelwithavariety ofdestinations.Inaddition totravel,theprogramoers seminarsandluncheonsat areavenues.

Ifhomeimprovements,a newcarorafamilyvacation isonyourmind,TennesseeStateBankhasseveral optionsto nanceyour dreams.TennesseeState BankisoeringShortcut Loans.ShortcutLoansare exclusivelyforcustomersof TSBthathaveacheckingor

savingsaccountof6months ormore.

ShortcutLoansare unsecuredconsumerand businessloans.Theseloans oeranexpeditedprocess soyoucangetyourfunds fast.Theseloansarebased onyourdepositrelationship andcreditinformation;no additionalproofofincome isrequired.

TruittOttingerisNewport’sSeniorVicePresident, CommunityLendingOfcer (NMLSID#410556.)Truitt willbehappytohelpyou evaluateyourneedstoestablishtheloanthatworks bestforyou.

Morethanbanking,TennesseeStateBankservesas

apartnerinourcommunity.Inadditiontomonetary support,sta memberso thebankareneighbors, churchmembers,coach children’ssportsteams,and assistwithmanyorganizationsdedicatedtobetter healthandcareofthose mostvulnerableintheir community.

TennesseeStateBank isopenMondaythrough Thursday8:30a.m.to 5p.m.andFridayuntil 6p.m.Thedrive-thru opensconvenientlyat7:30 am.Youmayalsovisitthe bank’swebsiteatwww. tnstatebank.com.Member FDICandEqualHousing Lender.

US Bank oers assistance

USBankofershometownservicewith productsandserviceso larger nancial institutions.

BeorebecomingUSBankin2002,MerchantPlantersBankhadservedNewport andCockeCountysincethe1880s.

USBankofersavarietyo services,includingmortgages,autoloans,checkingand savingsaccounts,studentloans, nancial planningandonlineandmobilebanking.

“Wetrytohavethe nancialproductsand servicestomeeteveryone’sneeds,”saida bankspokesman.“Wehavea nancialplannerandareabletooferaloto diversied products.”

USBank,headquarteredinMinneapolis, Minn.,isthe thlargestbankintheUnited States.

USBank’sNewportbranchislocatedat 301E.MainSt.inNewport.

Lobbyanddrive-uphoursareMonday throughFriday,9a.m.to5p.m.

FormoreinormationaboutUSBankin Newport,call423-613-1580.

all banking needs

Jeerson-Cocke County Utility District serves thousands of customers

Jefferson-CockeCounty UtilityDistrict(JCCUD) servestwocountieswith propaneandnaturalgas andprovidesgasappliancesandinstallation formorethan13,575 customers:residential, business/commercialand industrial.

TheAmericanPublicGas Associationrecognized JCCUDasoneofonly52 publicgasutilitiesinthe USreceivingtheSystem OperationalAchievement Recognition:SOARaward. Itexcelledinsystemintegrityandimprovement; employeesafety;workforcedevelopment.

JCCUDhasoffices inNewportwithdrivethroughservicesatHwy. 25E,andinJeffersonCity offHwy.11E.Ithasbeen servingcustomersfor morethan60yearsandis stillgrowingwhileworking toservemoreresidents withlowcost,efficient naturalandpropanegas.

Overseeingthe$59 millioninplant/pipeline assetsisafive-member boardofcommissionersconsistingofPresidentGaryHammonds, Vice-PresidentRusty James,andcommissioners:Secretary-Treasurer RobertOverholt,Blake Briggs,andSharonHayes. ClintHammondsisgeneralmanager.

Becauseofdemandfor itsclean,efficientfuelthe utilityhastripledinsize since1990.GaslineexpansionsincludeNewport, JeffersonCity,Dandridge,

WhitePine,Parrottsville andBaneberry. Thedistricthasbeena nationalawardwinnerfor itssafetyprogramsand earnednationalsafety awardsmorethan20 timessince1993.

Residentialgrowthin CockeandJeffersoncountieshasaddedmoregas customers,withpropane servicepopular.Theutility addedtopropanestorage andhasabout275,000

gallons.Annualpropane salesaverage1.7million gallons.Thestablecost ofpropanehashelped theutilityincreaseits customerbasetoover 5,200.

Toservenon-route customersandcampers withpropanecylinders, theNewportofficehas amodernwalk-inpropanefillstationbehind themainoffice.Itis openMonday-Thurs.at

7:30a.m.until4:15p.m. andFridayfrom7:30a.m. until3:45p.m.

AllindustriesinJeffersonandCockeCounties haveaccesstonatural gassoldatlowmarkupto them.BecauseJCCUDisa memberofUnitedUtilitiesGroup,ithasaccess tomoredailynaturalgas volumesandpipeline capacity.Availablegashas increasedtothepointthat therehavebeenveryfew

recentinterruptionsto industrialcustomersand pricesremainlow.

Gasapplianceinformationcanbeobtainedfrom salesrepresentativeSteve Chambers.Heisinthe officeonMonday,Tuesday andThursday.TheUtility hasrebateprogramsfor gasappliances.Thereis lowerpropanepricingfor routesystemcustomers. Calltheofficeformore information.

JCCUDofferson-line billpaymentatjccud.com.

Officehours:Mon.Thurs.from7:30a.m.to 4:30p.m.andFri.from 7:30a.m.to4p.m.

Foraservicerepresentative,call423623-3069in Newportor865475-7911 inJeffersonCity.GasUtilityinformationisonthe Internetatwww.jccud.com foryourconvenience. Callbeforeyoudig–call 811.

JCCUD has a ve-member board of directors. Board members are shown with the general manager. From left are Blake Briggs, Gary Hammonds, General Manager Clint Hammonds, Robert Overholt, Sharon Hayes and Rusty James.

People travel from all over to Carver’s Orchard

COSBY—Thereare plentyofapplestochoose fromatCarver’sOrchard.

DannyRayCarver,who hasbeenintheorchard businessforhisentirelife, reportsthatthisyear’s harvestis“wonderful.”

Carver’sOrchardwas establishedbyCarver’s father,KyleCarver,in 1942.Theorchardcovers 75acresandoffersmore than100varietiesof apples.

Carverexplainedthat theearlyharveststarted aroundJune20,andright now,crewsareharvesting GrannySmithandArkansasBlackvarieties.

“Thisisareallygood harvestthisyear,”Carver said.“Allvarietieshave donewell.”

Hesaidthelastvariety

thatwillbeharvestedwill bethePinkLadyvariety. Hesaidthatwhilesome orchardsarealready

harvestingthatvarietyof applesnow,theywillnot bethinkingaboutharvestingthemuntilaround

Thanksgiving.

“Iamverypleasedwith thiscrop,”hesaid.“We haveplentyofapples

togoaroundandthey areveryreasonably priced.”

Hesaidthisisprobablythebestharvesthe hasseeninthelastfew years.

“We(Carver’sOrchard) havebeenhereforyears. Wedon’tchange.Wekeep thingsthesame,”Carver said.“Wehavecustomers whocomebacktovisitus yearafteryear.”

Whilemanylocals visittheapplehouseand restaurant,therearealso manycustomerswholive outofstatewhomakethe trektoCosbyeveryyear fortheirapples.

OnecouplefromGeorgiasaidtheyvisitthearea abouttwiceayear,and theyalwaysstopatCarver’sOrchardforapplesto

takehome.

Anothercouplefrom theChattanoogaarea wasreturninghomewith severalbushelsofapples forthemselves,familyand friends.Theysaidtheyget theirapplesfromCarver’s everyyearbecausethey havealwaysfoundthem tobeabetterqualityof apple.

Othercustomersvisiting theorchardonTuesday hadtraveledfromNorth Carolina,SouthCarolina, Alabama,Illinois,MichiganandOhio.

Theapplehouseoffers morethanjustapples. Theyhavehomemade friedpies,nuts,andother fruitsandvegetables. Thereisalsoacandystore andarestaurantonthe premises.

PHOTOBYKATHYHEMSWORTH

Two apple pickers are shown tending to the late apple harvest at Carver’s Orchard. They are picking Granny Smith and Arkansas Black varieties. Another variety, Pink Lady, will be harvested later.

PHOTOBYKATHYHEMSWORTH

Danny Ray Carver, of Carver’s Orchard, is shown on a forklift that he has been using to pick up crates of freshly picked apples. He describes this year’s harvest as “wonderful.”

PHOTOBYKATHYHEMSWORTH

These crates of freshly picked apples show the quality and size of this year’s crop. Danny Ray Carver at Carver’s Orchard said he has been very pleased with the harvest this year.

Lowland Credit Union serving area over 65 years

LowlandCreditUnionhas beencommittedtoproviding quality,professionalservices toallmemberssince1953.

LowlandCreditUnion iscommunitychartered, whichenablesthemtoserve memberswholive,work, worship,orattendbusinessesinGrainger,Jeerson, Hamblen,andCockecountiesandGreenevilleCity.

LowlandCreditUnion isinsuredbytheNational CreditUnionAdministrationanditisownedand controlledbyaBoardo Directorswhoareelectedby thecreditunionmembers.

Afterstartingatthe AmericanEnkaplantin 1953,itnowservesmembers romtwoofces—344West BroadwayNewport,and 1216E.MainSt.Morristown.

LCUhasadedicated Boardo Directorswho makecertainthatthecredit unioncontinuestoservethe members’needs.TheBoard alsoworkstomakesurethat thecreditunionremains nanciallysoundandstrong.

Thesta,manyo whom havebeenwiththecredit

unionforseveralyears,have asincereinterestinhelping membersmeetandachieve their nancialgoals.

Theboardo directors consistsofconsistsof ChairmanTommyMusser,

RoyArnwine,LeonCagle, JoannJenkins,Ronnie Moore,ToddMarshall,John T.Walker,EddieGilbertand RandyGreene.

Lobbyhoursforall locationsare:

MondaythroughThursday,9a.m.to5p.m.Friday, 9a.m.to6p.m.

TheDrive–Thruatall ofcesopendailyat8a.m.

LowlandCreditUnionis a ull-service nancialinsti-

tutionthatoerssavings, checkingandmanytypeso consumerloansincluding mortgages.

Otherservicesinclude:

•Freeonlinebankingand

billpayalongwitheStatements

•VISA®DebitandCredit Cards

•Accesstoover30,000 feefreeATMs Andmuchmore!

ManesFuneralHome,Inc.assistsfamiliesduringtimesofneed

ManesFuneralHome, Inc.,363E.MainSt.,Newport,wasorganizedSept.1, 1973.

Itisalocallyownedand

privatelyheldcorporation. ChristopherL.Austinserves aspresident. ManesFuneralHomeemploys14fullandpart-time

sta members,whostand readytoassistfamiliesin anywayduringtimesofloss. Theirfuneraldirectorsare licensedtoservebothTen-

nesseeandNorthCarolina residents.

ManesFuneralHomeisa ullserviceprovider,oering traditionalfuneralsaswell

ascremationservicesand pre-needinsurance.

Theyoercaskets,vaults, urns,registrysets,videos, portraits,andnumerous

otherservices. Formoreinformation,call 423-623-6952,orvisitour websiteatwww.manesuneralhome.com.

Shown above is Lowland Credit Union’s ofce at 344 West Broadway in Newport. Lowland Credit Union also has ofces in Morristown to assist customers in the region.

Bush Brothers has produced quality products for more than 100 years

TheBush’sVisitorCenter isopeninChestnutHill. BushBrothers&Companyhasproducedquality productsformorethan100 years.

Withcorporateofcesis Knoxville,BushBrothers operatestwoproductionfacilities-oneinChestnutHill andoneinAugusta,Wis.

TheChestnutHilloperationiswheretheoriginal plantwasstartedbyA.J. Bushin1908.Thefacility employeesmorethan300 people.

A.J.Bushwasbornin

1867inChestnutHill.In 1891hemarriedandheand wifeSalliehadfourboys andtwogirlsoverthenext severalyears.

Then,in1897,Bush startedageneralstorethat wouldbecomeA.J.Bush andCo.In1904,Bush partneredwiththeStokely Brothersandestablisheda tomatocanneryinChestnut Hill.

By1908,hepurchased theStokelyBrothers’interestandstartedapartnershipwithhissons.

Duringitsmorethan100

Costner-Maloy&Brown FuneralHomesunite

years,Bush’shasseenmany changesandaddedmany newproductswithitsstateof-theartfacilities.In2010, Bush’shadevenmoreadditionsandnewproducts.

TheBush’sVisitorCenter openedinJune2010.

Thecenterfeaturesa companymuseumand exhibitcenter,a75-seat theater,giftshop,anddelicatessenrestaurant.

Formoreinformation aboutBushBrothershistory andproducts,gotothe company’sWebsiteat www.bushbeans.com.

NEWPORT—Twolocalfuneral homeshaveunited.Costner-Maloy FuneralHome,whichhasahistory datingbackto1924,andBrownFuneralHome,whichhasbeenserving thecommunitysince1930,arenow partofthesamefuneralestablishment.

Thetwolocalfuneralhomesare nowpartoftheHeritageFamily, whichisanEastTennesseecompany basedoutofElizabethton.

BrownFuneralHomejoinedthe HeritageFamilyinOctober2019 whileCostner-MaloyFuneralHome becameamemberoftheHeritage FamilythisJuly.

DonnieCostner,theformerowner

Hartford Welcome Center sta greet millions

TravelersstoppingattheHartordWelcomeCenter ndabeautiullydesignedbuildingstaedby helpulandknowledgeablesta CockeCountyisfortunateto haveoneo Tennessee teen welcomecenters.Locatedat Hartford,ashortdistancefrom theTN-NCline,thewelcome centerservesasanentrywayinto Tennesseeforvisitorsentering thestatefromtheeasttraveling onI-40.

BuiltbytheDept.ofTransportation,theHartfordWelcome CenteropeneditsdoorsonFebruary1,1991,andsincethenhas welcomeclosetoamillionvisitors yearly.Duringits31yearsof operation,thecenterhasreceived

severalawardsandwasnamed

WelcomeCenteroftheYearin 2008.

Staedbyseveral ull-time stateemployees,allofwhomcall CockeCountyhome,theHartford WelcomeCenter’sassistantswork astravelconsultantsandreservationistswhoareavailableyear round.Adedicatedsta keepsthe beautifullylandscapedgrounds immaculately.

Touristsstoppingatthecenter

ndhelpulbrochures ordestinationsincludingbothbusiness andpleasure,localmaps,and couponstohelpmakethemostof theirvisittoTennessee,TennesseeDepartmentofTransportation mapsandtheTennesseeVacation

Guides.

Acurrentliveweathersatellitesystemoersanup-to-date weathermap.

WaldenSecurityCompanystas thecenterwithsecurityguards sevendaysaweek.

ApermanentCivilWarexhibit wasinstalledin2013toeducate visitorsandTennesseansregardingtheimportanceofTennessee duringthatperiodofourhistory. Thecenteralsohasafully stockedvendingstandoperated bytheTennesseeBusinessEnterprise.

Thecenterisopenandstaed sevendaysaweek,24hoursaday, and365daysayear.Formore information,call423-487-3928.

ofCostner-Maloy,willremainwith thecompany.JudyOttinger,whohas workedwithCostnerforseveralyears, willalsojoinNathanManningatthe newlyrenamedfirmofCostner-Maloy &Brown.

Costnerwillserveasthelocation managerwhileManningwillserveas areamanager,whichincludesseveral locations.

AllservicesforCostner-Maloy& Brownwillbehandledattheformer BrownFuneralHomebuilding,which islocatedat338EastMainStreetin downtownNewport,acrosstherailroadtracksfromthecourthouse. Formoreinformation,callCostner-Maloy&Brownat(423)623-7311.

The Hartford Welcome Center serves as a Gateway to citizens entering Cocke County on I-40 West. The center is located just past Mile Marker 447 on Interstate 40.

County rec department pairs director’s passion with plenty of activities

ScottieThorntonhasoverseentheCocke CountyParksandRecreationDepartment asdirectorsinceAugustof2020.

Inthattime,thedepartmenthascontinuedtodowhatithasalwaysdone—serve kidsand amilieswithaplethorao diferentactivities fromits addressat 466LearningWayin Newport.

“Ilove seeing smileson kids’faces,” saidThornton.“The opportunity cametobe theinterim directorin 2020,soIdid.Iloveworkingwithkids— that’smypassion.”

ThatpassionhasdrivenThorntonto maintainthecenter’sannualevents,which takeplaceduringthecenter’sweekly hoursof8a.m.to8p.m.Sundaythrough Saturday.

Butthesamepassionhasalsohelped Thorntonestablishsomebenetsthathold deepermeaningforthecommunity.

Innon-sportsmatters,thecenterhosts birthdaypartiesandcompanyevents.

Therehasalsobeenthespring’sannual Easteregghunt,whichwasapartnership eventbetweenthedepartmentandNorthportBaptistChurch.

ItalsohostedaSavetheChildrenevent withZooKnoxville,aswellasaDaddy/ DaughterandMother/SondanceinpartnershipwithIsaiahHouse.

Finally,inperhapsthemostimpactful benetthisyear,thecenterheldabasketballtournamentinmemoryofKeaston Jackson—astandoutathleteandgraduate ofCockeCountyHighSchooltragically

killedinanATVaccidentonMarch1, 2023.

“Wedoittohelpthefamilies,”said Thornton.“Alotofthesekids,Iknew.I’d lovetohaveabenet orsomethingpositiveforonce,butit’sforthesefamilies,and Iknowthemall.It’sheartbreaking.”

Thornton’spassionandloveforhis communitywasthedrivingfactorbehind thatbenet,justashispassionisthe reason orhisholdingthejobinthe rst place.

Inthefallandwinter,parentscansign theirchildrenup or ag ootball,aswell

asbasketballthatisco-edfrom4to6years old.

Uponreachingage7,childrenareseparatedintoboysandgirlsteamsforthe7-8 division.

A look at the outside portion of the Cocke County Recreation Department, located at 466 Learning Way in Newport.

Scottie Thornton

OneOfNewport’sMostEstablished RealEstateCompanies.

MarieWood,alife-longresidentofCockeCounty,openedthe companyin1984.Sheisoneofthemostknowledgeableandexperienced agentsinthearea.

KristieSuggsjoinedhermother’sbusinessin1992.Kristiealsoa life-longresident,said“ eclient’ssatisfactionisourtoppriority.We taketimetolistentotheirneedsanddesireswhetherbuyingorselling.”

isyearScenicRealtywelcomesBrianMathistotheirsta ScenicRealtyhasbeenawarded eNewportPlainTalkBestReal EstateAgencyawardmultipleyearsandappreciatesthepeoplefor trustingthemwiththeirrealestatebuyingandsellingneedsinthearea.

eyaremembersoftheNationalAssociationofRealtors,Lakeway AssociationofRealtorsandmultiplelistingservice. eyusemultiple onlinewebsitesforadvertisingtheirservices.ScenicRealtyoers regularphotographsforlistingsandnowalsooersdronephotography forlistings.

Withtheircombined65years’experienceintherea lestatemarket, ScenicRealtywillbeyourbestassetinmakingasmartandeconomic realestatechoice. eyhavebeenprovidinghomebuyersandsellers withtrustedsupportandserviceforover30yearsandwilldothesame foryou.

“ roughtheyears,wehavehadalotofreferralsfromourprevious customers. eirpraiseletsusknowthatwearedoingagoodjob,” endedWood.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 78

Thereisalsoa9-10divisionandan11-12 division,cappingtheagesforasportthat Thorntonsaidhadapproximately360kids playingthisyear.

Also,inthepasttwoyears,thecenter hasbegunoeringmiddleschoolUnited soccerforgirlsinfourththrougheighth grades.

Thespringbringstee-ballforboysand girls,coachpitchforboysandgirlsand softballforgirlsages9-12.

Thereisalsoamiddleschoolboysunited teamforfourththrougheighthgrades (addedjustthisyear),andthecenteralso hostspractices orthecounty’sAAUteams, theStunners—agroupthatThornton

startedapproximately10yearsago.

Otherrecreationaloptionsandduties thatarehandledbythecenter: Managesandmaintainsthesotball elds locatedateachschoolaswellastheIrish CutParkandPlayground.

Hostsrecreationalbasketballopportunitiesinthewinter,LittleLeagueSoftball programsinthespringandFlagFootball programsinthefall.Adultbasketballand sotballprogramsarealsooered.

Thecenterwillsoonoergirlsvolleyballtoo,asthecountyandcityrecreation departmentshavepartneredforthenew venture.

Thecountyrecdepartmentwilloerthe sportforgirlsatandabovetheageof11, whilethecityrecdepartmentwillhandle girlsvolleyballforgirlsages10andunder.

Overall,thisisamovethathasThornton

feelingexcited.

“Ithinkthegirls’volleyballisgoing todoreallygood,”hesaid.“Otherthan that,peoplearewantingtostartasoccer programforyoungkids,butAYSOisthere already.”

Regardlessofsport,Thorntonsaidthe goaloftherecreationcenter’sathleticsis simple:teachfundamentals.

“Everylevelisatrainingleveltogetyou betterforthenextoneyougoto,”hesaid. “Whenyouleaverecballandgotoelementary,Ihopecoacheshavetaughtenough fundamentalsthattheycangocompete anddowell.”

Tothatend,Thorntonsaidthecenterwill behostingacoachingclinicinOctoberin ordertobetterinformandprepareparents whomaybecoachingincomingseasons.

“It’scrucialthatyou ndcoachesthat

willteachthat,”saidThornton.“Andsometimesyoucan’t,youhavetogowithmoms andpops.Butyoutrytohelpthem.”

Anotherareahehassoughttoimprove hasbeenofciating,astheypartneredwith CockeCountyHighSchooltohostanofciatingclinicinOctoberof2022.

“Wehadseveralyounghighschoolkids todoit,”hesaid.“Ithoughttheydidpretty good.I’vebeenaroundbasketballforyears andhaveseenbadrefereesandgoodones. Youknowwhichonesarelearningand training.”

Altogether,thedepartment’seortshave ranged arandwideinbringingdierent optionsandeventsforchildrenandfamiliestoenjoy.

Formoreinformation,pleasecallthe CockeCountyRecreationDepartment, 423-623-6769.

The full mission statement of the Cocke County Recreation Department, as displayed outside the front door.

A look at the gym inside the Cocke County Recreation Department on Learning Way in Newport.

Newport Parks and Rec provides consistency in services

TheNewportParksand RecreationDepartment ishousedat433Prospect Avenueinthetop ooro theNewportCommunity Center—a36,144-squareoota acilitythatisopen daily rom6a.m.to9p.m.

Inthe rontofceo the communitycenter,onecan ndParksandRecreation DirectorTimDockery.

Dockeryhasheldthe positionsince1994,allthe while ulllingamission statementthatisbasedin remaining“committedto excellenceinprovidingin diversityo leisureservices tothecommunity.

“Thisincludesprovidingadequate acilitiesto addressrecreationalneeds, providingmaintenanceo acilitiestoensuresaety andextendperiodo use, andproviderecreational programstoenablethe participationo allregardlesso age,sex,color,or creed.Thiscommitmentto excellencemustbeobviousintheareaoacilities availabilityandrecreation services.”

Tothatend,Dockeryhas spearheadedeverything romthebuilding’srules andresurgenceatera1993 blizzard,totheinstallation o newtechnology,RecDesk,inordertobetter communicatewithcitizens whousethecity’sParks andRecreationareasand services.

“Anytimeyoupaytoplay, reserve acilities—anyo thatisdoneonRecDesk,” saidDockery.“Soarebackgroundchecks,CPRtests

andotherthings.“

Healsoemphasizedthat thetechnologyhasenabled thedepartmenttosimultaneouslymessageeachchild withinaspecicprogram, whichhasbeeno extreme helpinunoreseencircumstancessuchaspractice cancelationsor acility unavailability.

Whenvisitorsenter,they canresteasilyknowingthe departmenthasutilizedthe S.A.F.E.—SameAccessFor Everyone—systeminorder tostreamlineitsentryways andexits.

Theywillbegreetedby new acestoo,suchascity athleticscoordinatorFranciscoGarcia.

Buttheycanalsopark inaredesignedlot,which combinedwiththenew doors,windowsandprecautionarymeasures oratotal priceo $130,000over our years—apricewellworth it,accordingtoDockery.

“Ithasmadeallthedierenceintheworld,”hesaid.

Insidethecommunity

center,whichalsoservesas ahomebase ortheNewport/CockeCountyMuseumandNewport/Cocke CountyPartnership,people can ndseveraldierent recreationaloptions.

Theyareas ollows:an Olympic-sizeswimming

The Newport Community Center, pictured here at its home on Prospect Avenue, is home to several facilities that fall under the jurisdiction of the Newport Parks and Recreation Department.

SEE NEWPORT ON PAGE 82

Tim Dockery

poolthatspans50meters; abasketballandvolleyball court;aracquetballcourt;a gymnasticsroom;aconcessionstandwithakitchen; ameetingroomthatcanbe dividedintothreesections; anotherfullkitchen;a conerenceroom;a tness room;agameroom;amaintenanceworkshop;andthe lobbyandreceptionistarea.

Thedepartmentalso hostsrecreationleague

sportsthatincludepickleball,recreationyouthbasketball,SmokyMountain

LittleLeague,theNewport/ CockeCountyswimteam, andnow,girls’volleyball forages11andoldersince thecityandcountydepartmentshavecometogether forthenewestventure.

Therearealsoseveral eventsthroughouttheyear: FirefiesFlicks,asummer seriesofmoviesheldatthe NewportCityPark;Trick orTreatattheTrack,asafe andfunalternativetodoor todoortrickortreating featurehelpfromlocal businesses,andtheannual EasteregghuntatNewport

CityPark—rangingfrom ages0-10withchildrenseparatedintoone-tothreeyearintervalgroups.

TheParksandRecreation departmentalsooversees askatepark,locatedat103 EastAyreStreet.

Itisopenfromnoonto 8p.m.onSaturdays,noon to7p.m.onSundays,is closedonMondaysand Tuesdaysandisopen WednesdaythroughFriday from4p.m.to8p.m.

Asidefromtheskate parkandthebuildingon ProspectAvenue,thereare

severalplaygroundsand otheroutdoorareasmanagedbytheParksandRec department.

TheNewportGrammar Schoolsportscomplex, NewportCityParkandFred M.ValentineJr.RiverPark allfallunderthedepartment’sjurisdiction.

Sodotheaforementioned playgrounds—EveBabb SextonGreenwayand Trailhead,BryantTown Park,WhiteOakCommunity Playground,FilbertandFifth BasketballCourtandGreen Space,KiwanisPlayground

withintheNGScomplex andPetMilkCommunity Playground,whichisthesecond-mostusedfacilityaside fromNewportCityPark.

Asidefromwhathas alreadybeen ullledand whatisdoneonadailybasis,thedepartmentisalso lookingtowardthefuture.

Thathasmeanta10-year masterplan,whichincludesallthesatelliteparks mentionedabove,anditincludesa319-pagedocument thatisavailableunderthe ParksandRecreationtab underCityofNewport.com.

A look at one of the facilities inside the Newport Community Center, the heated Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Francisco Garcia

Whitewater rafting options bring splash for summer

HARTFORD— When lookingforafunwayto cooloffduringthesummer,visitorstotheSmoky Mountainsandlocals withinCockeCountydo nothavetosearchfar.

Fourteenmilessouthof Newport’sMainStreet, Hartford,Tennessee, marksaheavily-traveled spotalongthePigeon River.

Tuckedalongthatspot intheriverare11differentwhitewaterrafting outposts,eachonewitha differentname.

BigCreekExpeditions. RaftingintheSmokies. RipRoaringAdventures. SmokyMountainRiver RatWhitewaterRafting. BigBearWhitewater Rafting.

Thesenames,among manyothers,provide ropecoursesorzip-lining throughthetrees,tubingthroughtheriveror kayakingalongthesame water.

Butthemainpointof fun,whitewaterrafting, offersazestthatbrings returningcustomersback eachandeverysummer

forrapidsthatrangefrom classesItoIV.

Forreference,allrapids markedonascalewith sixpointsintotal—one beingstillwaterandsix being“NiagaraFalls,”as oneworkerquipped.

Returnersandfirst-timersalikecanexpectplenty ofsmilesalongthe5.5mileupperriverroute,

whichfeatures12ClassIII rapidsandthreeinClass IV.

Thischoicemaybe moreappropriateforthe thrill-seeker—oratleast someonewho’slookingfor arideguaranteedtomake asplash.

Childrenarewelcome onthatride,aslongas theyareatleast8years

ofageorweighatleast70 pounds.

Thelowerrivertrip consistsofamorescenic routewithclassIand ÎIrapids,sochildrenas youngasthreecantake partinthefun.

Thoserapidsevenallow foronetobringawaterproofcamera,asthetrip willwindaroundmoun-

tainsandfollowHartford RoadtoDenton.

Inessence?“ThePigeon isagreatbeginnerriver,” saidJoeNovotny,an ownerofownedRipRoaringAdventureswhohas workedonriversacross thecountry.“Aperfect one,really.Nobigclass fiverapids,nohugedrops, buttherearestillcontinu-

ousrapids.”

“Firsttimers,Ithink thisareaisgreatspecifically,”addedBryce Clevenger,theassistant generalmanagerfor SmokyMountainRiver RatWhitewaterRafting. “They’reverybeginner-friendly.Soeven

Whitewater rafting guests splash down the Pigeon River as part of what has becomean annual pilgrimage for some to this part of the country.

RAFTING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 83

thoughit’sagreatand exhilaratingexperience, it’snotasriskyassomeof theotherwhitewaterriversthatarehigherrapid levels.”

Moreover,Clevenger addedthatthisexperienceworkswellbecause itgivesvisitorsatasteof theraftingwithouttaking awayanentiredayof summerforwhatmaybea newactivity.

“You’renotouttherethe wholeday,justacouple ofhoursatthemost,”he said.“Soyoudon’thave todedicateawholedayor weekendtoit,butyoucan stillenjoyit.”

Foradultsandchildren, thatmeansacoupleof hoursspentonrapids withnamessuchasPower House,Vegamatic,Roller Coaster,DoubleReactionary,DuckandRunand evenAccelerator.

Thenamesoftherapids themselvesdonotchange muchamongthedifferent companies.

Neitherdoestheequipment,aseachonegives eachguestahelmet,a paddleandapersonal flotationdevice.

Novotnyalsoemphasizedthatpeoplemust wearshoeswithheels —inotherwords,noflipflops.

Afterthat,theywillbe given“anintensivesafety instruction”thatismeant tofamiliarizeguestswith whattheywillencounter onthewater.

Finally,guestswillhop

aboardabus,whichwill takethemtotheput-ins.

Thosespotscandiffer foreachcompany,though theyarealllocatedoff I-40Eastatexit451for theupperriverportion.

Afterthat,allthatisleft istoridedowntheriverat whateverspeedonemay enjoy—whileaccompaniedbyaCPR-certified guide,manyofwhom providethereasoningfor gueststoreturntoaspecificcompanyeachyear.

“It’sastapleoftheir summerexperience,you know?”saidClevenger. “Andthat’ssomething thatwestrivefor—we’re reallyfocusedontheguest experienceandwantthem tocomeback.”

Sodonearbyrestaurant owners,whoseektomake theirownsplashviaestablishmentssuchasThe BeanTrees,PigeonRiver Smokehouse,Gill’sBBQ andtheBigCreekMarket. Thesetastyvendors provideoptionstothose whomaybelookingfor lunchafterspendingtime ontheriver.

Toworkuptheappetite, though,visitorscanfirst giveashottoanyofthe companieslocatedalong theriver.

Thenamesandinformationofraftingcompaniesthatarecurrently availableforbookingcan befoundbelow.Happy paddling!

BigCreekExpeditions, locatedat3671Hartford Road,canbereached at(423)487-0178orvia www.bigcreekexpeditions. com.

RaftingintheSmokies,

at3595HartfordRoad, isavailableat(800)7767238orwww.raftinginthesmokies.com.

RipRoaringAdventures hasanaddressof3555 WheatWayandcanbe foundat(800)449-7238 orwww.raftingtennessee. com.

SmokyMountainRiver RatWhitewaterRafting, locatedat3630Hartford Road,canbereachedat (423)487-4303orwww. smokymtnriverrat.com.

BigBearWhitewaterRaftingisat3165 BigCreekRoadand hasaphonenumberof (844)799-7238.Thesiteis www.bigbearrafting.com.

RapidExpeditions WhitewaterRaftingand Kayaking,locatedat3605 HartfordRoad,isavailableat(888)504-7238or rapidexpeditions.com.

RaftOutdoorAdventures isat3635TrailHollow Road,andthephonenumberis(866)333-7238.The websiteiswww.raftoutdooradventures.com.

SmokyMountainOutdoors(SMO)Raftingcan befoundat3299Hartford Roadwithacontactnumberof(865)430-3838and awebsiteofwww.smokymountainrafting.com.

5RiversAdventuresis locatedat3144Dorsey RoadinCosby,Tennessee, andthephonenumberis (888)204-8779.

Finally,MaggieValley Expeditionsislocatedat 3469HartfordRoadwith anumberof(888)4727238.Thoseinterested canfindmoreinformation onthecompany’sFacebookpage.

RAFTOUTDOORADVENTURES

Guests interact with one another while getting back on their buses following a trip down the Pigeon River.

RAFTOUTDOORADVENTURES

Here, a guide instructs rafters on how to properly handle equipment before disembarking the bus.

LongCreekChristianChurch &MusicBarn

TheLongCreekChristian Churchwasestablishedin 1925toserveGodinthe communitythroughcounty outreachanddirectloving considerationtowardsour neighbors.

SPECIALNOTICES:

Thesermonisbroadcasttotheparkingloton103.7FMforthose preferringtoremainoutdoorsintheirvehicles.

SundayschoolactivitieswillstartbackpendingCovid-19re-assessments

LongCreekhostsawardwinningnationallyknown,as wellas,localquartetsandsinginggroupsattheir “MusicBarn”nextdoortothechurch.Thesingingsare heldonthe3rdSaturday’softhemonth,Maythrough September,andarefreeofcharge.Don’tforgetto bringyourlawnchair!

Options abound for golfers in and around Cocke County

Foranyonelooking tohitthelinks,Cocke Countyandthesurroundingareasofferawealthof options.

Newportishometoone course,an18-holepublic coursewithaparof72,at SmokyMountainCountry Club.

Itislocatedat1220Golf CourseRoadinNewport, twomilesfromthetown’s center,withmoreinformationavailablebelowvia GolfSmokyMountain.com: NotfarfromNewport, SmokyMountainCountry Cluboffersterrificviews andchallengingplayfor golfersateveryskilllevel. Well-groomedfairways

andgreenskeepSmoky MountainCountryClub difficultyetfriendly,and thestaffcanoffertipsand tricksforplayingyour bestround.

SmokyMountainCountryClubisaterrificchoice foryourregularroundsof golforanewdestination foryouandfriendswhen visitingNewport.

Thecoursealsoserves asahomebaseforthe CockeCountyHighSchool golfteams—oneofwhich sentagolfertothe2022 TSSAAStateGolfTournamentinSevierville—and ithostsdifferentcharity andbenefittournaments throughouttheyear.

Onevisitortotheclub labeledSmokyas“oneof thetop10coursesIhave played,”ashewentsofar astoplaythecoursetwice inoneday.

“Pricesareveryreasonableandthestaffwas verypleasant,“hewrote. “Greenswereslowtoday butverywellmaintained thisisaveryfuncourse andIhighlyrecommend ifyouarepassingthrough stopandplay.”

BesidesSmokyMountainCountryClub,there arealsosevenother coursesnearCockeCounty.

DandridgeGolfand CountryClub,Red

Course:9holesover3,054 yardswithaparof36 (public).

DandridgeGolfand CountryClub,White Course:9holesover3,015 yardswithaparof36 (public).

DandridgeGolfand CountryClub,Blue Course:9holesover3,037 yardswithaparof36 (public).

Hereisanoverviewof theDandridgecourses, courtesyofDandridgeGolf.com:

Theoriginal18holes, designedbyDanMaples, meandersitswaythrough valleys,hills,andwoodlands.

In1991,ninemoreholes wereaddedwiththesame characteristicsorthe originaldesign,bringing thearea’sfirst27holegolf complex.

Dandridgeoffersthe samelushBermudafairwaysandbentgrassgreen asitssistercourse,Patriot Hills.

Allcombinationsare par-72andmeasureapproximately6,100yards fromthebacktees,5,800 yardsfromtheregular teesand4,900yardsfrom theforwardtees.

Eachcoursebegins atthesamepoint:1247 StonewallJacksonDrive inDandridge.Thephone

numberfortheRed, WhiteandBluecoursesis (800)997-2655.

BentCreekGolfCourse measures18holesover 6,182yardswithapar of72,anditisapublic courselocatedat3919 EastParkwayinGatlinburg,Tenn.

Thecourseisavailable forviewonlineatwww. bentcreekgolf.comwith moreinformationfeaturedbelow.

Designedbythree-time MastersandBritishOpen ChampionshipWinner GaryPlayer,BentCreek isapar72coursethathas

Gage Bowman, pictured here teeing off at Smoky Mountain Country Club, has been one of several Cocke County and local golfers to utilize the course this year.

Cocke County golfer Kaden Shropshire putts at Smoky Mountain Country Club in Newport.

GOLF

beenpopularsincethe sunnydayitopenedback in1972.

SouthernLivingTravel

GuideratedBentCreekGolf Resortoneofthe“TopFifty GolfCoursesintheSouth.” Thiscourseisallatonce challengingandrelaxing. MorristownGolfand CountryCluboffers9 holesover3,005yards

withaparof35.Itisa publiccourselocatedat 1180ValleyHomeRoadin Morristown,Tennessee, withaphonenumberof (423)586-9953.

Builtin1930,thiscourse is“well-manicured”and “well-mowed,”withgreens thatare“veryfast,”accordingtoanotherreview.

Therearealsoplentyof otherhillsandembankments,offeringaquick after-workchallengefor anyonelookingtoget

someexercise.

PatriotHillsGolfCourse spans18holesover6,710 yardswithaparof72, yetanotherpubliccourse withindrivingdistancefor anyonelookingforagame. Locatedat735ConstitutionDriveinJefferson City,Tennessee,itsphone numberis(865)4754466.

HereismoreonPatriot Hillsviatheirwebsite, PatriotHillsGolf.com: Atitsinception,Patriot

Hillswasintendedtobe morechallengingthanits sistercourseinDandridge. Withasimilardesign,the coursehasprovedtobeas toughasyouwantittobe.

Thepar72coursemeasures6,710yardsfrom thebacktees,6,068yards fromtheregulartees, 5,609yardsfromtheseniortees,and4,974yards fromtheforwardtees.

PatriotHillsisconvenientlylocatedjust25 minutesfromKnoxville

and35minutesfrom Sevierville/PigeonForge/ Gatlinburg.TakeI-40East fromKnoxvilletoexit417. Turnleftandproceed approximate2miles,and PatriotHillsisontheleft. FromtheSeviervillearea, takehighway66toexit 407.ThentakeI-40East toexit417.

Finally,alookatThe CountryClub,aprivate courseinMorristown:18 holesover7,056yards withapartof72.

Thelocationis1686 DoyalDrivewithaphone numberof(423)581-2763. MoreinfoonTheCountryClubisavailablebelow viaThe-CountryClub.com: TheCountryClubboasts abeautiful18-holegolf coursethathasbeenthe previoussiteoftheTennesseeStatePGAChampionship,theStatePGA Four-Balltournament, andNationwideTour qualifyingfortheKnoxvilleOpen.

A look at the layout of each hole for the course at Smoky Mountain Country Club, the only golf course within Cocke County.

An overhead shot of one hole at Patriot Hills Golf Club in Dandridge.

Forests, wildlife management areas and parks

Thereareplentyofthings toseeandthereareplentyof thingstodoinCockeCounty. Ifyoulikepeace,quiet,the greatoutdoorsandwildlife, youmaywanttomakeyour waytooneoftheparks, nationalforestsorwildlife managementareasinthe county.

RankinBottoms

RankinWildlifeManagementAreaispartoftheBlue RidgeConservationOpportunityArea.TakeI-40Exit 432B—US25E/70towards Newport.After2.6miles,turn left(north)atastoplightonto US25E-N.After0.8miles, turnright(east)ontoIndustrialRoad.Drive5.4milesto theintersectionwithRankin HillRoad.RankinBridgeis immediatetoyourright,and theintersectionofRankin HillRoadandHillRoadis about0.3milestoyourleft.

AlsoknownasRankin

Bottoms,itisapopulararea forbirdwatching,kayaking, shingandphotography. Itconsistsof1,255acres. LocatedonDouglasLake,it consistso foodplainsand islandsthataresubjected tofoodingwhenthelake isatfullcapacity.Thereare multipleentrypoints,butthe

roadmaybefoodedsixto eightmonthsoftheyearand duringwinterpool,theroad mayberoughbecauseofthe foodingduringthewarmer months.

Thereisacoaltippleon thegrounds,whichisonthe NationalRegisterofHistoric Places.Itwasconstructed

in1925andwaspartofthe LeadvaleStation.Thearea becameTVApropertywhen DouglasReservoirwasestablishedin1943.

CherokeeNational Forest

CherokeeNationalForest alsoextendsintoCockeCounty.Itisdividedintonorthern

andsouthernsectionsby theGreatSmokyMountains NationalPark.The650,000acreforestisthelargesttract ofpubliclandinTennessee.

HoustonValleyRecreational Areaisinthenationalforest andislocatedinCockeCounty.ThecampgroundatHoustonValleyisclosedbecauseof extensivefooddamage.

MarthaSundquistState Forest

MarthaSundquistState Forestconsistsof2,001

acresthestateboughtfrom InternationalPaperCompany in2001.CherokeeNational Forestsurroundsthestate forestonthreesides.The stateforesthastheTennessee GulfTrailhikingtrail.Itis locatednearHartfordjust pastGrassyFork.

WolfCreekFalls

Forascenichike,makethe trektoWolfCreekFallsnear DelRio.Itisaseven-mile roundtriphikeandisamoderatelychallengingroute.

Wolf Creek Falls

Cherokee National Forest

The historic coal tipple at Rankin Bottoms is a popular site.

A deer relaxing in the woods at Rankin Bottoms.

Rhythm on the River concerts

RhythmontheRiver concertseriesfeatures bothnewandfan-favorite bandsforits8thseasonon Newport’sRiverwalk.

TheCockeCounty Partnership’sChamberof Commercewillagainhost “RhythmontheRiver,”a seriesoveconcertssure todelightresidentsandvisitorsalongtheCityofNewport’sRiverwalkbehind Newport’sCityHall.The datesfor“Rhythmonthe River”areJune1,June15, June29,July13,andJuly 27.Allconcertsarefree tothepublicwithafordableconcessionsprovided byNewport’sWalmart. Concessionproceedswill gototheChildren’sMiracle Network.

Kickingoftheseries

June1isabrand-new band.GetreadyNewport forMarquesPuckettand 8SecondRide(MP8SR), acountry/Southernrock band.Thebandisaunique groupofwell-versed musiciansthathavebeen invitedtosharethestage withnationalactssuchas

TracyByrd,WynonaJudd andAshlandCrafttoname afew.Theyhaveheadlined theTripleShotCountry touralongsideTheAaronWalkerBandandThe DuggarBandatthehistoric CameoTheater.Theband hasplayedalongside America’sGotTalentFinalist,ChapelHart,atthe world-famousCottonEyed JoeinKnoxville.MP8SR startedtheirjourneyin theEastTennesseeregion andhaveexpandedtothe

surroundingareastocreate astrongandloyalfollowing offans.Theirhighenergystageshows,andfan friendlyapproach,hascreatedafanbasethatkeeps comingbackformorenight afternight.

Nexttakingthestage June15isfanfavorite JigsawJaneastheybring theirfunexcitingenergy four-piecebandtothe stageplayingeverything fromclassicrock,Southern rockandalternativerock todriving,oldschool,new agecountrymusicaswell asoriginalmusic.Jigsaw Janeisaregionalbandthat

originatesinNortheast Tennessee/SouthwestVirginia.Thebandhasbeen togetherforfouryearsand hasplayedshowsinmultiplestates.

Helpingkickofalong holidayweekendJune 29isGritsfromDumplin Valley,whohavebecome awelcomedtraditionat ROR.Theyhavebeen makingeventsmemorable since2006andareknown forbeingthemostversatile bandinthearea,playing everythingfromsouthern rock,classicrock,classic

River Town closes out the summer concert series on July 27.

Grits kicks off the concert series June 29.

CONCERTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 90

countrybluesanddance. Trulylifeisbetterwitha sideofGrits.Youwillnot wanttomissthem!

July13welcomesanother newbandtoROR,Outlaw WhiskeyBand.Theyare acountry,Southernrock, classicrock,andoriginals bandoutofHaywood County,NorthCarolina. Theyhaveanawardfor SongwriteroftheYearfor NewCountrythroughNACMAIandareupforthree moreawards.Theyarea ve-pieceband.Members includeMikeHolt,lead singerandguitar,GeraldScott,harmoniesand guitar,RickieHudsonlead guitar,NickGebbia,bass guitarandvocalsandChad Gates,drums.SusanScott asbandmanager.

Endingthisyear’s concertseries,wewillbe

alocalfavoriteformany. RiverTownwilltakethe stageonJuly27.They areabluegrassband fromEastTennesseeand WesternNorthCarolina. ArtistssuchasBillMon -

roe,EarlScruggs,Tony RiceandJDCrowehave infuencedtheirsound. Theirhard-drivingstyle isalwaysacrowdpleaser. BandmembersareRobin Crowder–mandolin,do-

broandvocals,JasonBales –banjoandvocals,Chase Nicely–guitarandvocals, andBryneHill–upright bassandvocals. Whatcouldbebetter thanbluegrass,mountains,

andtheCityofNewport’s beautifulRiverwalk?

Theentertainmentstarts at7p.m.Comeondown, findyourspotandrelax beforetheconcertstartsif youlike.Therewillbefood

andgamessetupby6:30 pm.Andasanextratreat, localnonprofitsthatwork withchildrenwillbeat theconcerttodoactivities withthelittleonesthis year.

Outlaw Whiskey performs July 13.

Jigsaw Jane performs June 15.

Marcus Puckett and 8 Second Ride open the concert series June 1 on Newport’s Riverwalk.

TWRA services area wildlife

TheTennesseeWildlife ResourcesAgencyhascome alongwaysinceitwas establishedin1949andwas calledtheGameandFish Commission.Completely reorganizedin1974,itnow consistsofmorethan600 professionalsdedicatedto thepreservation,conservation,andenhancement o Tennessee’s shand wildlifefortheenjoyment ofallTennesseansandour visitors.

Directedbya13-membercommissionofprivate citizensappointedbythe governor,theTWRAis uniqueamongstateagencies.Unlikemostdepartments,whicharesupported bytaxrevenues,theTWRA isfundedlargelythrough themoniesgeneratedby licensesandpermitspurchasedbyhunters,anglers, andotheroutdoorenthusiasts.YettheAgencyplaysa major,thoughoftenunseen, roleinthelifeofeveryTennessean.

With ourregionalofces strategicallylocatedto servethewestern,middle, plateau,andeasternportion

ofthestate,theTWRA’s responsibilitiesaremany andvaried:wildlieofcers educateboatersandyoung huntersaswellasenforce thehunting, shing,and boatinglaws;biologistsand forestersmanagethestate’s richdiversityofwoodsand watersandourgameand non-gamewildlife.

Ourspecialistsconduct wildlifeandaquaticeducationworkshops,protect thestate’svitalwetlands; monitorwaterquality;and

preservethestate’sdisappearingwildlifespecies. Ourengineersconstruct boatrampsanddocksfor theboatingand shingpublic,whileotherprofessionalscreateaccurate,updated mapsofAgency-managed propertiesthrougha state-of-the-artcomputer imagingsystem.Stillothers sellhunting, shing,and additionalspecialwildliferecreationallicenses; maintainrecordsofthe state’sincreasingnumber

ofregisteredboats;produce theTennesseeWildlife magazine,andmuch,much more.

Ifyouloveoutdoorsports, boating,hunting, shing, andthenaturalworldor ifyoujustliketoobserve wildlife,buildbirdhouses, maintainabirdfeederor arejustcuriousaboutthe crittersinyourbackyard, theTennesseeWildlife ResourcesAgencyishere tohelpenrichyouroutdoor experience.

Tennesseeisoneofthe mostbio-diversestatesin thenation.Currentlythere are315speciesosh,77 mammals,56reptiles,70 amphibians,and340+ birdsknowntoinhabitor migratethroughTennessee. Thenumberofinvertebrate species,manyofwhichare endemictoTennessee,is equallyimpressivewith 256landsnails,99aquatic snails,120+mussels,77 crayshandmanyinsects. Conservingthisassemblage ofbiodiversityinthewake ofeconomicgrowthand ever-changinglandscapes requiresfundingatthestate

andfederallevel.Traditionally,conservationfunding hasbeenraisedthrough huntingfeesandexcise taxesassociatedwithgame species.Althoughconservationofgamespecieshas beenverysuccessful,many nongamespeciesarewithoutdedicatedconservation fundingatthefederallevel and,therefore,atriskof becomingrare,threatened orendangered.

Formoreinformation, visittheirwebsiteatwww. state.tn.us/twra.

TWRA’SREGIONIV CockeCountyisin

TWRA’sRegionIV,withthe RegionIVofceislocated onWildlifeWayinMorristown.Itisashortdistance o Highway25Ejusteast o the25EBridgethat crossesCherokeeReservoir.

WildlieWayisdirectlyo ElgerlotteLane,whichis locatedattheintersection ofCherokeeParkRoadand BualoTrail.

FromI-81:Takethe Morristownexit(exit8) andtravel9-milesnorthon Highway25Etothetrafc lightatCherokeeParkRd,

turnleftonCherokeePark Rdandgoashortdistance toastopsign,continue straightacrosstheintersectiontoElgerlotteLane, WildlieWayisthe rst roadontheright.

FromBeanStation: TravelsouthonHighway 25E,takethe rstright aftercrossingCherokee ReservoironHighway343 (BualoTrail),thentake the rstrightonElgerlotte Lane,WildlieWaywillbe the rstroadontheright..

TWRA’sRegion4Wildlife Ofcersenorceboating,hunting, shingand trappinglaws,butmayalso enforceallotherTennessee Statelaws.Therearefull timeWildlieOfcerslocatedineachcountyandmore than15part-timeWildlife Ofcerswhoassistwith boatingenforcement.

Usethefollowinginformationtocontactyour localWildlieOfcer.Ater dialing(800)332-0900or (423)587-7037youwillbe promptedtoenteranextensionnumberorthecallwill beansweredbyourofce supportsta.

INFO GUIDE 2023/2024

Douglas Reservoir oers a bounty of activities

Setagainstthebackdrop oftheSmokyMountain foothills,DouglasReservoirisapopularrecreationdestination,known forpicnicking,camping, boating,andfishing.

DouglasandotherTVA damsbuiltduringWorld WarIImadeahistoric contributionbyproviding hydropowertodrivethe wareffort.Thereservoir remainsanintegralunit intheoverallwatercontrolsystemintheTennesseeValley.

Birdwatchersenjoythe fallmigrationofshore birds,wadingbirds,and otherwaterowlthatfock toDouglasfromlateJuly toearlyOctober.Thebirds restandfeedonthemuddy shorelineandinareasof shallowwaterexposedas thelevelofthereservoir isloweredtowinterfood controllevels.

DouglasReservoiris locatedamongtherolling uplandsoftheGreat ValleyofeastTennessee. Setagainstthebackdrop ofthelush,greenSmoky Mountainfoothills,Douglasattractstwomillion recreationvisitorsayear. Picnicking,camping, boating,andfishingare allpopularactivitiesat thereservoir.

Douglasisratedinthe topfiveCrappiefishing lakesinthenationandin thetop10LargeMouth Bassfishinglakesinthe nation.Othergoodfishing

includes:whitebass, sauger,blackcrappie, stripedbass,spottedbass, walleye,bluecat,flathead catfish,channelcatfish, redhorse,redbreastsunfishandbluegill.

Mostoftheshorelineon DouglasLakeisprivately owned.TheTVAprovides recreationalfacilitiesat DouglasDam.Abovethe damisacampgroundwith hookupsandshowers,a picnicarea,allseasonsboat ramp,andswimmingbeach.

Eventhoughover1 millionplusvisitorsarrive annuallyDouglaslake stilloffersmanysecluded covesandhollowstoenjoy,nevergivingyouthat

over-crowdedfeeling.The bestthingaboutDouglas Lake’slocationisitsclose proximitytotheaction packedattractionsof Gatlinburg,PigeonForge, Sevierville,andtheGreat SmokyMountainNational Park,offeringyoutwo vacationsinone!

Douglasisafertile, TennesseeValleyAuthorityreservoirwith 555-milesofshoreline andatotalsurfaceareaof 30,600-acres.Theshorelineisprimarilyfarmland andresidential,with rollinghills.

Douglas’drainagebasin of4,541-squaremilesis thelargestofthetributary

Douglas Reservoir

oftheFrenchBroad.The reservoirincludespartsof Sevier,Jefferson,Hamblen,andCockecounties. Roadaccessisavailable byTennesseeStateHwy 338whichcrossesjust downstreamofthedam. Interstate40(Exit407) passesafewmilestothe north.

TheTennesseeportion oftheFrenchBroadwas designatedastatescenic riverbytheTennessee ScenicRiversActof1968. Approximately33river milesinCockeCounty, startingattheNorthCarolinaborderandextendingdownstreamtothe confluencewithDouglas Lake,aredesignatedas ClassIII,PartiallyDeveloped.

reservoirs.Thereservoir canfluctuate60-feetfrom thesummerelevationof 1000-feetabovesealevel, tothewinterelevationof 940-feet.Itisnotuncommonforthelaketoriseas muchas15-to20-feetin adayortwoifheavyrains occur.However,summer levelscanberelatively stable.

Thermalstratification iscommonduringthe summermonths.Low dissolvedoxygenconcentrationsarecommon duringthesummer, makingfishingtoughuntil coolerfallweatherarrives.

Thermalstratificationcan beginformingasearlyas

April,andcanbefirmlyin placebyJuneorJuly.At thattimeofyear,fishermenshouldconcentrate onfishingthelowerend ofthelake,andatdepths oflessthan10-feet(above thethermocline).

TheFrenchBroadRiver windsitswaywestward fromtheAppalachian Mountains,gainingconsiderablestrengthafter absorbingthePigeon RiverandNolichucky RivernearNewport beforeeventuallyjoining withtheHolstonRiver atKnoxvilletoformthe TennesseeRiver.

DouglasDamislocated 32milesabovethemouth

Anglersunfamiliarwith thelakeshouldfindexcellentfishingintheFlat, Muddy,McGuire,and NinaCreekembayments.

Largemouthbassand crappiespawninthelarge shallowembaymentsand havehistoricallyproduced verystrongyearclasses. Inmostyears,sauger andwalleyesuccessfully spawnupstreaminthe riversduringtheearly spring.Douglas’gamefish areusuallyabletonaturallysustainanexcellent fishery,butsomesupplementalstockinghastaken place.

Twelvepublicboat rampsarelocatedaround thereservoir.

Phone Listings

NewportMayor’sOfce

423-623-7323

NewportCityHall

423-623-7323

NewportHousingAuthority

423-623-1575

NewportStreetDepartment

423-623-5246

NewportBuilding&CodesInspector

423-623-7323

NewportFireDepartment

423-613-4048

NewportPoliceDepartment

423-613-4048

NewportGrammarSchool

423-623-3811

NewportRecyclingCenter

423-625-3850

CockeCountyMayor’sOfce

423-623-8791

CockeCountyCircuitCourt

423-623-6124

CockeCountyClerkandMaster

423-623-3321

CountyAgExtension

423-623-7531

CockeCountyClerk’sOfce

423-623-6176

FarmServices

423-623-8646

CockeCountyFireDepartment

423-623-4444

CockeCountyHighwayDepartment

423-623-5102

CockeCountyElectionCommission

423-623-2042

CockeCountyProperty

Assessor’sOfce

423-623-7024

CockeCountyRegistero Deeds

423-623-7540

CockeCountySchoolSystem

423-623-7821

CockeCountySessionsCourt

423-623-8619

CockeCountySheri ’sOfce

423-623-6004

CockeCountyTrustee’sOfce

423-623-3037

CockeCountyVetsAairsOfce

423-623-7911

CentralDispatch

423-623-8777

NewportUtilities

423-625-2800

JeersonCockeGasUtility

423-623-3069

CockeCountyChambero Commerce

423-623-7201

EconomicDevelopmentCommission

423-623-3008

CockeCountyTourismOfce

423-625-9675

NewportCommunityCenter

423-623-7304

NewportPostOfce

423-623-6136

TNDepartmento HumanServices

423-623-1291

TNDepartmento Workorce

Development

423-623-1108

TennesseeNationalGuard

423-623-1266

ParrottsvilleTownHall

423-623-9380

StokelyMemorialLibrary

423-623-3832

CosbyCommunityLibrary

423-487-5885

MarieEllisonMemorialLibrary

423-487-5929

ParrottsvilleCommunityLibrary

423-625-8990

SaeSpace

1-800-244-5968

CockeCountyHealthDepartment

423-623-8733

COCKECOUNTY

CONVENIENCECENTERS

Rankin—269ClayhillRoad,Newport Reidtown—1490Highway25/70,Newport MorrellSprings—965MorrellSpringsRoad, Newport Cosby—3887CosbyHighway,Cosby WiltonSprings—606WiltonSpringsRoad, Newport RavensBranch—2315Old15thStreet,Hartford

DelRio—2990EastHighway25/70,DelRio Parrottsville—2061CanaryDrive,Parrottsville IrishCut—1160OldAshevilleHighway,Newport Bogard—3136BogardRoad,Newport Centerview—2474HoltTownRoad,Newport CityConvenienceCenter—122LocustStreet, Newport

COCKECOUNTYPOSTOFFICES

BybeePostOfce

1580Highway160

Bybee,TN37713

423-623-5605

CosbyPostOfce

4402HooperHighway

Cosby,TN37722

423-487-2421

DelRioPostOfce

3105E.Highway25/70

DelRio,TN37727

423-623-6082

HartordPostOfce

3603HartfordRoad

Hartford,TN37753

423-487-2180

NewportPostOfce

265CosbyHighway

Newport,TN37821

423-623-6136

ParrottsvillePostOfce

2053Highway321

Parrottsville,TN37843

423-623-5500