February Edition 2018REPROGRAMING CITIZENS TO ADAPT FOR SUCCESS.ARE WE PREPARED TO LIVE IN A SUCCESSFUL COUNTY?BRAND NEW TOURISM JOBS! ELECTION BEAST RE-CYCLE Hey! Who’s the real hero here?Inside this “SWEETHEART” issue… Is it all smokeRegister of Deeds, Dormis Miller Retires. and mirrorsSee what “Mr. Deeds” himself has to say or could weabout it….Additional feature with love of his actually be turning alife, Jane. corner?County Mayor & State Rep Weigh in on CoverAfter New Director of Schools named. What CCis Jennifer Fields going to do different?Gala Agape Holds Successful EveningLocal Sweethearts found again after 50years, then married.Campbell County Rotary Rocks DistributionElection Petitions up to dateCougar SportsFoodie…SUBSATIONAL DeliMotherhood…And more…SCHOOLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTSMANUFSaAleCsTURING FAMILIES? ENTERTAINMENT? 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr HEALTH CARE? SENIORS?
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 2Publisher- Kelli Online Sports, Preview Editor, Jo Wright Editor/Preview Videographer, Writer Sports Editor- Writer- John Jeremy Young Writer Muse Patrick PebleyContributing Ad Development, Administrative Writer Jim Website Assistant Robey Dossett Development Ward Carmen Roberts
Volunteer times Campbell county preview page 3FROM THE Thank you for reading the Volunteer Times first Preview edition in digital onlyPUBLISHER format. Our new platform is being viewed by thousands of local people, just like you, who care deeply about our wonderful community. Here is how you can help make us better, bigger and stronger. When you read this pass it along on social media or email our link to a friend. Say something nice about us when you post. (We LOVE that) If you know of a wonderful story or article that needs to be told, feel free to let us know. Also, if you have the time on your hands and want to take on the task yourself, simply submitt it. You see, we are all in this together. Each and everyone of our citizens in this county know of great stories that are yet to be published. Why should staff writers get all the credit when many of you out there are just as talented? There is no way the seven of us can know everything remarkable that happens within our boundaries therefore we will rely on your input from time to time. This is your paper and publication as much as ours and we want its content to make you proud by reflecting your views and inspirations. Enjoy the February edition and thank you for reading. Kelli Jo Wright, PublisherInside this issueKKKK 17 Local Parks & Recreation Story1 Cover2 Meet the Staff & Mission 18 Dormas & Jane Miller Sweethearts3 From the Publisher/Guide 19 Mr. Deed’s continued4 Coming soon & Political Food 4 20 Hello Motherhood by Lindseythought Bradley5 Dennis Powers & Gala Agape 21Times on Social Media6 Exchange students visit 22 Dormas & Jane Miller Continuedrotary/school7 Robbie Goins Sherriff plans to run 23 Rotary Services local school8 EL Morton- Addresses Times cover 24 Rotary Continuedaspect 25 Foodie “Subsational Deli”9 Times on Social Media 26 Foodie cont. -Ayers Given Scout10 John & Hilda…A Love Story Award11 A Love Story Continued 27 EL Cover continued12 Jeremy’s Journey 28 Sports Cougar Cover13 Dormas Miller “Mr. Deeds” Retires 29 Meet the Cougars 30 CCHS Football Banquet pics14 New Director of schools Fields Q 31Pat’s Place – Remembering Rex&A Hickey15 LaF. City Updates- Jimmy 32 Pat’s Wrestling – Home & GardenJeffries16 Pat on Politics 33 EL Continued
Volunteer times Campbell County Preview Page 4Food for Thought on Election appetitesBy Kelli Jo Wright Well of course no specific individual, man or woman, is going to ride in with a white hat (or cape for that matter) andsave the day. Honey, that ship has sailed. The purpose of our cover is to get you to look and think for yourself about ourupcoming elections. Are you being sold that something is working? Are you being sold that it’s not? It’s very important to bean informed voter and educated citizen about the past, current state and projected growth of our great county. But how do welook at this objectively and determine who may be the best candidate to complete or begin a project? The answer isn’t alwayssimple. Many great people in our community with experienced leadership are both currently holding offices and knocking onthe door for election. Often in smaller towns such as ours, it frequently gets down to the nitty-gritty of who we like better.That’s not the intelligent way to vote of course. But if you are torn between two and they both possess what you are seekingin a candidate, odds have it, you’re going to default to your “personal” favorite. Here is the good news: Our comic cover was deliberate in bringing out the possibilities and potential we have locally toindeed re-brand. Our Mr. Campbell County (CC) was to give you the idea that there could be a hero to ride in and makeeverything better, but we want you to be aware, that hero is reading this now. We at the Times allowed incumbents to putforth this month their accomplishments as moving forward (6 months out from election) all media outlets must be consciousto not allow bias to any candidates. After this publication, the monthly news releases you are used to seeing will cease untilafter elections. However, each candidate will be given a platform here at the Times and we are currently putting together avideo program to give each a voice that can be shared and communicated. Thus, we want to give you more knowledge fordecision making when casting your vote. Informed voters, are heroes because they really can, and will save the day. Theybegin to think twice before flipping a switch and ponder what really matters. Are you voting for this individual because oftheir sex, family name, a good deed they did for the community, or because they are hands down, in your opinion, the best,most experienced and prepared one for the job? COMING SOON Candidates get Candid If you are running for a public office, please get in touch with the Volunteer Times @ 423.912.8873 to schedule your free candidate video outline. These will be published on all candidates by the Times in an effort of community outreach to inform voters. The Round Table Video Series A group of 6 experienced individuals on many given topics come together to discuss various resources, ideas, issues and solutions. This will be a monthly program beginning in April of 2018 and only here at the Volunteer Times. The Influence Series Citizens that stands out, individually, will be interviewed up close and personal allowing our community to drawknowledge and encouragement from those who have achieved success in areas of their life. Monthly program beginning in April of 2018 and only here at the Volunteer Times. Home & Garden Do you know someone who has an unusual home or remodel project? Even a residence with domestic décor that has gone over the top that you would love to see featured? Contact us and let us know as we would love to add them to the list of amazing homes here in our area to feature. Community Drug Forum This March the Times will host a Community Drug forum at Campbell County High school involving panel discussion from various local and state representatives experienced with our local problem. The forum will focus on solutions and resources. Keep watching for our separate release on this community event. One Click Real Estate Coming in April to our new website updates with one click on www.thevolunteertimes.com. you will be able to view ALL local real estate from all brokers in one convenient location. Easy to share, easy to view. Check out video tours as well.
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 5 With the second half of the 110th General Even locally, we are seeing the results of our work in Nashville. Over the last 7 years, we have fostered a fruitful Assembly now in full swing, legislators are economic environment through a successful partnership with the Department of Economic and Community busy working in Nashville as bills make Development that has reduced unemployment in Campbell their way through the House committee County from 13.7% in Jan. 2011 to 4.1% in Dec. 2017. system. This year, we are once again I also served on the Tennessee House Speaker’s Opioid Task Force as we traveled across the state, and together with focused on supporting common-sense local government agencies, we are fighting to address our state’s opioid epidemic through initiatives like the landmark initiatives to aid with a broad range of Tennessee Together plan that attacks the problem on all fronts. issues, all of which will help ensure My colleagues and I have also worked to be responsibleDennis Powers Tennessee remains positioned for future stewards of your tax dollars, including my own initiative to prosperity. hold our federal government accountable for their spendingState — just like we are held accountable here in Tennessee — through a balanced budget amendment which I sponsoredRepresentative Unlike Washington, D.C., lawmakers in that makes the federal government balance their budget every year like we must do here in Tennessee.cut taxes so we allTheanvneemssoeerehmaovneewy oinrkoeudr ptogcektehteart tohepeansds There is no doubt in the years ahead that our state will alsoof the month, anbdilltshtahtathleilmpitcgreoavteernamnenent vinirtrounsmioenntintohuatr face challenges. However, I remain confident we canencourages businedsasielsytloivleosc,atheaatnd expand in Tennessee. overcome future obstacles by continuing to implement our shared conservative principles: making government moreUnder conservative leadership, Tennessee is a better place efficient and eliminating waste where possible, eliminating bureaucratic red tape so our businesses can thrive, andto live, work, and raise a family than at any time in the past keeping Tennessee taxes as low as possible.— and we have the facts to back it up. As we push ahead during the 2018 legislative session, the General Assembly is energized to once again follow yourBased on recent economic reports, our state is #1 in the instruction as we move into the new year. Instead of looking back to an era of failed policies, we ask that you continue toSoutheast and #2 in the entire United States for job growth support the progress that has been made since 2011 by re-over the last year. Since 2011, nearly 400,000 net new private electing a strong Republican majority in the state legislature. In return, we give you our word to continuesector jobs have been created. And thanks to things like tort building on our prior successes to make Tennessee an even better place to call home.reform and the overhaul of our workers’ compensationsystem, more Tennesseans have a job today than at any singlepoint in our state history.In September, our unemployment rate reached the lowestpercentage ever seen. Since taking over the majority in 2011,the Republican General Assembly, with the help of GovernorHaslam, has cut twice as much in taxes than any otherAdministration or General Assembly before us, includingeliminating the inheritance tax and gift tax, reducing the salestax on food multiple times, and passing legislation tocompletely phase out the Hall tax by 2022.Friday night was the first Gala Agapepresented by board members of the CampbellCounty Christian Learning Center as afundraiser for the center planning to offerclasses for CCHS students in Aug of 2018. The event was held at the Stables inLaFollette and boasted a little over 200 ticketssold for the first ever semi-formal event.Performances by the Christian Lange quartetand later ballroom dancers from Knoxvillecompleted the evening’s entertainment. Localyouth volunteered to help serve the guestsdiner directly to their table to complete theevening. Release time Bible study will be the firstever offered in Tennessee, but the boardhopes once it’s successful here it will growaround the region. The program is modeledfrom other very successful programs insurrounding states. What the CLC will offer isthe opportunity for a high school student totake Bible curriculum as an elective class. Theclasses will be held at Hillcrest Baptist churchwhich is a short walk but off school campusgrounds for students of CCHS.
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 6Local Exchange Students visit Rotary and Valley View Elementary School and Share Local exchanEgexsptuedreniet nfrocmesRussia,Montenegro, Brazil and Germany spent theafternoon with the South Campbell CountyRotary Club sharing their experiences oftheir time in the US. Later the students went to Christy Allen’skindergarten class at Valley ViewElementary. The students read to thechildren and assisted them in taking ARtests in the computer lab. Later they helpedthe children write their names using lettersfrom some different languages. It’s a SmallWorld After All
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 7 Sheriff Robbie Goins For the latest updates on the local Announces Re- shooting log on to Election Bid for 3rd Term www.thevolunteertimes.comTouts Dedicated Staff, Law Enforcement Awards, Certifications and Grants: The sheriff’s office has beenAccomplishments and Community Involvement recognized nearly every year by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office for its exemplary efforts of its officers in D.U.I. and drug enforcement,Jacksboro, TN- Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins announced this along with, its highway safety efforts. The newly expanded Campbellmorning his intentions to seek a 3rd term for the office of Campbell County County Jail has been state certified for the first time in over a quarterSheriff. Sheriff Robbie Goins was elected sheriff in 2010 with an overwhelming century. Nearly $300,000 in grants have been awarded by themajority and was re-elected in 2014 with over 72% of the vote. Sheriff Goins Tennessee Highway Safety Office and utilized by deputies. We have alsosaid, I am seeking a 3rd term because we still have important work to do partnered with Children’s Hospital of East Tennessee in grants givingtogether. When I took office in 2010 methamphetamine labs were a children free bicycle helmets and child safety seats to parents totalingdemonstrable problem. We’ve whittled that down to nearly nothing today. nearly $50,000.Now, we are being overrun by the opioid crisis and I believe we have so muchto do and my staff has, and is, working hard every day to fight this problem in Jail: Led by a dedicated jail staff, the newly needed jail expansionits many ugly forms. We need your prayers.” opened a few years ago creating over 300 inmate beds for housing. A yearly average of over 3,000 arrestees come through the booking officeSince Goins was elected in 2010 the sheriff’s office has grown in many areas of the Campbell County Jail. The new jail also received, for the first timeand garnered many accomplishments, along with, many law enforcement in over a quarter century, its prized state certification. Almost 300,000actions. Since 2010 the sheriff’s office has answered and initiated almost meals are served from the jail kitchen every year.110,000 calls for service. Sheriff Goins calls it, “Unprecedented. The amountof calls over these last several years is a prime example of the leadership and School Resource Officers: The sheriff’s SRO program has placed ahard work of this fine staff and they have my full confidence and support. I deputy in nearly every Campbell County School for law enforcementwould put them up against anyone, anytime. It also proves the need for our presence and safety. It’s a one of a kind division in our area. It’s 13office and the call for new and better resources.” deputies are placed all across Campbell County Schools by working with the Campbell County School Board, Director of Schools, CampbellThe fruits and labors of our sheriff’s office is laid out in the following County Commission, along with cooperation from, school principals,accomplishments since 2010: teachers, students, parents and other staff. The SRO’s provide many services aside from direct law enforcement duties that include; teachDrugs: Nearly $500,000 in illegal drug money profits have been seized from the new anti-drug L.E.A.D. Program to school children. They are traineddrug dealers and reused into new drug abuse investigations. Nearly 150 in child passenger safety seat installation, hosting 4 checkpoints invehicles have been seized from drug related investigations that were proven Campbell County, where 108 families were served. The SRO’s provideto be connected to the sell of drugs and when awarded, sold at public auction. law enforcement and safety enforcement at every home game forThe office has generated nearly $165,000 in monies from the sale of property football, basketball and soccer sports at our schools. The SRO’s haveconnected to drug offenses at public auctions. Nearly 200 people have been investigated and criminally charged individuals for several seriousindicted by the grand jury through drug investigations and prosecuted in threats and actions against our schools and children.criminal court. Nearly 500 other drug offense related arrests have been madesince 2010. The office has logged nearly 250 arrests for drunk or drugged Corporals: Just recently, by working with county officials, we were abledriving since 2010. Since 2010 the sheriff’s office has educated nearly 3,000 to promote first time ever corporal positions into the chain ofschool children with D.A.R.E. and the newly created L.E.A.D. Program that command, streamlining the structure of the office to be more effectiveeducates school aged children in the dangers of drugs. and efficient for our citizens at no extra burden to taxpayers.Community Involvement: The sheriff’s office has been ultimately dedicated to K-9 Program: Just this year the sheriff authorized the expansion of theits community in many ways including the presence at: Hosting the Sheriff’s office’s K-9 Unit bringing it to its largest and most fruitful to date for aBack to School Bash and serving thousands of Campbell County children, as total of 3 K9's on duty full time, including the first ever K-9 assignedwell as, working with the school system and many other great organizations. directly to Campbell County Schools.Replacement blood drives for people in need, Church Safety and SecuritySeminars, National Night Out, Louie Bluie and many other community events. “It is with the most humble of heart that I thank you and your family forWe participate and work with Habitat for Humanity, Tennessee Valley allowing me to serve as your sheriff. It's an honor and privilege. We’veCoalition for the Homeless, Shepherds Home, TVA, Food Life Services, Open been through a lot together. We’ve seen suffering together and we’veArms Ministry, Senior Citizens Center, the Campbell County Historical Society, seen sacrifice together. We’ve also accomplished many successesCommunity Health of East Tennessee and many other churches and non- together. We have so much more work to do together and I lookprofit organizations. We also provide the adoption and cleanup for 9 forward to it. Our campaign together has never really stopped. Wecemeteries in Campbell County. We paint schools, classrooms, sporting field strive every day to provide you and your family with the best possiblehouses, Campbell County Chamber of Commerce office and many others with service we can give you. Perfect we’re not, but proud we remain. I aminmate labor and no cost to taxpayers. so proud of my hardworking and dedicated staff. I could not do it without them or your heartfelt support and prayers. I ask you and your family, again this year, to support my reelection, ours, so our services can continue together.” said Sheriff Robbie K. GoinsHappy Valentine’s DayCampbell County…Enjoy your day of LOVE,ALL month long!
Volunteer times Campbell County Preview Page 8 In Next Month’s Issue of the Volunteer TimesEconomic Development in Preview we will have the 25th Anniversary of the Blizzard of 93 feature. Sent us yourCampbell County Today Blizzard photos from 93By E.L. Morton, County Mayor Also, the Volunteer Times CCHS Basketball AwardsEconomics, jobs, budgets, market Businesses that survived became much year and immediately launched intovolatility, revenues, education funding, leaner, but most lost some jobs in the expansion mode, and they forecastinterest rates, election outcomes and process. So, how did our job growth another 100 jobs in Jellico by Summer.trade agreements are issues I used to occur and in what employment That project is alongside the newhear about on the 6 o’clock news as a sectors? county rail spur and Jellico’s citykid and wonder what the fuss was all owned industrial building. Protect theabout. Since then, we have thrown in Part of the formula was that the Force Manufacturing is in its secondinternet connectivity, broadband access businesses that survived the recession year leasing space in the county’sand cell phone signal strength to the adapted well and they have a good industrial building in the McGheemix. Obviously, those things impact our outlook for the future. Those dynamics Industrial Park near the National Guardlives. As adults, we place more enabled Austin Powder to come back a Armory in Jacksboro. They have 53emphasis on them as we gain couple of years ago alongside a employees and are very aggressivelyunderstanding of how they affect quality regional resurgence in road gaining contracts. Across the street,of life for the people around us. construction. The state legislature Pro Image Wholesale Signs is growingCampbell County citizens are the most created a transportation plan last year contracts too. That street is scheduledconnected and well informed people in that spurred businesses like asphalt for a new paving when the weatherthe history of the planet. We have ready and concrete plants on Exit 141 in breaks this spring- it’s first resurfacingaccess to this type of information in Caryville. in two decades, and the Industrialminute detail and we are paying Access road renovation from Exit 141attention. My job is to optimize those We stand at roughly 200 more to the Erschell Collins Industrial Parkfactors every day to make life better jobs than we lost in the past four years. is underway now. Greater investmenttomorrow than it was yesterday. So how Solid employers like DeRoyal, in the power grid continues to bolsterare we doing? Let’s take a look. Campos, Matix, Camel and our Campbell County as a business tourism sector have been steady and location with the very latest in powerJOBS slowly growing along with the recent grid technology. LaFollette Utilities is additions. Our family owned machine pouring in another $8.5M in upgrades More Tennesseans have jobs shops have continued to improve while TVA is improving by $3M neartoday than any time in state history with through tough markets too. Pay rates the Collins Park site.an unemployment rate of 3.6%. So how have risen at the same time. Telos anddoes Campbell County fare with regard the B/S/H Lab in Caryville are adding EDUCATIONto jobs? Not quite 3.6%, but close. At good paying jobs. Telos has hiredthe time of this writing, Campbell nearly every worker at $18/hour or The Tennessee Promise andCounty has an Unemployment Rate of higher. Some are much higher than Reconnect Scholarships are game4.1%. The ‘great recession’ had quite a that. B/S/H added two Engineers last changers for our state’s competitivestranglehold on our rural economy for fall that should exceed $65K in the stance. With our expanding Roanemuch longer than the bigger towns in second year, and Matix offers State Campus in LaFollette and ourTennessee, so we are 10% below $13/hour and medical benefits for TCAT in Jacksboro, Campbell Countyaverage for the state. However, 4.1% is many entry level positions. It’s a good is postured to take full advantage ofalso the nation’s unemployment rate. thing for workers when Wal-Mart those dollars and the skilled workersMost economic models consider full starts part time workers at $11/hr. they produce. Our part of the equationemployment at around 5%, so by that is K-12 and improving the publicstandard, we have exceeded full INFRASTRUCTURE school experience and our academicemployment. Neighboring states like results.Georgia have strong economies, but the Locally, the Campbell CountyDepartment of Labor shows the Peach Commission invested in a power grid Over the past three years, tax baseState at 4.4% unemployment today. So upgrade that solidified an advanced growth has been small, but it hasby that measure, slightly below average manufacturing electrical supply for a enabled small increases in our schoolsfor the state, but average for the nation generation in Campbell County. That funding, to the point where I expect weand statistically outpacing Georgia, with investment paid off for not only Telos will see Campbell County Publicthe Atlanta economic engine doing all it Global at the former A&S site, but Schools exceed BEP minimums bycan do. shortly thereafter, B/S/H Thermador $200K for FY 18/19. While some announced a Caryville expansion school systems fund more and someThe great recession took away where PACA and Mountain Defense fund less, this funding is a strong trendcompanies like Austin Powder, A&S once operated. The B/S/H Expansion and it bolsters our brand as a county toSteel, PACA Body Armor, Mountain was a head to head competition with say we have increased school fundingDefense Body Armor, the entire coal Anderson County and we fortunately and exceeded BEP for threemining economy and others. brought those jobs to Caryville. Better consecutive years. Continued on Pg 27 Made Trailers bought Bushtec last
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VOLUNTEER TIMES CAMPBELL COUNTY PREVIEW PAGE 10Hilda Haley John and Hilda Anderson asas a youngwoman. they sat together to tell their John Anderson story of love. when he was a project manager for General Electric. Writer’s Note: There are many wonderful love stories across our beautiful county. These are two that I felt deserve to be read. Tosee these couples look at each other, is to see what love looks like. Have their lives been a bed of perfect roses? Absolutely not. But theytake life as it comes, together. Love and marriage is a partnership. It’s not about one person over the other. These couples exemplify that. Itcan’t work if the marriage is like two people sitting in a canoe rowing in opposite directions. These individuals have faced differentjourneys of troubled waters, winds and waves in life, but they continue to row… Together!Love finds its way back: John and Hilda Anderson Campbell County Historical Society and Museum since returning to the county,By Jeremy Z. Young thought of her letters from John.The first time John Anderson proposed to As an electrical engineer, John’s first job “For many years we didn’t knowHilda Haley it was 1944. He was 22 and she whether the other one was living or dead,” after the war was working on the lighting at Hilda said. “I still had his letters.”was 19. The infatuation had been building for the top of the Empire State Building in Newseveral years since they first met. Hilda told of how her children knew York. During this time, he met his first wife of John, and her husband Pat knew of John. John’s father was an auditor for a coal who he would be married to for 45 years The letters, tied in a blue ribbon, had been inmining company in Dante, Virginia, about 40 a drawer for all the years that had passed. She before her passing. still had contact information for John’smiles north of Abingdon. Hilda’s aunt, Polly John was in charge of high voltage brother, and she wanted to find out if he wasButler, was his assistant. The two first met still living. She wanted to have John’s research for General Electric until his health approval before sending excerpts from theseover summer around the time John was 17 forced him to retire last year (2017) at the age letters for historical recording, as the lettersand Hilda was 14. Her family had came from of 94. He is a member of the National were personal between the two of them.Madisonville, Kentucky to visit her aunt. Academy of Engineering (NAE) and hasJohn and Hilda were in high school at the done electrical engineering work on every When Hilda asked for his approval oftime. Hilda’s father was a mining engineer in continent except Antarctica. the letters, John gave it, provided some personal things be left out. Some of theKentucky and Northern Tennessee. “You don’t join them [NAE], they letters are now at the National Museum of the “She became pretty interesting to join you,” John said. Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas.me,” John said fondly of the young girl. John was part of a team of engineers Hilda and her sister-in-law had John started inviting her to Friday decided to visit national historic sites in that went behind the Soviet “Iron Curtain” Berkshire, Massachusetts. John had sincenight dances and their relationship began to twice exchanging engineering information. married again in 1994 and still lived inblossom. Hilda would take a train to see him He also toured China designing a high power Pittsfield, Massachusetts where he did mosteven after her family had returned home. of his work for GE. They extended anJohn graduated from Virginia Polytechnic laboratory for the Chinese government. He invitation to help pick out some of the placesInstitute (VPI) and State University (Virginia co-authored five books and over 50 technical for Hilda and her sister-in-law to visit.Tech) with an honor’s degree in electricalengineering. His senior year was Hilda’s papers on electrical power, and also served as “We thought they would give us a list,freshman year at the University of Tennessee, editor for a few years for GE’s transmission but they took that week and took us andKnoxville, where she met the man from magazine. One of his jobs with GE was showed us around,” Hilda said. “I loveLaFollette that she would later marry, Pat teaching professional engineers from across history and John’s a history buff and he hadKerr Sharp. the world. been there so long he knew all about it. It was an experience. I had never been to New “In one hand I got a diploma and in During this time, Hilda had left UT England.” but later finished college and graduated fromthe other hand I got my orders from the Another accomplishment John isArmy,” John said. Ole Miss. In addition to having two children proud of is that he has walked the entire with her husband Pat, she taught school for a 2,130 miles of the Appalachian Trail over John would serve during eight total of 38 years, some in Nashville, numerous outings during his life. After 17campaigns in the Pacific during World War Memphis and Oak Ridge. Upon her years of marriage, his second wife passed away in 2011.II, earning eight battle stars and a Presidential husband’s retirement, she taught her last eight Hilda, 86 at the time, was living at LaFolletteCitation. Unfortunately, he also had malaria years of teaching was at Valley View Court Assisted Living Facility.and malnutrition during the war. John was a Elementary after returning to CampbellLieutenant and then Captain in the Air Force County. Pat Kerr Sharp passed away in 2004. John and Hilda had been emailingworking on communications and radar. each other back and forth since their first re- “I loved Valley View,” she said. “We connection about their letters in the mid-Sharp, Hilda’s first husband, was a Sergeant had a good principal, Donnie Poston, who let 2000s. It wasn’t long before he startedin the 82th Airborne Division who completed you teach and didn’t call meetings just to visiting her in Tennessee and the two began have meetings. I had been in a large high enjoying trips to Virginia and other places.17 successful parachute jumps. school in Nashville for 22 years and if you“He was a better man than me,” John said. were scheduled to have a meeting, you had a Continued Page 11 meeting whether you had anything to talk “No, both of you were wonderful,” about or not.”Hilda replied. Branches of the United States military John remembered something that and the East Tennessee Historical SocietyHilda’s mom had said. “She told her mom had begun asking for letters between militarythere were only two men she would marry… men and women during World War II. Hilda,and she married both of us.” a volunteer with the
The Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 11John and Hilda lovestory continuedAfter a brief period, Hilda’s daughter gave her Hilda and John Anderson as they sat together to tell their story of love.blessing for the two to be married. Hilda saidthat her daughter told her that at their age, they “Being back with John has been a very joyous John & Hilda before the move toneeded to enjoy every day they have. Hilda and time for me,” Hilda said. Assisted LivingJohn were married on June 11, 2011 at the FirstCongregational Church in Pittsfield, which was Hilda recently spent several weeks in and outfirst built in 1764 and is where John had served of the hospital with pneumonia. She said it wasas a deacon. John’s son and Hilda’s daughter hard to be away from him. Now, John is 95,were in attendance, giving their blessing. Hilda is 92 and they both have their ownThe two laugh together and joke together. John’s health issues but are blessed everyday they aresense of humor was one of the things that drew together. “I couldn’t live without her,” he saidHilda to him. “He was always funny,” she said. as they smiled at each other. “She’s a real“Always made me laugh.” treasure… More than I deserve. ”From the first“I asked her to marry me in 1944 and 67 years time I met her, I always had her in the back oflater she made up her mind,” he laughed.For the first six years of their marriage, they my mind,” he continued. “But all these yearslived in John’s Massachusetts home, as he was later, fate made it possible for me to marrystill working as an electrical engineer. The 2 ½acre property had become more than they could her.”maintain and the couple moved to a retirementcenter in Lenox, Massachusetts. They continuedto travel and visit extraordinary places.“We were within an hour of a Cracker Barrel inNew York,” Hilda said. “That was a bit ofhome for me.”John continued working until he suffered astroke in February 2017. He had been workingwith GE doing research on the best way tobuild a one million volt power line. The twohad been planning to move back to LaFollettein the summer of 2017, even contacting thestaff to get a suite ready for them at LaFolletteCourt. Hilda first moved back in April, whileJohn was still in Virginia completing fourmonths of rehabilitation.Her son, Keith Sharp, helped finish their moveby picking John and his belongings up in May.“You only live this life once,” John said.“Don’t waste it. Get a good education anddon’t waste your time.”www.thevolunteertimes.com
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 12 Jeremy’z Journey Is Prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? By Jeremy Z. Young Several years ago, when I was writing for a newspaper in Knoxville, I was going back to the office from the City County Building downtown when I had a flat on the front of my car. It happens to everyone at some point and that was my time. Personally, I think that everyone should have to change a tire and check the oil before they can be licensed to drive (Hear that my kids). So I started getting the jack and spare tire from the trunk. Sweating and grunting on the side of the road on a hot summer’s day wasn’t getting my article written any quicker, but I had to get over this hump before I could get to work on it. I managed to put the tire on quick enough, but when I pulled away, the wheel was rubbing and making a racket and didn’t really want to move. There was no way I was getting home, let alone to the office with the car in that condition. So back out of the car on the side of the road, roughly 50 feet from where I had originally started, I began trying to figure out the problem. After looking at it from every angle possible, I could see the rim on my “donut” tire was rubbing against the brake caliper. I began taking the spare off, all the while having no idea what I was going to do to get this pile of c#@p to a tire shop, to the office or to get me home. When I got the spare wheel off, I flipped it upside down to see what was causing the rub. “Eureka!” I found the answer to the issue at hand, which only made me angrier at the situation. Stamped into the inside of the spare tire’s rim was the words: Spare only fits on rear. With one jack and beyond upset, entering the realm of blind rage, I put the flat back on the front, let the insanely slow scissor jack down, jacked up the rear of the car, took off a perfectly good tire only to replace it with the spare, crank-crank-crank the jack down, jack the front of the car up again, and finally put the good tire from the back of the car in place of the flat tire on the front. Wouldn’t you know it, now that I was covered in brake dust and grease, my car moved very quickly toward my office. By this time, it was about 5 p.m. (roughly two wasted hours) and I got there just in time to wash up, admire my newly ruined favorite shirt and follow everyone else out the door. Even though that spare tire safely got me home that day, I was so mad at the whole situation and completely disgusted with myself. All of this happened during a time in my life when I wasn’t I have a friend that I care for dearly and have for years. He’s morefollowing Christ, praying, going to church or acknowledging God in like a brother than a friend. My wife has a friend she has known since themy life in any way. I had been saved as a teenager but had completely beginning of high school and they are practically the same way. We don’tfallen away from Him for several years. I thought my life would be see each other much because of our busy lives with work, kids, etc.better if I was in control – with my hands on the steering wheel. I When we do get to see each other, we are happy and spend time catchingnow realize a lot of my frustrations could have been eliminated if I each other up on what is going on with our lives.had just turned that control over to God in prayer.Recently I was listening to a Christian radio station and the question If we talked to each other every day, we wouldn’t have to catchwas asked, “Is prayer your steering wheel, or your spare tire?” up. We would already know what is happening with each other. That’s keeping your hands on the wheel of a relationship. Admittedly, this is a This got me thinking, and eventually the old story above came bad example. But it is similar in that we have to nurture the relationshipto my mind. I think God brought this back to my memory for a and talk to Christ if we are ever going to serve Him effectively.reason. Sometimes we (and I mean “I”) treat prayer the same as Itreated the spare tire that day. We whip it out in an emergency and The joy of a relationship with Christ is that you can speak to Himthen get upset when it doesn’t deliver exactly what we want. We try anytime and anywhere – even on the side of the road. He is never tooto pray ourselves out of a jam and expect God to act like our own busy to talk to. Prayer doesn’t have to be a superlative, elegant speech. Itpersonal Jeannie on “I dream of Jeannie.” Another way I have often is simply talking to God, recognizing His power, His presence and yoursaid it: we treat prayer like a drive-thru – say what you want and then need for Him in your life. You can give Him reverence and respect andpull around expecting your order to be exactly what you asked for. tell Him your troubles at the same time. If you aren’t so impatient thatPrayer doesn’t work that way. you are looking for a bag full of answered prayers at the next pull-up window, He can really bless you, even in times of turmoil. Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.”How can we do that with all the distractions, problems and stress we The late minister Ronald Dunn said that prayer is a secret weaponface every day? Believe me, that’s something I have to work toward and it’s true. Examples:everyday too. 1) Prayer can be fired from any spot (anywhere you are, He will In driving, you are supposed to keep your hands on the hear you),steering wheel at all times. As Christians, we are supposed torecognize God pointing us in the direction He has set for us at all 2) Prayer can travel faster than the speed of light (He will hear youtimes. Just as I am bad at trying to take control away from God in my instantly),life, my humanity makes me want to grab the steering wheel awayfrom anyone trying to guide me, even God. 3) Prayer always hits the mark (His ear is always an open target), 4) Prayer often has delayed detonation (delay of an answer isn’tChristianity isn’t a place we visit on the weekends, and it isn’t a sparetire for emergencies. It is our way of life – a relationship with Christ. denial),And like any relationship, if you don’t talk to the other person, the 5) Satan has no defense against it!relationship suffers. While I often fail in following Christ’s example, I know that following Him is what is best for my life – all of our lives. I, as a Christ forgiven human/sinner, am my own enemy in following Him. I pray for His guidance and direction, but I also pray that “I” will not interfere with His guidance.
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 13Mr. Deeds: The Life and Retirement ofpublic servant Dormas MillerBy Jeremy Z. Young Dormas smiles for a photo at his desk. Campbell County Register of Deeds, Dormas Miller, has spent most of his adult life serving our citizens. With Dormas stands back… nearly 50 years working in and out of the county’s As he looks toward a courthouse, Miller says now is the time to retire and get computerized registry of every out of the courthouse, spending more time on the piece of property in Campbell outdoor adventures he and his wife love. County, he is surrounded by every recorded deed, from “I was born here in a log house on High Knob Book A to Book 516. This within two stones’ throw of where I live now,” Miller doesn’t include plat maps of said. “I feel like I’ve been so blessed to serve the people subdivisions, cities, Trust of Campbell County for so many years. It’s been Deeds or the county Veteran wonderful. I hope I’ve made a difference.” registry. Miller has indeed made a difference and an Above- Dormas with impact on our community. Playing football at LaFollette City of LaFollette High School and working at Rogers Dock was how he Police Force spent his high school years. Left- Dormas with Tennessee Highway “That’s where I really started making money,” Patrol Miller laughingly said. The first property deed in Campbell County, officially Dormas was an incoming sophomore when he established in 1806, is accessible not only in Book A in the met Jane, now his wife of 56 years (See related love Register of Deeds office, but also can be pulled up in seconds story in this Preview edition). Jane herself was on the office’s computer database by the public. beginning high school that year as a freshman. The couple dated throughout high school and married two days after Jane graduated in 1961. Dormas had left Campbell County after his graduation to begin working for McCall’s Printing plant in Dayton, Ohio. In the 1960’s, this 400,000 square-foot plant printed nearly 50 magazines including Redbook, Bluebook, Newsweek, Popular Science, and many others including the company’s namesake magazine started in the 1870’s, McCall’s. Shortly after marriage, the young couple made their first adventure out of Campbell County to Dayton, Ohio. The Miller’s came back to Campbell County after a little more than three years, around 1965. Dormas worked at Lee Ford as a mechanic and Jane worked in the parts department there. Dormas joined the Tennessee Highway Patrol in 1969. He first served in the Knoxville area for a few years before being assigned to Campbell County. He remembered many special assignments he had while working for THP, including University of Tennessee football security, serving as escort driver and security for then Tennessee Gov. Winfield Dunn, and serving during a Republican governor’s conference in Memphis. Miller was assigned to escort then California Gov. Ronald Reagan and New York’s Gov. Nelson Rockefeller. While those were some of the highlights, Miller humbly stated that he was just doing his job as it was assigned to him. “I shined a flashlight in ole James Earl’s face,” Miller said as he recalled being there when James Earl Ray was found after his escape from Brushy Mountain State Prison in 1977. He admitted that he wasn’t the one who found Ray after his brief 55 hours on the lam, but that he was in the small group of officers searching the mountainous areas nearby who did. “A [search] dog sniffed him out under a brush pile,” Miller continued. After years with THP, Miller was offered an opportunity to come back to Campbell County to work for R. Gene Smith at High Top Coal Company. The job was reclaiming previously mined areas on 34,000 acres owned by High Top in the Ivydale area. The company wanted to return these areas to their original, natural beauty. Miller started by cleaning up the old city dump. He coined the phrase “Our Mountains are not big enough for litter” in 1978, placing it on a log in the Ivydale area. From there he began reclaiming coal fields by planting turnips and other plants that deer like to eat. The following year saw a tremendous increase in the deer harvest there. He bought 200 wild turkey eggs from a place in Kentucky to increase their population as well. When coal prices decreased, the company shut down. Miller said one of the last reclamation projects he worked on for the company was in the area near where the elk viewing tower now stands. CONTINUED ON Pg 19
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 14New Director of Schools answers questionsJennifer Fields, new director of schools In January the Campbell County School Board Fields: In Tennessee, the allowable class sizestands left with current Director Larry voted to approve entering into contract for K-3 is an average of 20 students per class.Nidiffer negotiations with Jacksboro Middle School We are in compliance with class size and in principal Jennifer Fields for the position of some schools we are certainly within the 15- director of schools, replacing the retiring 17 range. Larry Nidiffer. Q: What two things are you happy with in Fields is a long time educator with 25 years in the current school set up? the Campbell County school system. After 18 years in the classroom, the last seven have Fields: Competent teachers who are seen her in an administrative position. dedicated to our students and parents. Also, Beginning March 2nd Fields and the board will community members who are supportive of enter contract negotiations. We asked Fields our schools and take advantage of parent several questions regarding her new improvement opportunities that benefit and position. support our students. Q: What do you think are two or three most Q: Do you consider the director's role as pressing issues facing Campbell County more working with state officials, school students? administrators and school staff only, or do you think you should engage more with Fields: 1. Technology: Students need access students? to devices they can use daily in classrooms. 2. Attendance: The curriculum is very Fields: A school system is not an isolated rigorous and students can get behind quickly area. It is a system that works together at all when they are not at school. Even an levels. I will take a collaborative and excused absence with students being given balanced approach to managing my time and the opportunity to make up work, it is easy making every decision based on what is best to fall behind. 3. Achievement and growth in for our students. Our students are our most academics. important asset and should drive every decision we make. Q: The study, \"Class Size Matters\" found that in grades K-3, Tennessee students benefited Q: In which areas would you like to see greatly when there were 15-17 kids in the Campbell County Schools improve most over class. Lower income children benefited the the tenure of your first contract? most from this class size. Is this something that is happening in Campbell County? If not, Fields: I am looking forward to setting bold is it something you'd like to see happen? goals in academics in areas of professional development for teachers, added technology in schools, and rising test scores.www.thevolunteertimes.com
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 15City of LaFollette January OverviewJimmy Jeffries LaFollette City AdministratorAs the new year brought in frigid temperatures, Mayor More City of LaFollette PhotosMike opened the West LaFollette Community Center as a on page 16shelter for those who needed a warm place to stay and ahot meal. Many caring citizens of Campbell County donatedwarm clothes, blankets, and food to the shelter. Churchesand local restaurants brought in hot meals. The shelter washeld open until January 11th, when it moved to the PartyPlace and then on to New Horizon Baptist Church inLaFollette. The Tennessee Valley Coalition for theHomeless has extended the shelter until February 1st,2018, so if you are in need of a warmth, a hot meal, or if youknow anyone who does, please send them here. As webreak in the new year, we want to look back on a few of theFUN things we accomplished this past year like…
Volunteer times Campbell County Preview page 16LaFollette City Photos ContinuedPat On Politics The Ten Year Planby Patrick Pebley Also as part of the first phase we are Fortunately, as a city, we can afford it looking to increase organized parking. If you have paid attention to the Times over the next decade in my opinion. We lately, especially our Facebook Lives, you Asbury Park sees way more use than it have several new businesses opening in know that Campbell County, LaFollette, can handle parking wise. We have people Caryville and I hope for many more. We Jellico, and Caryville (Jacksboro chose not to participate for whatever reason) have parking in the grass and even have have an extremely low tax burden on our hired a firm to help put together a ten year people parking at nearby Caryville individual citizens but a good tax base plan to improve recreation. There have been polls, public meetings, and private Elementary to walk over. This part of the through our funding mechanisms. If this meetings to put this together. Now we have plan would see the horse shoe pits moved trend continues we will be able to a real plan in place. and that entire area paved for parking and increase all of our services for the folks I am mostly going to talk about Caryville would also see a graveled overflow lot we are elected to represent. as I have been part of that planning built on the other side of the newer process. We have what I consider a very If you have attended, or at least good plan in place to improve Asbury Park. baseball field. This is the first couple of watched these meetings, you know that One of the big things we must do, and we years of the plan. While that may seem there are great plans in place for all are in the first phase of the plan, is become Americans With Disabilities Act compliant. like a long time for what seems like a participating municipalities. Johnny Byrge This is important on two levels. First off small amount of work, I know many is doing great with LaFollette's before we can get any other grant moneys on projects we need to be in ADA people who probably think we could pull Recreation Department, Jake Bennett compliance. More importantly it is the right off our entire plan in a couple of years. from Jellico has presented some great thing to do to make sure as many of our citizens as possible can use and enjoy our These are also the people that seem to improvements for their parks, and the facilities. think government has unlimited money. county has some great stuff in store for The ten year projection is kind of pricey, Lonas Young Memorial Park. I have always been an advocate for and even the initial phase is going to cost some money and while there are grants sports and recreation in our area and if out there we have to really get phase one even half of the stuff in the ten year plan complete and be able to match a gets done, we are going to be in great percentage of the grants to really get shape. things rolling.Follow us on Twitter@VolunteerTimes
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview page 17Ten Year Parks and Recreation Plan Delivered to Local Governmentsby John Muse For the past several months, local residents of The immediate need is to become ADA compliant Freeman Park – Deemed fully ADA compliant,Campbell County have been surveyed and asked in order to secure state funding for other park this small park is only in line for landscapingto attend meetings regarding parks and upgrades, this involves repainting the parking lot upgrades in the coming years. Estimated costrecreation options provided by local and making the restrooms ADA compliant. New including contingency is $6,500.00.governments. Campbell County, Caryville, Jellico concession stands are also on tap in the 1-3 yearand LaFollette worked with the CRJA-IBI group, portion of the plan. The total cost for Caryville to Lee J. Sergeant Park – This park was deemedan architectural and landscaping firm who complete its ten-year Asbury Park improvement very ADA compliant and its upgrades are focusedcompiled the results of these surveys and did plan is $512.599, with the majority of that cost on new playground equipment, new playgroundfield studies and analysis of parks and falling in the 1-3-year window for restroom and surfacing and new lighting. The estimated cost,community centers throughout the county. The concession upgrades. including 20 percent contingency for Sergeantcompany gave the results of these surveys in a Park is $130,610.00.series of public meetings in LaFollette and Jellico sought information regarding VeteransJellico. Recently the firm delivered the final Memorial Park. Jellico seeks to have an improved Liberty Park – An amphitheater is in therecommendations and cost estimates for each concert venue there. Phase one for Jellico distance for Liberty Park. In order to do this, newpark, community center and proposed involved upgrades to the stage, new bleachers, as ADA compliant paths and restrooms will have torecreation area to the three municipalities and well as new asphalt paving. Jellico's long term be built and a guardrail installed. Other upgradesthe Campbell County government. plans were to build new restroom facilities on- to landscaping are also on tap. The estimated site. Since Jellico currently doesn't have restroom cost of the new amphitheater and other needed Campbell County sought information from the facilities there, there were no ADA concerns, repairs at Liberty Park are $342,318.00 includingpublic on Lonas Young Memorial Park. The making Jellico immediately eligible for state funds. the 20 percent contingency.majority of patrons at Lonas Young asked for The total cost to Jellico for improvements to thisincreased security and crime prevention, as well park was estimated to be $182, 923.20, this Ken Snodderly Park – This park was also veryas more camping areas, beach improvements, includes the 20 percent contingency fund. handicap accessible making it immediatelylighting improvements, needed leveling of eligible for state funding. The proposedtennis courts, exercise areas, picnic areas, a new LaFollette had a large list of needed improvements here are a new playground andboat launch and increased parking. CRJA-IBI improvements due to the fact that LaFollette new lighting. The cost, including 20 percentidentified areas of critical need for the 1-3 year operates more parks and community centers than contingency, was estimated at $152.500.00.plan window and then had two additional all the other municipalities combined.phases, 4-6 year and 7-10 year improvements. Pine Park – Pine Park is in need of ADAThe early phases of each plan were identified as Community Center East – Needs to become compliant parking, upgrades to the baseball field,critical in order to secure state grant money in ADA compliant with parking lot signage, new asphalt for the basketball courts and neworder to fund these projects. The total cost, restrooms and water fountains. The cost roadway. It also needs new bleachers andincluding a 20 percent contingency fund, for estimates for these needed repairs was concrete repairs around the concession standsPhase 1 at Lonas Young Memorial Park was $77,477.40 though the survey notes that these and bathrooms. Estimated cost at Pine Park wasestimated at $327.840.00. The estimated ten costs could increase once restroom upgrades are $203,111.50 including the 20 percentyear cost to fulfill all objectives there was attempted due to possible structural reworking. contingency.$752,820.00 including the 20 percentcontingency fund. Community Center West – In need of ADA Total cost for repairs and upgrades to all of compliant restroom facilities, water fountains and LaFollette's parks and community centers over Caryville's Asbury Park is in need of ADA parking signage. West was also in need of exterior the next ten years was 1,215,635.10, 20 percentcompliant restroom facilities, additional parking, wall repairs. This too was noted to potentially lead of this estimated cost is contingency money.expanded playgrounds, walking trails, baseball to structural repairs. Wall pack units were needed Once the city has all parks and communityfield improvements, lighting improvements and at West as well. Total cost estimates including the centers ADA compliant, state funding becomeslandscaping upgrades. 20 percent contingency fee at West was available to help offset these costs. $303,118.20. Over half of that cost was for exterior wall repair and wall pack units.
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 18The Love of a Lifetime: Dormas and Jane MillerBy Jeremy Z. Young Dormas and Jane in Hawaii Dormas, also laughing followed up, “He told me he run it back, and as far as he could tell, Adam and Eve were Millers.” Dormas and Jane Miller lives have been joined together since highschool. Dormas, a country boy from High Knob, spent his first years in a They quickly became inseparable throughout high school.“corn crib” type log cabin with a cook stove for heat and no electricity. “I got more whoopins for tying up the phone with [Dormas] than forJane was a girl who grew up in a house in the city of LaFollette, her anything else,” Jane said. “He was the best daddy, but we got whoopinsfather was a state electrical inspector. Dormas’s family built a house on when we deserved it.”Demory Road when he was six where they shared a telephone line with Dormas left Campbell County after his graduation in 1960 andeight other houses. Jane shared a phone with her seven sisters, four started a job at McCall’s Printing plant in Dayton, Ohio (see related articlebrothers and parents. Mr. Deeds). Dormas returned for Jane’s graduation and the two were married two days later. During our interview, it was discovered that Dormas never “That was the normal life of most folks back then,” Dormas said. actually proposed. The first day of LaFollette High School was a memorable one for Jane, “You never proposed to me, did you?” Jane asked somewhatbut perhaps more memorable for Dormas, an incoming sophomore. By insistently.chance, the two were near each other on that first day during general “Well, I figured that out now,” Dormas replied. “Us being togetherassembly. They haven’t spent much time apart since. “She was sitting in and getting married was just the plan.”front of me,” Dormas said. “She turned around and looked at me and “I just took it for granted that this was how it was gonna be,” Janewoooooooo… She took my breathe.” said. After the couple wed in June, 1961, they made their first home in Spending time with this couple, married for 57 years this coming June, Dayton and had their only son, Eddie in September 1962. Jane had workedit is easy to see that they laugh a lot and have a lot of fun together. To see from the time she was 14 and continued that all of her life. When theythem look at each other, it is also easy to see the fondness and respect returned to Campbell County in 1965, she worked at Lee Ford in the partsthey have for one another. department. Dormas was a mechanic there. Both Dormas and Jane accepted the Lord Jesus Christ on Mother’s Day, 1965 and were baptized together “in Jane went home that day and told her father about this special boy, the Tom Hinney’s minner pond,” Dormas said. CONTINUED ON PG 22boy with the same last name as hers – Miller. “Daddy said I couldn’thave anything to do with him until he run it back to see if was were Dormas & Jane 1970srelated,” Jane said laughing.
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview PAGE 19“Mr. DeeDs” DorMas Miller story ContinueD “After it was defunct, Judge Lee Asbury and Jerry “I could never have done it all without the “I’m very proud of my Christian heritage andCross realized the potential for that area and the dedication of the staff,” he said. “Deputy Register conservative upbringing,” he continued. “And thestate acquired the property for a wildlife Jane Turner, who worked with Ronnie Branam freedom we have in this country to see our dreamsmanagement area,” Miller said. “Now it has been before me. And now, Campbell County Register of fulfilled. I enjoy being in church and singing. I try to bedeveloped into the 287,000-acre North Cumberland Deeds is recognized as probably one of the most uplifting to people when I’m asked to sing...”WMA in Campbell, Scott and Anderson counties. I complete computerized offices in the state.”feel like the work we did there spawned what we Years ago, Miller made several home recordings ofhave now. We all can be proud of our mountains “We’ve got the very first deed ever written in himself singing roughly 75 songs. He producedand Norris Lake and its impact on our economy and Campbell County in 1806 when it first became a between 800 and 1,000 cassette tapes and neverresidential properties. I’m thankful our mountain county – Book A,” he said with pride. “All of them, charged for them. He said that people still ask if heareas have been preserved and can be used by the every one can be pulled up on a computer.” With has any available, but he said he doesn’t even have apublic to enjoy.” three courthouse fires since the county’s inception, copy of his own. there were beliefs that many of the deeds had When his park creation and management job was burned. “There were misleading thoughts that With 37 years in the Register of Deeds office herself,finished, Miller returned to the THP before taking a some deeds had burned,” Dormas continued. “But it isn’t hard to see why Dormas is pushing for Wilma J.position with the LaFollette Police Department in that’s not true… We have every deed and every Turner (June) to win the election to the office in1986. He became a certified hostage negotiator, book from the beginning.” August, 2018. “I give credit to June Turner who is ouramong other recognition. He served as the city’s office manager and deputy register for keeping suchdomestic violence investigator. Many of the original land grants issued by the impeccable bookkeeping. It’s common knowledge state before Campbell was a county are preserved that I would like to see June Turner elected because Miller first threw a political hat into the ring for at the register’s office, some dating back to the of the years she has dedicated to serving the countyCampbell County Sheriff in 1990, the first year Ron 1790s. A big part of Campbell County was created and the register’s office. No one is more qualified. It’sMcClellan was elected to that post. In 2002, with 16 from Cherokee Indian territory which included only good common sense and business practice thatyears of service as a LaFollette Police Officer he was parts of what is now Anderson and Claiborne someone experienced and qualified continueelected as the county’s Register of Deeds. counties, Miller said. excellent service to the citizens of Campbell County.” Looking back on about 16 years with THP, 16 years What will Dormas do in his retirement? He says At deadline for this article, nine potential candidateswith LPD and 16 years as Register of Deeds, Dormas that anyone who knows him already knows the had picked up paperwork to be on the ballot. Ofshed some light on the register’s job. answer. For the rest of us, he smiles a big smile as those, only three had returned the paperwork, he thinks of the things he enjoys most. “I’m a nut including Turner. The deadline for candidates to turn “It should be called the county recorder’s office,” for the west,” Dormas smiled. “Wyoming, in their petitions to run for office is April 5, so moreMiller said. “When people see the property transfers Colorado, Utah, Montana and all of the western candidates could still file to be on the ballot. Thein the paper every week they think that’s all we do. states.” He said that he and Jane will enjoy their deadline to register to vote in the August 2, 2018We record so many, many different documents that time camping and traveling, four-wheeling and county general election is July 3.property transfers and recording of deeds is only other outdoor activities they love to do together,about 2% of the work we do.” and of course, going to church together. With that said, Miller said that he and his staff “will do “Colorado’s probably my favorite state because it everything to train and be of every help we can to the Mortgages, leases, assignments from one bank to has unlimited four-wheeling,” he continued. “I’m next register.”another, previous owners, mineral rights, judgment looking forward to retirement. We’ve been goingliens where property owners failed to pay their out west for 40 years… I’m looking forward to WWW.THEVOLUNTEERTIMES.COMcredit cards, as well as other liens filed against more travel, more time outdoors and continuing toproperty owners is just the beginning of the list of be active in church.”documents recorded in the Campbell CountyRegister of Deeds office. Warranty Deeds, TrustDeeds, Quit Claim Deeds are on that list. TheRegister also maintains plat maps of subdivisionsand properties in the county, Last Will andTestaments, and Power of Attorney documents areall filed here. While it isn’t required by law, Veteranscan file their discharge papers with the Register ofDeeds office, which helps the county to maintain arecord of local Veterans, as well as the records ofVeterans who move into the county. Still, this is nota complete list of every type of record maintained inthis office. “And we must be able to pull those filingsup in our computer system and see if theliens/judgments have been released or are stillactive,” Miller said. “Everybody wants to be register because they Above- June Turner, an employee andthink it’s a gravy train with biscuit wheels,” Dormas Deputy Register of the Register of Deedslaughed. “Right now, in Campbell County there are office for 38 years, helps a customer withover 40,000 deeded parcels of land and we keep up documentation about a piece of property.with every one of them. We must be able to retrieveevery document on that parcel of land and what Left- Hanging in the Campbell Countytract it was separated from and when. Every tract of Register of Deeds office is the originalland came from another tract and it all has to be plat maps of Jellico (pictured) anddocumented.” LaFollette. This map from 1890 is still a valuable tool to those researching “When I got here, there were no computers and property.we started computerizing everything then,” hecontinued. “That was a tremendous task. It was likehaving an auto parts warehouse with parts for everykind of car without knowing what, was what.Outside of some of the older books that had to berebound, we did it mostly in house. There were a lotof hours spent typing on keyboards with the bookand page to determine what book and whatdocuments went to what deeds. That was atremendous undertaking.”
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 20hello, motherhoodIt’s okay to let go, and walk awayBy Lindsey Bradley I’ve always had so much pride in myself. I try However bitter I may seem at how my life When I start to sink, that’s when I swim myand maintain this picture-perfect-Instagram- changed, I am thankful for every bit of it. I can’t hardest. This is my time to focus on me and myworthy family, that I’ve been pushing my family’s imagine waking up twenty years from now and healing process. I need to meet Lindsey again;skeletons further and further back into our closet. realizing that I’d wasted my life trying to bring it’s been too long.Living in a small town it’s easy to try and mask your out the best version of someone, when I had letsituation rather than being honest when someone myself go in the process. I can’t forgive you just Only I can changeasks how so-and-so is. I covered up our problems. I yet, but I will one day. Eventually all those my life. No onedidn’t want people to know that my relationship draining memories will fade and my heart will be can do it for me. --was crumbling because I was above that. After a full again. . It’s devastating to finally realize all of Carol Burnettwhile though, things got so out of control that I the time and energy you wasted that you cancouldn’t keep things on lock down anymore. It was never get back. However, without that struggle, Iout. We were over. My life was a mess. I didn’t wouldn’t be where I am today. I have learnedknow how to even begin to pick up the pieces and one thing though: I thrive in the struggle.was so angry that I let myself get wrapped up insuch chaos. What happened to that perfect lifethat I was so close to having? How did we end uphere? I eventually had to just pick myself and mychildren up, and just walk away. When I fell in love,I didn’t realize that meant falling down so low itwould take me years to stand back up again. Afterthe smoke had cleared, I would be left standing onmy own. I may be winging it by myself, walkingover unfolded laundry and Legos, but at least I’mnot walking on eggshells. Sometimes we let ourselves get suckedinto an emotional roller coaster ride. The ride is setto crash from the beginning, but we think we canfix it. Not every broken relationship is salvageable,and that’s okay. What’s not, is thinking that rollercoaster is normal like me. I’ve associated that rollercoaster with love, thinking that was how thingswere supposed to feel. I let someone ruin me andthe love I once believed in so strongly. I was happybefore but I let someone turn my heart, that usedto be filled with magic, into something that wasdark and numb. You’re not supposed to sit andwait for the love that you deserve. I’m not waitingany longer. And you know what? I’m responsible for thatmess, too. because I allowed that relationship tohappen for so long. I allowed myself to be anemotional punching bag every time somethingwent wrong in their life, I was the one who felt theemotional blow. Don’t let yourself create a façadeof happiness, because believe me when I say thatyou will destroy yourself mentally trying to fixeverything. You can’t fix everything. You will come acrosspeople in life that want to live their lives, withdoing things on their own time. They will expectyou to live up to their perfect standards. This is avery toxic and one-sided relationship that you can’tkeep holding on to.We do a lot of Facebook Live but for some other great video of local sports, homecomings, etc., we go back years in archive.Copy and Paste the link below into your browser to see our Community Choice Awards, Sports and more… https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+volunteer+times
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 21 2nd Annual Volunteer TimesCommunity Choice Awards Comingto you in May 2018
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 22Dormas and Jane Continued 1 2 While Dormas worked with the TennesseeHighway Patrol, Jane started working withHome Interiors & Gifts, Inc. She made hercareer at that for 38 years, garnering severaltop seller awards and all expense paidvacations. As a repeat top seller for thecompany, Jane won several trips to Hawaii,Acapulco, London, England and the Bahamasfor the couple to enjoy. When the companywent out of business in 2008, Jane continuedwith some of the others who worked there tokeep a similar company operating. When thatwent out of business in 2012, Jane retired. Shecontinues to be an active volunteer in thecommunity and church. 4 “Being with Home Interiors was hard work,but it was real rewarding,” Jane said.During those years, they began what hasbecome an obsession with the western states.Since 1975, they have traveled to Utah,Wyoming, Montana, Colorado and all over the 3 5west. They went to rodeos in Texas and otherstates, and their love of the west has continuedto grow. They have continued traveling outwest since then, seeing the Redwood Forest,Yosemite Park, the Grand Canyon and othergreat places they enjoy. With Dormas set toretire this year, they intend to travel and domore of the things they love to do together.Still joking and cutting up, they both agreed,“We don’t know how it’ll be [with both ofthem being retired].” The Millers don’t see their life together as 6 7anything that would interest other people.“We ain’t done nothing people want to hearabout,” Jane said. “We’re just a couple a sticksin the mud,” Dormas said laughing.However, they have done something that isinteresting to many. They have accomplishedsomething most couples do not – 56 years ofmarriage that is still going strong. And they’vedone it by working hard, having fun andenjoying each other’s company. To young husbands, Dormas advises, “Try to 8show affection for each other constantly. Andif you have a spat, make up as quick aspossible. Do things together in your sparetime.” Jane agreed, “We was always working 9all the time. That’s what made our free timetogether special.”“Live right, and stay in church together,”Dormas added. “It keeps you out of trouble.”Dormas also told of the importance ofspending time with family while they arealive, talking about his and Jane’s parents andrelatives who have gone on. Attending familyreunions and staying close with relatives hasbeen a big part of both of their lives.“Don’t think it’s unmasculine to do thingsaround the house,” Dormas continued. “Ahusband and wife need to work together and 10 11be interested in what the other is doing.”Later, Jane echoed what Dormas had said.“Working together is what makes it work,” shesaid. “Each one helps the other. There is no ‘I’in ‘TEAM.’ And you’ve got to work togetheras a team.”“I still can’t wait until Dormas gets homeand I miss him when he leaves in themorning,” Jane said fondly. “We’ve stayed inchurch and that’s what makes you strong…You see things differently.”“It’s been a great life,” Jane finished. “It’snot been perfect, but whose is… But Icouldn’t imagine it any other way. We’re just #1- Dormas and Jane early 1990s. #2- Dormas and Jane’s wedding day #3 Dormas Miller, LaFollette High School Seniorhappy people.” 1960. #4- Jane Miller, LaFollette High School. #5- Dormas and Jane singing together at an awards banquet in the early 2000s.#6- One of the many funny things Dormas done for Jane over the years is a collage of these two pictures of him eating and labeled 1982 and 1992. “The More things change, the more they stay the same.” #7- Dormas, Jane and their son Eddie Miller in 2007. #8- Jane Miller while working at Lee Ford in the late 1960s. #9- One of many trips out west. #10- Relaxing in their home #11- Dormas playing guitar sometime in the 1980s.
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 23“Service Above Self” in Action handy when there wasn’t a computer to be found, and it was less likely to be damaged By Jim Dossett If the students were disappointed that they if dropped. weren’t receiving lap tops, they didn’t show Ms. Barton’s 3rd grade class was studying their dismay. Some of them began leafing The students looked up several words,“canines” when their learning was interrupted by through the dictionaries immediately, and and after that drill, Dossett took thea squad of adults bearing gifts. After introducing several curious kids could be seen practicing opportunity to put a plug in for Rotary.themselves, Debbie Farmer Samples, President hand signals; sign language for the deaf thatof the Rotary Club of South Campbell County, is included in the book, along with a plethora “Our Rotary Club is part of a world-wideJim Dossett, Secretary, and his wife, Brenda, of other things of interest to third graders, and organization, which is designed to helpbegan fulfilling the reason for their trek to Jellico. adults as well. The students jumped when others. Our motto is “Service Above Self”, Dossett tossed one of the books into the air, does anyone know what that means?” “How many of you have lap tops?” queried and it landed with a “smack” on the tiled floor.Dossett, and immediately, hands belonging to The same young fellow answered again.most of the students shot into the air. “How many “What would happen if you dropped your “It means helping someone else before youof you know what ‘Google’ is?” he said, and laptop on the floor?” asked Dossett, and he help yourself.” “Remember that. Andagain, students proudly raised their hands, as received an immediate reply. remember, when you help someone else,Debbie and Brenda distributed dictionaries to that kindness will be returned to you. You’lleach of them. “We’d have to go out and buy another,” said know when, if you pay attention to, and are a young man in the front row, and several of thankful for all of the gifts you receive,” said the students had a look on their faces that Dossett. spoke: “My mom would kill me.” Continued on Page 18 Dossett picked up the dictionary, and proceeded, telling students that the book was
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 24Rotary Continued The Rotarians departed to a musical chorus of The local Rotary“Thank you” from the children and made their way to Chapter meets onanother classroom. Tuesday afternoons at LaFollette According to Dossett, a ten-year veteran of Methodist ChurchRotary, the Dictionary Distribution Project has been in Fellowship Halleffect for many years, with dictionaries distributed to regularly.every third grader in Campbell County. “It’s been areal pleasure for me and my colleagues, and I alwayslook forward to it,” he said, noting that the books werepaid for this year, and last year, by Sam Balloff,brother of the late attorney, Ed Balloff. “Sam and hisson distribute books to the school kids in Mountaincommunities where they [the Balloff brothers] playedprominent roles in helping families when the coalindustry was failing,” said Dossett. Later, he gavesome specifics, saying that The Rotary Club of SouthCampbell County is a small, but important cog in theRotary wheel, which consists of over 33,000members in over 200 countries. “Our Rotary club is active in supportinghumanitarian services in our own community too,” hesaid. That commitment is highlighted in many ways,and recently, under the direction of Debbie, the clubinitiated a grant program to benefit area non-profitorganizations. At a recent weekly meeting,representatives of various 501(c)(3) organizationswere invited to receive $250 donations each from theclub to assist with their humanitarian endeavors.Those organizations include: The Campbell CultureCoalition, The Connection, CASA, The Shepherd’sHome, Family Services, and The Coalition for theHomeless. Samples said revenue generated for thedonations comes from projects like: The ChiliLuncheon, The Annual Golf Tournament, The Citizenof the Year Program, and other events. On otheroccasions this Rotary year, donations have beenmade to The Imagination Library, and funding for aPublic Lands Cleanup. “Don’t forget the PancakeBreakfast, coming up on March 2,” added Dossett.The funds from that program will be used in thecontinuing effort to eradicate Polio worldwide. Really? YES REALLY!!! The Volunteer Times is scheduled to havethe first ever Volunteer Times, News Year’s Eve Ball drop & Musical show in LaFollette this year!!! Don’t miss it!
Volunteer times Campbell County Preview Page 25If there is one thing I know Patrick and John know how to do,it’s eat. I’ve been feeding those guys for a long time and notonly do they eat impressively they have a great talent forpreparing food as well. They know and recognize culinaryimagination when they come across it and are happy to trysome of your local favorites and report back their opinions. Ifyou have a specialty item on your menu you would like Pat andJohn to give a whirl and feature in the next “Foodie” edition letus know. Kelli Jo [email protected] month Subsational DeliBy: Patrick Pebley/John Muse deli with a number of sides and a build your sandwiches are only 5 dollars, 6 dollars with a John-This month for foodie we tried out the own salad option. I love good potato salad drink and for $6.95 you can get a side, a and find that a risky proposition in manynew deli/sub shop Subsational Deli that has restaurants, but it's a home run at sandwich and a drink. You'll fill your stomach Subsational. The chicken, bacon, ranch pasta with great food for under 10 dollars. For youopened along the main highway through town was excellent, and I don't even normally likeacross from Gamble Motors or just past the folks sitting at home or stuck at the office, ranch dressing. Subsational delivers for a small fee, all thered light on the right if traveling towards They also offer a variety of desserts suchJacksboro, just past IGA on the left if way from Caryville to Speedwell. as fudge, cookies, pies, brownies, cupcakes Having a party, a wedding, or any othertraveling towards LaFollette. I ordered theItalian sandwich, a favorite of mine, on Italian and other treats to make a sweet finish for event? Subsational Deli caters with meat your meal. The menu varies with a variety of trays, sandwiches, made to order birthdaybread. The sandwich was delicious, a true Continued on Page 26taste of a classic deli. Fresh crisp veggies and daily specials as well. The best part, theperfectly sliced meats made it a tasty treat.This is a true
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 26Foodie Continuedcupcakes, and their entire menu of side items. Justgive them 24 hours notice. They even offer staff toserve at your party/reception. Subsational is also atrue deli, you can come in and buy meats by thepound, sides by the pound and even pick up drinks orother items. The food is tasty, and the service wasprompt and friendly. Subsational Deli is open 9am to9pm Monday-Saturday.Patrick- As John has pointed out there is quite thevariety at the Subsational Deli. I was actuallyoverwhelmed and had a very hard time deciding. Iended up going with a classic. I got a club sandwichon pumpernickel bread (which is my favoritesandwich bread). It did not disappoint. I do have aminor regret not getting the meatball sub but they willbe delivering me one soon. The bread was fresh andtasty, the meat was excellent, and they understoodwhat I meant when I told them I loved mayo. I couldeat the club every time and be happy, though I feel Iwould be cheating myself of a variety of greatsandwiches. My favorite side was the macaronisalad. They also have an excellent peanut buttercookie.I also want to point out they have a daily special aswell. I am especially intrigued by their Mondayspaghetti and meatballs and Saturday tacos.They literally have something for everyone here,delivery and catering. They may be the most full-service eatery in town. We have many great places toeat in LaFollette but if you do not add SubsationalDeli to your hometown eating rotation I genuinelypity you.Hack Ayers receives the Hack Ayers is a life-long resident of Mr. Ayers’ three daughters, Debra2018 Boy Scouts of Campbell County. A graduate of Jacksboro Nelson, Traci Dower, and Codi Provins,America Campbell County High School in 1954, he was class president will share the speaker duties. Hack’sGood Scout Award and captain of the football team. He has been great nephew and Eagle Scout, Noah the owner and operator of Ayers Real Estate Smith, will serve as the master of Logan Hickman, chairman of the eleventh annual Boy and Auction for over 60 years. A life-long ceremonies. Nineteen Campbell CountyScouts of America Campbell County Good Scout Award realtor and auctioneer, Hack has served as citizens will serve as table hosts.Dinner, is pleased to announce that the 2018 honoree is president of the Tennessee Auctioneerslong time Campbell County resident Sterling Haskel Association and is a member of its Hall of Peoples Bank of the South is proud to(Hack) Ayers. Hack Ayers is a country auctioneer from Fame. He is also past president and member underwrite the dinner’s expense for theStinking Creek, Tennessee. This yearly ceremony and of the National Auctioneers Association Hall eleventh year. The bank understandsdinner will occur at the Ball Farm Event Center, 2107 of Fame. Hack has served the state and the hugely important impact scoutingGeneral Carl W. Stiner Highway, LaFollette on Thursday, community in various capacities. He was the has on the boys and girls of CampbellMarch 15, 2018 at 6:00 PM. The money raised at the Campbell County Clerk for four years and County.event will support Campbell County scouting in served as our Tennessee State2018. This yearly dinner has evolved into Campbell Representative from 1966 to 1970. He has The previous award recipients are Mr.County’s premier recognition banquet. also served on the board of the Museum of Edward Balloff, Mrs. Juanita Baird, Appalachia and on the board of four Colonel Tommy C. Stiner, the five Baird community banks. He is an active member of brothers, General Carl W. Stiner, the the LaFollette Church of God. He is also a Campbell County Honor Guard, Mr. charter member of the South Campbell Lansden E. Hill, the Campbell County County Rotary Club. In 2015, he published High School football team coaching staff, his autobiography, Hills, Deals, and Mr. Mike Malicote, and Mr. John T. Stills. Hack and his wife, Tomi, have been Reynolds. married 62 years. They have three children, seven grandchildren, and six (soon to be Thank you for reading seven) great grandchildren. the Volunteer Times Previewwww.thevolunteertimes.com
The Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 27EL Morton Continued Over that same period, it is Major renovations at KFC and Family Our Highway Department is the bestencouraging to see our average ACT Dollar show resilience and promise for funded in our county history and theytest score rise from an average score of competitive pricing for consumers, which have paved a bunch of roads that15 to over 18 today. That is a huge leap usually leads to increases in sales receipts. desperately needed it in the White Oakand we are on our way to the goal of an When I see restaurants thriving along and Big Creek communities and manyaverage score of 21 just over the Tennessee Avenue in LaFollette, Shoe others. With the state plan in place, Ihorizon. Another achievement that Stores expanding along Main Street in am hopeful we can reach viablefollowed increased funding is a Caryville and boutiques growing in Jellico, solutions soon to improve Stinkinggraduation rate of 93% compared to a I get excited for our retail future. Creek Road and Mountain Road fromstate average of 89%. Our teachers are Ivy Grove Church in Caryville to theworking hard, and our students are too. TOURISM/RETIREMENT county bridge in the southwest cornerSo, school funding is a key to our of the county. Our Tourism andsuccess and a far cry from the days of When I took office in 2014, we Business brands now have braggingminimum funding. May we never generated $49M annually in tourism rights on paved roads, where manyreturn to there and continue to rise from receipts across the county. Since then, counties our size still have a majorityhere. we’ve grown on an average of over $2M of gravel roads in the rural areas. We per year to top $57M in sales today. While have more work to do, but our roadTAX BASE the county has kept $48K in promotions building tool box is a lot bigger than it grants at work in the Chamber and was when I took this job. While our tax base has grown Tourism Programs, we enjoy a businessslowly, and mostly by appreciation base that spends ten times that amount EMERGENCY SHELTERSfrom renovations, additions and countywide to reach ever expandingimprovements, there are measures we markets. Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Atlanta For my entire term, the Countycan take and have taken for future and Nashville Boat Shows regularly see Emergency Manager, Jay Muncie, haspayoff. By the end of the current tax Campbell County businesses displaying remained attuned to weather andsale that is underway, my staff and I their offerings and booking vacations. That traffic delays across the county. Thewill have returned nearly a hundred is a tremendous reach for our brand. Water, county owns no buildings thatproperties to the tax rolls through these trails and adventure- that’s us and it sells. facilitate extended life support. Ourauctions or economic incentives. That The new economic development website school board and some of our citiesbodes well, since for at least three we built last year compliments not only however, own buildings that serve thatyears, these properties generated no manufacturing and education, but tourism purpose well. It is commonplace to seeproperty taxes. The last two tax sales and retirement living too. We’ve been in Jay set up temporary shelters innetted $25-30K in sales alone and this the Retire Tennessee program for two Caryville School, Jellico High or thesale will generate at least that number. years now and that adds trade shows West LaFollette Recreation Center.The really good news is that future marketing to retirees in Chicago, New Jay maintains a Red Cross Trailer withtaxes are on the order of $50-60K per York and New Jersey with the potential to over fifty cots, blankets and pillows,year and three fold if they have homes reach other major city markets. My office water and food. In the event of snowbuilt upon them. That is a powerful flip has worked closely with the City of storms, or extreme cold weather,from a dire negative, to annual revenues LaFollette, the Louie Bluie Committee and we’ve housed up to 40 people inthat will yield for generations. our Tourism Programming at the Chamber temporary shelters with the help of the to produce quality music and arts and ATV Red Cross and more recently theRETAIL festivals, fishing tournaments and Tennessee Valley Coalition to end watershed clean up efforts to ensure a Homelessness. In years past, I’ve An experienced local retail clean Campbell County for our citizens joined Jay in relocating people back tolandlord recently told me she has the and our tourists. Those festivals and their homes when snow drifts and icehighest occupancy in her Campbell tournaments increase traffic count and they make roads dangerous or when carsCounty business history and I believe draw people who spend lots of money run out of gas and heaters stopit. To see businesses like Burkes Outlet, here. That’s our goal. working. That is a regular serviceFarmers Home Furnishings and several ROADS we’ve provided every year since Iboutiques like Sun Gypsy in Jellico and have taken office. Continued Pg 32Southern Sass in Jacksboro and I mentioned the TennesseeBlackberry Charm in LaFollette Legislature’s roads funding plan earlier “Life’s mostgrowing and increasing inventories is and what it has meant to our state. Notencouraging. Over the past three years only has the state created an additional persistent andwe’ve seen Tractor Supply, Weigels $550K in annual roads funding, yourand now Dairy Queen pop up along the Campbell County Commission has urgent question isLaFollette cash register highway. provided an additional $885K in 2015 and 2016, and $350K in 2017 to improve What are you doing roads. for others?” – Martin Luther King, Jr
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 28MEET THE COUGARSHaley SkylarComer Boshears
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 29Meet the Cougars: Haley Comerby John MuseHaley Comer is a junior forward on the Campbell County Lady Cougar basketballteam. She's also very active in JROTC and AAU basketball.Q: What is your favorite food?A: Definitely chicken or pizza. Better yet, chicken on pizza!Q: Would you rather be the driver or a passenger?A: Passenger.Q: Netflix or go to a movie theater?A: Going to a movie theater for sure.Q: What are your plans for your senior year?A: I want to get more academically prepared for college and get in better physicalshape for sports.Q: Who is someone you look up to in life?A: My dad, Brian Comer. He works very hard for us and has shown by example thathard work pays off.Q: What are your plans after high school?A: I want to go to college and then join the Air Force after college. I'm thinking ofgoing into physical therapy. Meet the Cougars: Skylar Boshears By John Muse Skylar Boshears is a junior forward/guard on the Lady Cougars basketball team. The phenom has already surpassed the 1000-point mark in her career two and a half years into it. She's also committed to play Division 1 basketball for the Furman Purple Paladins. Q: What is your favorite food? A: Chicken Q: Would you rather go to the movies or watch Netflix at home? A: Go to a movie for sure. Q: What kind of day off do you prefer, a snow day or a day of summer vacation? A: Summer vacation, definitely. Q: Who is someone you look up to or inspires you in life. A: My AAU coach, Jeff Kyle. Q: What are you planning on studying at Furman University? A: Sports Medicine. Q: What are your plans for your senior year to be a better student athlete? A: I'm going to work hard to keep my grades up and to stay in great basketball shape. Q: What would you tell an 8th grader who is going to arrive at CCHS next year? A: Set goals and work towards them. Never stop trying and always push yourself no matter what you're trying to do. Somewhere behind the athlete you’ve become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back…. play for her.
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 30Cougars Held 2017 FootballBanquet with a packed house.L TO R Shawn Marcum Volunteer Times Offensive MVP. Elijah Phillips Volunteer Times Defensive MVP. ZachRutherford Volunteer Times Player of the Year.
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 31Pat's Place: Remembering Rexby Patrick Pebley I can talk about a lot of people that have When we got there the varsity went to One day I was working semi-late and killing scrimmage on the regular game field. As the time because it was easier to stay at the office atbeen a positive influence on my life over the JV, we were relegated to a “practice field.” I the mall than going home and then back to theyears. I could not write that list without use that term loosely because this was more of game. Rex was there working too, as he wasincluding Rex Hickey. a smelly, muddy pit. The players all looked as teaching at the time and this was just his Rex and I had a long and often humorous if they had been rolling around in a pig sty by standard work schedule. Tina was closing up thehistory together. We started out as football the end of the scrimmage. Unfortunately, Rex office aspect of the Times when a fellowcoaches together and later would work at the and I had been walking in the same slop. This wandered in. He wanted to insert a birthdayTimes together. Needless to say, I could write pit had the added bonus of being a rotting announcement or some such something. Rexvolumes, but I will try to hold this to a couple ground for leaves. It actually smelled like we went out to join Tina in getting the info, so heof my favorite Rex stories. had been playing at a sewage plant. When we could enter it in the computer afterwards and I got back to the van, poor Tina was looking at kept on doing my thing. My earliest days with Rex were coaching us as if we were a pair of homeless peopleJV football at Jacksboro. I was still very young who had just asked to bathe her children. In Rex made his way back to the newsroom andin my coaching career but was more seasoned her defense we smelled the part. At this point Tina stayed out front. It turns out the fellow hadand not in the “I will run everyone on this team I was looking at the prospect of Rex and I asked to use our restroom as well. No big dealtill they vomit” stage anymore. Yet I was still walking home. Fortunately, Tina is a very we often had folks use it. This was when Tinaway more of and X's and O's coach and was tolerant person and after we took our shoes came in and informed us that she had also beennot very relatable to the players. Rex was a off and cleaned them as best we could, she cleaning the restrooms at the time and had yet toperfect counterpoint to me. He was a Jimmy's restock the toilet paper. Well Rex and I certainlyand Joe's coach, meaning he really was able to finally relented and let us in the van.relate to and work with the players as young Years later Rex and I got to reunite on the did not know what to do and we started plottingmen. our exit strategy, which included just locking the sidelines when I made my final run as an guy in and letting Gregg or Kelli Jo find him in I guess Rex probably was more responsible Eagle coach. This was also roughly the time I the morning. Tina looked at us like we had eachfor finally smoothing out my remaining rough started as a part time sports guy at the Times. grown a second head. After several minutes weedges, and I would like to think I was able to Rex was working as a columnist and beat actually heard the bathroom door open and thehelp him advance his knowledge of the game. writer and Tina was one of the key cogs in the fellow leave. We quickly locked up. When weBut let's be honest, the stories you want to hear production machine there. This also led to went into the bathroom to figure out how theare the funny ones. So here you go. many good times and a funny story or ten. fellow dealt with the lack of toilet paper, we As we were prepping for the season we I often marveled at Rex's tales of how they found an empty container of the Clorox wipes used to lay things out on a wax board rather that we routinely used to clean said restroom. Itraveled to a variety of places, including apreseason scrimmage at Wartburg. If you know than on the computer. It made me realize I had can only imagine how that must have felt. gotten into the newspaper business at the right Rex left us a few years back after a strong andme, you know I get motion sick extremelyeasily. Coach Bruce, not wanting me to turn time. But again, the stories you want to hear courageous battle with cancer. I miss that guy on are the humorous ones. so many levels. I know he touched many of us asthe team bus into the Vomit Comet allowed a teacher, a coach and a mentor. I hope that anyRex and I to drive over in his van. His wifeTina and children Rex II and Bryce also joined of you that knew Rex can read this and smile. Ius. Fortunately for them it was a puke free know I did while writing it.ride.www.thevolunteertimes.com
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 32Pat's Wrestling Memories: Mid-South Wrestling I’m gonna go a slightly different route this He had a legendary feud with the Fabulous At one point Mid-South almost became themonth and focus on a promotion rather than an Freebirds that seemed to end when they second major player on the national rendered JYD blind. Not to be deterred, a blindindividual. Today we are gonna discuss Mid- JYD battled the leader of the Freebirds, wrestling scene. Vince McMahon hadSouth Wrestling. The area has its roots in Leroy Michael PS Hayes in a dog collar match in a bought Georgia Championship Wrestling show that drew a staggering 30,000 fans. That for their coveted time slot at 6:05 p.m. onMcGurk's Tri State Wrestling, an NWA territory number is impressive but is even morethat started in the 50's. One of the more popular WTBS. This upset Ted Turner who was awrestlers in Tri State was Cowboy Bill Watts, a impressive when you realize Mid-South had huge wrestling fan and was very upset, as been in business less than a year.rough and tumble brawler. he did not like the product WWF was In 1979, Watts bought Tri State and changed JYD was not the only notable alumni of Mid- providing him. Turner was promised a 2- South. Ted Dibiase, Dr. Death Steve Williams,the name to Mid-South. In a move that was fairly hour studio wrestling show and McMahonunheard of at the time, Watts withdrew from the Magnum TA and the Midnight Express all was simply sending highlights from other passed through the area before becoming starsNWA, though he did occasionally fork out big WWF shows. Turner, an avowed wrestlingmoney to bring their champion in. Watts began on the national stage. fan, liked what he saw and approached Dibiase goes into great detail about his time Watts. Unfortunately for Watts, Jim Barnettexpanding his territory and started running inArkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and in Mid-South in his book, “Every Man Has His managed to broker a deal for Jim CrockettMississippi. This was a very wide area for a Price.” Dibiase was a beloved hero there long Promotions to take the slot. While this gave before he was the filthy rich and evil Millionregional promotion, especially one that was not the NWA/WCW the shot, it was not the endpart of the NWA. Dollar Man. Dibiase was one of the most for Watts and his attempt to go nationwide beloved men in the area and even battled NWA Due to the fact that they did not run in our with his product. In fact we will learn morearea and were not part of the NWA, I had no real World Champion Ric Flair when Watts would about this next month in part 2 of this as bring him in. But this was not to last. Dibiaseexposure to Mid-South. In fact, Watts was even Watts transitions Mid-South to thereluctant to let the Pro Wrestling Illustrated turned his back on his partner JYD and became Universal Wrestling Federation. a villain that was just as diabolical as hisfamily of magazines cover his area. In fact, Million Dollar Man persona, maybe even moregrowing up Mid-South was just a legend to me. so. Dibiase began wearing a black glove whichA great promotion with athletes and story lines he would often “load” with a foreign object to aid him in winning. If not for his Mid-Souththat rivaled anything on my wrestling plate. run we may have never gotten to know the In spite of his lack of any national exposure, Million Dollar Man, who is one of the greatest heels in WWF history. As a side note, I metWatts ran a wildly successful promotion. He was Dibiase at Tri Star Comic Con in Knoxville lastalso ground breaking in the fact that he ran a November, and there is not a more genuine or nice fellow out there. He spoke highly of hisblack man as his top star. While normal today, itwas unheard of in wrestling then. That man was time with Watts in Mid-South.the Junkyard Dog. Before he became a cartooncharacter in the WWF, JYD was a beloved figurein the Mid-South. Debuting in the March issue of the Volunteer Times our new Home and Garden feature. Be sure to follow the Volunteer Times Preview to view interiors/exteriors and gardens of our counties most beautiful properties. Who will be the first? You’ll have to wait and see. You may be the next feature in our Home and Garden feature.
Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 33EL Continued First, Exits 144 and 156 are going to have broadband access, so we have a real expectation that those two exchanges canBROADBAND ACCESS begin to grow an economy. Counties that have no interstate consider interstate exchanges equal to industrial parks andLast year, we were successful in gaining grant dollars to we should too. Traffic count is the first indicator ofexpand broadband across the northern tier of the county. Since economic potential, so those two exchanges are ‘no-our grant award from the Appalachian Regional Commission, brainers’ for places to focus our development efforts.our state legislature has appropriated more funding for thatpurpose. Those dollars are targeted at priorities set by Secondly, broadband access on Norris Lake and the ridgesGovernor Haslam’s Rural Task Force, on which I served, so surrounding it keeps our attractions competitive with otherwe continue to be competitive for more funding from that vacation destinations like Myrtle Beach and Panama City.source. Additionally, President Trump signed Executive One thing is true about vacationers: NO ONE wants toOrders in Nashville last month to direct more federal dollars disconnect from work or social media while on a familytoward thickening the broadband tower grid on public lands in vacation.rural areas. Between TWRA, TVA and State Parks, CampbellCounty is blessed with public lands, so we will compete hard MOVING FORWARDto compliment the new broadband in the loop formed byPioneer, Elk Valley, Jellico, Morley, Chaska, Wynn I am excited about what we’ve been able to achieve inHabersham and Stinking Creek. I have already begun Campbell County and what our future holds. I see a futurediscussions with the Appalachian Regional Commission about with great earning opportunities without a commute outsidea second phase of funding to extend from Morley to White the county, an education system that sets conditions for ourOak, Roses Creek and Davis Creek and following phases to children to excel toward a rewarding working life, and thatSpeedwell, Flat Hollow, Bethlehem, Victory, Alder Springs, creates a draw for businesses to come here. I think we haveCoolidge, Demory, Grantsboro, Murrayville, Pinecrest, every reason to believe each of our interstate exchanges canMacedonia and Oak Grove. produce great economic value and jobs while providing doorways for the world into our mountains, lakes, music, With these improvements, our students will not only scenery, people and business opportunities. Continuedhave broadband access at school, but they can expect it at investment in education, infrastructure, jobs and technologyhome too. That is the biggest impact on day to day living, but will pay off for Campbell County. It is doing so today, andthere are two other keys. it will continue in our future.Thank you for reading. Asalways, we appreciate your continued support. Volunteer Times
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