Community News

This month’s meeting of the Johnson County Commission was well-attended as many citizens came out to hear discussions about topics they were passionate about and hoped to see action taken on by the county representatives. Among the night’s topics were two items, which especially drew good numbers to the courtroom in support.

A large portion of the public citizens in attendance were there to support County Extension Agent Rick Thomason in his quest to have the county commit to the Ag Center idea he presented a few months ago. Among those in attendance to show support were members of the JCHS FFA and others involved in the local agricultural scene as well as civic organizations interested in the use of the proposed center.

At the May commission meeting, Thomason had given a presentation asking the group to help facilitate an Ag Center which would also serve as a meeting place for local civic organizations to utilize as well. During that May meeting, Thomason was given the go ahead to explore funding options and to return to the commission with estimates on costs and how much the county would be responsible for if  the project received the green light.
Thomason spoke to the commissioners and answered questions from the group. Commissioner Mike Taylor presented a number of concerns the commissioners had mentioned about the project during the night’s earlier held budget committee meeting so all commissioners were made aware of previous discussions.

A number of the commissioners currently seated voiced that they did not want to commit the county to the project on the cusp of a transition to new commissioners and it was once again tabled to be presented again at the next meeting. Johnson County Commissioners will meet on September 20 at 7 p.m. at the Johnson County Courthouse.
For more information about the Johnson County Board of Commission, please visit www.johnsoncountytnchamber.org.

Reece says goodbye to law enforcement after 38 years of service.

By Tamas Mondovics
Editor

After nearly four decades of serving his community in a variety of law enforcement functions, three-term Johnson County Sheriff Mike Reece says goodbye to law enforcement next month.

“I am very proud and thankful of the staff I have been able to lead during these 12 years and to work alongside many of them for a lot longer during my 38 years of law enforcement,” Reece said, just days following Johnson County’s general election on Thursday, August 2, 2018.

After serving as Sheriff for three terms, incumbent Reece was defeated by Eddie Tester, a veteran law enforcement officer, who has served as a Tennessee State Trooper for the past 18 years. Tester received 77 percent of the vote and successfully ensured his place as future Sheriff of Johnson County. While Reece emphasized that timing is everything and that he is looking forward to retirement, spending time with family and remaining active in his community, the longtime lawman leaves a big shoe for Tester to fill.

For the first four years, Reece is credited with an improved jail rating; increase revenue for the county and work of maintaining a strong, well-trained staff. Since his election as Sheriff, Reece focused his priority on investigating the high number of open cases as well as drug enforcement issues. Reece was the first to apply for medical reimbursement for State inmates and has continued this effort throughout his 12 years as Sheriff.

“I am proud of getting back pay for a year prior,” he said adding, “It is a significant amount of money.”

He has also helped many agencies in the community through inmate labor including the expansion to the Sheriff’s Department to allow housing of 9-1-1 and Emergency management under one roof and a training and operations room.

“We focused on keeping the maximum number of inmates, which resulted in an astounding increase in the County’s budget,” Reece added. “The money the jail generated helped to fund other offices and county needs where there was no money.”

“As it is the case across the state and the nation, budget issues affect every department,” Reece said. “You have to have the same number of employees in the jail whether you have 40 inmates or 115. It is mandated according to the capacity the jail can hold. Our staff worked extra hard, so did I to be successful in this goal.”Reece added, “County Commissioners were very thankful during the first years, and then they seemed just to expect that we would continue this with no money coming back to the jail for employees.”

In 2014, Reece was elected as the first third-term Sheriff, since the 4-year terms began nearly 40 years ago. “This means a great deal to me, my family and our department,” he said. During his time as Sheriff, the JCSO staff completed many specialized training including Joe Woodard, Chief Deputy’s invitation to and completion of the first ever TBI Training Academy Tennessee had to offer. “That says a lot about our county,” he said. “I always encouraged our officers to be the very best they could be and encouraged training opportunities.”

During all these years and especially the past 12 years as Sheriff, Reece went on many calls; some he said was very heartbreaking and changed him forever as he had to deliver devastating news to families and by following the law, “make decisions and take actions that were very difficult.”

Reece emphasized that over the years his office had many challenges and hurdles like working within a low budget, people being trained and leaving for better opportunities and lack of the general public’s knowledge of how the Sheriff’s Department operates, adding that the guidelines and mandates are not optional and leave no room for error.

“There are some things people think are the Sheriff’s decision or choice and although he takes responsibility, he actually has no authority in them at all,” he said. “It is also difficult for officers who work hard, to do a great job and receive criticism instead of praise.”

Reece wishes the Sheriff’s Department and New Sheriff much growth and success and mainly safety for all officers and staff and, of course, the community. “I am very thankful for the opportunity the citizens of Johnson County gave me to serve as Sheriff for the past 12 years. It has been an honor.”

Note From The Tomahawk Editor:
The Tomahawk wishes to express its sincere appreciation and gratitude for the service provided by Sheriff Reece. His leadership has led the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office for many years, and the success of the department is a direct result of his efforts and dedication. Sheriff Reece’s commitment to quality and professional integrity has set the bar for future leadership positions. Thank you, Sheriff Reece, enjoy every minute of your retirement, and we know your legacy of kindness, respect, and integrity lives on in Johnson County.

Sincerely,
Your Friends at The Tomahawk

Last Updated 8/13/2018
Reported auctions on Saturday, Aug 11, 2018, at Carthage, Crossville,and Greeneville.

Receipts: 1,585
Last Week 2,415
Last Year 3,110

Compared to the same sales last week,

•Carthage: This sale was not reported on Saturday, August 11.

• Crossville: Slaughter cows/bulls steady. Feeder steers mostly steady instances 4.00 lower. Feeder bulls 4.00 to 8.00 higher. Feeder heifers steady to 4.00 lower.

• Greeneville: Slaughter cows mostly steady. Slaughter bulls 5.00 lower.Feeder steers mostly steady. Feeder bulls 1.00 to 2.00 higher. Feeder heifers 1.00 to 2.00 lower.

• Slaughter Cows Boners
80-85 pct lean 45.00-63.00;

• Slaughter Cows Lean
85-90 pct lean 42.00-53.00; • Slaughter Bulls 1100-2200 lbs 67.50-87.00.

• Steers Medium and Large
1-2: 300-400 lbs 157.50-176.00; 400-500 lbs145.00-170.00; 500-600 lbs 130.00-159.00; 600-700 lbs 130.00-151.00;700-800 lbs 127.00-140.00.

• Bulls Medium and Large 1-2:
400-500 lbs139.00-165.00; 500-600 lbs 130.00-151.00; 600-700 lbs 118.00-140.00;700-800 lbs 110.00-122.00.

• Heifers Medium and Large 1-2:
300-400 lbs132.00-167.00; 400-500 lbs 125.00-158.00; 500-600 lbs 119.00-146.00;600-700 lbs 119.00-133.00; 700-800 lbs 110.00-123.00.

Source: Tennessee Dept of Ag-USDA Market News, Nashville, TN Jodee Inman, OIC (502)782-4139

Producers Must File by August 17, One-Year Extension Available to Holders of Many Expiring Contracts Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Richard Fordyce reminded producers that the deadline to sign up for enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is Friday, August 17, 2018.

“Any agricultural producer that has eligible land should review the benefits of this program,” said Fordyce. “It removes from production marginal, erodible land and, in doing so, improves water quality, increases wildlife habitat and provides more opportunities for recreational activities, including fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing.”

For this year’s signup, limited priority practices are available for continuous enrollment. They include grassed waterways, filter strips, riparian buffers, wetland restoration and others. View a full list of practices. FSA will use updated soil rental rates to make annual rental payments, reflecting current values. It will not offer incentive payments as part of the new signup.USDA will not open a general signup this year, however, a one-year extension will be offered to existing CRP participants with expiring CRP contracts of 14 years or less.

CRP Grasslands
Additionally, FSA established new ranking criteria for CRP grasslands. To guarantee all CRP grasslands offers are treated equally, applicants who previously applied (prior to the current sign-up period) will be asked to reapply using the new ranking criteria.

About CRP
In return for enrolling land in CRP, USDA, through FSA on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), provides participants that remove sensitive lands from production and plant certain grasses, shrubs and trees that improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and increase wildlife habitat with annual rental payments and cost-share assistance. Landowners enter into contracts that last between 10 and 15 years.

Signed into law by President Reagan in 1985, CRP is one of the largest private-lands conservation programs in the United States. Thanks to voluntary participation by farmers, ranchers and private landowners, CRP has improved water quality, reduced soil erosion and increased habitat for endangered and threatened species. The new changes to CRP do not impact the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, a related program offered by CCC and state partners.

Producers wanting to apply for the CRP continuous signup or CRP grasslands should contact their USDA service center. More information on CRP can be found at www.fsa.usda.gov/crp.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

By Tamas Mondovics
Editor

It was only a few weeks ago that a large group of Johnson and Carter County students celebrated the fruit of their labor as new graduates of the Northeast State Community College Adult Education Program.The event held at Heritage Hall in Mountain City was a fitting conclusion following the hard work, dedication and commitment displayed on the part of all participants.To help many more with the desire and need of earning a High School Equivalency Diploma, registration for Day and Night classes for the 2018-2019 school year is now available in Johnson County.

“Earning your High School Equivalency Diploma can help you enter the job market, get that promotion, or enter technical school or college- your future opportunities are endless,” said TN Adult Education Lead Instructor (District 1) for Johnson and carter Counties, Karla Prudhomme M.A.Ed. As reported, the majority of the graduates go on to attend a technical or community college especially since the governor rolled out the TN Promise and the TN Reconnect programs that give non-traditional students, those over the age of 26, the same opportunity of two years of free college or technical school.”

To register for the 2018-2019 GED / HiSET classes and for information or enrollment in the Adult Education program, please call (423) 460-3330, or stop by the new classrooms located at 372 Cold Springs Road, in the DHS/Food Stamp office building- side entrance.

By Rick Thomason

Do you have a child who is interested in learning more about horses? If so, the Johnson County 4-H will be having a Horse Clinic on Saturday, August 18th. The clinic will be conducted at the Chamber Park located on Hwy. 67W in Doe. Students do not need to own a horse in order to participate. This is a hands-on experience, so students will get the chance to interact safely with several different horses.

The clinic will begin at 9:30 a.m. and introduce students to horse safety, general horse care, proper grooming techniques, approaching and leading a horse safely, tack & equipment, saddle fitting, hoof maintenance & shoeing while maintaining safety for both the individual and the horse. The clinic is a hands-on learning experience so all students must wear close toed shoes to participate. Parents must sign a waiver for all youth under 18 years old in order for them to participate.

The Johnson County 4-H Horse Judging team will be selling pizza, chips and a drink for $5.00 to raise money for this year’s horse judging events. Lunch will be served at 12:00 noon.Immediately after the horse clinic and lunch we will be conducting the Johnson County 4-H Horse Show. The 4-H Horse Show allows 4th-12th grade 4-H’ers to exhibit their horses in a variety of disciplines in a safe and fun environment. All riders are required to wear SEI/ASTM approved helmets.

The following classes will be available for the show. Lead Line (riders 4-8 years old), Halter Showmanship, Halter Conformation, Western Pleasure (2 gait), Western Pleasure (3 gait), Western Horsemanship, Trail, Barrel Racing and Pole Bending.Both the Horse Clinic and Show are free of charge, however, we request that you pre-register your child at the 4-H office prior to the event. For questions or additional information, contact Danielle Pleasant at 727-8161 or dsilver2@utk.edu.

By Jinifer Rae

Johnson County and Mountain City residents are once again in for a treat thanks to a presentation of “Mark Twain and Mr. Clemens, Tonight” by actor, historian, and musician Kurt Sutton at Heritage Hall in Mountain City. Sutton’s performance scheduled for Saturday, August 4, at 7 p.m. will feature his wit and satire of Mark Twain that has been entertaining audiences with much success.Mark Twain fans are anxiously awaiting the upcoming show, an evening that is promising to be a fun-filled event with Sutton bringing Samuel Langhorne Clemens, the creator of Mark Twain to life.

Clemens was born on November 30, 1835, in the tiny village of Florida, Missouri, the sixth child of John and Jane Clemens. He used the pen name Mark Twain to write about the now famous characters of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer. The stories became major classics of American literature.At 34, the handsome, red-haired, affable, canny, egocentric and ambitious journalist, and traveler, Clemens had become one of the most popular and famous writers in America. He was also a riverboat pilot, journalist, lecturer, entrepreneur, and inventor. Twain died on April 21, 1910, in Redding, Connecticut.

“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” remain cherished treasures to read for old and young alike. It is the love of those stories that compelled Sutton to portray an older Clemens, dressed in the famous white suit. But it is not just his appearance that is promising to transform audiences back to a bygone era.

As a former teacher of history, Sutton has honed his ability to make the past come to life. For the past seven years, people have come from all over to be entertained by his representation of the iconic Clemens. While listening to the stories, audiences are invited to participate. Sutton plays a variety of instruments and encourages the audience to join in singing songs from the past. “Bicycle Built for Two” and “Old Time Religion” are just two of fan favorites.

Music is not the only thing in store for audiences attending. Twain’s wit and wisdom combined with the love of music are sure to make the evening unforgettable. Since tickets are sure to sell out fast, call Heritage Hall 423-727-7444 and leave a message to reserve your seat.

The bridge construction over Furnace Creek on Fairground Lane, leading to Johnson County High School, 290 Fairground Hill, in Mountain City is now complete. Detour signs in and around the project have been removed and regular traffic flow including the traditional school drop off, and pickup route has resumed giving nearby neighborhoods a much-welcomed relief from the increased school traffic during the season.

The project completion also means that voters in Mountain City, TN assigned to the high school (7-City) are to now use Fairground Lane to enter and exit the school grounds as their polling place. Johnson County Election officials are urging residents to be familiar with this update ahead of the upcoming Election Day on Thursday August 2, 2018.

For over 42 years, the Doe Valley Volunteer Fire Department has been serving the Doe community. The department seeks out various ways to serve community members and offers aid to not only Doe but surrounding areas as well. The work of the Doe Valley VFD goes beyond answering calls for fires and involves assisting in other emergencies as well as community outreach.

“We are a emergency shelter in case of severe weather,” Doe VFD member Jonathan Lunceford explained. “We set up landing zones for wings air rescue and every year we go to doe elementary to do fire safety with the kids.”

For the Doe VFD, it is the relationships with the community that drive the members as they answer 80-100 calls each year. “We strive to make the community safer and provide aid during a emergency,” Lunceford added. “We are there for the people of Doe Valley and Johnson County when they are going through their worst times.”

Community outreach and various emergency response is a major part of the Doe Valley VFD. Ensuring a safer community through educating the youth and being prepared to assist in helicopter landings for Wings Air Rescue is part of the job for the volunteers at the department