Letters to the Editor Aug. 25, 2011

 Editor

LaFollette Press,

Recently a much appreciated article was in the press concerning Mountain Heritage Festival. Forty years ago, one Sunday morning, Uncle Will and Aunt Martha were walking down Stinking Creek road to Walnut Grove Church. As I drove passed them as awesome reverence consumed me for this eternal richness of an uncluttered country like and the beauty, which surrounds us. This awesome experience, the spirit of the mountains, inspired me to write to Mary Star, who hosted the “Homemakers Show” on WATE-TV, Knoxville. She felt it too as she read my letter a few days later and invited me to be on her program. I accepted the invitation, taking Lorene Sharp, Lois Douglas and Vieva Reese with me. We talked about the advantage of country living and the needs of our community.

East Tennessee Development Agency’s representative also felt it when he came to Habersham and met with people from the White Oak area, Stinking Creek and Habersham, who were exploring ways to improve out communities and obtain health centers for out rural areas.

A young man from ETDA felt it when he came to our home and advised me the best way to finance a community center was to have a festival. I said ‘yes’ to the festival idea and wondered what I was getting myself in to.

Habersham and Stinking Creek friends and families felt it as we considered future possibilities. We divided into two groups, one for the health clinic and one for the community center; co-operating and helping each other.

When Hazel and Carlo Bruce sat at our kitchen table one evening we discussed a name for out venture. Haskel Ray, now deceased, and Carlo found it. Mountain Heritage.

The community’s vote was unanimous.

We chartered a non-profit organization, The Stinking Creek Community Club, for the purpose of a festival and other community events.

Pastor Delmas Bruce and Pastor Ernest Orick felt that spirit of the mountains as they and their congregations embraced our efforts. Many, many volunteers, businesses and organizations have been generous with their support.

We will gather again this Labor Day weekend to celebrate our heritage and enjoy God’s blessings.

God Bless America!

Nancy Owens

Jacksboro 

 Editor

LaFollette Press,

The Campbell County WIA staff would like to thank this years youth training sites and the supervisors and staff who worked with the youth: Community Health of East Tennessee, St. Mary’s Medical Center of Campbell County, Campbell County Mayor’s office, Indian Mountain State Park, Playhouse Day Care Center, Tennessee Career Center at Jacksboro, Roane State Community College, Campbell County Sheriff’s Department, Jellico Community Hospital, LaFollette Public Library, Rainbow Ford, Storybook Child Care Center, Elk Valley Elementary School, Elk Valley Elementary School Summer Food Program, Valley View Elementary School, Jacksboro Middle School, Jacksboro Middle School Summer Food Program, Campbell County Schools Technology Department, Campbell County Adult Education and Goodwill Industries.

The Campbell County WIA Program staff would also like to thanks Mary Ann Lawrence and Anna Smith and the center for the workforce learning organization, Jerry Partin and the staff at Charley’s Pizza, Vanessa Dupuy at Classy Threads and Catering, Byrge Screen-printing, Campbell County Mayor William Baird, State representative Dennis Powers, ETHRA, Workforce Development Director Jay Willoughby and staff for all their participation in making 2011 a successful and meaningful experience for the youth of Campbell County.

For more information on the Campbell County WIA Youth program activities, contact the Campbell County WIA office at 566-3333 or visit the office located at 1016 Main Street, Jacksboro.

Randy Brown

Jacksboro

Editor

LaFollette Press:

  The UT Extension Office of Campbell County would like to thank the participants, their families, Hack Ayers, Auctioneer, Robbie Heatherly, and everyone for coming out to support the Annual 4-H Poultry Show and Auction that was held Aug 20 at the LaFollette Middle School. The 4-H’ers who participated in the Chick Chain program were required to bring back four of their 15 chickens that they received this past March, to be auctioned off to the public.  All proceeds go towards the continuation of the 4-H “Chick Chain” program that is offered through the 4-H Program. 

Thank You

Connie Greiner

Jacksboro

Editor

LaFollette Press,

On Aug. 13, The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Fill-A-Boot was held in Campbell County. A total of $1,353.38 was collected. We would like to thank the Caryville, Jacksboro, and LaFollette Fire Departments for collecting the money. We would also like to thank Food City of LaFollette, Walmart of Jacksboro, Shoney’s of Caryville, People’s Bank of the South and the people of Campbell County for donating.

Jason Shetterly – Jacksboro Fire Chief

James Hatmaker- Caryville Fire Chief

Gary Bryd- LaFollette Fire Chief

Editor

LaFollette Press,

The Tri-City 2011 football teams would like to thank county commissioners, Marie Ayers, Rusty Orick, and Steve Rutherford for your support of our program.

Marvin Rutherford

LaFollette