The Future Looks Bright For Greene County
BY JEFF TAYLOR
What an amazing time to be living in Greene County!
Greeneville enters 2026 with a renewed sense of resilience and economic momentum. After navigating the challenges of recent flood and hurricane impacts, the community has not only rebuilt but positioned itself for stronger, more sustainable growth. Local recovery efforts have accelerated infrastructure improvements, strengthened regional partnerships, and helped restore business confidence. This foundation, combined with the momentum from 2023 and a broader uptick in GDP from 2024 to 2025, underscores Greeneville’s capacity to turn adversity into opportunity. The stage is set for continued expansion, investment, and long‑term economic vitality.
The unprecedented growth that Greene County is experiencing in capital investment, job creation and residential housing is reflected in GDP. Our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased from $3.2 billion to $3.4 billion. This is a 6% increase as depicted in the graph below. It is exciting to be a part of this unprecedented economic era. Units are represented in U.S. Dollars and not seasonally adjusted.
The level of investment and the continued investment in our infrastructure has resulted in our great community to be recognized
by Site Selection Magazine as one of three top micropolitans in Tennessee and tied for 40th in the U.S. for 2024 for the 2nd consecutive year in a row.
Site Selection Magazine is a 70 year old based magazine that has awarded communities since 1988, based on new and expanded corporate facilities as tracked by the proprietary Conway Projects Database. These designations are regarded by corporate real estate and site selectors as “THE industry scoreboard.”
This recognition validates the commitment of our industries to remain in our community, but also contribute to the ability of our local government to maintain lower tax rates for our residents.
Our employers are proving that they believe in the future of Greene County and our quality workforce as record local investments in technology and equipment to increase efficiency, capacity and career opportunities continue despite the challenges of the Tariffs. We continue to see wages increase and new opportunities presented. American Greetings has recently expanded and is in process of hiring 206 new employees!
Our local leaders and utility providers are demonstrating focused collaboration and investment in our infrastructure as they continue to expand broadband services and bring much needed competition to the broadband space. The Greeneville Energy Authority (GEA) completed the buildout of the network in Greeneville ahead of schedule allowing for Phase II to begin. The next phase will bring much needed broadband services to
the underserved and unserved in the western section of Greene County. This phase is funded through a COVID era grant. Again, local dollars invested to serve local people.
The State of Tennessee is proving they continue to believe in the future of Greene County as the GCP was awarded another grant ($306k) to complete the engineering studies that will result in a Master Plan for best use of the land to include childcare to accompany the healthcare already in progress.
In addition to our employment opportunities and manufacturing expansion investment focus, we are also concentrating on our infrastructure and livability. Below, you will see current active grants the Greene County Partnership is involved or leading to address various areas to improve our quality of life. We are very excited about the diverse grants that we have been awarded to address these needs. But not all the economic good news is related to just manufacturing. Tourism is also a large portion of
our local economy. Greene County Partnership was awarded the 2025 Tourism organization of the year, small division, by the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development. The state of Tennessee’s perspective on our current state of tourism and the future is strong! Currently, Greene County ranks No. 22 out of the 95 counties in tourism dollars. This equates to $114 million in direct expenditure. So, what does that really mean? That our visitors saved $370 in taxes per household vs. $351 prior year. Our warm welcomes, beautiful views and amazing hospitality pays off resulting several new mid size, multi day conventions being held in Greene County!
The future does look bright for Greene County. We are a county that has a culture of resiliency and generosity. A county that can weather the storm and keep standing! A county that respects our respects and honors our past but looks forward to the future! It is great to live in Greene!
JEFF TAYLOR
Hospital CEO Reflects On Achievements Attained
BY ERIC CARROLL CEO OF GREENEVILLE COMMUNITY
ERIC CARROLL, CEO of Greeneville Community Hospital
As we reflect on the past year of care at Greeneville Community Hospital, I think it’s important to remember that progress can take many forms. It can look like a new piece of surgical equipment, a renovated lobby or a positive Google review from a patient. But to me, the most important milestones are found in the team members I’m lucky to work alongside every day.
This year, we welcomed the new TrueBeam linear accelerator, which has already changed how our patients receive radiation treatment. Dr. John Boys and his team are putting that equipment to great use and giving our community members more treatment options close to home.
Earlier this year, renovations were completed on the third and fourth floors of the hospital, bringing upgrades to patient care units, waiting areas and hallways with new flooring and furniture. Our emergency department waiting area received a refresh as well. Even something as simple as a new chair can help make our patients and visitors feel more comfortable. Looking ahead, we have an exciting slate of renovations planned, including updates to our surgical lobby and waiting areas, along
with additional surgical equipment enhancements that we look forward to sharing with the community.
This past year brought significant accomplishments for our team.
Greeneville Community Hospital earned the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Rural Bronze Award for advanced stroke care. This award highlights the excellence that takes place within these walls and the commitment that our team shows to our patients and community.
Remembering Our Two Leading Heroes Of The Civil War
BY TIM MASSEY
2025 was the year leading up to the Semiquentcentennial of the Declaration of Independence. All of us that enjoy history have a lot to fondly reflect on both good and some not so much so.
In the annuals of Greene County history two events stand out for their traumatic effect on local events. Both involve death, and I am speaking of the death of General John Hunt Morgan and President Andrew Johnson.
Morgan’s death here on the morning of Sept. 4, 1864, sent shockwaves throughout the South and even into the northern regions. The “Marion of the South”, the “Thunderbolt of the Confederacy” had escaped numerous close calls, but fate caught up with him in the Williams garden.
Morgan was already a Southern legend when he rode into Greeneville. His death closed the books on a storied career, but it was just the beginning as newspapers and books would speculate for the next 160 years just what happened that early morning in Greeneville. Much of what happened in Greeneville has remained shrouded in mystery. It continues to be a “he said, she said” sort of scenario with many pieces of the puzzle yet to be found.
As the dark clouds of the Civil War rolled in to East Tennessee Johnson left his hometown which was divided in loyalty. As the carriage took him down Main Street he could not but helped but notice a large banner reading “A. Johnson Traitor.”
From his days as an indentured servant through his many years in politics, Johnson had developed thick skin and a resoluteness to do what he thought was right. Johnson a democrat from a Confederate state believed secession was wrong
and was the only Senator from a Southern state not to resign his position in the U. S. Senate. Lincoln appointed Johnson the military governor of Tennessee which was a logical choice. Surprisingly, he was picked by Lincoln, of the new Republican party, to form a new “National Union” party that would unite the nation after the Civil War. Johnson survived the accusations of drunkenness at the inauguration. He survived the planned assassination on his own person the night Lincoln was shot. Johnson followed the plan of Lincoln to quickly restore the Union, he persevered, but as sources record, “under Johnson everything fell apart.”
Johnson survived preachment as president and was reelected to serve the Senate in 1875. If not for the votes of the former Confederates this would not have been possible. Time had been good to Johnson and we today should still look to the man and career for guidance in our own lives. Johnson was welcomed back to the Senate by a standing ovation in March, where his former foes warmly welcomed him.
But his victory and return to the national stage was short lived. On July 30 at the home of his daughter in Carter County, Johnson suffered a series of strokes, dying the next day, setting the stage for the grandest funeral ever to be held in Greeneville. The town, the state and the nation mourned the death of the former president.
Although not born or having lived here, General Morgan’s death forever tied him to Greeneville. He has been a constant draw to our town as Civil War enthusiasts come to see where Morgan fell and visit the Morgan bedroom at the Dickson Williams Mansion where he spent his last night.
Greeneville Community Hospital is also home to a team of compassionate and selfless individuals. We are fortunate to have 76 volunteers at our facility, and they contributed a staggering 7,000 hours of service to our community this year. Each hour represents a priceless commitment to our patients, and I am grateful for the dedication of our volunteers every day. We are beyond blessed to have them on our team.
Our team members came together to fully fund a new playground for the Isaiah 117 House, a charity
that benefits children in foster care. The generosity from our team members helped bring a little more fun and normalcy to kids who are going through difficult changes in their lives, and it shows our team’s commitment to carrying their servants’ hearts outside of hospital walls and into our community.
I’m proudest of the things that don’t regularly make headlines –such as the extra blankets that a nurse offered to a patient, or the team member who takes time to pray with family members. I am
There have been several Civil War related groups holding meetings here over the last few years which has allowed us to not only tell them about General Morgan but to educate them about our own Andrew Johnson, he too an important piece of the period.
Last year we honored the 200th birthday of General Morgan with
a Sunday afternoon gathering at the Williams
We hosted guests from six states and as far away as St. Louis, MO. Chad Bogart dressed in civilian clothing provided period music as reenactors in blue and gray milled about enjoying the day.
A new linear accelerator for cancer treatment was installed in the Greeneville Community Hospital in 2025.
Dickson Mansion.
SUN FILE PHOTO
A reenactment of the death of Gen. John Hunt Morgan is shown in this file photo.
TIM MASSEY
County Mayor Says 2025 Was A Year Of Resilience And Renewal
BY KEVIN MORRISON GREENE COUNTY MAYOR
In 2025, Greene County navigated one of the most challenging periods in its modern history as the community continued recovering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene.
The storm, which made landfall in late September 2024, caused widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure, utilities, and essential services, resulting in an estimated $35 million in private property damage and $125 million in public losses. Its effects reshaped nearly every aspect of county government, making disaster recovery the central focus of county operations throughout the year.
Despite the unprecedented demands of this recovery effort, Greene County continued to grow, expand services, and invest in longterm community resilience, demonstrating the strength and determination of its residents and leadership.
Helping families return home remained the top priority, and the county worked closely with FEMA to ensure residents received the support they needed.
Tennessee households affected by Helene received more than $30.9 million in federal assistance, including over $17 million for housing needs such as rental assistance and essential home repairs.
Greene County partnered with FEMA to host mobile assistance centers, outreach events and nonprofit supported help sessions to streamline applications and damage assessments.
TEMA reported that nearly 5 million cubic yards of waterway debris was removed from the Nolichucky River as part of the Helene cleanup effort, a massive undertaking essential to restoring safety, environmental health, and community stability.
One of the most significant infrastructure losses from the storm was the destruction of the Sgt. Elbert Kinser Bridge on State Highway 107, a 600 foot structure that spans the Nolichucky River. It is a vital link to residents, emergency responders and agricultural commerce.
In 2025, the county worked with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to accelerate
permitting, environmental review and design for a modern, flood resilient replacement bridge, turning the project into a symbol of Greene County’s commitment to rebuilding stronger.
Flooding also severely damaged the Greeneville water treatment plant, leaving parts of the county without reliable water service for weeks. Throughout the year, Greene County prioritized emergency repairs to treatment and pumping systems, longterm modernization planning, and securing state and federal grants to harden the system against future disasters.
Transportation recovery was another major focus, as dozens of county roads were washed out or structurally compromised.
The Greene County Highway Department spent much of 2025 repairing damaged roads, stabilizing infrastructure and applying for FEMA and TEMA public assistance reimbursements.
Longterm recovery efforts expanded in June when the East Tennessee Foundation awarded $4.8 million in regional recovery grants, including support for the Greene County Long Term Recovery Group formed with AIDNET of Greene County.
This group coordinated volunteer labor, managed donations, and assisted families still displaced months after the storm, marking a shift from immediate response to longterm rebuilding and resilience planning.
Greene County continued to grow and invest in long term community needs. Significant population growth in 2025 required county departments to expand services in public safety, health, planning, and community support, prompting strategic staffing and improved service delivery to maintain high quality support for residents.
A major milestone was the remodeling and launch of Career Technical Education programs at all four county high schools, providing hands on training in high demand fields, strengthening workforce readiness and supporting local industry needs.
Construction of the new Department of Disability and Aging facility on the Greene Valley Campus neared completion, and we also began construction of the new Greene County Health Department, a project that will significantly expand public health services, improve accessibility and modernize the county’s health infrastructure.
Additionally, the Tennessee College
of Applied Technology program on the Greene Valley Campus is scheduled to open in July 2026, offering expanded workforce training in technical and vocational fields and further strengthening Greene County’s educational and economic development efforts.
Another major advancement in 2025 was the opening of the first floor of the new Greene County Administrative Building. The Greene County Clerk’s Office and the Building and Zoning Department began moving into the facility as the county initiated a phased transition into the modernized complex.
The second floor, which will house the county’s administrative offices, is expected to open in the coming months. The Greene County Sheriff’s Administrative Offices will occupy the third floor, and the Greene County School System will be located on the fourth floor, creating a centralized hub for essential county services and improving accessibility for residents, while saving tax dollars with less maintenance of multiple buildings.
Economic development remained a priority throughout the year as
Greene County worked diligently with business and industry partners to support expansion, encourage investment, and strengthen the local economy.
The county also welcomed several new restaurants and locally owned establishments, adding to the community’s quality of life and supporting continued commercial growth.
Greene County’s achievements in 2025 reflect both the magnitude of the challenges it faced and the strength of the community’s response. From securing federal aid and rebuilding critical infrastructure to expanding education, public services, and workforce opportunities, the county remained firmly focused on recovery while continuing to grow and manage services for a rapidly expanding population.
As Greene County looks ahead, it remains committed to building a stronger, more resilient future, one that honors the determination of its residents while preserving a low cost of living and a good quality of life.
SUN PHOTO BY SPENCER MORRELL
The new Greene County Administrative Center in the former Takoma Hospital building off the Asheville Highway in Greeneville began staffing its refurbished interior last year with county departments that serve local citizens.
KEVIN MORRISON, Greene County Mayor
SUN PHOTO BY NELSON MORAIS
Patrick Mannion, a volunteer with the Nolichucky Outdoor Recreation Association, was one of about 30 volunteers who worked to pick up debris along the Nolichucky River on a Saturday afternoon in December.
AIDNET Of Greene
County: ‘Our Cup Is Full’
BY WENDY PEAY
On Sept. 28, 2024, AIDNET of Greene County activated following Hurricane Helene with the following statement:
AIDNET of Greene County stands ready to help survivors of the catastrophic flooding event of the past few days to rebuild their homes in the long term recovery effort. AIDNET will start the process of Long Term Recovery after the first responders, emergency services, and short term assistance programs have concluded their work. Jeff Idell, chairman of the AIDNET board of directors said, “We are committed to helping Greene County residents rebuild their lives.”
AIDNET was founded in 2001 to help rebuild homes damaged by flooding in the Paint Creek and Camp Creek corridor in southern Greene County. After completing that work, the organization was dormant for years until tornadoes devastated several areas in Greene County in April 2011. In July 2011, AIDNET of Greene County was re activated to begin rebuilding homes, working through 115 cases over nearly two years. Today, AIDNET is an ongoing organization dedicated strictly to disaster recovery and rebuilding for Greene County residents affected by state or federally declared disasters.
Led by a core group of volunteers, AIDNET responded to the recent flooding in Greene County by coordinating thousands of volunteers and nearly $2 million in monetary contributions to rebuild homes for 66 applicants whose primary residences were destroyed or damaged. The group ended its work in December 2025. Dozens of people worked countless hours to ensure this work was completed, including AIDNET’s board of
directors: Jeff Idell, president; Brandi Glasscock, secretary; Wendy Peay, treasurer; Megan Malone; Rebecca Tipton; Robin Shepherd and Whitney Winter.
The rebuilding work was overseen by site coordinators who worked with individual homeowners across the county, including: Doug Jennings, Zone 1 (western border of Greene County to Newport Highway) Tom Smith, Zone 2 (Newport Highway to Asheville Highway) Robert Bailey, Zone 3 (Asheville Highway to Jones Bridge) Nathan Reynolds and Rick Crum, Zone 4 (Jones Bridge to eastern border of Greene County)
The site coordinators worked every day with homeowners, coordinating home plans and sites with county officials, ensuring building supplies were procured, scheduling skilled volunteers for construction, and working with building contractors. All five of the AIDNET site coordinators worked more than full time hours during the weeks and months immediately following the flood. They were assisted with case management by Louise Crum, Abby Cole Keller, Narda Tabor, and Jana Wills.
While AIDNET focused on rebuilding homes, the case managers recognized the additional needs faced by families displaced from their homes, including needs during the displacement and needs to refurnish and restock their new homes upon completion. In response, Abby Cole Keller and Jana Wills, with help from Louise Crum and Narda Tabor, started My Neighbors House. This new organization has been instrumental in addressing needs of flood survivors outside of the home rebuilding projects completed by
WENDY PEAY
SUN FILE PHOTO
AIDNET coordinated many volunteers for Hurricane Helene recovery, including these members of the University of Tennessee baseball team.
SUN FILE PHOTO
Leaders with My Neighbor’s House cut the ribbon on their new headquarters.
Town Of Greeneville Honors History, Invests In Future
BY CHRISTINA POTTS
In 2025, the Town of Greeneville celebrated progress across departments while honoring its history and investing in its future. A major highlight was the continued restoration of Town Hall, the neoclassical landmark completed in 1967. Following the successful restoration of the iconic cupola and clocks in 2024, work advanced on the portico, columns, windows, and additional exterior elements. The project reflects Greeneville’s commitment to preserving civic landmarks while responsibly stewarding taxpayer dollars, ensuring Town Hall remains a symbol of stability and pride.
The year also brought a leadership transition.
City Manager Todd Smith resigned on Aug. 19, prompting the Greeneville City Council to launch the search for his successor. The Town engaged the Municipal Technical Advisory Service, MTAS, with consultant Pete Auger conducting meetings with Council members to evaluate priorities and qualifications for the next City Manager. A new City Manager is expected to be hired this spring.
The Administration Department remained focused on civic engagement and strategic growth. Youth Commission met throughout the school year, providing Greeneville High School students with firsthand exposure to local government.
In the fall, Citizens Academy welcomed thirteen participants for six Tuesday evening sessions introducing residents to Town departments and services. Most participants were new to Greeneville, relocating from states such as Arizona, California, Texas, New York, Colorado, and Louisiana, an encouraging sign of continued growth.
Administration secured key funding to support community initiatives. A $540,000 HOME grant from the Tennessee Housing Development
Agency will assist with housing efforts, while a BRAG grant will fund a brownfield remediation study to explore redevelopment opportunities. Additional funding, including a Driver Training Grant, strengthened programming. Committees were formed to evaluate future uses for the Roby Center Theatre and the George Clem Center.
Community services maintained strong momentum. The Roby Adult Center served residents aged 50 and older through 47 programs promoting physical, emotional, and social well being. Grant funded upgrades included new technology, fitness equipment, flooring, HVAC improvements, and enhanced security. The Center earned the Greeneville Sun “Best of the Best Activities Center” honors for 2025 while serving 883 active weekly members.
The Greeneville Greene County Public Library circulated more than 128,000 physical and digital items and issued 1,355 new library cards, bringing total cardholders to 18,458. The Annual Community Book Sale raised over $31,000
with 85 volunteers, and the Summer Reading Program reached a record 278 children. Year round programming, including technology classes, book clubs, and youth activities, continued for all ages.
The T. Elmer Cox Genealogical & Historical Library celebrated its 25th anniversary as Greene County’s official historical repository with a commemorative calendar, more than 40 historical videos, a special exhibit, and expanded workshops. Outreach efforts, including homeschool engagement and a Community Scan Day, reinforced the Town’s commitment to preserving and sharing local history.
Infrastructure and public safety improvements were equally impactful. Public Works completed nearly 400 linear feet of new sidewalk on Oak Grove, repaired sidewalks near the Big Spring, addressed a significant stormwater issue on North Main Street, constructed two downtown pickleball courts, built a parking area for
school buses at the Greeneville Career and Technical Academy, and paved the library parking lot. The Tennessee Department of Transportation completed paving on portions of Church Street, Old Shiloh Road, and Erwin Highway, enhancing roadway safety. The Police
SUN FILE PHOTO
The hot dog eating contest is a popular part of the annual American Downtown celebration.
CHRISTINA POTTS
SUN FILE PHOTO
Greeneville Town Hall’s exterior was renovated in 2024 and 2025.
SUN FILE PHOTO
Paving of several streets was part of Greeneville’s investment in infrastructure in 2025.
Greeneville City Schools Has Another Highly Successful Year
BY STEVE STARNES GREENEVILLE DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS
The 2024–25 school year was another highly successful year for Greeneville City Schools. The Tennessee Department of Education recognized GCS for Level 5 Composite Growth, marking the district’s fifth consecutive year, and eight of the past ten years, achieving this distinction. This accomplishment reflects our sustained commitment to student growth.
Four schools earned Level 5 Composite Growth: Hal Henard Elementary School, Tusculum View Elementary School, Greeneville Middle School, and Greeneville High School. Level 5 Growth indicates significant evidence that students exceeded expected academic progress.
Greeneville High School, Hal Henard Elementary School, and Tusculum View Elementary School were also named Reward Schools by the Tennessee Department of Education. Reward School status is awarded to schools demonstrating strong performance across multiple indicators, including academic proficiency, student growth, and achievement for all student groups. Additionally, Greeneville City Schools was
recognized as an Exemplary District for the 2024–25 school year, one of only 14 districts statewide to
receive this prestigious designation.
Hal Henard Elementary, Tusculum View Elementary School, Greeneville Middle School, and Greeneville High School each received an “A” letter grade under Tennessee’s state accountability system. These grades reflect multiple measures, including student achievement, academic growth, and college and career readiness at the high school level.
Hal Henard Elementary, Tusculum View Elementary School, and Greeneville High School earned the “Triple Crown” in 2024–25 by achieving an “A” letter grade, Level 5 Growth, and Reward School status.
In 2025, the district’s ACT Composite score of 20.3 ranked Greeneville City Schools 19th in the state among all districts. Twenty four out of 229 students in the graduating class of 2025 achieved a 30
plus composite score which represents 10.5 percent, outpacing the national average of 5 7 percent of ACT test takers.
Beyond academics, 2024–25 was an exceptional year for student achievement in athletics and extracurricular activities, with multiple state championships and numerous top‑10 finishes statewide. These recognitions
Golf Course Guide
PHOTO COURTESY OF GREENEVILLE CITY SCHOOLS
District.
STEVE STARNES
community.Eachyear, residents cast their
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SRO Committed To Keeping Children Safe
BY JASON SHUTTS SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
(Editor’s Note: Deputy Jason Shutts is a Marine Corps and Iraq War veteran who started his career in law enforcement in 2008. He has been with the Greene County Sheriff’s Department since 2021, and is currently working his third year as an SRO at Nolachuckey Elementary School.)
The presence of a school resource officer (SRO) in our children’s school reflects a commitment to our community to safeguard children at their most vulnerable stages of development. In a high school setting, SROs may be associated with the enforcement of laws; however, in an elementary school context it demands a role centered more so on protection, prevention and trust.
When properly structured, the SRO serves not merely as a law enforcement officer, but as a guardian figure whose primary mission is to ensure safety while supporting the educational environment. In this role, the SRO operates primarily as a preventative presence while fostering healthy relationships with our youth.
The visible assignment of a law enforcement officer to an elementary campus deters external threats and reassures parents, educators and students that safety is a top priority. This entails regular security patrols in and outside of the school, checking and ensuring all doors and windows
are secure, observing surveillance cameras and implementing a solid plan for any potentially dangerous scenario.
In emergencies, whether involving intruders, medical crises or even natural disasters, the SRO serves as an immediate responder capable of coordinating with emergency services, executing protective protocols and eliminating a threat. This readiness is particularly critical in an era marked by heightened concerns over school safety. Beyond emergency response, an SRO’s job is most evident in relationship building. Young children often view uniformed officers with curiosity and admiration, making
elementary schools an ideal setting for positive early interactions with law enforcement.
Through classroom visits, safety lessons and informal engagement, SROs help young students understand concepts such as personal safety, respect for rules, and seeking help from trusted adults. These interactions foster trust and demystify law enforcement, laying a foundation for positive civic attitudes later in life.
The work of an SRO is very dynamic. At one moment you are giving out high fives, hugs and tying shoes. The next moment, you
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN Greene County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Shutts has been a school resource officer (SRO) at Nolachuckey Elementary School in Greeneville for three years.
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Deputy and school resource officer Jason Shutts assists a student arriving at Nolachuckey Elementary School.
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Deputy Jason Shutts had some fun with students at Nolachuckey Elementary School, where he works as a school resource officer.
Success Is Evident In Greene County Schools
BY LEANN MYERS Guide, Cultivate,
Succeed – That is the motto of the Greene County School System. Success is evident in areas including TVAAS growth, school letter grades, and Reward School status.
Since 2012, the Greene County School System has moved from 110th in math and ELA performance to 44th in the state out of 147 districts.
Greene County School System has been recognized for Level 5 TVAAS growth for nine consecutive years by the Tennessee Department of Education. Six schools achieved Level 5 growth in 2025 –Baileyton Elementary School, Chuckey Elementary School, Chuckey Doak Middle School, Mosheim Elementary School, South Greene Middle School, and West Greene Middle School. Four schools earned a letter grade of “A” on the state report card –Baileyton Elementary School, Mosheim Elementary School, Chuckey Doak Middle School, and West Greene Middle School. In 2025, five schools were recognized as Reward Schools –Baileyton Elementary School, Camp Creek Elementary School, Chuckey Doak Middle School, Mosheim Elementary School, and North Greene High School.
The academic success is attributed to the hard work and dedication of the stakeholders – students, parents, teachers, administrators, staff, and Board of Education – all working together to ensure that all students can close gaps, reach their full potential, and build strong futures for themselves.
Beyond core academics, the Greene County School System is excited about the opening of CTE additions at two of the high schools. West
Greene High School CTE addition opened in January 2026. Chuckey Doak High School CTE addition is slated to open fully in March 2026. Both additions have allowed the system to expand CTE programs of study to allow all Greene County students access to courses such as Industrial Maintenance and Technology, Welding, HVAC, Auto Mechanics, Emergency Services, Nursing Services, Therapeutic Services, Cosmetology, and Masonry and Residential Construction. Dual enrollment opportunities are also available in most of these programs through TCAT. Each of the four
middle schools provide CTE classes in sixth through eighth grade to allow career exploration for three years prior to high school. Additionally, career counselors in all four quads work to guide students as early as eighth grade, so students can be prepared for the types of courses in which they should enroll in high school to begin to explore the career fields that interest them.
Greene County has developed a Leadership Academy designed for its teachers and assistant principals who have a desire to step confidently into leadership roles. Through this program, the participants engage in learning around district policies and procedures, as well as effective school practices which are grounded in the TN Instructional Leadership Standards. The Leadership Academy’s work focuses on school culture and supporting high quality teaching and making informed decisions
that positively impact student success.
Greene County is investing in this Academy to ensure that this generation, as well as future generations, have great leaders who are guiding them toward success.
Greene County is working to cultivate partnerships with its internal stakeholders to gain insight into pressing needs and the greatest strengths of the system. Ongoing initiatives like data driven instruction, effective professional learning communities, intentional tutoring programs, and implementation of high quality instructional materials continue to be a focus for the district. Dr. Chris Malone continues to examine practices and feedback to ensure that Greene County is working smarter, not harder and that the impact of the work is reaching the most important stakeholders – the students.
Strong partnerships with the community also help to meet the needs of the students and teachers in
Greene County. Key partnerships include:
Save the Children
School Age
Programming – Offering before, during, and/ or after school programming at all seven elementary schools.
Save the Children
Early Steps
Programming –Serving families with expectant mothers and children ages 0 5 to provide resources, training, and support to help students with kindergarten readiness.
The Greene County Family Resource
Center – Assessing needs of students and families with the goal of helping eliminate barriers to student success by providing direct services of basic needs and assisting with referrals to local agencies.
Niswonger Foundation’s Project on Track – In school tutoring support for students with academic gaps Niswonger Foundation’s CER Consortium
SUN FILE PHOTO
Parents and students participate in a reading event at Baileyton Elementary School.
LEANN MYERS
Chuckey-Doak Middle School students are congratulated by the Greene County Board of Education for perfect test scores in a meeting at West Greene High School.
Greeneville-Greene County Library
Has A Lot To Offer!
BY ERIN EVANS GREENEVILLE-GREENE COUNTY LIBRARY DIRECTOR
Have you been to your public library lately? If not, come and see what you’ve been missing!
And if you think of the library as just a place to check out books, think again!
Sure, we still check out books, but we also offer so much more. Need to use a computer? Get on public Wi Fi? Make photocopies? Send a fax? Get a document notarized? Yes, you can do that at the library!
The library also offers free technology training classes for adults; presents weekly children’s story time; hosts a writer’s group, a book club and an adult craft afternoon.
There are also events for children to create with Legos, and a knitting circle for creating and conversation.
The library serves the entire population of Greene County. Any resident is eligible to get a library card.
With a library card, you can check out print books, CD audiobooks and DVDs from the library’s on site collection. You also have access to a large collection of e books, digital magazines and audiobooks from Tennessee Reads using the Libby app to read or listen to on your device.
In 2025, the Greeneville Greene County Public Library circulated over 128,000 physical and digital items, provided over 4,400 uses of the library’s public
computers and issued 1,355 new library cards. Currently, approximately 25% of Greene County residents have a library card.
Each spring the library sponsors a much anticipated Annual Community Book Sale. Over the years, the library’s book sale has grown in size to be one of the largest in the northeast Tennessee region.
This year, the book sale will be held at George Clem School the first three weekends of May. A successful book sale requires countless hours of volunteer labor (Thank you, volunteers!), so if you are interested in volunteering, please contact the library. More details about the actual sale will be posted on the library’s website and social media.
The Summer Reading Program is another event that many children and families look forward to each year. The Summer Reading theme this year is “Unearth a Story” and will take place on Tuesday mornings, beginning May 26. Library staff are currently planning lots of fun summer activities.
Thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Greeneville Greene County Public Library, the library now offers a beautiful community meeting space that is available to rent. The Big Spring Room is the lower level of the library and opens out to the historic Big Spring and the library’s picnic area. For rental information, please visit the library’s website.
The Friends of the Greeneville Greene County Public Library support the library by generating funds for materials and programs. Friends also seek to raise awareness and generate support of library services to the community. To join the Friends of the Library, please stop by the library for information. You can contact the library during business hours by calling 423 638 5034 or anytime via the library’s website, www.ggcpl.org.
Information about the library can also be found on Facebook at Greeneville/Greene County Public Library or on Instagram at ggcpubliclibrary.
The T. Elmer Cox Library is a branch
of the Greeneville Greene County Public Library and is one of Tennessee’s preeminent archives for local history. It opened in November 2000, making 2025 its 25th anniversary.
The T. Elmer Cox Library is a non circulating research library housing materials collected by T. Elmer Cox over his lifetime.
He was the first official Greene County historian. An architect by profession, his interests not only included historic buildings but the daily lives of the early pioneers of Greeneville and Greene County.
The Cox Library houses and provides public access to over 20,000 on site materials, as well as current technology and free resources to allow in depth research into Greene County history and genealogy.
The Cox Library also serves as a repository for records from the Greene County courthouse. An exhibit in the library’s gallery is planned to coincide with Greeneville’s 250th celebration of America. The exhibit will chronicle this area’s
involvement in the founding and settling of America as well as the state of Tennessee.
To contact the T. Elmer Cox Library, please call 423 638
9866 during business hours or anytime via the library’s website www. telmercoxlibrary.org. Information can also be found on Instagram at telmercoxlibrary.
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Last April, a sizable crowd checked out books of every description on the first day of the 2025 Greeneville-Greene County Public Library Book Sale in the central services building on the former Greene Valley Developmental Center campus in Tusculum.
ERIN EVANS, Greeneville-Greene County Library Director
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County Public
Collaboration with other districts throughout the region to improve instruction, assessment, and student academic performance; leadership academy for faculty who aspire to move into school leadership positions; and principal study council to provide professional learning and collaboration opportunities with leaders throughout the region.
Greene LEAF –The local education foundation that provides financial support for the Greene County Schools
The most important partnerships we can hope to cultivate are with the parents of the students in Greene County, as we collaborate with them to help their child grow into the citizens who will make decisions for our country in the future. Greene County Schools will continue to cultivate these and
other partnerships to support students and the faculty and staff as we move forward in the mission to prepare students for their future.
When we truly succeed, Greene County Schools believe that we will have helped all students develop a joy for learning. They will graduate from the Greene County School System prepared to enter the workforce with an industry certificate, enroll in a community college with dual credits earned, or enroll in a four year college or university with ACT scores that forecast success.
We also believe that our graduates will be contributing citizens demonstrating responsible, ethical behavior. This is the vision of the Greene County School System, and we invite our community to join us in helping our students succeed in seeing this vision become a reality!
Over 80 visitors from the community enjoyed cake and punch as they joined in singing “For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow” to longtime Morgan reenactor Stan Dalton who enthusiastically cut the cake. Happy Birthday was not sung because it had not been
From AIDNET | page F5
AIDNET of Greene County.
For more information about My Neighbors House, go to www.welcometomnh.org.
As we look back on the work of AIDNET of Greene County following the flooding of Hurricane Helene, AIDNET volunteers are gratified to have worked with our amazing leadership in Greene County, including Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison, and the thousands of volunteers who helped with this effort. Most of all, AIDNET volunteers were touched by the families we served, many of whom took the time, during a very difficult year, to write notes of thanks. Our cup is full.
written at the time of the general’s birth. The day ended with what had been an enjoyable tribute to the general on his natal day.
On July 30, we learned that the national park did not have plans to honor Johnson on the 150th anniversary of his death. Thanks to our own Andy Johnson, Joe Aldridge, the alarm was sounded
with a wreath laying and a few appropriate words spoken at Johnsons grave. The group then, most of us in period attire, decided to visit all the local sites related to Johnson. It was a nice “flash mob” style remembrance that showed the community as well as our own president’s memory that we have not forgotten.
We should also remember that each August we celebrate the birthday of Davy Crockett, another native son, during Crockett Days. It is important that we remember all our heroes, not just the ones mentioned on this page. We are the caretakers of a rich heritage, let us always remember to remember.
From REFLECTS | page F3
am proud every day to work alongside a team of healthcare professionals who consistently place care, dignity and kindness at the center of everything they do. That commitment will continue in 2026 and beyond, and it is a promise I am proud to make to everyone who trusts Greeneville Community Hospital with their care.
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Greeneville Community Hospital
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AIDNET leaders accepted a Volunteer Spirit award.
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Ivan Daniels, Chad Bogart, Joe Aldridge, Tim Massey and Cohen Daniels placed a wreath at the grave of Andrew Johnson on July 31, 2025, the 150th anniversary of his death.
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A cake celebrates Gen. John Hunt Morgan’s 200th birthday in 2025.
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Real Estate Guide
may be deescalating an angry parent situation, contacting DCS about abuse or neglect, requesting custody information from Juvenile Court, explaining to a child why a parent may have been arrested the night before, utilizing other community resources to help provide much needed food, housing, and supplies to families in need, or even assisting with the efforts that every child get to open something on Christmas. By emphasizing
these fundamental principles, schools should be places of security, trust and growth for every child. SROs act as the liaisons between the school and the community. School personnel, staff, and other agencies, including the SROs, all share the same common goal: provide a safe and conductive environment to learn. These agencies work tirelessly together as a cohesive team to build youth resiliency and growth, while preventing juvenile delinquency. From
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highlight the power of collaboration among students, educators, families, and community partners. GCS remains committed to providing a world‑class educational experience for every student.
I am incredibly proud of our students and educators for their dedication, hard work, and accomplishments
From INVESTS | page F6
Department responded to 23,980 calls for service in 2025, a 14 percent increase from the previous year, representing 35 percent of all countywide 911 calls. The department strengthened traffic enforcement through AI driven analytics software, launched a dedicated Traffic Division, and deployed a grant funded portable radar trailer. Greeneville launched a new Development Services Department to streamline planning, engineering, stormwater management, and permitting while preserving the Town’s character. Parks and Recreation celebrated a banner year. The Town secured a $100,000 Local Parks and Recreation Fund grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for Hardin Park upgrades, matched locally for a total investment of $204,500.
throughout the 2024–25 school year. I am honored and humbled to serve as director of such an outstanding school system that values excellence and equity for all students. We deeply appreciate the trust and unwavering support the Greeneville community continues to provide. These achievements would not have been possible without that support.
The department also received the “Excellence in Parks and Recreation” award from the Tennessee Municipal League for its beach volleyball complex, which boosted sports tourism by hosting the NAIA Women’s National Beach Volleyball Championship.
Town hosted events brought thousands together. Midnight on Main welcomed approximately 2,000 attendees downtown. Summer events, including Juneteenth and a performance of The Book of Mamaw by Eugene Wolf, offered family entertainment. American Downtown drew more than 7,000 attendees for live music, food vendors, a hot dog eating contest, a nighttime parade, and fireworks. From historic preservation and leadership transition to infrastructure, recreation, and community celebration, 2025 was a year of strategic investment and measurable impact. The Town of Greeneville continues to demonstrate its commitment to service, thoughtful growth, and community pride.
HORSECREEK CHURCHOFGOD
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Greeneville High School students celebrate Thanksgiving.