Benchmarks 2022 | Section E | Community

SECTION E

COMMUNITY

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition March 26, 2022

Page 2E

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

GreenevilleSun.com

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Devils Win First Basketball State Title

T

he Greeneville boys basketball team, and North Greene boys and girls basketball teams got things rolling in the year in sports with all three reaching state tournaments in March of 2021 at MTSU in Murfreesboro.

GREENEVILLE BOYS Senior Connor DeBusk knocked down a 3-pointer with 12 seconds to play, lifting the Greeneville Greene Devils to a 47-46 win over Jackson South Side in the Class 2A state championship game.

Reid Satterfield fired a pass to the left corner. And DeBusk, standing open in front of Greeneville’s bench, launched without hesitation to give the Devils their first state title.

“It’s something every little kid dreams of, to hit that final shot. This feels amazing,” DeBusk said after the game. “I had confidence it was going in, and when it went through the net it was like a burst of energy came out of me.

It was so exciting.

“Last year when COVID canceled the tournament, we made the decision that we are coming back and we are going to win this thing. That’s what we did.

It’s great to do it with these guys, and I hope they do it again next year.”

DeBusk, a senior, had grown up watching Greeneville basketball. His dad, Doug, was a standout for the Greene Devils, as was his older brother Dylan.

His uncle, Frankie, played on the Devils’ 1986-87 state semifinal team, what many believe to be Greeneville’s best team.

With the final shot of his high school career, Connor ended that debate.

“I’m still trying wrap my head around it,” DeBusk said. “Me and uncle Frankie have gone back and forth on who has the better team. But it really feels special to bring this program its first state championship.”

DeBusk’s game-clinching triple was the only 3-pointer the senior point guard made all tournament.

“Connor has the same mentality year round,” Greeneville coach Brad Woolsey said following the game. “Whether it’s the weight room, open gym or a game, his effort and execution is always there. It’s crazy to me that he hit the shot. He was the guy and he knocked it down. For me to see all of the work come together and for him to step up on the biggest stage, in the biggest game is unreal.”

Satterfield led Greeneville with 19 points while going 11-for-12 at the free-throw line. Ja’Kobi Gillespie put in 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds. DeBusk finished with seven points, three assists and three steals.

All 3 were named to the Class 2A State Tournament All-Tournament Team as the Devils wrapped up a 32-6 season.

Gillespie was a finalist for Mr. Basketball in Class 2A.

NORTH GREENE BOYS The North Greene Huskies reached the semifinals of the Class A state tournament before falling to Clay County, 65-49.

SUN FILE PHOTO

Greeneville’s Connor DeBusk (center) raises the Class 2A state championship trophy on March 20, 2021, after the Greene Devils beat Jackson South Side 47-46 for the program’s first state championship.

SUN FILE PHOTO

SUN FILE PHOTO

North Greene’s Breezy Savage (right) fist bumps with assistant coach Kurt Glover prior to the 2021 Class A state tournament championship game in Murfreesboro.

The loss ended the most successful season in Husky basketball history as they advanced to the state semifinals for the third time and finished with a program best 33 wins.

“It says a lot about these kids to get here,” Tarlton said following the game.

“We didn’t even know if were going to get to play this year. We went through a lot of protocols and changes to what they are used to. To have a school record in wins in this type of year says a lot about these kids. I couldn’t be more proud of these seniors. I came in four years ago, and this is the first group I have seen all the way through. I’m sure going to miss them.”

North Greene’s five seniors – Carson Whaley, Cayden Foulks, Chance Campbell, Kendal Loftis and Shane Cooter – finished their careers as the winningest class in North Greene history with 107 wins over their four

years.

“I think we all came together this season,” Campbell said following the game. “I’d call it legendary.

It’s been a special year for us. With everything we were facing coming into the year, to be able to make it this far as seniors was really special to us.”

Chriss Schultz, a German exchange student led North Greene with 19 points and 15 rebounds.

“This year has meant a lot to me,” Schultz said. “In Germany they haven’t gotten to play basketball. To be a part of this team and this community has meant a lot to me.”

Campbell was also in double figures with 10 points.

Clay County’s Grant Strong poured in a gamehigh 32 points and was later named Mr. Basketball in Class A.

NORTH GREENE GIRLS North Greene shot just

Benchmarks E Story Index Devils Win First Basketball State Title ................................................................................ 2 Football Teams Somewhat Return To Normalcy................................................................. 3 South’s Volleyball Title Highlights Fall Sports .................................................................... 5 Greene County Well Represented At Spring Fling .............................................................. 7 Flyboys’ First Season A Huge Success ................................................................................. 9 Past Year A Busy One For Rural Resources ....................................................................... 13 Tusculum Arts Outreach Program Sees Leadership Change............................................. 14 NPAC Again Hosting Well-Attended Shows ...................................................................... 16 Greeneville Theatre Guild Continues To Thrive, Plans For Future ...................................17 Capitol Theatre Got Upgrades In 2021, Has Full Schedule ............................................... 18 Partnership Continued Supporting Businesses, Community In 2021 .............................. 19 Greeneville Light And Power System Approved Broadband Project In 2021 ...................20 Greene County Landmarks Got A Touch-Up In 2021 .......................................................20 Greeneville Airport Introduced New Ways To Fuel Up In 2021 ....................................... 23

16 percent from the field through three quarters, and despite a valiant push late fell 49-41 to Summertown in the semifinals of the Class A state tournament.

“I have to give a lot of credit to these girls for not giving up and showcasing a lot of fight,” North Greene coach James Buchanan said following the game. “We were undersized today. We don’t carry around the accolades these other schools do.

We don’t have the Miss

North Greene’s Chriss Schultz (33) shoots over Clay County’s Keaton Arms in the 2021 Class A state tournament championship game.

Basketball finalist or kids with Division I offers. But we are a scrappy bunch, a tough-nosed group. They play together and it’s been an absolute joy to coach them this year.”

The loss ended the second-most successful season in program history as the Lady Huskies advanced to the state semifinals for just the second time. In 2011, North Greene advanced to the state championship game.

The Lady Huskies’ four

seniors – Breezy Savage, Haleigh Bernard, Natausha Harmon and Emma Southerland – finished their careers at North Greene with 106 wins.

North Greene junior Brooklyn Anderson finished the semifinal with 21 points, five rebounds and three assists. It was her second big game of the tournament.

Shelby Davenport, another North Greene junior, finished with 11 points and five rebounds.

Benchmarks E Advertisers Index A Services Group, LLC ........................................................................................................17 Apartment Guide ............................................................................................................... 23 Apex Bank .......................................................................................................................... 13 Assisted Living Guide .......................................................................................................... 4 Building & Construction Guide ..................................................................................10 & 11 Century 21/Mike McNeese ..................................................................................................8 City of Tusculum .................................................................................................................. 6 County Officials Guide ......................................................................................................... 3 Dental Guide ...................................................................................................................... 21 Doughty Stevens Funeral Home ....................................................................................... 13 Eastman Credit Union .......................................................................................................24 Greeneville Federal Bank ...................................................................................................17 Greeneville Real Estate & Auction Team .......................................................................... 12 Health & Wellness Guide ........................................................................................... 14 & 15 Lawn & Landscape Guide .................................................................................................. 16 Legacy Fine Jewelers 1 ......................................................................................................... 9 Legal Guide .......................................................................................................................... 9 Link Hills Country Club ....................................................................................................... 7 Lynn Hope Towing .............................................................................................................. 5 McInturff, Milligan & Brooks, Inc. .................................................................................... 12 Mosheim Guide ..................................................................................................................22 Pool Guide ............................................................................................................................ 4 Recreational Guide ............................................................................................................22 State Farm/Lisa Crum .........................................................................................................8 Tusculum University ......................................................................................................... 19 Veterinarian Guide ............................................................................................................ 18 Wine & Spirits Guide ......................................................................................................... 16

GreenevilleSun.com

Saturday, March 26, 2022

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

Page 3E

Football Teams Somewhat Return To Normalcy loss. Petersen had three sacks and broke up two passes with four quarterback hurries.

BY SAM BUNDY SPORTS EDITOR

A

fter having to overcome significant challenges like limited summer workouts and no scrimmages due to the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020, high school football teams somewhat returned to normalcy in the fall of 2021.

CHUCKEY-DOAK

GREENEVILLE With a high-powered offense and a stingy defense, the Greeneville Greene Devils went 12-1 and were ranked No. 1 in Class 4A most of the season before falling 13-7 to the Elizabethton Cyclones in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs at a jam-packed Burley Stadium.

“This one will hurt for a long time,” Greeneville coach Eddie Spradlen said after the game.

Prior to its season-ending loss, Greeneville had scored 658 points – the most in the state – and had done it nearly every way imaginable on offense, defense and special teams.

And that was with its starters rarely playing after halftime.

Elizabethton had lost to Greeneville 42-12 at home during the regular season, but the Cyclones came to Burley with a game plan to control the clock and keep the ball away from the Devils’ offensive stars.

And that’s just what the Cyclones did. To near perfection.

Elizabethton did it on the strong, durable legs of senior quarterback Bryson

SUN FILE PHOTO

Greeneville senior running back Mason Gudger was a Class 4A Mr. Football finalist in 2021.

Rollins, who frustrated Greeneville with short runs that were just enough to keep the Greene Devils’ defense on the field more than their big-play offense.

Rollins grinded out 200 yards on 38 carries, or a little over 5 yards each time he took off.

With Elizabethton winning time of possession 29:28 to 18:32, the potent Greeneville offense tallied just 89 rushing yards and 220 net yards.

“We just couldn’t finish on offense,” Spradlen said.

“We had some opportunities. We had a touchdown called back (due to a penalty) there early and that

hurt. We just could not get our defense off the field.”

While Greeneville’s season ended earlier than expected, there were plenty of positives.

The Devils won their first region championship since 2018.

Senior running back Mason Gudger was named a Class 4A football finalist before signing with Georgetown University and senior receiver Ja’Kobi Gillespie had a breakout season while receiving D-I offers from Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech.

Gillespie passed on the football offers and signed to play basketball at

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN/DANNY DAVIS, CARTER COUNTY SPORTS

Chuckey-Doak sophomore running back Brasen Murvin (13) was an all-state selection in 2021.

Belmont University before being named Mr. Basketball in Class 3A. And Gudger, Gillespie, lineman Rashard Claridy and linebacker Anthony Petersen were named to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association Class 4A all-state team.

Gudger, Gillespie and Claridy were also named to the Tennessee Football Coaches Association Class 4A All-State team.

Gudger averaged 9.4 yards per carry and finished the year with 1,621 and 30 touchdowns. With 265 yards receiving and 124 kick return yards, Gudger finished his senior

year with 2,010 all-purpose yards.

Gillespie had 892 yards and 11 touchdowns receiving, while making 29 total tackles, breaking up 11 passes, recovering two fumbles, intercepting two passes and scoring twice defensively.

Claridy posted 52 total stops on defense, 13 for loss and three sacks. He also caused two fumbles, broke up a pass and was credited 10 quarterback hurries.

Petersen recorded 109 total tackles, second only to sophomore Amanuel Dickson, while posting a team-high 19 stops for

After leading Chuckey-Doak to a 6-5 record that included a 40-35 season-ending loss to Gatlinburg-Pittman in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs, coach Matt Ripley resigned, citing family matters. “... This was a huge step of faith as all I’ve known for nearly 20 years as a player and coach is CD football. The decision was heavy, but necessary as Brooke and I continue our journey to add to our family,” Ripley wrote on Twitter.

Ripley played and coached at Chuckey-Doak for 16 years. He replaced Ben Murphy as the Black Knights’ coach in April.

Murphy had coached the Black Knights 18 of the previous 19 seasons, taking 2012 off, and retired as the winningest coach in program history.

Chuckey-Doak sophomore running back Brasen Murvin was named to the Tennessee Football Coaches Association Class 3A All-State team after running for 1,472 yards and 16 touchdowns. He averaged 7.7 yards per carry and 163.6 yards per game while cracking the 100-yard mark in six of the nine games he played.

NORTH GREENE Under first-year coach Eric SEE FOOTBALL ON PAGE 4E

County Officials Guide Sheriff

Wesley Holt I am honored to serve as your Greene County Sheriff. The men and women of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office are committed to the protection of life and property among the citizens of the county, and are committed to providing law enforcement, corrections, and criminal justice services through a partnership with the community that builds trust, reduces crime, creates a safe environment, and enhances the quality of life. I welcome your comments or questions and have an open door policy.

You may contact me at 423-798-1800 or email: wholt@greenetnso.org

Assessor of Property

Chuck Jeffers

Our obligation in the Greene County Assessor’s Office is to be fair and unbiased to all citizens of Greene County. We strive to maintain our efficiency and constantly improve our level of professionalism so that we may better serve you.

Our office staff are proficient, knowledgeable, experienced, and friendly professionals ready to assist you. Any time you have a question about an assessment or any other issue pertaining to county property, please give us a call. Or, you are always welcome to come by and pay us a visit in Suite 222 of the Courthouse Annex between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Contact me at 423-798-1738 204 North Cutler Street, Suite 222, Greeneville, TN 37745

Circuit Court Clerk Chris Shepard The Circuit Court Clerk serves as a clerk for the Circuit, Criminal, General Sessions, & Juvenile Courts. The Circuit Court Clerk also serves as the Jury Coordinator & ADA Coordinator. It’s an honor getting to serve the people of the community I love.

My goal from the start has been to prepare our judicial system for the future, while also being a good steward of the tax payers’ money. I have a dedicated and forward-thinking staff that works diligently with me to achieve those goals.

101 South Main Street, Suite 302, Greeneville, TN In the Greene County Courthouse Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-4:30 PM

County Clerk

Lori Bryant

• Motor Vehicle Registration available at the kiosk in the County Clerk’s Office.

• Offering Vehicle Registration Mobile Service at the locations of Mosheim, Tusculum, Baileyton Town Halls, and Camp Creek Ruritan Memorial Park Pavilion.

• Motor Vehicle Licensing.

• Business Tax Help Desk for electronic filing through The Department of Revenue.

• Prints titles for the State of Tennessee Department of Revenue.

• Issues marriage licenses.

• Issues on-premises and off-premises permits to sell beverages in unincorporated areas of the county.

• Collects occupancy tax.

• Issues Business Tax licenses.

• Minutes for County Commission meetings.

• Online Services.

• Partnering with the Department of Safety Drivers License Services with a new service available in renewing Drivers License & also issuing duplicate Drivers License to the Greene County citizens.

• “New Service” through the County Clerk partnering with the Department of Safety, which is the Handgun Permit Renewals and the new REAL ID in which a Gold Star can be placed on your Driver’s License for boarding an airplane or entering a Federal Buildings.

Contact me at 798-1708 or

798-1775

“Thank You For Allowing Me To Serve The Citizens of Greene County”

(423) 798-1760

Greene County Trustee

Road Superintendent

Kevin Swatsell It is my honor to serve the people of Greene County.

Our department is working hard to meet infrastructure needs by focusing on hard work and intentional budgeting. The safety and advancement of the highway system in Greene County is our top priority.

Thanks again for the opportunity to serve.

Contact me at 423.798.1745

County Mayor

Kevin Morrison

The County Mayor is the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer of the County. The County Mayor primarily serves in a role of leadership, influence, and executive function for the entire County and directly manages several County departments.

The County Mayor leads, directs, and/or influences: • Local Economic Development • County Budget/Financial Management • Overall Governmental Vision, Direction, and Function • Departmental Management, Policy, and Leadership It is the honor and privilege of my life to serve you. I will ensure that we (your local government) work hard every day to be responsive in our duty to you, and responsibly and judiciously use our tax dollars to make Greene County the best place to live, work, and play.

204 N. Cutler Street, Suite 206, Greeneville, TN

(423) 798-1766

Nathan R. Holt The trustee serves as the county’s banker and treasurer. The three major functions of the trustee’s office are: (1) Collecting the county’s property taxes; (2) Accounting for and disbursing county funds; and (3) Investing temporarily idle county funds.

The trustee’s office takes pride in providing Greene County citizens with professional,courteous, customer-focused service in an efficient manner. If we can be of service to you, please come see us or give us a call at 423-798-1705.

Remember, we work for you!

Page 4E

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

GreenevilleSun.com

Saturday, March 26, 2022

SUN FILE PHOTO

West Greene kicker Blair Shelton (3) prepares to kick a field goal via the hold by Ethan Turner. Shelton was an all-state selection in 2021.

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN/MATT LAWS, CARTER COUNTY SPORTS

South Greene senior quarterback Luke Myers was a Class 2A Mr. Football semifinalist in 2021.

SUN FILE PHOTO

FOOTBALL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3E

Tilson, the Huskies posted a 3-8 record, reaching the postseason for the eighth time in program history and first time since 2011.

“Our kids believe now, which I think is the biggest thing,” Tilson said after a season-ending loss at Coalfield in the first round of the playoffs. “They think they deserve to be on the field with any team they play against.”

SOUTH GREENE Quarterback Luke Myers guided the Rebels to their third outright region championship in four years with a 9-3 record. He completed 72% of his passes (157-of-220) for 2,848 yards and 33 touchdowns against just four interceptions, while rushing for a team-best 562 yards and 11 scores.

Myers was a Class 2A Mr. Football semifinalist in 2021 and a finalist in 2020, and he was named to the Tennessee Sports

Writers Association and Tennessee Football Coaches Association AllState teams for the second straight year.

Myers also recorded 30 total stops on defense, including one tackle for loss. He was also the Rebels’ punter, averaging 35.1 yards a kick.

In his final game on Rebel Hill – a 35-21 loss to Oneida in the second round of the playoffs – Myers completed 13-of-22 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns, hitting Chandler Fillers six times for 176 yards.

Myers and his senior teammates went 39-11 over their four years at South Greene.

“I just want them to remember how special it is … now they’ve got to go do life. Hopefully the last four years have taught them a few things about life,” South Greene coach Shawn Jones said after the season-ending loss to Oneida.

“They started that culture when they were freshmen.

Now it’s on us to keep it going.”

SUN FILE PHOTO

North Greene football coach Eric Tilson directs a practice in 2021. In Tilson’s first year, the Huskies clinched their first playoff berth since 2011.

Greeneville’s Ja’Kobi Gillespie was an all-state receiver in 2021.

WEST GREENE The Buffaloes posted a 4-6 record, including a 2120 loss at Pigeon Forge in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs.

In the season-ending loss, West Greene’s Ethan Turner turned in a monster defensive performance. He had a 51-yard fumble recovery for a score and had two huge stops in the first half as he had a tackle for loss of 2 yards on the last play of the first quarter and then had a

stop on fourth down to kill a Pigeon Forge drive on the first play of the second quarter.

Turner also caught a touchdown pass that pulled the Buffaloes within 21-20 late in the contest. He finished with 97 receiving yards on five receptions.

“Ethan played his guts out on both sides of the football. He has been great all year and is having big nights every night for us,” West Greene coach Scotty

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Verran said following the season-ending loss.

West Greene senior kicker Blair Shelton repeated as Region 1-3A Specialist of the Year and was named to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association Class 3A All-State team.

Shelton hit 24-of-24 extra points and 6-of-9 field goals, including a school-record 46-yard try at Union County. His average field goal made covered 39.3 yards, and his average punt went 40.4

yards.

Shelton’s two field goals against North Greene are a West Greene single-game record, and his six field goals tied the school season mark.

It’s not Shelton’s first All-State honor. The Tennessee High School Soccer Coaches Association named Shelton to its Class A All-State team in Spring 2021, making Shelton the first soccer player in West Greene history to earn AllState recognition.

GreenevilleSun.com

Saturday, March 26, 2022

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

Page 5E

South’s Volleyball Title Highlights Fall Sports

BY SAM BUNDY SPORTS EDITOR

W

ith South Greene winning its first volleyball state championship, Greeneville and Chuckey-Doak reaching soccer state semifinals, and a couple local golfers reaching state tournaments, the fall of 2021 was another banner season for local sports teams.

VOLLEYBALL Having been a state runner-up five times, the South Greene Lady Rebels volleyball team defeated two-time defending state champion Summertown 25-23, 16-15, 16-25, 25-15, 15-13 to win the Class A state championship on Oct. 22 at Siegel High School in Murfreesboro.

Backed into a corner after three sets, South Greene (41-4) came out swinging to begin the fourth. The Lady Rebels trailed just one more time, 10-9 in the fifth set. But even that didn’t last, thanks to an Addison Williams kill.

Ava Clark, whose push got South Greene to match SUN FILE PHOTO point, provided the winning South Greene players hoist the trophy after winning their first Class A state championship on Oct. 22. point. Her spike from the right side landed just inside of us right now.”

Page escaped 1-0 in the TSSydney Gentry, a twothe back left corner for the SAA state semifinal round time All-State setter, tallied on Oct. 28 at Chattanooga 15-13 win. It was Clark’s 52 assists and seven digs in Christian School. ninth kill of the match.

“Everybody got their mon- her last high school match.

The Lady Patriots (19-3-1) Fellow senior Ashlynn King took four shots in the first ey’s worth,” South Greene added three kills, with Lexie 23 minutes to start the coach Stephen Gregg said following the match. “There Miller adding five digs. All second half, one of which was a lot of bad momentum three along with Williams Mikayla Weems saved. ended their high school volagainst us, but the girls But Page finally capitalleyball careers with Friday’s ized in the 65th minute. found it in the fourth, and state championship. carried it into the fifth.”

Abigail Thornton freed herMacey Snapp tallied 31 Junior outside hitter self inside the box just long digs, and Emma Cutshall Jordyn Roderick led South enough to get a good look, served three aces while Greene with 22 kills and and she struck the ball low matching Aydan Dyer with nine digs and was named and away into the left corner six digs. tournament MVP. for the winning score.

“I’m in complete shock. I “The effort was there,” did not think this was posGreeneville coach Jerry GIRLS SOCCER sible,” Roderick said of her Graham said following the accolade. “I could not have match. “These girls played The Greeneville Lady done this without my team. Devils’ bid for three consec- their rears off, couldn’t be SUN FILE PHOTO Greeneville’s Anna Johnson (33) fights for possession against Page’s Hayley Zehnder during I’m so glad we finally made utive Class 2A state chamSEE FALL ON PAGE 6E a semifinal match of the Class 2A girls soccer state tournament on Oct. 28. some history. Really proud pionships came up short, as

“We Doze But Never Close”

Page 6E

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

Saturday, March 26, 2022

GreenevilleSun.com

FALL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5E

more proud of them. We just didn’t combine today like we have in the past, and a lot of that was due to what Page was doing.”

Greeneville’s Annemarie Konieczny nearly found the equalizer with 1:02 showing on the clock. Delana DeBusk had crossed the ball toward the top of the 18, and Konieczny’s shot nearly found its target, bouncing off the crossbar.

The Lady Devils, who entered having outscored opponents 55-2 in the postseason, finished with a 15-9 record.

In Class A, Chuckey-Doak reached the Class A state tournament for the third time in school history and finished with a 3-0 loss to Merrol Hyde in the semifinals.

Sydney Arreza found the back of the net twice for the Lady Hawks (17-2-1), who owned a 21-1 advantage in total shots taken. Twelve of those shots were on goal, with senior Breanna Roberts making nine saves in her final Chuckey-Doak match.

Marci Merrill, a two-time All-State selection, also saw her high school career end with the loss. She finished the season with 42 goals.

“Obviously, it’s not the result we wanted, but I’m so stinking proud of these girls,” Chuckey-Doak coach Anna Ricker said following the match. “We’re incredibly young except those two seniors, and those two seniors are amazing soccer players, amazing young ladies, amazing students.”

Chuckey-Doak finished the year 17-4-1 overall, winning its first region title since 2005.

SUN FILE PHOTO

Chuckey-Doak’s Marci Merrill (29) tries to turn against a Merrol Hyde defender in the semifinals of the Class A state tournament on Oct. 28.

GOLF North Greene High School junior Aidan Collier shot a two-day score of 11-under-par 133 at the TSSAA Class A state golf tournament Oct. 7-8 at Sevierville Golf Club.

Collier’s total tied him for the eighth lowest score in state tournament history.

With a birdie on the par-5 18th hole, Cascade’s Evan Woosley-Reed claimed his third straight TSSAA state championship with a two-day total 132.

Collier didn’t make it easy, though. His bogey-free second round consisted of seven birdies, including four in a five-hole stretch between 13-17. He made three straight birdies from 15-17, the last two gaining a stroke on Woosley-Reed and pulling Collier even as they began Hole 18.

Collier also finished state runner-up in 2019 at Willowbrook, and has earned All-State three times.

North Greene senior Rickey Compton, who qualified for the state tournament all four years of his high school career, tied for 10th in his North Greene finale. He shot a twoday total of 10-over-par 154, tying him with South Gibson’s Rogelio Gerena.

The South Greene Lady Rebels made their first appearance in the TSSAA girls state tournament and finished fifth.

The Lady Rebels shot a two-day total of 357 (179-178).

Madison Hensley shot a non-counting 93 (51-42) on the final day, placing 19th individually for the tournament at 180.

Lindsey Howlett finished at 183 over two days to place 21st, and Maylei Hildenbrand shot a two-day total of 185 to tie for 22nd.

In the Class 2A tournament at Sevierville Golf Club, Greeneville junior Alex Broyles shot a two-day total 149 to tie for 26th place.

Broyles is Greeneville’s first male golfer to qualify individually for state since Blake Kinser in 2013.

SUN FILE PHOTO

North Greene’s Aidan Collier watches his shot from the 18th fairway during the Class A state tournament on Oct. 7.

GreenevilleSun.com

Saturday, March 26, 2022

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

Page 7E

Greene County Well Represented At Spring Fling

BY SAM BUNDY SPORTS EDITOR

W

ith the North Greene baseball and softball teams reaching their respective state tournaments, the Greeneville boys soccer team reaching its state tourney and 90 local athletes qualifying for the track and field state meets, Greene County was well represented at the TSSAA’s Spring Fling in 2021.

BASEBALL The North Greene Huskies were one out from reaching the semifinals of the Class A state tournament, but lost the lead in the top of the seventh inning in a 7-5 loss to Moore County on May 26 at Stewarts High School in Smyrna.

The Huskies then dropped to the losers bracket and had their season end with a 5-1 loss to South Pittsburg.

North Greene finished its season with a 27-10 record. And the Huskies said goodbye to 10 seniors – Alan Bauer, Chance Campbell, Cayden Foulks, Micah Jones, Irving Medina, Carter Morelock, Tucker Owen, Jonah Palmer, Dakota Robbins and Carson Whaley.

“There’s not enough I can say about those guys.

Words will not do it justice,” North Greene coach Jason Lowe said following the game, tears in his eyes and his voice cracking.

“What they’ve meant to this program, what they will continue to mean to this program for years ahead, the state they’ve left this program in – I’m just so proud of them.

“It goes beyond baseball, though. They’re great kids.

They’re going to go on to do great things. If I get a wedding invitation down the line or a phone call to

SUN FILE PHOTO

North Greene baseball coach Jason Lowe (center) talks with his Huskies during a 5-1 season-ending loss to South Pittsburg in the Class A state tournament on May 26 at Stewarts Creek High School in Smyrna.

see a newborn baby, that’s going to mean so much more to me than a baseball game. I thank them for letting me be part of this.

They got us here. It was all them, and they let me come along for the ride.”

North Greene’s tightknit community is reflect-

ed in its sports teams.

Following the loss to South Pittsburg, parents and fans tearfully watched as the Huskies’ players and coaches shared memories, tears and long hugs down the right-field line.

The scene was as heart-wrenching as it gets.

“I think what made these guys so special was the camaraderie and how tight they are off the field,” Lowe said. “They’ve all been so close. They’ve hung out together. When you have the cohesiveness that they’ve had, that carries over to the field. They

believed in one another.

They trusted one another.”

SOFTBALL The North Greene softball team did something no other team in program history ever had on the morning of May 27. But

in the afternoon, the Lady Huskies’ historic season came to an end.

The day started with a 7-4 win over Sale Creek in the Class A state tournament, making this Lady Huskies’ squad the first to SEE SPRING ON PAGE 8E

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The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

GreenevilleSun.com

Saturday, March 26, 2022

SUN FILE PHOTO

SUN FILE PHOTO

South Greene’s Abbey King clears the bar in the high jump at the Small Class state track meet on May 25 in Murfreesboro.

Left to right, Greeneville’s Jaden Stevenson, Keelen Lester, Mason Gudger and Jayquan Price stand on the podium after finishing second in the 4x100 relay at the Large School track and field state meet on May 27 in Murfreesboro.

SPRING

forward to what’s coming down the road for us the next couple of years.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7E

ever win two games at the state tournament.

The day finished with North Greene falling to Eagleville 5-0 for a fourthplace finish in the state tournament.

“This has been a good season for these girls.

Fourth in the state is certainly an achievement,” North Greene coach Danny Weems said following the loss to Eagleville. “Getting to the state tournament was one of our goals at the beginning of the year.

Winning two games down here made this a special season for us.”

Two other North Greene teams have finished in the top four. In both 1979 and 1980, North Greene made what was at the time a four-team field in the state tournament. In 1979, the Lady Huskies won their semifinal game over Boyd Buchanan to advance to the championship series. That team from 42 years ago is the only team in program history to advance further than the 2021 Lady Huskies.

BOYS SOCCER

The Greeneville soccer team didn’t leave Murfreesboro with the state championship trophy for the first time since 2016.

The Greene Devils fell to Page 1-0 on May 26 in the Class 2A state tournament semifinals to bring an end to their season.

After missing the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greene Devils returned just one starter from their 2019 state title team and started this season 2-4-1.

As the year went on, Greeneville began to figure things out and finished the year winning seven of its last nine games as part of a 14-8-2 season.

“This team has been one SUN FILE PHOTO of the funnest to coach,” North Greene’s Cambell Gaby delivers a pitch against Sale Creek on May 27 in the Class A state tournament in Murfreesboro.

Greeneville coach Jerry Graham said after the seahalf-second faster, clocking son-ending loss. “They have South Greene’s Logan relay team of Katie Krol, get it done.” in at 42.03. grown so much this year.

The senior leaper cleared Skyana Byrd, Riley Ottinger Wagner had a big day Only Memphis Central’s throwing as well, tossing the and Macey Snapp finished This has been one the most a height of 5 feet, 2 inches rock 51-2 to come in second 4x100 relay team finished in fifth place. cohesive teams I have had at the state meet. Prior to faster, doing so in 41.72 place in the shot put.

Greene County athletes the pleasure of coaching. that, she had a clean meet, seconds.

In the boys high jump, dominated the pole vault.

That has made this year, only missing once on the Stevenson began his day South Greene’s Chandler regardless of the outcome, way to reaching the winning In the girls event, Christiwith a state runner-up Fillers and Jalen Ingram ana Ricker of West Greene one of the most enjoyable I height. She was then the finish in the long jump. Ste- have had in my tenure.” both cleared 5-8 to tie for only jumper to make it over cleared 8 feet to come in TRACK & FIELD venson leaped a distance of fourth place. second place. Cadence Defensively, Greeneville the top height.

22 feet, 10.5 inches, second played good enough to Isaiah Olsen of South Mancil of South Greene was In total, 35 medals came The TSSAA’s Spring only to Ripley’s TJ Edler Greene ran a season-best win. The back line of Jacob back to Greene County after fourth, Taliah Johnson of Fling got underway on (23-4.25).

Chuckey-Doak was fifth, Ni- 10.99 seconds in the 100 Hillyer, Drew Hillyer, a hugely successful day May 26 at Rockvale The junior placed fourth in Connor Stayton and Cooper ome Merrill of Chuckey-Do- meters to come in fourth for the track programs at High School with South the 100-meter dash at 10.75 Shepard, with Landyn Greene’s Abbey King mak- South Greene, West Greene ak sixth and Aydan Dyer of place, after entering the seconds and then earned race as the 14th seed.

South Greene eighth.

White mixed in plenty, were ing history by becoming the and Chuckey-Doak. South another medal after aiding Chuckey-Doak’s final In the boys pole vault, pressured all night, but they first South Greene track and Greene earned 25 medals, his school-record 4x100 relay gave up only one penalmedals came in the girls Chuckey-Doak six and West Bryson Church of West field athlete to win a state 4x100 relay where Addison team. Stevenson placed fifth ty-kick goal.

Greene came in third place Greene four. championship. in the 200 meters with a time In the frame, Colby FreeIn addition to the top fin- with a vault of 11 feet. Blake McKechnie, Morgan Dyer, King won the girls high of 21.72 seconds.

Marci Merrill and Taliah May of South Greene was man grabbed 12 saves while jump at the small class state ish in the high jump, King As a team, the Greene Johnson came in sixth the Patriots fired 31 shots. was third in the 300-meter fourth and Ronan Buss of track meet, collecting the Devils finished sixth in the place.

The lone goal of the first gold medal for the first- hurdles. She was a member South Greene was seventh. state with 25 points. BartIn the large school state West Greene brought contest came in the 15th of the 4x100 relay team year program. lett scored 69 points to win minute. Page was awarded meet on May 27 in Murwith Haley Kells, Ava Clark a small contingent to “I’ve worked for this the team title, beating out freesboro, Greeneville’s Murfreesboro for the state a penalty kick after a hard and Aydan Dyer that came for four years, I’ve always Memphis Central (63).

4x100 meter relay team of meet, but came away with tackle in the box. Nolan in seventh place, and the wanted to get here and it “We had one of the best four medals among its three Jaden Stevenson, Mason Colladay took the shot and 4x200 relay team with feels amazing,” said King, all-around teams I’ve ever Gudger, Jayquan Price athletes. sent it into the lower left Clark, Dyer and McKenzie who ran for West Greene coached this year,” Greenand Keelen Lester not only In addition to Ricker and corner for a 1-0 lead that Niston that also came in as a co-op previously. “It finished second in the state, eville coach Larry Blalock Church, freshman Abbey would hold for the next 65 seventh place. means everything to me to said following the meet. minutes.

Kells, also a senior, placed Cox medaled in the shot put but in the process broke a bring this championship “We’ve had about three While Greeneville’s dethird in the triple jump with and the discus. In the discus, 30-year-old school record. home to South Greene. rebuilding years ... but The old mark of 42.50 secfense was tough, Page’s was a personal best leap of 35-8. she threw a personal best I know coach (Joe) Case the rebuilding is done, so 99-4 to come in third place. onds had stood since 1991. even better. The Patriots held She was also third in the wanted this for me, I know But the Greene Devils’ 2021 we’re ready to vault into the Greeneville to seven shots, In the shot put, she threw 100 hurdles. my family wanted this for relay team finished nearly a next stage. We’re looking 32-9 to come in fifth place. just one in the first half.

South Greene’s 4x800 me, and it feels so good to

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The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

Page 9E

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN/TRACY PAINTER

The Greeneville Flyboys pose with their Appalachian League championship trophy after defeating Pulaski 9-8 on Aug. 9 at Pioneer Park.

Flyboys’ First Season Huge Success

BY SAM BUNDY SPORTS EDITOR Playing their inaugural season in the new wood bat summer collegiate Appalachian League in 2021, the Greeneville Flyboys quickly became a hit on the field and in the stands.

The Flyboys, who replaced the Greeneville Reds after Major League Baseball pulled its affiliation with the Appy League, played to large crowds at Pioneer Park en route to winning the league championship.

In front of what might have been their most lively crowd of the season, the Flyboys fought hard all night before taking the league championship game 9-8 over the Pulaski River Turtles in walk-off fashion on Aug. 9 at Pioneer Park.

“I’m really happy for the players, staff and fans in Greeneville. We gave

them a good show tonight,” Greeneville manager Alan Regier said following the game. “It was a heavyweight fight with blows delivered by both teams, but our guys kept grinding. I just loved our competitiveness and our mental toughness.”

The Flyboys finished the season with a 34-16-1 record and stayed in front of the college wood bat league’s West Division almost the entirety of the two-month season.

The single-game championship event made for a successful close to what had been a tumultuous first season for the reformatted Appy League.

During the season, Kingsport canceled its season after threats from a former player, and then restarted the season with replacement players.

In the final weeks of the season, Johnson City fired

its manager and half the roster followed him out the door.

Elizabethton had to revamp its roster after a major COVID-19 outbreak, and Bristol ended its season early due to coronavirus concerns.

But after an instant classic of a championship tilt between the Flyboys and River Turtles, those woes seemed easily forgotten.

“I’m glad the fans came out tonight and that we gave them a game that made it worth it,” Regier said.

THRILLING FINISH Entering the bottom of the ninth inning, Greeneville trailed Pulaski 8-7.

Jac Croom led off the side with a four-pitch walk.

Tayler Aguilar put him on third base with a chopper that bounced over second

baseman Ryan Johnson for a single.

Then after fouling off three pitches, Chris Williams smacked a shot into the right-center gap. Croom scored easily, but Aguilar had to turn on the jets as he rounded third with no thoughts of slowing down.

The throw to the plate from the grass was high and Aguilar slid in for the clinching run.

“Chris Williams is a junior college guy who is going back to junior college.

He’s not a power five guy but has been here 69 days with us, and he came up big tonight,” Regier said. “A ball in the gap in that situation was big, and obviously I was not going to stop Tayler in that situation. He flipped his helmet off about two-thirds of the way to third, and everybody knew he was going. Thankfully he was safe.”

NAME REVEALED In a press conference on Feb. 4 at Tusculum University, officials from Boyd Sports, which operates the Greeneville franchise, revealed the team would be named the Greeneville Flyboys.

The name reflects that Pioneer Park, home of the Flyboys and Tusculum University’s baseball team, sits in the center of what was once the runway at Tusculum Field, an airfield that was in operation from 1948-1968.

Flyboys officials also said the team name is a tribute to World War I and World War II pilots. The team’s red, white and blue primary logo features a large star and a World War I-World War II era airplane.

“Not many people know where the stadium sits used to be an old airfield,” Flyboys general manager

Kat Foster said during the press conference. “This area has such a rich history of patriotism and veterans dating all the way to the Revolutionary War. So we wanted to say a thank you to the members of World War I, World War II, so on and so forth.

“Members of the Army Air Corps and also the Air Force during any conflict or war are known as Flyboys, so this is to pay homage to them and give attention to where the stadium is and where the airfield used to be.”

The Flyboys were the only team in the new Appy League to wear cream-colored home uniforms last summer, giving the team a retro look.

“We enjoyed looking into the rich history of the area to see how we could SEE FLYBOYS ON PAGE 10E

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Page 10E

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

affiliated entries in the Appalachian League were the Astros from 2004-2017 and the Reds in 2018 and 2019.

The team was still named the Reds in 2020, but the minor league baseball season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

FLYBOYS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9E

incorporate it the absolute best that we could and say thank you to veterans and thank you to the area for being such a wonderful community to us,” Foster said. “We hope everyone loves this new name, new logo, new team, new league just as much as we do.”

Other names considered included Highlanders, Aviators, Capitols and Big Rigs.

“We all fell in love (with Flyboys),” Foster said. “It was well received by everyone involved.”

The Flyboys was a rebranding of Greeneville’s baseball team due to the Appalachian League losing its affiliation under Major League Baseball’s plan to contract minor league affiliates from 162 to 120.

The 10 cities that were in the Appalachian League prior to contraction make up the new Appy League.

GreenevilleSun.com

Saturday, March 26, 2022

FIRST GAME Those include Greeneville, Bristol, Elizabethton, Johnson City and Kingsport in Tennessee, Bluefield, Danville and Pulaski in Virginia, Princeton in West Virginia and Burlington in North Carolina.

Greeneville is one of four Appy League franchises operated by Boyd Sports.

Elizabethton, Johnson City and Kingsport are the others.

It was also revealed at the press conference that the new Appy League would be part of the Prospect Development Pipeline run

by MLB and USA Baseball. College freshmen and sophomores make up the Appy League rosters, and USA Baseball and MLB will select the players and coaching staffs.

Top performers from the Appy League will advance to the Cape Cod League as juniors. Top performers from the Cape who remain in school will advance to the MLB Draft League as seniors and could be drafted in the MLB draft that is being moved from June to August.

Greeneville’s past two

With players in the new Appy League reporting just a day before the season got underway, managers were kind of throwing everything on the field in the June 3 openers to see what did and didn’t work.

For five and a half innings, it looked as if the Flyboys’ season would get off to a winning start. But the Elizabethton River Riders erased a 2-0 deficit with three runs in the sixth inning and two in the seventh for a 5-2 victory at Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark in Elizabethton.

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN/IVAN SANDERS, ELIZABETHON STAR

Greeneville Flyboys starting pitcher Bryce Mayer pitched two hitless, scoreless innings in a 5-2 season-opening loss at SEE FLYBOYS ON PAGE 11E Elizabethton on June 4.

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GreenevilleSun.com

Saturday, March 26, 2022

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

Page 11E

FLYBOYS

victory over the Elizabethton River Riders on June CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10E 4 at Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark in Elizabethton.

“We have nine position Greeneville erased a 5-3 players right now, so some deficit with six runs in the guys are having to play out top of the fifth inning. An of position on defense and RBI double by Jonathan that got to us a little bit tonight,” Regier said follow- Hogart gave the Flyboys the ing the game. “We’re trying lead for good at 6-5.

Hogart finished 3-for-5 to get a look at all of our pitchers. Some guys came in with the double and two RBI for Greeneville. Chris and threw the ball aggresWilliams went 2-for-4 with sively. Those are the guys who have been pitching (in a home run and three RBI; college) lately. And we have Trevor Austin went 2-for-4 with a triple and three RBI; some guys that this is their first experience pre-COVID, Grant Lashure had a hit and an RBI; Zeddric Burnham and it’s going to take some had a triple; and Christian time to get them right.

Ficca had a hit and walked “The first half of the season, we’re going to be on four times.

Greeneville used five skates. But I like our team. I like our energy. Things will pitchers.

Logan Peterson tossed get better.” two innings of relief and was credited with the win.

FIRST WIN He gave up a hit, three runs, walked two and struck out The Flyboys cranked out three.

14 hits and notched their PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN/TRACY PAINTER Greeneville’s Tayler Aguilar slides into home for the winning run against Pulaski in the Appalachian League championship first victory in the new SEE FLYBOYS ON PAGE 12E game on Aug. 9 at Pioneer Park.

Appy League with a 14-6

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The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

GreenevilleSun.com

Saturday, March 26, 2022

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN/TRACY PAINTER

A fan from the Nemesis youth baseball team gets a fist bump from Ace during the Greeneville Flyboys’ 12-5 Appalachian League win over the Johnson City Doughboys in their home opener on June 8 at Pioneer Park.

FLYBOYS

our guys fired up to play.”

Greeneville continued to CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11E swing the bats well, cranking out 12 hits. Through Luke Russo pitched three their first five games, the innings of hitless, scoreless Flyboys batted .297 (54for-182) while opponents relief. He walked one and batted just .245 (41-forstruck out four.

167).

Third baseman Chris HOME OPENER Williams continued his hot start, going 3-for-5 with Summer baseball rea triple and three RBI. At turned to Pioneer Park for that point of the season, he the first time since 2019 was batting .500 (9-for-18) on June 8 due to COVID canceling the minor league with a double, a triple, a season in 2020, and it was home run and a team-best nine RBI. as if the game had never “This is a wonderful left. experience, honestly,” In front of a crowd of 2,928, the Greeneville Fly- Williams said following boys defeated the Johnson the game. “Being out there with all the fans coming to City Doughboys 12-5 in watch us and supporting their homer opener in the us, us playing the way we new Appy League. did and the great fireworks Tusculum Universiat the end – it was just a ty President Dr. Scott great team win tonight.”

Hummel threw out the Catcher Eddie Micheletti ceremonial first pitch, and went 2-for-3 with a double the night was capped by what some fans and players and two RBI, and was batting .625 (10-for-16) with dubbed as one of the best fireworks displays they had three doubles and seven RBI at that point in the seen at a baseball game. season.

“We appreciate the treAnd right fielder Jonamendous support tonight than Hogart was 2-for-4 given the rainy weather,” with an RBI. He was batRegier said. “Our complex ting .500 (10-for-20) with is as good or better than three doubles, a triple and anybody’s in the Appafive RBI at that point in the lachian League, and we season. appreciate playing here as “People need to realize well. And our president throwing out the first pitch these young men have been swinging metal bats in colfrom the mound really got

lege and some are swinging wood bats in games for the first time,” Regier said following the game. “It’s a huge adjustment. It’s a heavier bat and it’s harder to get the head through the zone. If you don’t square the ball up, the bat can snap on you and we’ve seen some of that.

“But for the most part, hats off to them for what they’re doing at the plate.

I’ve been surprised at how well some of these guys have done. I thought it might take longer for them to get it figured out.”

the six batters he faced in Appy League All-Star Game the fourth and fifth innings. on July 27 at Calfee Park in Pulaski, Va. Flyboys on the West ALL-STARS roster included outfielders Homer Bush Jr. and Seven Flyboys were named to the West Division Jonathan Hogart; catcher Eddie Micheletti; and roster for the inaugural

pitchers Bryce Mayer, Zane Robbins, Austin Troesser and Cameron Wagoner.

The Flyboys were 21-13-1 and in first place in the West Division standings at the all-star break.

ATTENDANCE RECORD The Flyboys scored 10 unanswered runs en route to a 10-5 victory in front of a record attendance (4,526) at Pioneer Park on July 4. The capacity crowd enjoyed a postgame fireworks display that was sponsored by The General Morgan Inn. Greeneville broke a 1-1 tie by rallying for three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning and would add to its advantage by scoring five runs in the sixth inning. Jonathan Hogart finished the night with a pair of hits and four runs batted in for the Flyboys.

Austin Troesser (3-0) earned the win for Greeneville after fanning three of

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Saturday, March 26, 2022

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

Page 13E

Past Year A Busy One For Rural Resources

BY LISA WARREN SUN CORRESPONDENT

F

or over 25 years now, the Rural Resources Farm and Food Education Center has been working to connect area youth with agriculture and empower them with hands-on skills that they can use throughout their lives.

Despite facing some challenges during the past couple of years, the staff and leaders of the Greene County-based nonprofit are looking ahead to the coming year with renewed optimism and hope.

In a recent interview, Rural Resources’ board vice president and administrative volunteer Emily Bidgood talked about several plans for 2022. One of the biggest goals for the coming year, she said, is finding a new executive director to lead Rural Resources and its mission.

Last May, Rural Resources bid a fond farewell to its longtime Executive Director Sally Causey who had led the organization for 24 years. At the time, Merri Younce was named Causey’s successor. By August, however, Younce announced that she would be resigning from the position. Since that time, board members have been helping the staff and volunteers with the organization’s day-to-day operations as their search for a new director continues, Bidgood said.

“We did have the opportunity to add a new staff member to the team this year,” Bidgood said.

Parke Brumit was named the community outreach and events coordinator for Rural Resources. Brumit, who began her new role on March 1, will be coordinating fundraising and community events. Her contact email is events@ ruralresources.net.

The past year was a busy one for Rural Resources. In

to drive the organization is the fact that the leading cause of early mortality in Greene County is diet-related disease due to behavioral patterns that are set early in life,” Bidgood said. “About 16 percent of people in Greene County live in poverty, so, Rural Resources is the place where families and children have hands-on experiences with food and cooking that lead to lifelong health.

“We empower generational change,” Bidgood continued. “In the teen program, we help kids realize their full potential through agriculture. About 70 percent of our teens qualify for free or reduced lunch, and they emerge from the program with stronger security, and job skills, for the rest of their adult lives.”

Rural Resources has plans to continue its off-site community outreach this year, Bidgood said. “We hope to continue with our partnership in schools doing programs such as the children’s farmers markets and also working with some of our neighbors in Greeneville at Plaza Towers and Greeneville Terrace to have our teens do gardening and cooking programs with the residents there,” she said.

Before the pandemic, the teens hosted a ThanksgivPHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN ing dinner for residents of Participants in the Rural Resources Teen Program grew basil from seed for an Ag Business Plaza Towers. “We changed class in order to conduct a cost analysis project to compare and measure the cost of growing things during covid and herbs versus buying them commercially. just delivered meals. So hopefully, this year, we can rekindle the event at the facility,” Bidgood said. in the nation that work so addition to hosting its Farm rolled in the program this Rural Resources will comprehensively with youth year, Bidgood said. “They Day Camps and the annual again offer its summer on food and nutrition, come out to the farm regIncredible Farm Dinner Farm Day Camps for chilgardening, and the like. “It ularly and are involved in on Main, the organization dren this coming year. “We also saw growth in its Farm animal husbandry, cooking, has really had a positive are also exploring holding influence on many teens,” gardening, and some comand Food Teen Training other camps this year, such Program, which is available munity leadership activities. she said. as a cooking camp that gives Bidgood said she is Even during covid, our staff for middle and high school proud of the fact that Rural us a way to get more word students. Last year, the pro- pivoted to hold virtual sessions and provided cooking Resources works to address out about our commercial gram’s curriculum was exnutritional issues and helps kitchen,” Bidgood said. panded to include classes in kits to the teens at home.”

“The kitchen on the farm is The teen program is “defi- to educate teens on how horticulture, nutrition and fully certified and available diet-related diseases and nitely unique to the region food preparation, animal to rent for very reasonable other health issues can be husbandry, and agriculture and Tennessee,” Bidgood prices for entrepreneurs related to the foods we eat. said, adding that there are business practices. who need larger kitchen “I think what continues only a few such programs About 40 teens are en-

space,” she added.

The Rural Resources Farm is also available to rent for large and small events, such as company picnics, family reunions, and other gatherings. In addition to the indoor facility, Bidgood said there are also spaces by the creek perfect for outdoor dining.

Multiple fundraising events are planned for 2022 to aid the nonprofit organization.

This spring, Rural Resources will debut the Farm Burgers & Bluegrass Festival. The event is planned for April 30 at the Rural Resources Farm at 2870 Holly Creek Road.

“For all of the fans who have loved the Farm Dinner on Main in previous years and our other farm-to-table events, this is a chance for folks to come out and experience that on the Rural Resources Farm,” Bidgood said. “Community members are encouraged to come out and meet the farm, tour the facilities, and enjoy locally raised ground beef burgers and bluegrass music.”

The event will be held rain or shine. “We will have appropriate accommodations if the weather is iffy,” Bidgood added. More details about the event will be announced soon.

For more details, persons are encouraged to visit the Rural Resources website.

Last September, another popular fundraising event, Brewfest, returned after its cancellation in 2020 due to the pandemic. Plans are in the works for the festival’s return this year with plenty of good music, craft beer, and family friendly activities.

In October, Rural Resources hosted a Farm-toTable Dinner at the Doak House grounds as part of Tusculum University’s homecoming festivities. “It was a beautiful event, and we hope to continue it this year,” Bidgood said.

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Page 14E

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

GreenevilleSun.com

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Tusculum Arts Outreach Program Sees Leadership Change

BY LISA WARREN SUN CORRESPONDENT Changes have been happening for the leadership of the Arts Outreach program at Tusculum University.

In 2020, long-time artist-in-residence Marilyn duBrisk announced her retirement from Tusculum University after 30 years of service as the director of Arts Outreach. Nearly two years later, the school has announced her successor.

Beth Schnura was named the new director of Arts Outreach for TU. She began her new position on Feb. 1.

In a recent telephone interview, Schnura talked about plans for the coming

Beth Schnura

year and what an honor it is for her to be following in the footsteps of duBrisk.

Schnura and her husband moved to Tennessee from

to the stage.

“I helped do all of the theater tech and was the theater director for the high school,” Schnura said.

She also helped start an after-school theatrical organization for students and a youth summer theater camp.

Schnura holds an Associate of Arts in music and theatre from Joliet Junior College in Illinois and a Bachelor of Arts in musical theatre performance from Columbia College in Chicago. She is skilled in lighting design, basic sound, set building and painting, costumes and props, directing, stage management, frontof-house management,

the Chicago, Ill., area about five years ago. “We had traveled across Tennessee looking for a place to retire,” she said.

The couple landed in Bulls Gap and decided to call it home. After their move, Schnura began volunteering with Theatre-at-Tusculum and the Greeneville Theatre Guild, where she served as a freelance director and lighting technician.

Before moving to Tennessee, she served as the auditorium coordinator at Lincoln-Way West High School in New Lenox, Illinois, where she was responsible for bringing more than 20 plays and seven musicals

fundraising, and program development.

She said her involvement in the local theater scene for the past years had shown her what tremendous interest and support the Greeneville/Greene County community has for the arts and the traditions of the Tusculum Arts Outreach program.

“I’m honored to be here, and I’m thrilled to be part of the Tusculum family,” Schnura said. “I hope that I can make Marilyn duBrisk proud.”

To honor duBrisk’s longtime service, Tusculum University announced in October that it was dedicating its largest auditorium as the

Marilyn duBrisk Theatre. It is located on the main floor of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center.

A native of Scotland, duBrisk also lived in Central East Africa before returning to the UK to attend college in London. Following her education, she took a teaching position in Germany, where she met her husband, Wess duBrisk, who was stationed there while serving in the U.S. military. The duBrisks eventually settled in Greene County in 1984.

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she accepted the same position at Tusculum. During her tenure at Tusculum, she was responsible for bringing more than 70 productions to the stage with Theater-at-Tusculum and helping to spark interest in the theatrical arts for area children through the GLAWPIGT (Great Literature Alive, Well & Playing in Greeneville, Tennessee).

The program was founded by duBrisk in 1986 to encourage children to read and bring books to life through youth theatrical performances.

During the dedication ceremony, Wayne Thomas, dean of the College of Civic and Liberal Arts, said,

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

She also has plans for some new opportunities with smaller theatrical performances. Working with area educators, she wants to present skits tailored to the class curriculum. For example, if a class is studying the U.S. Constitution or reading a specific novel, she envisions delivering a related performance.

“This would give the kids an opportunity to see it in SUN FILE PHOTO a different light,” Schnura said. “Sometimes just readMarilyn duBrisk and husband Wess pose in October for Jim Wozniak, director of coming about a subject doesn’t munications at Tusculum, for photos outside the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center, work as well as having it which now houses the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre. come to life for them.”

While the Arts Outreach creativity, and enhanced the “The day Marilyn and Wess be pleased to uphold as a team is still in the process tribute to Marilyn. Naming region’s quality of life.” arrived in Greene County As the new Arts Outreach of planning for its next seathe theater after Marilyn was a transformative event son of shows, Schnura said director, Schnura said she is the perfect way to thank for theater in the region. there are plans to present wants to continue presenther for leading a program Her reach became even ing at least two major shows a production in conjuncthat flourished, presented greater when she came to tion with the Doak House a year at Tusculum, just as opportunities for so many Tusculum and set a standuBrisk did for many years. Museum. people to display their dard for excellence we will

Page 15E

Plans are to continue with the popular 5x10 productions, which feature five original plays written

by Tusculum students and presented on stage during the annual Old Oak Festival.

This spring, there are also plans to present Schoolhouse Rock Live, Jr., based on the 1970s-era children’s education series. The show, featuring youth ages 8-18, will be presented April 21May 1.

“We’re really excited about that,” Schnura said.

“We’ve been rehearsing, dancing and singing, and having fun being cartoon characters.”

For more information about Tusculum Arts Outreach, visit www.home. tusculum.edu/ center-forthe-arts/.

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Page 16E

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

GreenevilleSun.com

Saturday, March 26, 2022

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN/TIM MASSEY

The Kentucky Headhunters are seen in concert at Niswonger Performing Arts Center. The venue is seeing well-attended shows again after shutdowns and postponements during the pandemic.

NPAC Again Hosting Well-Attended Shows to have students and artists back on stage at NPAC,” she said.

“Artists have been thrilled fter bruising shutdowns, show to be back on tour and performing for live audiences postponements, again, and we are thrilled and half capacito have the artists and our ties, entertainment venues patrons back at NPAC,” are finally getting back to a sense of normalcy from the Hudson added.

Looking ahead to the COVID-19 pandemic. future, Hudson said the The Niswonger Pervenue’s leaders are planforming Arts Center was certainly not immune from ning for the next season of shows. the effects of the virus “We are working on bookas it reared its ugly head ing our 2022-2023 season in Greeneville. But now, now and hope to announce NPAC officials are thankfully seeing a bright light at a great new season of entertainment in June,” she said. the end of the tunnel with “Visit our website at www. a string of well-attended npacgreeneville.com to sign shows in 2022, including up for our newsletter and most recently Herman’s receive a printed brochure Hermits starring Peter in the mail.”

Noone and the GramIn addition to hostmy-winning Kentucky ing music and theatrical Headhunters.

“After 20 months without performances, NPAC has full capacity performances, also opened registration for its 2022 Camp NPAC we reopened our doors for Kids summer program for season performances in budding stage actors.

November and have had a The drama camp dates great four months of shows are: with a number of sold-out • June 13-17 — Disney’s performances,” said Vicky The Jungle Book Kids for Hudson, NPAC’s executive kids who have completed director. grades K-4, and “Greeneville City and • June 27-July 1 — DisGreene County schools resumed shows in November ney’s Beauty & The Beast as well, and it has been a joy Jr for students who have

BY LISA WARREN

SUN CORRESPONDENT

A

completed grades 5 and up.

The camps, which will be open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, will be led by artistic director Jerry Maloy with assistance from camp staff specializing in art, music and choreography. The campers will be featured in a performance on Friday of their camp week at 3 p.m.

The cost is $250 per student (or $225 for additional siblings.) A limited number of spots remain available to enroll children.

For more information about Camp NPAC Kids, contact Jill Reeves, marketing director, at 423638-1328, or email her at

jreeves@npacgreeneville. com to learn more.

In addition to planned school events, NPAC also has several significant shows coming up now through the spring months.

“We still have lots of great shows coming up through the rest of this season,” Hudson said.

The remainder of NPAC’s 2021-22 season features: • Richard Marx — An Acoustic Evening of Love Songs, March 26, 7:30 p.m.; • The Collingsworth Family, April 1, 7:30 p.m.; • Hotel California — A Salute to the Eagles, April 8, 7:30 p.m.;

• Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live, April 25, 6:30 p.m.; • Bluegrass artists Dailey & Vincent, May 1, 3 p.m.; • Hyprov — Improv Under Hypnosis, featuring master hypnotist Asad Mecci and comic actor Colin Mochrie, of “Whose Line Is it, Anyway,” May 7, 7:30 p.m.; • The Oak Ridge Boys, May 14, 7:30 p.m.; • The Commodores, May 20, 7:30 p.m.; • The Music of Boston & Journey, featuring Boston vocalist Tommy DeCarlo and American Idol’s Rudy Cardenas, May 21,

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For more information about any upcoming NPAC show or how to purchase season ticket packages, visit npacgreeneville.com or call the venue’s box office at 423-638-1679. The theater is located at 212 Tusculum Blvd., next to Greeneville High School.

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The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

Page 17E

Greeneville Theatre Guild Continues To Thrive, Plans For Future Mengal added.

In addition to hampering some fundraising efforts, the pandemic also delayed espite some some GTG productions in setbacks due to 2000. However, the theater the COVID-19 group was able to get back pandemic, the to stage productions last Greeneville Theatre Guild year. Its presentation of continues to thrive, produc“Clue” set all-time ating high-quality theatrical tendance records for the entertainment and working Greeneville Theatre Guild toward a new space for its since its first production audiences to enjoy shows. in the spring of 2015. “We Now entering its eighth were so excited about that,” season, the GTG has firmly Mengal said. established itself as a This year, the GTG has premier community theater three shows planned for its organization in the region.

2022 season. This summer, While the group holds its “Into the Woods” will be productions at the Capitol presented June 3, 4, 10, Theatre, it hopes to soon and 11 at 7 p.m., and June present shows in its own 5 and 12 at 2 p.m. at the dedicated space on West Capitol Theatre in downDepot Street. town Greeneville. Auditions For close to six years, the have already begun for the GTG has been renovating production. a building at 250 W. Depot In September, the GTG St. for the Theatre Depot. will debut the comedic This intimate performance play “Corners,” co-written venue of 100-plus seats will serve as the home for the GREENEVILLE THEATRE GUILD by Mengal and two other The cast of Greeneville Theatre Guild’s production of “Clue: On Stage” is seen during a 2021 performance of the farcical Greeneville residents, Pam Greeneville Theatre Guild play based on the cult-favorite movie that is based on the board game.

Gosnell and Laura Dupler. and allow closer seating “One of our goals is to to the performances for provide a setting for local the audience. The Theatre playwrights and showcase and then covid hit.”

Depot will additionally new plays,” Mengal said.

The IRS recognizes the allow GTG to host eduIn December, the GTG GTG as a 501©(3) organizacational workshops and tion. All financial contribu- will present “The Charitable on-site rehearsal and set tions to the organization are Sisterhood Christmas Specconstruction. Officials with tacular,” a hilarious farce tax-deductible. Donations the theater group said it about an attempt by a group may be sent to the Greenwould also eliminate costly of church ladies to host a eville Theatre Guild, P.O. venue rental fees to present Christmas play.

Box 2002, Greeneville, TN its shows.

The GTG always wel37744 or made online at the The GTG is currentgroup’s website greeneville- comes people who would ly amidst a fundraising like to get involved in theatreguild@gmail.com. campaign to garner at least community theater. “We’re While the pandemic did $500,000 to make this pose a bit of a roadblock for an all-volunteer organizavision a reality. GTG board tion, so we need volunteers the GTG effort, things are member Paige Mengal says for everything,” Mengal starting to move forward that the group had initially said. “If someone wants to once more, Mengal said. hoped to be already occuThe organization received a audition for a show, work pying the space, but some backstage, serve as an ushgrant through Main Street setbacks created the need to er, build sets, or organize Greeneville to remove the extend those plans into the building’s old metal facade, costumes. We need all types future. of help.” which had been applied “We launched our capital For additional inforon several buildings of its campaign awhile back and type back in the 1970s. “We mation about the theater had some success (with group, visit its website at were able to get that taken our fundraising efforts),” https://greenevilletheatreoff and put in windows,” Mengal said. “When we had guild.org/ or call 423-470Mengal said. our architects come in and 2792. Persons can also find The organization was redraw up all of the plans and IMAGE SPECIAL TO THE SUN This rendering shows planned improvements at 248-250 W. Depot St,, the site of Theatre cently notified that it would information about the orhad a contractor give us a ganization on its Facebook be receiving an additional quote on it, the cost came in Depot. page or email greenevilletfacade grant, which will be about twice as high as what heatreguild@gmail.com. we initially thought it was going to be. So we had to back up and continue to try and fundraise some more — used for exterior painting,

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Page 18E

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

GreenevilleSun.com

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Capitol Theatre Got Upgrades In 2021, Has Full Schedule

BY LISA WARREN SUN CORRESPONDENT

I

f live music, classic movies and theatrical productions spark your interest, then the Capitol Theatre of Greeneville has you covered.

Located at 104 S. Main St., right in the heart of downtown Greeneville, the Capitol is marking its 88th year in 2022. Like most theaters, the historic venue has spent the past couple of years weathering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Capitol was closed for about 14 months due to the pandemic. It reopened in July 2021, first with movie showings, and then continued to build its event offerings as things finally got back to a sense of normalcy.

“Having people back in the building, watching movies, holding events, and listening to music was such a thrill,” said the Capitol’s Executive Director David Horton.

During the second half of 2021, the Capitol was able to bring new talent to town with such acts as the Spazmatics, comedian/ magician Andy Gross, and the band Run for Cover, Horton said. “We also saw old friends return like Blue Plate Special, the Greeneville Theatre Guild, and the Jonesborough Rhythm Express,” he added. “We showed over 35 movies, had several special events and were even part of the New Year’s Eve Midnight on Main celebration.”

For those who haven’t visited the Capitol in a while, there may be a few surprises in store when they do get out to see a show or a movie once again.

“With some grants that we got, and some sponsorships and donors, we were able to do a refurbish of the lobby last year,” Horton said. “Plus, we also got brand new seating, upping our entire seating capacity.”

The new seating features convenient cupholders, he added. The venue previously had 295 seats, but now that capacity has grown to 332, plus four handicapped seating areas.

Horton said several thousand dollars were spent on the lobby project, including new paint, new hardware, and new signage. A new cooler was also installed in the concessions area. Plus, he added that all of the safety railings for the ramp and staircases were taken off, sandblasted, repainted, and carefully reinstalled.

as “Gone With the Wind,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” he added. In July, the Capitol will showcase a series of Steven Spielberg-directed movies.

This year, several theatrical productions and comedy shows are also planned for the Capitol stage.

Greeneville’s own Blue Plate Special will be returning to the Capitol for monthly shows, and comedian James Gregory will perform on April 22.

The Morristown Theatre Guild will present one of its productions at the Capitol in May, titled “The Play That Goes Wrong.” In June, the Greeneville Theatre Guild will continue its productions with “Into the Woods.” During the past year, the Greeneville Theatre Guild presented “Clue,” which turned out to be one of the group’s most-attended shows, Horton CAPITOL THEATRE said. “They also presented The Capitol Theatre refurbished its lobby last year using funding from grants, sponsorships and donors.

‘Patsy,’ and it was also well received,” he added.

Horton is pushing a project this year called My Capitol Memories. “We’re asking people to submit their best memories of the Capitol,” he said.

A Morristown native, Horton said he is relatively new to Greeneville. Since becoming the Capitol’s executive director last April, Horton said he has enjoyed hearing stories people in Greeneville have about the historic venue.

“It seems everybody has a story about the Capitol,” he said. “They may have met their boyfriend or girlfriend there, or when they were in high school, that’s where they always went to watch movies, for example. It was really interesting to hear all of those stories.”

Horton said that people could either submit their memory electronically via the Capitol website or write it down and submit it inside CAPITOL THEATRE the lobby. “They can also record a little video and The venue installed new seating and increased capacity last year. submit it as well,” he added.

More details about the As a matter of fact, we he said. bring people (from around This latest reno project project and how to share are already talking with The Capitol recently the region) into town to for the Capitol comes on memories are on the Capihosted a concert by Greene them about possibly doing celebrate Greeneville and the heels of a significant tol website at https://www. another one in the fall and County’s own Paint Creek how wonderful it is. We’re upgrade to the theater’s capitolgreeneville.org.

Blu and The Color 7. “We’ve definitely doing it again so proud to be a part of the facade a few years back.

The website also features also got Smooth Sailor com- next year.”

That project included a new community, and we hope Classic movie shows have detailed information about ing up this month as well,” that the community will marquee and other exteriupcoming shows at the been a major attraction at Horton said. keep supporting us,” he or renovations, plus new Capitol Theatre and how to the Capitol, and this year, The Cosmo Bus Musaid. carpeting and additional plans are to feature monthly purchase tickets.

“We’ve got music, theater, sic Fest took place at the updates inside the venue.

People can also call the Capitol with overwhelming themes for popular films. and movies — so a little bit Horton said he’s excitCapitol box office at 423During March, western of everything,” Horton said. success in January. “The ed for folks to see what’s movies were shown, except 638-1300 for more infor“Our big goal for this year Cosmo Bus Music Fest new at the Capitol and for the film “Dark Victory,” mation. Box office hours went absolutely awesome,” is trying to have at least experience the venue’s are Monday, Wednesday Horton said. In April, all Horton said. “It was lots of one music event a month quality entertainment. and Friday, from 10 a.m. to of the films will be ones love and fun. Great musiand then supplement with “We strive to bring people 3 p.m. movies and private events,” cians and a great audience. from the year 1939, such back to downtown, plus

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GreenevilleSun.com

Saturday, March 26, 2022

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

Page 19E

Partnership Continued Supporting Businesses, Community In 2021

BY CICELY BABB STAFF WRITER

A

s many aspects of local life began to return to a semblance of pre-pandemic normal last year, the Greene County Partnership was active in many events and initiatives to support local businesses.

Among the biggest highlights last year was the return of the Iris Festival, sponsored by the Partnership and Chamber of Commerce.

The annual event was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, and the 26th edition and grand return of the festival brought more than 100 crafters, merchants and food vendors to Academy and College streets, as Depot and Main streets hosted more than 500 cars, bikes and specialty autos for the sixth annual Sundown on Depot Car Show, which benefitted Holston United Methodist Home for Children.

The Iris Festival of 2021 drew almost twice as many people as 2019’s Iris Festival, according to Partnership staff.

Festival-goer Vicki Gibson said 2021’s Iris Festival was “bigger and better than ever.”

“It’s just wonderful to be out after the pandemic,” she said.

Well-known local hot dog vendor John Price, who attended last year’s Iris Festival with family rather than with his popular Top Dog stand, called 2021 the “comeback year.”

Other entertainment and festivities throughout downtown for the Iris Festival weekend included dancing and music as well as the Iris Festival Pageant and the first Keep Greene Beautiful Iris Festival Walk.

Other sponsors of the Iris Festival last year included

SUN FILE PHOTO

Organizers estimated around 10,000 people attended last year’s Iris Festival.

SUN FILE PHOTO

A crowd of local officials, business owners and shoppers gathered at the intersection of Depot and Main streets to kick off local Shop Small Saturday festivities.

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SUN FILE PHOTO

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“It has been great because a lot of the events these vendors would have been doing in the past year were halted. Food trucks are growing in popularity, and we have the perfect spot downtown,” said Joni Parker, former general manager of the Partnership.

Parker left the position in October, and the Partnership welcomed new General Manager Aly Collins on Nov. 1, just in time for the annual Shop Small Greene initiative at the end of the month.

Last year, to highlight the businesses open on Depot Street throughout ongoing heavy roadwork for the downtown revitalization project, Greene County Partnership President Jeff Taylor joined other local officials at the intersection of Main and Depot streets to kick off Greeneville’s Shop Small Saturday with a ceremonial groundbreaking.

The Partnership also brought back its Shop Small Scavenger Hunt to encourage shoppers to visit as many local businesses as possible on that Saturday, and many businesses along Depot Street as well as around Greene County participated.

“There is so much going on in Greene County that represents a reinvestment into our community,” Taylor said.

The Partnership also welcomed more than 40 new members in 2021 and helped conduct numerous ribbon-cutting ceremonies, in addition to assistance with grants and loans for business owners.

Page 20E

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

GreenevilleSun.com

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Greeneville Light And Power System Approved Broadband Project In 2021 electricity. It really is.”

Morrison acknowledged that beginning the project may seem daunting, but The Greeneville Enersaid he supports it fully. gy Authority board gave “The first step is always Greeneville Light and Powthe longest stride,” Morer System the green light to rison said. “I don’t think create a broadband network anybody could do it any in its final meeting of 2021. better than GLPS. We are in In December 2021, the this together.”

Energy Authority voted Among the many reasons unanimously in authodiscussed in December to rizing GLPS to create an get into providing broadinitial broadband network band services, Bowlin embeginning in the Town of phasized two to the Energy Greeneville.

Authority: electricity billing The initial service will rates and grant funding. roughly follow the city Additional revenue from limits of Greeneville and broadband sales helps keep service every resident withelectric rates low in other in the town. counties, as kilowatt sales According to GLPS CEO often remain flat even as Chuck Bowlin, the initial some costs go up. Broadbroadband network will band often helps prevent serve about 25% of all GLPS electric rate increases, customers, which is about according Bowlin. Bowlin 9,100 customers.

The cost of the initial SUN FILE PHOTO wants to be able to keep power rates low and comnetwork build will be about Greeneville Light and Power System CEO Chuck Bowlin provides details on the power system’s broadband plans to the Greeneville Energy Authority in December 2021. petitive with other counties $14 million. in the region.

The Greeneville Board “Every one of our of Mayor and Aldermen neighbors is providing approved committing broadband to some or all of $500,000 to the project at their customers, and they its first meeting of 2022 in are going to be able to keep January. their electric rates lower.

“The intent of this We could be handicapped initial project is to be able with electric rates in the to eventually go beyond long-term if we don’t do Greeneville and out into the this. This is the biggest reacounty with this service,” son that I think we need to Bowlin told the board. take this step, because of we Greeneville’s aldermen don’t do this and compete were vocal about their supwith other counties we are port of the project during going to fall behind on what the January meeting. we charge for electricity Alderman Tim Teague because our rates will go agreed that providing the up,” Bowlin said. service to rural areas of the Bowlin told the Energy county was important.

Authority that Chattanooga “There are people that live and Bristol have been in in the county that still have the broadband business the to use DSL, so if something longest in East Tennessee happens to their phone line and have the lowest electric then they are out of work,” rates.

Teague said. “That’s why GLPS, the Town of Greenit’s so important we get this started and out to the GREENEVILLE LIGHT AND POWER SYSTEM eville, and Greene County GLPS provided this image to the Greeneville Energy Authority in December that shows every had also been missing grant people who need it.” county surrounding Greene County has a public utility providing broadband at some level. funding opportunities since The board approved the This map will change once GLPS creates its broadband system.

GLPS was not authorized to funding unanimously. provide broadband.

“I think this will be great “We do not qualify for for broadband use before it Kevin Morrison told the internet. because Greeneville needs any of these grants if we are can be used by GLPS. Energy Authority in De“My husband has been competition with internet not authorized to provide “To the exclusion of all cember that Greene County working from home for 12 services. We saw with the else that we can do to com- services,” Bowlin told the was prepared to pledge $2 pandemic that internet ser- years, so this is not a new pete, grow and prosper, we Energy Authority in Decemmillion in funding to the thing for us. To be able to vice and price was not very ber. need to get Greene County broadband project with offer this service to remote competitive,” Alderman Therefore, GLPS had to covered with broadband inmoney the county received workers is such a fantasScott Bullington said. ternet,” Morrison said. “We receive approval from the through the American tic way for Greeneville to Alderwoman Kristin need it to be competitive in Energy Authority before Rescue Plan. The Greene provide for our taxpayers,” Girton noted that her the 21st century economy. It any grant funding could be County Commission will husband had been working Girton said. have to approve the funding is as important as water and accessed.

Greene County Mayor at home for years using the

BY SPENCER MORRELL STAFF WRITER

Some of the grants GLPS could receive are through the Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund which came into being with the passage of the American Rescue Plan. The fund contains $400 million to be awarded across the state for the purpose of providing broadband.

GLPS could receive a portion of the funding, but it had to be authorized to provide broadband first before it could apply for the grant.

Bowlin told the Greene County Budget and Finance Committee in March that GLPS has divided its project to reach unserved households in the county into three separate grant applications that deal with northern, western and southern Greene County respectively.

Each of three projects will cost about $7 million, for a total of approximately $21 million.

One, two, or all three of the projects could be approved for broadband grant funding by the state.

The county would provide 30% in matching funding if the grant funding is given to GLPS. The matching funds would come from Greene County’s American Rescue Plan funds.

GLPS communicated with other power companies that provide broadband in order to get a feel for the benefits and possible difficulties of providing broadband.

GLPS employees visited BrightRidge in Washington County, Newport Utilities in Cocke County, Erwin Utilities in Unicoi County, Holston Electric Cooperative in Hawkins County, Bristol TN Essential Services in Sullivan County, and EPB of Chattanooga in Hamilton County.

“One of the nice things about our business is that we have a defined boundary, and we are not directly competing with each other. Each place we visited bent over backwards to help us,” Bowlin said in December.

The project will take six to 12 months to complete, barring supply issues once materials are received.

Greene County Landmarks Got A Touch-Up In 2021

BY SPENCER MORRELL STAFF WRITER

T

wo Greene County historical landmarks got some much-needed care and attention in the fall of 2021.

Greene County’s Bible Covered Bridge and Chuckey National Guard Monument were both on the receiving end of beautification efforts.

The Bible Covered Bridge, located at the intersection of Denver Bible Lane and the Warrensburg Road on 998 Bible Branch Road, had restorative work conducted on it by Skyline Restoration, a Greene County building restoration service.

Skyline Restoration removed and replaced any exterior boards that were rotten or damaged. The company also cleaned the bridge and scraped off old paint and dirt from the exterior. The bridge was then given a new coat of primer and three new coats of paint.

Skyline also replaced the wooden pedestrian ramp that allows visitors to enter and walk across the bridge from the small parking area next to it.

Greeneville Light and Power System installed security lights on each side of the bridge that illuminate the area at night.

The restorative work on the bridge itself went on throughout the month of September, and was completed on Sept. 30.

Built in 1923 by the Bible family, the bridge stretches across Little Chucky Creek.

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN

A new coat of red paint now shines on the Bible Covered Bridge after its restoration in September.

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN

A new pedestrian ramp leading up to the bridge was constructed in September.

2004 by the Greene County Highway Department with the help of a grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

“There are certain trademark things that we identify with our home, and that bridge is one of those things for many people. There is a great love and affection for the bridge in our county.

It is a unique symbol of our home,” Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison said in September. “That bridge is worthy of the dignity and SUN FILE PHOTO honor that we have reThis monument in Chuckey honoring those National Guardsmen who were killed or injured in turned to it.” the 1966 truck accident was cleaned and cared for in 2021.

The bridge originally connected the Bible family farm with the Warrensburg Road.

In 1948, the bridge was deeded to Greene County, and in 1975 it became a his-

torical structure. The original restoration of the bridge was completed in the fall of

NATIONAL GUARD MONUMENT The Chuckey National

Guard Monument that honors 16 members of the National Guard who were involved in a vehicle crash in Chuckey in August 1966 received clean-up and restorative work in September and October before a rededication ceremony was held in early December.

The monument site in Chuckey, where eight men were killed and eight more were injured while traveling for a training exercise, had fallen into disrepair over the years, and Greene County worked to restore the monument to a respectable condition.

Morrison noted in September that the memorial SEE LANDMARKS ON PAGE 22E

GreenevilleSun.com

Saturday, March 26, 2022

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

Page 21E

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Page 22E

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

GreenevilleSun.com

Saturday, March 26, 2022

SUN FILE PHOTO

Officials from Greeneville and Greene County gathered at First Baptist Church in Greeneville to rededicate the Chuckey memorial site in Dec. 2021.

LANDMARKS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20E

had become overgrown and that the flagpole there had been toppled by a falling tree.

As a part of the improvements at the site, located where Chuckey Highway meets Campbell Circle, the landscaping was trimmed and a new flagpole and light were

installed. Riverstone was also placed at the monument as well as eight miniature boxwoods, and eight autumn blaze trees to honor the eight men who lost their lives.

New benches were installed at the memorial as well as a twospace parking area where people may pull off the road to stop by the memorial.

“We are very proud of this site

and those men,” Morrison said.

A total of 12 people lost their lives in the accident in 1966 when the military transport truck carrying the National Guardsmen suffered a brake failure on a rainy day and skidded into a car. Four civilians were killed as a result of the collision as well as eight of the guardsmen as the truck overturned after striking the car.

Morrison said the accident is

considered one of the most deadly traffic accidents in Greene County history.

National Guard members killed in the accident were Roy Dean Hice, Harry E. Gass, Ronnie Cox, Cody Erwin, Elmer Mullins, Herb Shelton, Jimmy Kenney and Harold Lee Smith.

Survivors were Robert Purgason, Terry Whittenburg, Donald A. Dean, Clyde David Henry, Ross

Conner, Walter “Bob” Bowman, Glen Lloyd Malone and Dean Shipley.

Morrison closed the rededication ceremony in December by quoting a scripture passage from the Gospel of John.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,” Morrison said.

“The men we remember certainly lived this scripture.”

SUN FILE PHOTO

This marker placed at the site in 2004 tells the history of the Bible Covered Bridge.

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GreenevilleSun.com

Saturday, March 26, 2022

The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

Page 23E

Greeneville Airport Introduced New Ways To Fuel Up In 2021

BY SPENCER MORRELL STAFF WRITER The Greeneville Municipal Airport began leasing a fuel truck and offering a self-service fuel station on the tarmac in 2021.

The $32,000 self-service fuel station was approved by the Greeneville Municipal Airport Authority in July 2021 and began operations in November 2021.

The station did not cost the airport a penny to install.

Ninety-five percent of the cost of the project was paid for through grant funding from the federal government and state government. The remaining 5% of the project cost was paid for by Phillips Petroleum.

As a result, pilots coming through Greeneville now have a new and easier way to refuel their aircraft.

“This upgrade will provide more convenience for pilots that visit our airport,” Airport Authority Chairman Jeff Hollett said in July.

Before the self-service fuel station was installed, pilots coming through Greeneville had to wait on someone from the airport to help them refuel in a process that could cause lengthy wait times. If a pilot was looking to refuel an aircraft at night, the process could take even longer as someone would have had to drive to the airport from home to help refuel.

The new self-service system does not require anyone to be present at the airport.

The service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“You don’t have to wait on

GREENEVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN

The Greeneville Municipal Airport welcomed a new fuel truck to the airport in late December.

someone to fill up your car at a gas station. You swipe your credit card, pump your gas, and then leave,” Hollett said in July. “This new pump will work in the exact same way, except you’re filling up an airplane.”

The airport also began leasing a jet fuel truck with a 3,000-gallon fuel tank for about $1,500 per month.

The trucks do not leave the airport property, and help expedite fuel delivery to aircraft at the airport.

The lease is a structured as a pay-to-own three year lease. At the end of the three years, the airport can purchase the two trucks for $1 apiece.

According to Airport Manager Steven Neeson, both additions have led to increased fuel sales and revenue for the airport.

The Greeneville Municipal Airport Authority also approved a new fee structure in December 2021 that took effect in January 2022.

Before the fee structure was approved, Greeneville Municipal Airport had no official fee structure for those

This new self-service fuel pump was installed at the Greeneville Municipal Airport in 2021.

coming through the airport.

The new fees include tie down, main hangar, facility, call out, ground power unit, and nightly hangar fees.

However, some fees are offset for patrons who purchase fuel at the airport.

The fees are for transient aircraft only. The new fee structure does not apply to aircraft that use Greeneville Municipal Airport as their base airport.

Neeson told the Airport Authority in December that the fees are no more than aviators would see at other airports in the region.

“These fees are in line with

most other airports,” Neeson said.

The Airport Authority board agreed that the fees were fair and often lower than can be found at other airports.

The effort to have an organized fee structure is expected to generate some revenue for the airport, but the windfall in funds is not expected to be dramatic.

Neeson told the authority that he expects the fees will generate possibly a couple thousand dollars a year in revenue, and would not adversely affect traffic flying into and using the airport.

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The Greeneville Sun Benchmarks Edition

Saturday, March 26, 2022

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