Editorial

Dear Editor,
My name is Richard Price, a teacher with the Johnson County School system since 2006 and Principal/Teacher of Shady Valley Elementary School for ten years.
With this as a reference I’d like to make some comments concerning the impending decision coming up at the next school board meeting.
During my time at Shady Valley Elementary each year it became more and more obvious that something needed to be done to maintain the viability of the school; maturing of the families and fewer young families moving in was a real problem.
School population numbers steadily decreased. It should have been obvious to the citizens of the valley and the county.
A member of the school board indicated to the citizens of the valley recently that if they could come up with a plan to increase the school population he would change his vote to keep it open; whose responsibility is this? Who should be working to keep jobs and families in Johnson County?
The Economic Development element of the county has a responsibility to consider the need, even if the “powers that be” do not see this as a need.
In 2015 I was working with SkyLine and two call centers to move an operation to the Valley. This could have provided 200 plus jobs and kept the housing in the Valley up, not like it is today with over two dozen homes vacant. In order for the school to be viable it must have more students.
Again, who should be doing this?
I urge the school board to table item 6 on the agenda for this coming Thursday. I further ask that the Mayor, along with other county resources, begin working with the citizens of the Valley to assist them in the development of a plan. This plan would be looking at avenues to make the Valley more viable economically and to encourage families to want to live in a truly beautiful part of the world.
The county owes this to the Valley. If you Google “howNOT close a community school” you would get the situation we find ourselves in today. Then Google “how to properly close a community school” and there are numerous options on how to carry this out.

E. Richard Price

Dear Editor,
In response to last week’s article “Chopped, lopped and dropped” I just want to say thank you to the Tennessee Department of Transportation for maintaining the road right of ways.
By cutting back brush and trees from the road it allows me to see that deer a little bit sooner before it jumps out in front of me. It opens up the line of sight for people turning onto the roadway.
It makes room to push snow off the road in the winter. I have not been through the Backbone Rock area since they did the work there but I thought they did a great job around Watauga Lake.
As far as TDOT creating an aesthetic monstrosity goes, come next spring with the new growth you won’t even be able to tell with the exception of you will be able to see around that next corner or observe the wildlife getting ready to dart in front of you.
Thank you TDOT for making my commute that much safer.

Sincerely,
Jen Skarsaune

Editor’s note:
Thank you, Jen, for your letter. I couldn’t agree with you more. We all appreciate the hard work TDOT is doing and, of course, the safety of our roadways should be on the top of the list. There is no doubt we all benefit from the project mentioned in the article. However, on a side note, I wanted to emphasize that Katie Lamb’s story was not about the necessity of clearing vegetation along our roadways but the unsightly debris, left behind giving the impression of a job incomplete. We are proud of our beautiful trees that line our roads and cover the surrounding hills and mountains. It is what draws so many visitors to the region. We hope that our story will contribute to and draws further attention to our desire to maintain the natural beauty that we all have the privilege of freely enjoy.
Thank you again for your excellent letter

Dear Editor,
When our 90-year-old neighbor fell in her yard a couple weeks ago, breaking her hip, we had a chance to witness the Shady Valley Volunteer Fire Department in action.
What a fabulous group of folks. We are so blessed to live in Shady Valley, TN. They were here to help us within minutes with all the necessary equipment and knowledge. They were calm and so helpful as we waited for the paramedics to arrive from Mountain City.
Once she was moved into the ambulance and on her way to the hospital, the team said goodbye and went back to whatever they were doing before our call. I was so impressed.
If you already support our fire department ‘thank YOU,’ (we’re going to increase our donation). If you haven’t done so yet please consider even a small donation…you might need them one day!
Thank you Shady Valley Volunteer Fire Department you are the best!

Nancy Lucas,
Shady Valley, TN

Dear Editor,

“Since I have been a director at the Senior Center, Mr. Brookshire would occasionally come into the senior center to bring treats and visit with all the seniors.
He would always ask if I needed anything. He gave donations several times for different things, and he sponsored our 1st Billiards Tournament and has continued to be an ongoing sponsor since. He would also bring out apples and oranges at Christmas time, and other gifts for special occasions and I would always ask him when he was going to join the senior center. He always said he would join “when he was old enough.”
He died this past year at the age of 85. We all loved “Mr. B” at the Senior Center and considered him family. I talked with the Johnson County Shrine Club and Order of The Eastern Star to collaborate with them on doing an outside project together and expand some square footage for our activities. Space would be a shared space for all involved. They were excited and quickly came on board. We raised the money to begin the Veranda project, which is now complete and the grassy area is now landscaped beautifully thanks to Adams Lawn Service and Humphrey Masonry.
That brings me to this note as Matt Adams, owner of Adams Lawn Service, and his crew did an amazing job in just two days to get ready for our 50’s day event held last week.
The idea for this project really did turn out wonderful. I was so happy to purchase two benches that are sitting in the new landscaped space in memory of “Mr. B.” The benches have a plate that states, “In memory of Bill Brookshire, age 85 – who wasn’t old enough to join the senior center.”
Johnson County Bank also showed their support on Friday for the 50’s day event by dressing in poodle skirts and leather jackets and came with their Cash Minion to give away changes for free money. It was so exciting to see how happy the people were when they pulled out money. Some got $20.00 bills, while one lady, Betty Davis, grabbed $41. She was very happy.
Mountain Electrics, Steven Bishop, was busy non-stop making snow cones for everyone. We had face painters, Kim Kleine, and Sandra Moody, that stayed busy as well.
The food booths went well thanks to Vanessa Nelson and the Shrine Club and Eastern Star members. Many people said the barbeque was the best in town.
Brian Eller worked hard during the week smoking the pork for the event.
We are looking forward to having another Heritage Square event and appreciate the Town of Mountain City for allowing us to use the parking area. Plans for a Fall Festival are being planned now.
There was approximately 300 plus that attended the 50’s Day Event. We appreciate Farmers State Bank for always letting us use their parking for overflow. Unfortunately, parking is always an issue at the Senior Center.
We are also looking for more volunteers at the senior center to help out with some of our programs such as our Meals on Wheels through FTHRA and MyRide Johnson County.”

Kathy Motsinger

Dear Editor,

On behalf of Delta Kappa Gamma International and its Johnson County chapter, Gamma Mu, I wish to thank those who generously donated to the contents of the “Goodie Bags” that were presented to the recipients of The Good Neighbor Award at a reception in their honor May 1, 2018.
Elizabethton Federal, Farmer’s State Bank, Johnson County Bank and Mountain Electric contributed generously, much to the students’ delight. THANK YOU for helping us recognize and affirm the five Middle School students who were named Good Neighbors for consistently demonstrating the qualities we want in our neighbors: compassion, kindness, and generosity.
In addition to local support, the students were especially honored by Rep. Timothy Hill, who sent each one a Proclamation which had been read on the floor of the Tennessee House of Representatives in their honor, and Sen. Jon Lundberg, who personally presented to each student a flag that had been flown on the Capitol Building in Nashville in their honor. Their support of our students means a great deal!

Sheila Cruse
Chair, Educational Excellence Committee
DKG/Gamma Mu

Dear Editor,

I never could understand what the “water war” was all about. It seems that the City of Mountain City was running a deficit in collecting water and/or sewer rates for sometime.
It seems that the State Water and Waste water Financing Board wanted to know why. It would have been more cost effective if the Mayor and Alderman would have corrected the deficiency in rates long before it became an issue with the State of Tennessee. It seems that, they the mayor and Aldermen, should have complied with the state’s mandate originally without having to expend finances to travel to the WWFB.
It seems that even after months of discussions between the Mayor/Aldermen and WWFB and the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) nothing changed. It seems the MTAS first recommendation was approved and, as the Tomahawk reported, it was an unnecessary trip to appear before the State.
As stated by City Recorder Sheila Shaw the increase will commence in July 2019 and will take at least three years to get out of the red. This could all have been avoided if the City had been more proactive in addressing the rate increase prior to being mandated to do so.
The Mayor’s response that there was a difference between inside and outside the city lacks credence. The rates collected were not sufficient to balance the budget, therefore it makes sense to increase rates prior to having to become ordered to do so. Greater oversite should be undertaken by the Mayor and/or Aldermen in reviewing the city of Mountain City’s various departments to ensure they comply with local, State or Federal requirements. Sometimes common sense seems to disappear when needed most.

George A. Spreyne

Dear Editor:

The Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) would like to thank all of the sponsors who supported the 14th Annual Johnson County Talent Show. These businesses, organizations, and individuals, not only support JCCF, but they also help make it possible for our talented young people to perform in a professional setting.
Platinum Plus Sponsors of $500 or more were: Danny Herman Trucking, Inc. Herman Enterprises LLC, Donald & Carole Tarr, Joe & Marian Ashley, Farmers State Bank, Johnson County Bank, Mountain City Medical Center, Maymead, Inc. and JCCF Board Members. Platinum Sponsors of $200-$499 were: Beta Theta Club, Inc. Bob and Minnie Miller, Adams Pharmacy LLC, Swan James, Heritage Hall, Positive Thinkers, Three Sisters, LLC, Elizabethton Federal, and Rush Oil Company. Gold Sponsors of $100-$199) included: Mountain City Funeral Home, Wednesday Music Club, Hux Lipford Funeral Home, Inc., Mike Taylor, Carey Pritt & Son Trucking, Levi Retiree Club, Mina P. Norfleet, Realtor, Kenneth & Mina Norfleet, Keith & Shirley Stewart, and Betty Brown. Silver Sponsorship of $50-$99 was Suba’s Restaurant, Johnson County Builders Supply, Mullins Real Estate, Snyder Surveying, Inc., Damascus Motor Sales, Dr. Mischelle Simcox, Quality Furniture, Janice A. Russell, Atty at Law, Larry & Brenda Potter, Hendrik G. Sijthoff, Johnson County Farm Bureau, Family Prescription Center, and Freida May Gwinn, Register of Deeds. Hardee’s and KFC of Mountain City provided gift certificates to the students who received Honorable Mention. We encourage people to support these businesses who in turn support local events.
In addition, the talent show would not
have been nearly as successful without the
help of the school system’s music teachers, Kim Franklin, Nathan Jones, Kaitlyn Cole, Michael Eggers, and Kathy Ransom, Homeschool. We also appreciate the coverage
given to the talent show by The Tomahawk and WMCT. We value the Heritage Hall volunteers, who give so much of their time and a special thanks to Randy Danderand, Alice Glenn and Bob Morrison along with Chase McGlamery. Jeanie Royston was a great asset for being the contact person.
JCCF is made up of volunteers who love Johnson County and give their time and money to support scholarships, youth leadership, schools, and non-profit organizations in Johnson County. Anyone wishing to make a donation to JCCF or discuss leaving something in the will to JCCF should contact Jane Ann McGee, Chair person of JCCF at 727-1059.

Respectively,
Carol Stout
Talent Show Chair
JCCF Board Member

Dear Editor:
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Founded and sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) since 1987, this year’s theme is: “Changing Attitudes: It’s not a ‘rite of passage’.” No other substance is more widely used and abused by America’s youth than alcohol, making alcoholism and alcohol-related problems the number one public health problem in the United States.
Fostering healthy and responsible attitudes, talking openly and honestly, encouraging supportive relationships, and showing children that their opinions and decisions matter, are all ways to help prevent the use of alcohol and drugs. Parents often forgive underage drinking as a “rite of passage.” They can simply sit back and hope their kids will “get through it,” or they can change their attitude and take an active role in learning about alcohol and drugs and help their kids do the same.
It can be challenging to develop the communications skills needed to talk with your children about drinking and drugs, but it will be well work the effort you put into it, as you get to know your children a little better and help them build the coping skills they need to handle the anger, stress, peer pressure, loneliness and disappointment that are part of being an adolescent.
So let’s get started. We can’t afford to wait any longer.

Sincerely,
Denise Woods
Prevention Coordinator, A.C.T.I.O.N Coalition, Inc.

Dear Editor,

It seems that Mr. Parson’s feels he is innocent of charges leveled by the Johnson County Sheriffs Office.
I have always been taught to respect the law enforcement community as they are the ones that place their lives on the line defending the citizens, this includes Mountain City and Johnson County.
From what I gather from the article in the Tomahawk, January 16, 2019 edition, it seems that after many requests from the Deputy and the Sheriff of Johnson County, Mr. Parsons continued to deny the name of the person present in his vehicle only that he was a friend. When Mr. Parsons refused to answer, the officer then asked the “friend” his name twice and the “friend” would not respond.
Now it seems that the Sheriff, Mr. Tester, arrives and asks Mr. Parsons if the passenger (friend) was his brother in law Mr. Parsons stated “I don’t know, I’m not at liberty to say that.” I wonder why Mr. Parsons was not at liberty to say who his passenger was other than to cover up that his passenger had active warrants for failure to pay child support (what about the child) again that “I don’t know”. Finally stating that “it’s my brother in law, yes.”
I believe this whole unpleasant event could have been averted if Mr. Parsons had been truthful and honest with the officers. I believe Mr. Parsons, feels Mountain City and Johnson County citizens should be open with one another in support of the law enforcement community.
It is those law enforcement officers that respond to the same incidents, day in and day out, sometimes with repeat offenders. This officer was only doing his job of following the law as the political process mandated in making the laws dictated. I believe that this incident should teach us all a lesson of showing respect to one another and be resolved amicably between Sheriff Tester, the Deputy and Mr. Parsons and the judiciary court system.
Let’s endeavor to put positive thoughts and lessons learned toward improving Mountain City and Johnson County without putting a bad light on our community.

George A. Spreyne