A PUBLICATION OF LIBERTY PRESS INC.

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Vol. 47, No. 41 (#2,432) • 34 Pages

© 2023 Liberty Press, Inc. • All rights reserved

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SCOCOTHISWEEK WEATHER

COMMUNITY CALENDAR PRESENTED BY CITIZENS GAS UTILITY DISTRICT SENIOR CITIZENS CENTERMAR WEDNESDAY

MISSION HOUSE

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The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will serve lunch from 11:30am until 1pm. The menu is taco salad and dessert. The cost is $7 for dine-in or carry-out. Phone: (423) 5695972.

THURSDAY

The Scott County Senior Citizens Center (Main Street, Oneida) will serve lunch from 11:30am until 1pm. The cost is $7 for dine-in or carry-out. Phone: (423) 569-5972.

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FOOD PANTRY

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TUESDAY

Pinnacle Resource Center’s food pantry (1513 Jeffers Road, Huntsville) will be open beginning at 10 a.m. There are no income guidelines; however, a photo ID and a piece of mail with a Scott County address are required.

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WALL BUILDERS TUESDAY

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

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SUNDAY

First Saturday night services will be held at Capital Hill Missionary Baptist Church (6:30 pm), East Robbins Missionary Baptist Church (6 pm) and Norma Missionary Baptist Church (6 pm).

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CHURCH SERVICES SATURDAY

The Gerry McDonald Mission House, located on Church Avenue, directly behind First United Methodist Church, is open from 9am until 12pm Thursday mornings, except on the first Thursday, hours are from 6pm until 8pm. You are eligible to receive food once per month. For more information or requirements, call the church office at 569-8828.

SENIOR CITIZENS CENTERAPR MONDAY

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Celebrate Recovery, a 12-step program designed to help with addiction, co-dependency and domestic abuse, will be hosted by Fire & Purpose Ministries from 5pm until 8pm at 27192 Scott Highway in Winfield. There will be food, fellowship, praise and worship. Childcare is provided.

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Wall Builders will meet from 7pm until 9pm at Trinity Baptist Church (1611 Glass House Road, Helenwood) for those struggling with addiction or striving to keep off drugs. There will be preaching, teaching, food, fellowship and personal counseling. Families are welcome.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS: Monday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday at the Highway 27 Unity Club in Oneida, beginning at 7pm. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday at the Highway 27 Unity Club in Oneida, beginning at 7pm. The Community Calendar provides free event listings for non-profits and other community organizations. To submit an event, email [email protected], or visit ihoneida.com/community-calendar-2

You can help prevent pipeline damage and leaks by calling 811 before doing any excavating or demolition and submitting a utility locate request. www.citizensgas.org | 423-569-4457

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MARCH 30, 2023 • INDEPENDENT HERALD

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Cumberlands Portfolio Andrea Buzeta snapped this photo along the Honey Creek Loop Trail in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area Sunday afternoon.

PO Box 4974 • Oneida, TN 37841 | (423) 569-6343 | Fax: (888) 494-1405 | Email: [email protected]

About the IH

The Independent Herald was founded in 1976 by Paul Roy, Jack M. Lay, Bill R. Duncan and Jan Jeffers. Paul Roy served as the newspaper’s editor from 1976 to 2004, and as its publisher from 1976 until his death in 2015. His wife, Deborah Roy, served as the news editor from 1976 until her retirement in 2018. Ben Garrett has served as the newspaper’s editor since 2004. In 2018, he and his wife purchased the IH. The IH ceased print production and switched to an all-digital news format in August 11021.

Guest Submission Policy

The Independent Herald welcomes Letters to the Editor and guest perspectives. All signed letters which represent a responsible point-of-view will be printed. Send letters to The Edtior, PO Box 4974, Oneida, TN 37841 or email letters to [email protected] (please include phone number and street address for verification purposes). Send guest columns to The Editor, PO Box 4974, Oneida, TN 37841 or email columns to [email protected].

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Obituaries Jones & Son

presented by

Funeral Home

Funeral Home

(423) 569-6353

Shirley Byrd, 85

Life

Born Sept. 4, 1937 in Kings Mountain, Ky., Shirley was the daughter of Ralph and Marie Jenkins. She was a licensed practical nurse for many years. She loved her family, and most of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceded in Death

In addition to her parents: • Husband: Perry Byrd; • Son: Perry Graylin Byrd; • Brother: Eddie Jenkins; • Son-in-law: Tim Miller.

Survivors

• Daughter: Nita Chambers and husband Rick; • Grandchildren: Levi Miller and wife Kelli Elizabeth, Jacob Miller and wife Kelli, and Kris Chambers and wife Emily; • Great-grandchildren: Connor Miller, Luke Miller, Callie Miller, Brynlee Miller, Evie Chambers and Esther Chambers; • Siblings: Elaine Cole, Janith Young and husband Les, Carol Rogers, Phyllis Young, Paulette Spiegel, and Darrell Jenkins and wife Sue; • Many other nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

Services

• Visitation: Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 1pm until 2pm in the chapel of Four Oaks Funeral Home in Huntsville. • Funeral: To follow with Bro. Jim West and Bro. Ledford Byrd officiating. Music will be provided by Witnesses for Jesus. • Burial: To follow at Rector-Byrd Cemetery. Arrangements by Four Oaks Funeral Home.

For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one 4

KHALIL GIBRAN

(423) 569-8534

Willie Byrd, 76

Dolph Cantrell, 80

Oneida August 16, 1946 – March 20, 2023

Helenwood January 28, 1953 – March 22, 2023

Willie Gene Byrd, of Oneida, passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023, at his home. He was 76.

Rev. Dolphia “Dolph” Cantrell went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at his home with his family by his side. He was 80.

September 4, 1937 – March 20, 2023 Shirley J. Byrd departed this life on Monday, March 20, 2023. She was 85.

West-Murley

Life

Born Aug. 16, 1946, Willie was the son of Clovis and Hattie Byrd.

Preceded in Death

In addition to his parents: • Mother of his children: Opal Harness Byrd; • Sister: Ella Ruth Jeffers.

Survivors

• Wife: Patricia Carol Jackson Byrd; • Sister: Rita Lewallen and husband David; • Brothers: Jerry Byrd and wife Lois, and Von Byrd; • Children: Zelma Newport and husband Michael, and Jeannene Harness and husband Rickey; • Stepchildren: Vickie Phillips, Ashley Hamm and husband Jeremy, Anthony Jackson and Jeffery Johnson, Chris Jackson and wife Kathy; • Grandchildren: Caleb Jackson, Shi Chitwood, James Chitwood and Thomas Chitwood; • Special granddaughter: Penolope Hamm; • Special niece: Carol Hamblin; • Many other relatives and friends.

Services

• Visitation: Wednesday, March 22, 2023 after 6pm at Second Bethlehem Baptist Church in Winfield. • Funeral: Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 2pm at Second Bethlehem Baptist Church with Bro. Tim Burchfield and Bro. Carlie Duncan officiating. Special singing will be by his church family, who he loved, and friends. • Committal Service: To follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens. • In Lieu of Flowers: Donations may be made to Second Bethlehem Baptist Church of Winfield, c/o Marsha Creekmore, 834 Cross Road, Winfield, TN 37892. Arrangements by West-Murley Funeral Home.

March 30, 2023 • Independent Herald

Life

Born in Johnson County, Ky. on Jan. 28, 1943, Dolph was the son of John and Ruth Lemasters Cantrell. He loved the Lord with all his heart. He also loved to help people with what they needed help with. He loved his family, loved to talk about the Lord, and loved hunting, fishing and cooking.

Preceded in Death

In addition to his parents: • Infant sister: Janes Marie Cantrell; • In-laws: Lonzy and Margie Marie Massengale Byrge; • Daughter: Ruth Marie Cantrell Wright.

Survivors

• Wife of 58 years: Nancy Byrge Cantrell; • Son: John Matthew Cantrell; • Grandson: Joshua Ray Cross and wife Yvonne; • Five great-grandchildren; • Sisters: Deletha Blevins and husband Glen, Jenny Hamilton and husband Bernie, Charlotte Eyler and husband Jim, and Donna Null and husband Donald; • Brothers: Ollie Jim and wife Wanda, John Tollie and wife Cheryl, and Wallace Lee and wife Teresa; • Sister-in-law: Vickie Byrge Shank; • Many other family members and friends.

Services

• Visitation: Monday, March 27, 2023 from 7pm until 8pm in the chapel of West-Murley Funeral Home in Oneida. • Funeral: To follow with Bro. Lawrence Blevins officiating. • Committal Service: Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 12pm at Cecil Cemetery in Helenwood. Arrangements by West-Murley Funeral Home.

OBITUARIES Joel Chitwood, 74 Winfield February 11, 1949 – March 20, 2023 Joel Edward Chitwood, of Winfield, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 20, 2023. He was 74.

Life

Born Feb. 11, 1949 in Scott County, Joel was the son of Albert and Cordelia Wright Chitwood. He attended Pine Grove Baptist Church his entire life. He committed his life to serving Jesus Christ through traveling and singing gospel music. He sang with his family for the last 20 years of his life. He was truly one of the “Faithful Few.”

Preceded in Death

In addition to his parents: • Wife: Melissa Chitwood; • Brother: Jack Chitwood; • Sister-in-law: Rose Chitwood Crane and husband Marshall; • Brother-in-law: Paul Chitwood and wife Beverly; • Father-in-law: Dean Lawson.

Survivors

• Sons: Joel Chitwood and wife Diana, and Tyler Chitwood and husband Doug; • Daughter: Whitney Ellis and husband Brent; • Grandchildren: Damon, Elysia, Bentley, Mason, Roland and A.J.;

• Sisters-in-law: Irene Chitwood and Missy Chitwood; • Brother-in-law: Doug Goss and wife Susan; • Mother-in-law: Betty Lawson; • Nieces and nephews: Jonathon Chitwood and wife Tonia, Jeff Chitwood and wife Megan, Jeremy Chitwood and wife Abby, David Crane and wife Dawn, Tim Crane and wife Jenni, Jared Chitwood, Steven Crane, Sherry Stephens and Thea Chitwood; • Many other family members and friends.

Services

• Visitation: Friday, March 24, 2023 beginning at 5pm at Pine Grove Baptist Church. • Funeral: Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 12pm at Pine Grove Baptist Church with Bro. Payton Slaven and Bro. Mike Smedley officiating. Music will be provided by the Chitwood Boys and the Pine Grove choir. • Committal Service: To follow at Jonathan Chitwood Cemetery in Winfield. Arrangements by Jones & Son Funeral Home.

Becky Heaton, 65 Oneida August 31, 1957 – March 21, 2023 Becky Lou Farr Heaton, of Oneida and formerly of Cullman, Ala., went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tenn. She was 65.

Life

Born in Cullman, Ala. On Aug. 31, 1957, Becky was the daughter of Hubert and Pearl Sandy Farr.

Preceded in Death

In addition to her parents: • Husband: Donald Heaton; • Grandson: Billy Wren; • Brother: Ricky Farr; • Sister: Marynell Speegle; • Dear friend: Tony Ausbon.

Survivors

• Sister: Betty Farr Lay; • Brother: Doyle Farr; • Daughters: Tabitha Cooper and husband Christopher, and Jenny James; • Grandchildren: Constance Wren and Joshua Wren; • Great-grandchildren: Mersadys Stephens and Noah Stephens; • Special niece: Katrina Duncan and husband Claude; • Special nephew: Robert Letner; • Many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Services

• Visitation: Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 1pm until 2pm in the chapel of West-Murley Funeral Home in Oneida. • Graveside Service: To follow at Duncan Family Cemetery in Oneida with Bro. Jamie Byrd officiating. Music will be provided by Jamie and Toni Byrd. Arrangements by West-Murley Funeral Home.

It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone. JOHN STEINBECK

indherald.com • March 30, 2023

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OBITUARIES Judith Holladay, 76

Arlie Newport, 88

Nashville, Tenn. December 12, 1946 – March 27, 2023

February 3, 1935 – March 22, 2023

Judith B. Holladay passed away peacefully at her home in Nashville, Tenn. on Monday, March 27, 2023. She was 76.

Life

Born Dec. 12, 1946, Judith was the daughter of James Burgess and Lenora B. Marcum Allen. She was a nurse with a master’s degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University. Her hobbies included abstract art, music, estate sale shopping and dancing.

Preceded in Death

In addition to her parents: Sister, Robin Elizabeth Cox.

Survivors

• Brothers: James Richard Burgress, Royce E. Burgess and Charles W. Burgess; • Sisters: Lynda Minton, Melissa B. Caudle, Cynthia J. Burgess and Lisa R. Burgess; • Many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Services

Arlie Newport departed this life on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. He was 88.

Life

Born Feb. 3, 1935 in the New River community, Arlie was the son of Emmitt Newport and Lena Bowling Newport. He was a member of New River Missionary Baptist Church.

Preceded in Death

In addition to his parents: • Wife: Lois Hall Newport; • Brothers: James Newport and Bill Newport; • Sisters: Mabel Franklin, Betty Newport and Mary Elizabeth Terry; • Daughters-in-law: Lori Newport and Karen Newport; • Son-in-law: Guy McCollum.

Survivors

• Children: Jerry Newport, Terri Phillips and husband Hertis, Melinda McCollum, Tim Newport

• Visitation: Thursday, March 20, 2023 from 1pm until 2pm in the chapel of Four Oaks Funeral Home. • Graveside Service: To follow at Marcum Family Cemetery with Bro. Mike Chambers officiating. Arrangements by Four Oaks Funeral Home.

That we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us. HELEN KELLER

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March 30, 2023 • Independent Herald

and wife Trish, Travis Newport, and Marcressa “Kristy” Wynn and husband Rodney; • Grandchildren: Jerry Newport Jr., Dustin Newport, Kandi Raach, Kody McCollum, Trevor Wells, Kaitlyn King, Isaiah Newport, Tristin Wells, Sarah Gray, Chloe Newport and Tanner Wells; • Great-grandchildren: Skylar Newport, Jerry Newport III, Austin Newport, Matison Newport, Paxton Fuller, Paislee Fuller, Hunter McCollum, Holden McCollum, Addison Raach, Paityn McCollum, Hudson McCollum, Case Wells, Emma Wells, Remi Gray and Knight Well; • Great-great-grandchildren: Mackenzie Newport and Davena Newport; • Special friend: Imogene Burchfield; • Many other nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Services

• Visitation: Friday, March 24, 2023 from 12pm until 2pm at New River Missionary Baptist Church. • Funeral: To follow with Bro. Kermit Phillips and Bro. David Walker officiating. Music will be provided by family and friends. • Burial: To follow at Reed Cemetery in Helenwood.

SCOTT COUNTY’S MISSING

JUSTIN LOWE, 41 Missing since: May 5, 2022 Last seen: Widows Lane, Pioneer

DOWELL PHILLIPS, 57 Missing since: December 5, 2012 Last seen: Helenwood

CHRISTINA BUSSELL, 26 Missing since: September 30, 2011 Last seen: Winfield

WILLIAM CROSS, 29 Missing since: May 18, 2018 Last seen: Whitley City, Ky.

CATCH THE NEWS

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**WANTED** CURTIS LOWE Missing since: February 6, 2022 Last seen: Pioneer

PHILIP BOWLING, 43 Missing since: July 5, 2021 Last seen: Robbins

DARLENE CHITWOOD Missing since: June 18, 2022 Last seen: Stearns, Ky.

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indherald.com • March 30, 2023

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THE CHURCH DIRECTORY “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)

PENTECOST: Pentecost Baptist Church is located on Pentecost Street in Oneida. The pastor is Timothy Hicks. Service times include Sunday school at 10am, Sunday morning worship at 11am, Sunday evening worship at 6pm, and Wednesday service at 7pm.

CHURCH NEWS Trinity

Trinity Baptist Church and Pastor Dilbert Terry offer pastoral and biblical counseling. Dealing with anxiety? Struggling in your marriage? Burdened with depression? Battling addiction? Confused as a parent? All questions, no answers? Call (423) 627-1611 for an appointment.

Presented by

TENNIER INDUSTRIES, INC.

441 E. Monticello Pike, Huntsville • tennierindustries.com • (423) 663-3494

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March 30, 2023 • Independent Herald

THE CHURCH DIRECTORY Changes at your church? If you have a new pastor, new service times, or other changes, please make us aware of it so we can correct our database. Email [email protected]. BAPTIST Annadell Baptist Church 194 Annadell Church Road, Oneida Pastor: Dwight Stanley S: 10a, 7p • W: 7 p Anointed Church of the Living God 231 Letner Road, Helenwood Pastor: John Johnson S: 10a, 11a • T: 7p • W: 7p Antioch Baptist Church 5126 Norma Road, Huntsville Pastor: Carlie Duncan S: 10a, 6p • W: 7p Bethalonia United Baptist Church Station Camp Road, Oneida Bethlehem Baptist Church 19360 Alberta Street, Oneida S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p Bible Believers Baptist Church 120 Cooper Lake Road, Oneida Pastor: Joey Zachary S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p

Buffalo Bridge Missionary Baptist Jeffers Road, Pioneer Pastor: Don Hughett S: 10a, 6:30p

Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church 199 Emmanuel Church Lane, Pioneer Pastor: Ricky Sharpe S: 10a, 6:30p

Buffalo United Baptist Church River Road, Huntsville

Fairview Missionary Baptist Church 8939 Baker Highway, Huntsville Pastor: Charles Lowe S: 10a, 6:30p

Bull Creek United Baptist Church 1974 Bull Creek Road, Huntsville Pastor: J.R. Massengale Byrges Creek Baptist Church 174 Byrges Creek Road, Huntsville Pastor: Dudley Harness Calvary Missionary Baptist Church 1467 Annadell Road, Pioneer Pastor: Bobby Williams S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p Capital Hill Missionary Baptist Jeffers Road, Huntsville Pastor: Dewayne Lawson S: 10a, 6p • 1st Sat: 6p

Big Ridge Missionary Baptist Church 237 Big Ridge Road, Oneida

Clay Hill Missionary Baptist Church 446 Alderville Road, Winfield Pastor: Mark Smith S: 10a, 6p • W: 7p

Black Creek Crossroads Baptist Mountain View Road, Robbins Pastor: Jerry Byrge

Concord Independent Baptist Church Concord Road, Robbins S: 10a, 6p • Th: 6:30p

Black Creek United Baptist Church 141 Grassy Knob Road, Robbins Pastor: Michael Carroll S: 10a, 11a, 7p • W: 7p • 2nd Sat.: 7p

Concord Missionary Baptist Church 304 Concord Road, Robbins Pastor: Randall Kimbrell S: 10a, 7p • W: 7p

Black Oak Baptist Church 4911 Coopertown Road, Oneida Pastor: Kyle Keeton S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p

East Robbins Missionary Baptist 1258 East Robbins Road, Robbins Pastor: David Brewster S: 6p • W: 6p • 1st Sat: 6p

First Baptist Church of Huntsville 3281 Baker Highway, Huntsville Pastor: Kevin Terry S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p First Baptist Church of Oneida 201 N. Main Street, Oneida Pastor: Sean Lee S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 6:30p First Baptist Church of Robbins 251 Sims Road, Robbins Pastor: Mike Smithers S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p Five Black Gums United Baptist Church Road, Huntsville Pastor: Marty Lowe S: 10a, 6p • W: 7p Foster Crossroads United Baptist 523 Foster Cross Road, Oneida Pastor: David GIbson S: 10a, 11:15a, Sat: 7p Glenmary Missionary Baptist Church U.S. Hwy. 27, Robbins Grave Hill United Baptist Church 2674 Grave Hill Road, Oneida Pastor: Don Kidd S: 10a, 6p

indherald.com • March 30, 2023

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THE CHURCH DIRECTORY Gum Fork Community Baptist Church Gum Fork Road, Winfield

Morning Star Baptist Church Morning Star Road, Huntsville

Helenwood Baptist Church 235 Main Street, Helenwood Pastor: Dave Barnhouse S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p

Mountain View Missionary Baptist Mountain View Road, Robbins Pastor: Phillip Kidd S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p

High Point United Baptist 155 Point Ave, Oneida Pastor: Jamie Byrd S: 10a, 7p • W: 7p • 3rd Sat: 7p

Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist 4840 Low Gap Road, Robbins Pastor: Tim Russell S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p

Highway Baptist Church 100 Poplar Lane, Oneida Pastor: Doug Stanley S: 10a, 6p • W: 7p

Mt. Zion United Baptist Church 7174 Buffalo Road, Oneida S: 10a

Jake’s Branch United Baptist Church Jake’s Branch Road, Pioneer Pastor: Johnny Adkins S: 10a, 6:30p • W: 7p • 2nd Sat: 6:30p Landmark Baptist Church 260 Landmark Road, Oneida Pastor: Chad Hutson S: 10a, 11a Leatherwood Baptist Church Leatherwood Road, Oneida Pastor: Bradley Kidd Liberty Baptist Church 466 Annadell Road, Huntsville Pastor: Tracy Keeton Lone Mountain Baptist Church 11453 Brimstone Road, Robbins Pastor: David Webb Low Gap Missionary Baptist Church 502 Low Gap Road, Helenwood Pastor: James Taylor S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p Mill Branch Baptist Church 950 Mill Branch Road, Huntsville

New Haven Baptist Church 3301 Coopertown Road, Oneida Pastor: James Roberts S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p New Light United Baptist Church 1000 New Light Circle, Winfield Pastor: Larry Fults S: 10a, 11a, 7p • W: 7p New River Missionary Baptist 9443 Scott Highway, Helenwood Pastor: David Walker S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 6p New Salem United Baptist Church 1841 Smith Creek Road, Oneida Pastor: Wayne King S: 10a, 6p Norma Missionary Baptist Church 127 Norma Church Road, Huntsville Pastor: James C. Pennington Sr. S: 10a, 6p • W: 6p Old Gum Fork United Baptist Church Gum Fork Road, Winfield Pastor: George Gregory S: 10a, 6p • Th: 7p

TENNIER INDUSTRIES, INC. 441 E. Monticello Pike, Huntsville, Tennessee tennierindustries.com (423) 663-3494 10 

March 30, 2023 • Independent Herald

Paint Rock Baptist Church 4970 Paint Rock Road, Oneida Pastor: Dean Barnes S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p Pentecost Baptist Church 241 Pentecost Street, Oneida Pastor: Timothy Hicks S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p Pine Creek United Baptist Church 664 Pine Creek Road, Oneida Pastor: Keith Marcum S: 10a, 11a, 7p • W: 7p Pine Grove Baptist Church 1426 Pine Grove Road, Winfield Pastor: Payton Slaven S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p Pine Hill United Baptist Church 2328 Buffalo Road, Oneida Pastor: Dennis Blevins S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Pleasant Grove Road, Winfield River View Missionary Baptist Church 143 Smoky Junction Road, Huntsville Pastor: Buster Massengale S: 10a, 6p Salem Baptist Church 5093 Buffalo Road, Oneida Pastor: Josh Lay S: 10a, 6p • W: 7p Second Bethlehem Baptist Church Pine Grove Road, Winfield Slick Rock Missionary Baptist Church 7914 Brimstone Road, Robbins Pastor: Michael Massengale S: 10a, 6p • 1st, 3rd, 5th Sat: 6p

THE CHURCH DIRECTORY Smokey Creek Baptist Church Smokey Creek Road, Huntsville Pastor: Roger Lloyd Straight Fork Baptist Church 335 Straight Fork Ch Road, Huntsville Pastor: Wayne Sexton S: 10a, 6p • 4th Sat: 7p Sugar Grove Missionary Baptist 2920 Sugar Grove Road, Huntsville Pastor: Michael Chambers S: 10a, 6p Trinity Baptist Church 1611 Glass House Road, Helenwood Pastor: Dilbert Terry S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p Tunnel Hill Baptist Church 560 Tunnel Hill Road, Oneida Pastor: Ronnie Joe Silcox S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p Upper Jellico Creek United Baptist Upper Jellico Creek Road, Winfield West Oneida United Baptist Church 100 Anderson Street, Oneida Pastor: Larry Ellis S: 10a, 6:30p • W: 6:30p West Robbins Baptist Church 1771 West Robbins Road, Robbins Pastor: Brian Strunk S: 10a, 6p • W: 7p White Pine United Baptist Church Leatherwood Road, Oneida Pastor: Lawrence Blevins S: 10:30a, 5:45p White Rock Baptist Church 2703 Baker Highway, Huntsville Pastor: Jim West S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p

Oneida Church of Christ 100 S. Cross Street, Oneida Preacher: Johnny Polk S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p

New Life Tabernacle 5045 Baker Highway, Huntsville Pastor: Bob Gray S: 10:30a, 6p • W: 7p

CHURCH OF GOD Little Charity Ministries 220 Oak Avenue, Oneida Pastor: Daniel Woods S: 10a, 6p • W: 7p

Outreach Church 104 East 2nd Avenue, Oneida Pastor: Joe West S: 10a, 6p • W: 7p

Oneida Church of God 1100 Paint Rock Road, Oneida Pastor: Chuck Jeffers S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p METHODIST First United Methodist of Oneida 234 N. Main Street Pastor: David Gass S: 10a, 11a Rugby Road Methodist Church 237 Young Road, Elgin Pastor: David Gass NON-DENOMINATIONAL/OTHER Amazing Grace Church 2131 Cherry Fork Road, Helenwood Pastor: Jody Harness S: 11a, 12:30p • W: 7p Barton Chapel Congregational Church 5760 Scott Highway, Robbins Community Church Rugby Highway, Elgin Faith of God Church 1435 Tunnel Hill Road, Helenwood Pastor: Shane R. Phillips S: 10a, 6p

Grace Fellowship Church Jeffers Road, Huntsville Pastor: Randy Bates S: 11a, • Th: 7p

Zion Baptist Church Gum Fork Road, Winfield

House of the Lord 2025 Niggs Creek Road, Oneida Pastor: Donnie Griffith S: 10a, 11a, 6:30p • W: 7p • 3rd Sat: 7p

CHURCH OF CHRIST Elgin Church of Christ 130 Rugby Highway, Robbins S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 6p

Thrive Church 130 Choate Road, Oneida Pastor: Sean Anderson S: 11a • W: 7p Upper Room Ministries Alberta Street, Oneida Pastor: Shernie Stephens S: 10a • W: 7p Word of God Ministries 317 Troxel Drive, Oneida Pastor: Jerry Foster S: 10a, 6p • W: 7p PENTACOSTAL Abundant Life United Pentacostal 26790 Scott Highway, Winfield Pastor: Virgil Gibson S: 10a, 6p • W: 7p PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Huntsville 185 Woodland Place, Huntsville Pastor: Dr. Dennis Falasco S: 9:45a, 11a

Grace Creation Church 21312 Alberta Street, Oneida S: 10:30a, W: 7p

Winfield Baptist Church 180 New Light Road, Winfield S: 10a, 11a, 6p • W: 7p Sun break: 9:30a

CATHOLIC St. Jude Parish 13067 Scott Highway, Helenwood

Set Free Church Pastor: Ed King 130 Dean Hill Road, Oneida

Macedonia Christian Center 21470 Alberta Street, Oneida Pastor: Randall Duncan S: 10a, 6p • 1st/3rd W: 7p, 2nd/4th W: 6p New Charity Church 5313 Scott Highway, Robbins S: 10a, 11a, 6p indherald.com • March 30, 2023

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MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

President Joe Biden The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500 (202) 456-1111

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn 357 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-3344 blackburn.senate.gov

U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty B11 Russell Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-4944 hagerty.senate.gov

U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann 462 Cannon HOB Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 225-3271 fleischmann.house.gov

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee 1st Floor, State Capitol Nashville, TN 37243 (615) 741-2001 tn.gov/governor

State Sen. Ken Yager 10A Legislative Plaza Nashville, TN 37243 (615) 741-1449 [email protected]

State Rep. Kelly Keisling 456 Rep. John Lewis Way N. Nashville, TN 37243 (615) 741-6852 [email protected]

12 March 30, 2023 • Independent Herald 6 March 30, 2023 • Independent Herald

U.S. Rep. John Rose 1124 Longworth HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-4231 johnrose.house.gov

Scott County Mayor Jerried Jeffers (423) 663-6900

[email protected]

Scott County Sheriff Brian Keeton (423) 663-3111

County Clerk Felicia Bilbrey (423) 663-2588

[email protected]

County Trustee Rena Erwin (423) 663-2598

[email protected]

Register of Deeds Ashley N. Riseden (423) 663-3075

[email protected]

Assessor of Property Tiffany Jeffers (423) 663-2420

1st District Commissioners: David Jeffers David “Blue” Day

2nd District Commissioners: Joyce Keeton Taylor Stephens

3rd District Commissioners: Sheila Buttram Amy Jeffers

4th District Commissioners: Kenny Chadwell Shonda Gray

5th District Commissioners: Kelly Chitwood Robyn McBroom

6th District Commissioners: Colby Burke Shon Terry

7th District Commissioners: Jared Burke Tom Payne

School Board: Tommy Silcox

School Board: Carlene Terry

School Board: Linda Sharp

School Board: Kimberly Kidd

School Board: Angela King

School Board: Llew Stanley

School Board: Tressa Murphy

Scott County School System: Director Bill Hall | (423) 663-2159 | [email protected] Oneida Special School District: Director Dr. Jeanny Phillips | (423) 569-8912 • Board: Dr. Nancy Williamson, Kevin Byrd, Dr. Danny Cross, Mark Matthews, Dorothy Watson

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MEETINGS Scott County Commission Work Session: 1st Monday at 5 pm Regular Session: 3rd Monday at 6 pm Scott County Office Building, Huntsville Town of Huntsville Board of Mayor & Aldermen Regular Session: 3rd Thursday at 6 pm Town of Oneida Board of Mayor & Aldermen Regular Session: 3rd Thursday at 6 pm Town of Winfield Board of Mayor & Aldermen

Regular Session: 2nd Tuesday at 4:30 pm Scott County Board of Education Workshop: Tuesday of week preceding regular meeting Regular Session: 2nd Thursday at 4:30 pm Scott County Central Office, Huntsville Oneida Special School District Board of Education Work Session: Varies Regular Session: 1st Thursday at 6 pm OSSD Training Center, Oneida Industrial Development Board of Scott County 1st Thursday at 6 pm

Scott County Visitor Center, Helenwood Scott County Finance Committee 2nd Monday at 5 pm Scott County Office Building, Huntsville Scott County Airport Authority 4th Monday at 5 pm Scott County Airport, Oneida As a citizen of Scott County, you have a RIGHT to attend government meetings and be heard. As elected officials, government has a DUTY to listen.

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County Commission extends deadline for EMS construction contractor HUNTSVILLE | Scott County Commission voted Monday to grant an extension to the contractor tasked with building a new headquarters for the Scott County Ambulance Service so that the proper registration can be obtained. By a 13-1 vote, commissioners approved an extension for Knoxville-based Preen Construction LLC until April 10 to receive its System Award Management (SAM) number from the federal government. Preen did not meet its original March 13 deadline to obtain a SAM number. The registration is necessary for Scott County to utilize American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the construction of the new ambulance service headquarters. Scott County Mayor Jerried Jeffers told commissioners at Monday’s meeting that both Evan Sanders, with Community Development Partners, and Alan Hill, with Upland Design Group, recommended that the county grant Preen a deadline extension. The Scott County Finance Committee approved that extension on March 13. Preen has been awarded a contract to construct the ambulance service facility for $1.6 million on a 1.8-acre parcel of county-owned property near the intersection of Paint Rock Road and Buffalo Road on the east side of Oneida. Commissioners

12 

approved that contract in February, pending Preen obtaining its SAM number. Jeffers explained Monday that obtaining the SAM number is a three-step process, which Preen has mostly completed. “They basically completed all the process except the final approval from the federal government,” Jeffers said. “Oddly enough, we checked the folks who came in second place in the bidding, and they had not applied for their SAM registration at all. So we’re basically in a holding pattern here hoping that Preen’s SAM number will come in in just another week or two and we can move along.” Should Preen not obtain its SAM number, the county would have to rebid the ambulance service project. Preen was one of six companies who bid on the construction project, with the others being Green Construction Company, Path Construction, Subbs Construction, Twin K Construction and Brewster Builders, which later withdrew its bid. The lone dissenting vote on the resolution to extend Preen’s deadline was cast by 1st District Commissioner David “Blue” Day.

Roadblocks approved

Commissioners on Monday also approved a pair of fundraising roadblocks for volunteer fire departments.

March 30, 2023 • Independent Herald

The first, for 7th District Volunteer Fire Department in West Oneida, is for a roadblock on Saturday, April 1, from 8am until 12pm. The roadblock will be held at Verdun Road and Edgewood Estates intersection, and at the 2500 block of Grave Hill Road. The second, for South Scott Volunteer Fire Department in Robbins, is for a roadblock on Saturday, May 13, from 8am until 4 pm. It will be at the intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and S.R. 52 in Elgin, at the Old Highway 27 car wash in New River, and on U.S. Highway 27 near the fire hall in Robbins.

Beer permit approved

The Scott County Beer Board has approved an application for beer permit for Jordan Coffey and South Fork Trading Co. at 1487 West 3rd Avenue in Oneida, the site of the former South Fork Tack, which Virginia Bruce recently sold to Coffey. The permit is for off-premises consumption. The board approved the application by an all-aye vote on March 10. At Monday’s County Commission meeting, the minutes from the Beer Board meeting were approved by a 10-4 vote,

 See COMMISSION, page 16

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY PART-TIME EVENINGS 1,296-HOUR DIPLOMA PROGRAM

CLASS SCHEDULE Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 4 – 9 p.m. (CST) LOCATION Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute (York Institute) 701 N Main Street Jamestown, TN Financial aid available to those who qualify

APPLY NOW AT TCATONEIDA.EDU/FUTURE-STUDENTS/ADMISSIONS For more information, visit www.TCATOneida.edu or call (423) 663-4900 The Tennessee College of Applied Technology does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, disability, age status as a protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs and activities. 2023/03/1293

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OPD arrests two on drug trafficking charges ONEIDA | Two different people were arrested by Oneida police last week on drug trafficking charges. Dakota Jordan Humfleet, 29, of Winfield, was arrested during a routine traffic stop on Tuesday, March 14, and Tina Louise Stephens, age 48, of Oneida, was arrested during a drug investigation on Sunday, March 12. According to a warrant, Humfleet was stopped by Oneida Police Department patrolman Kyler King for non-working registration plate lights. Allegedly, Humfleet admitted to having methamphetamine inside her vehicle. King recovered the drugs, which were allegedly inside a bag also containing scales, hypodermic needles and empty bags. According to the warrant, there were five bags of meth, weighing between 0.61 grams and 13.34 grams. There were also two pills, identified as morphine and Oxycodone. Humfleet was charged with possession of meth for resale, possession of drug paraphernalia, and registration violation. The earlier incident saw police visit a North Cross Street home to investigate a complaint of narcotics being sold from the residence. According to a warrant filed by OPD’s Kendra Porter, police allegedly found marijuana and bags inside the home, along with a small bag of crystal meth and a set of scales. Stephens was charged with possession of

meth for resale, possession of marijuana for resale, and possession of drug paraphernalia. In other arrests last week: • Keasley Webb, 21, of Oneida, was charged with criminal trespass and public intoxication after police received a 911 call from a woman at Slaven’s Trailer Park who said she was in danger. That woman turned out to be Webb, who allegedly fled from the home as law enforcement officers arrived. According to a warrant filed by OPD’s Silas Robbins, Webb said that she had been up for seven days “doing dope” and thinks someone is trying to kill her. • Adrian Dwayne Watters, 24, of Oneida, was charged on March 7 with resisting stop/ frisk/halt commands. According to warrants, King visited Coopertown Apartments after receiving a report that Watters — who was wanted on an active arrest warrant — was staying there. Allegedly, Watters tried to shut the door when he was informed that he was wanted on an active warrant. He then allegedly tried to fight off King and run out the door. King tackled him, before Watters was allegedly able to get up and run through the parking lot, forcing King to use his taser to take Watters into custody. • Benjamin Robert Posey, 34, of Oneida, was charged Saturday with public intoxication and possession of drug paraphernalia. According to a warrant, OPD’s Tony Jones was dispatched to North Main Street for a

report of a prowler. He allegedly encountered Posey outside the home and could smell alcohol. Posey allegedly said that he had drank one “bootlegger.” He told Jones that he had contacted a woman through Facebook Messenger and was visiting the home via GPS to meet her. However, the home’s owner told police she had never seen the man before and had video footage of him walking around the home and peeking into windows. • Michael Carl Hadley, 32, of Oneida, was charged on March 13 with possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on a revoked license, and violation of the light law. According to a warrant filed by King, he stopped Hadley for having a headlight out, and his drug dog alerted to drugs inside the vehicle. A clear bag of crystal meth was allegedly recovered. According to the warrant, Hadley said that he had just met someone to purchase the meth. • Daniel Cooper, 44, of Helenwood, was arrested on March 13 after an assault on Sunny Lane. According to a warrant filed by OPD’s Jeremiah Adkins, the victim told police that he had gone to the home to bid farewell to his family and as he was doing so, Cooper “sucker punched” him from behind. The man had a busted lip and a tooth knocked out, according to the warrant. Cooper also allegedly told the man that he and a biker club would “cut his throat.”

Commission

agenda at Monday’s County Commission meeting proved to be a $200 monthly tool supplement for the county mechanic — not in terms of the discussion it generated, which was very little, but by how close the vote was. The subject had been discussed for the past several meetings, with 6th District Commissioner Shon Terry advocating for the county to assist him the mechanic with a tool rental supplement. Reportedly, the county does not

supply tools and the mechanic is using his own tools to repair county vehicles. Blue Day made the motion to award a $200-per-month tool supplement, with Terry seconding the motion. Without further discussion, the measure passed by an 8-5 vote, with commissioners Jared Burke, Kenny Chadwell, Kelli Chitwood, Shonda Gray and Tom Payne passing dissenting votes, and Colby Burke abstaining from voting.

Continued from page 14

with commissioners Blue Day, Shonda Gray, Amy Jeffers and Joyce Keeton casting dissenting votes.

Tool supplement approved

The most contentious item on the

16 

March 30, 2023 • Independent Herald

Auction raises more than $56,000 By JERRY KLINE Auction Chairperson

T

he Scott County Benefit Auction committee, the Boys and Girls Club of the Cumberland Plateau, the Children’s Center of the Cumberlands, the Scott County Volunteer Rescue Squad, and the Scott County Shelter Society would like to thank EVERYONE for their help in making the annual auction a huge success! According to Auction Treasurer Brenda Sexton, the final total raised at the auction was in excess of $56,000! Without the help of the sponsors, the merchants who donate, the bidders who keep the action going, the donations, and the volunteers who give so unselfishly, we could do nothing. We want to thank Highland Connection, Mark Patterson and their amazing workers who provided much hands-on time, helping in any and every way they could, the telephones and telephone lines, and for channels 100, 119, 120, 190, and 191, and Comcast channel 4. Thanks to all the merchants who advertised for us on their marquees. We especially want to mention our production crew IH Sports Network Ben Garrett and Greg Bond, Adam Queener and staff from Highland Telephone, and terrific announcers Rick Keeton, Tim Smith, Kevin Acres, and BJ Gislason who give so many hours to keep things going. A special thanks to First National Bank who covered production for us. Our many merchants and individuals who donate are always so very generous and we want to thank each and every one of

them. Without your incredible donations, this auction would not be possible. The main sponsor was Takahata Precision Tennessee. Platinum Sponsors were Brimstone Recreation, Dr. & Mrs. David Sexton, South Fork Physical Therapy, Don & Tracey Stansberry, Mark’s Family Pharmacy in memory of Byrdi, and Don Franklin Family of Dealerships in Somerset Gold Sponsors were Associates in Eye Care, Big South Fork Medical Center, Marcum-Petroff, Miller Paving, Quality Private Care, Roane State Community College, Sharra’s Tax Service, Rocky Top Dentistry, STAND, Stephens Hardware, Twenty-Seven Hardware, United Cumberland Bank, and Vantage Point Financial Silver Sponsors were Baby J’s Pizza, Big South Fork Airpark, Black Sheep Thrift Store, Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors, Childrens Center; Circle of Life; Danny King Lumber, Danny’s Drugs, Ellis Sales, G & R Hydraulics, Gather Coffee Lounge, Grace Primary Care, JDS Technologies, Jeffers Sealing & Striping, Jerry & Sharon Wilson, John Beaty, Jones & Son Funeral Home; Kelvin King-Road Superintendent, Marlar’s Auto Sales, Mike’s Station; Mostly Shoes of Strunk, KY; Next Step Behavioral Health, Omega, One Bank, Poppa’s Pitstop, Preston’s Steakhouse, Raezack’s Grill & Deli, Roark’s Pharmacy, Robby Burress Insurance; Rusty Wallace Chevrolet; Scott County Pharmacy; Scott County Shelter Society Board of Directors; Sexton Heat & Air, Taylor Holding, LLC; Tommy’s Motorsports; Town of Huntsville Mayor and Aldermen; Town of Oneida Mayor and Aldermen; West Chiropractic.

Cash donations were received from: Jerry and Diane Slaven, Alton Blakley Ford-Lincoln; Ayers Real Estate, Cooper Auto Sales; Integrity Tax & Bookkeeping; Tim Smith, John Beath, State Farm Insurance; Earl Brooks Piano of Somerset; Mr. & Mrs. Doug Gibson in memory of Judy Hill; and Kent Gibson in memory of Judy Hill. We had a late donation from Dr. Randy Robbins and Tennessee Orthopedic Clinics of Oak Ridge. Overbid bonuses were supplied by Country Store, McDonald’s, Mi Rancho Restaurant, Phillips’ Drive-In, McDonald’s and Sonic. Our telephones were manned by volunteers from Boys and Girls Club, Children’s Center of the Cumberlands, Scott County Rescue Squad, the Scott County Shelter Society, and other volunteers. Food provided by workers by Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald’s, Operation Sharing, Pizza Hut, Subway, Taco Bell, Walgreen’s, Whole Hog BBQ, Dorothy Slaven and Faye Slaven in honor of retired Rescue Squad members, dessert makers Kim Hammock and Verhonda Hembree, and the many who supplied delicious homemade food! Newspaper announcements were by Independent Herald and Scott County News. Bid sheets were donated by Plateau Drug. Sign boards were made and donated by KC Graphics. Billboard was donated by Highland Telephone and Felicia Potter, County Court Clerk. El Rey Restaurant will be donating 10% of their profits to the auction from their Mother’s Day business on May 8. We ask that everyone help us by enjoying their wonderful food! Many thanks to all of you!

indherald.com • March 30, 2023

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THE SCOTT COUNTY CEMETERY PROJECT

BEN GARRETT/INDEPENDENT HERALD

Terry Cemetery is located on a ridge above the No Business Creek settlement in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area.

Terry Cemetery (Big South Fork) Drive as deep into the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area as a motor vehicle can travel, and you will find yourself on a ridge above No Business Creek, the valley in which the highest concentration of residents were found during the Big South Fork region’s settlement era. Here, at the end of the gravel road, Longfield Branch Trail — now an equestrian trail, once the main road into No Business — heads over the hill, through a gap in the cliff line, and to No Business Creek. Another trail, along the top of the ridge, is a hiking trail that leads to the rock fissure known as Maude’s Crack and then connects to the John Muir Trail. And here, near the parking lot where folks leave their vehicles and set off on foot or horseback for No Business, is the Terry Cemetery. Oral history tells that Terry Cemetery got its start in 1911, when a landslide occurred at the community cemetery at No Business. The old Nancy Smith Cemetery was the final resting place of Richard Harve Slaven, No Business’s first white settler, and a number of his descendants, but burials there ended when the landslide unearthed some of the graves. Today, Nancy Smith Cemetery — named for the only field stone in the cem18 

etery that includes a legible name to mark a grave — is hard to find. And legend has it that the remains that were unearthed there in 1911 were reinterred at Terry Cemetery on top of the ridge. Whether that’s true — and there is no reason to doubt it — the Terry Cemetery became the final resting place for several of No Business’s residents who died after 1911, including several members of the Slaven family. There are only about 44 graves at Terry Cemetery, and about half of those are unidentifiable; that is, they are marked by uninscribed field stones. In 1994, when Robert Bailey transcribed all of the cemeteries in Scott County, he listed just 21 graves at Terry Cemetery, and mentioned that there were 23 graves that he could not identify. However, Pickett County historian Richard W. Pierce, listed several others. And stones have since been placed at some of the graves that were not identifiable in 1994.

The Slaven family

Richard Harve Slaven was the first person to settle No Business when he moved to the valley and built a cabin along Tackett Creek sometime in the early 1800s. It isn’t completely clear when

March 30, 2023 • Independent Herald

Harve Slaven moved to No Business, but land records show that he was granted 1,000 acres along the Big South Fork River in 1817. He married Susanna Slaven and they had as many as 13 children. They are the ancestors of all the Slavens in Scott County (and many of those in Fentress and Pickett counties) today. The first grave at Terry Cemetery — besides, perhaps, the remains that were unearthed at Nancy Smith Cemetery in 1911 — was that of baby Myrtle Slaven, who was born and died on July 20, 1923. Baby Myrtle was the daughter of Benjamin Slaven and Ethel Florence Burk Slaven. Ben Slaven was the son of Charley Slaven (1861-1934) and Mary Safrona Roysdon Slaven (1872-1957). He was the grandson of Elisha Slaven, and great-grandson of Richard Harve Slaven. That made Myrtle Slaven the great-great-granddaughter of Richard Harve and Susanna Mounts Slaven. Two more of Ben and Ethel’s children would also die in infancy and be buried at Terry Cemetery alongside Myrtle. That included Wendle, who was born and died on Aug. 29, 1927, and Archie, who was  See CEMETERY on Page 19

Cemetery Continued from page 18

born and died on Sept. 14, 1928. Today, Myrtle, Wendle and Archie have matching gravestones at Terry Cemetery, which have been placed by members of the Slaven family in recent years. None of the three were included in Bailey’s 1994 cemetery census. Charley Slaven, the children’s grandfather, was buried at Terry Cemetery when he died on Feb. 15, 1934. His brother, Nimrod Slaven, was also buried there when he died on Jan. 30, 1927. Nimrod’s wife, Mildred Elizabeth “Millie” Roysdon Slaven, was buried there in 1944. Marion Slaven, Charley’s 24-year-old son, was buried at the cemetery in July 1930. And Reason Slaven, Nimrod’s and Millie’s 45-year-old son, was buried there in August 1951. So, too, was Reason’s wife, Martha Crabtree Slaven, who died in 1947 at age 41, and their daughter, Viola, who died in 1954 at age 11. Martha Crabtree was the daughter of William Hiram Crabtree and Delphia Blevins Crabtree, who are buried at the nearby Hattie Blevins Cemetery. Also buried at the cemetery is baby Minnie May Slaven, who was born two days after Christmas in 1931 and died just five weeks later, on Feb. 1, 1932.

Dewey Slaven

The last Slaven to be buried at Terry Cemetery was Dewey Slaven, another of Nimrod’s and Milie’s children, when he died on Dec. 16, 1960 at age 75. Dewey and his sister, Frona, never married. They lived together in their father’s house for most of their lives. In 1960, when Dewey became ill and left No Business to seek medical help, he was the last resident of the valley. With his death, the settlement was officially abandoned. In his book, Dusty Bits of the Forgotten Past, historian H. Clay Smith wrote this about Dewey Slaven and his sister: “They never budged from home until the last six months of his life, when he went to Stearns, Kentucky, for medical treatment, dying there while under the doctor’s care. “Neither he or his sister ever married and it is said that they could live from one year to the next without the help of anyone. They lived in the house where their father had been born and where they grew everything they ate, except salt, coffee and flour. He came to Oneida only about twice a year and then, mostly, to get sweet tobacco and the news, as he called it. “They had no radio, television or any form of communication with the outside

TERRY CEMETERY (BIG SOUTH FORK) GPS Coordinates: 36.57530, -84.68420 First burial: 1923 • Last burial: 2016 Burials since Robert Bailey’s 1994 cemetery census? Yes. Francis W. Blevins

1924-1925

Kirby I. Burk

1932-1933

Amy Smith Cooper

1907-1956

David E. Cooper

1941-1942

Linda Green

1962-2016

Robert Green Jr.

1959-2015

Temple Blevins Kidd

1914-1937

J.B. King

1948-1948

Ralph King

1951-1951

F. Marion Miller

1902-1932

David E. Roysdon

1953-2012

Isham R. Roysdon

1867-1935

Millie Roysdon

N/A-N/A

Maudie Nelson Roysdon

1888-1946

Nona Shadrick Roysdon

1942-2014

Archie Slaven

1928-1928

Beulah Clark Slaven

1947-2014

Carter Ray Slaven

1949-N/A

Charley Slaven

1861-1934

Dewey Slaven

1885-1960

Marion Slaven

1906-1930

Martha Crabtree Slaven

1906-1947

Millie Roysdon Slaven

1868-1944

Minnie May Slaven

1931-1932

Myrtle Slaven

1923-1923

Nimrod Slaven

1863-1927

Reason Slaven

1906-1951

Viola R. Slaven

1943-1954

Wendle Slaven

1927-1927

Nancy J. Smith

1883-1925

Twins Smith

N/A-N/A

Baby Sweet

N/A-N/A

Richard S. Sweet

1863-1945

Rosa Roysdon Sweet

N/A-N/A

Allen Watson

1934-1936

Eliza J. Boyatt Watson

1895-1956

Hiram Watson

1886-1959

Oren Watson

1911-1928

*There are several graves at Terry Cemetery marked with uninscribed field stones. other than with those who might go there on fishing or hunting business. “If you should have drifted by their house, you would have found no people more friendly or hospitable than these two; whether you were relative, friend

or stranger, you were welcome to their well rounded meal, as it is called, and to as many meals and nights’ lodging as you desired; and without charge.”

The cemetery grows

The second identifiable grave at Terry Cemetery was that of Nancy Jane Smith, who died in childbirth on May 8, 1925, at age 41. She was the daughter of Emberson and Mary Jane Stephens Smith, and the wife of William Isaac Smith. A couple of months later, little Francis Wilborn Blevins died at the age of one, and was buried at Terry Cemetery. He was the son of Crawford and Mary Ann Miller Blevins, who lived at No Business. According to family members, he and another baby in the family, Edna Rose Blevins, both became ill with the flux at the same time. Edna survived, while Francis did not. Crawford Blevins was the grandson of Armstead Blevins, the great-grandson of Jonathan Blevins, who was another of the early white settlers in the Big South Fork region. Mary Miller Blevins, his wife, was the daughter of Francis Marion Miller, who owned a store at No Business, and Elizabeth Spradling Miller. Another of France Miller’s grandchildren, Francis Marion Miller, the son of John and Darcus Blevins Miller, was buried at Terry Cemetery when he died in November 1932 at age 30. Also buried there was one-year-old Isaac Burk, a member of the Burk family that lived at No Business. Baby Kirby was the son of General Jackson Burke and Laura Alice Hall Burke. His grandfather, Isaac Burke, sold his property near the mouth of No Business Creek to France Miller.

The Roysdons

On April 29, 1935, Rev. Isham R. Roysdon died at the age of 68 and was buried at Terry Cemetery. His wife, Minnie Maudie Nelson Roysdon, was also buried there when she died 11 years later. Maude’s Crack at the end of the ridge — about a mile beyond the cemetery — was named for Maude Roysdon. As the legend goes, Isham Roysdon and his fellow timber-cutters were working in the log woods beneath the cliff lines and Maude would bring him lunch. The men were amazed that the food was still warm when she arrived with it, not realizing that she had discovered a shortcut through the cliff line. Another version of the tale says that Isham and Maude’s house burned and they used the natural passageway through the cliff line to reach a rock house where

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TCAT announces new instructor Sunshine Bush to head up Fentress County nursing program JAMESTOWN, Tenn. | The Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Onei-da/Huntsville has announced that Sunshine Bush will serve as nursing in-structor for the new practical nursing program at the Fentress County cam-pus here beginning in May. “Mrs. Bush brings a wealth of experience to the program,” TCAT said in a statement. After receiving her B.S. in nursing from Middle Tennessee State University in 2006, Bush held several positions in the field, including medical-surgical nursing, outpatient resources, pediatrics, intravenous infusion and mental health. She also brings experience in the classroom from teaching health sci-ence courses at the high school level, as well as staff education she has pro-vided in previous jobs. The Fentress County practical nursing classes will be taught at York Insti-tute’s campus in Jamestown Monday through Friday from 8am to 2:30pm central time. The 12-month program will lead to a successful and well-paying entry-level position in the nursing field. Graduates of the program can sit for the state Board of Nursing examination to become a licensed practical nurse upon completion of the program. Potential students can apply at tcatoneida.edu/future-students/admission. Select the “Apply Now” button. Potential students must successfully pass the HESI entrance exam for admission into the program. For more information, contact Student Services at the TCAT Huntsville campus by calling (423) 663-4900.

Terry

Continued from page 19

are Millie Roysdon, Rosa Roysdon Sweet. Isham and Maude’s grandson, David Earl Roysdon, was also buried there when he died in January 2012.

A renewed interest they sheltered for a period of time. Today, hikers use Maude’s Crack to access the John Muir Trail that traverses the Big South Fork between Pickett State Park and Honey Creek. Several of Isham and Maude’s children are buried at the cemetery. Among them 20 

After Dewey Slaven’s death in 1960, Terry Cemetery went more than 50 years with no burials. However, there have been several burials in recent years, beginning with David Earl Roysdon — the grandson of Isham and Maude Roysdon — in January 2012.

March 30, 2023 • Independent Herald

Two years later, Nona Fay Shadrick Roysdon was buried at the cemetery, followed by Beulah Clark Slaven — wife of Bradley Wheaton Slaven — in 2014. Robert Kenneth “Tommy” Green Jr. — the son of Nona Fay Roysdon — died just a year later and was buried at Terry Cemetery. Tommy was a caretaker of the cemetery; he painted the sign that is currently fastened to the cemetery gate. And a year after that, his sister, Kathy Mylinda “Linda” Green, died and was buried there.

ANALYSIS

Increased property appraisals no reason to panic By BEN GARRETT IH Editor

S

cott County property owners are receiving notices by mail this week of their property’s new appraisal value. The appraisals are substantially higher, almost without exception, which has generated plenty of concern, lots of anger, and some misconceptions about who appraises the property, why, and the resulting taxes that must be paid. Tiffany Jeffers, the county’s Assessor of Property, posted a message on Facebook on Wednesday that indicated her office has been flooded with angry phone calls. In her message, she urged citizens to be kind to her staff. “Please remember they are human and are doing their job,” she said. “Ask yourself how you would want someone to speak to you, your spouse, parents, children, grandparents or other family members. “If you feel the need to curse, yell, or be rude, go ahead and ask for Tiffany Jeffers,” she added. “They do not deserve to be treated that way.” While property reappraisals can be assigned to individual tracts of property at any time, usually when there have been major changes to the property, county-wide revaluations of property occur every five years in Scott County. However, the increases — or decreases — are usually minor and don’t garner much attention. That was the case in 2018 and 2013. The

last time property values increased on a large scale was 2008, though that increase has been dwarfed by the current increase. While the concern prompted by the greatly increased property appraisals is certainly understandable, there is no reason for most people to be alarmed. In fact, one of the most common misconceptions is that the increased appraisals are a tax increase. Following is general information about property reappraisals.

Why the reappraisal?

Tennessee law requires property revaluations at least every six years. The law can be found under T.C.A. § 67-5-1601. The law requires the reappraisals at a minimum of every six years, though it allows for the reappraisals to occur as often as every four years. Scott County splits the difference and does its reappraisals every five years. The last county-wide reappraisal, before this one, was in 2018 and the next will be in 2028. The reappraisal is the responsibility of the Assessor of Property. One thing that should be understood is that the reappraisal is not at the discretion of the local office-holder; it is mandated by the state. Also, the separation of duties within county government bear pointing out. It is the Assessor of Property, not the County Mayor or County Commission, that is responsible for appraising property. And it is the County Commission, not the Assessor of Property, that is responsible for setting the property tax rate. It is the County Trustee, not the Assessor of Property or County Commission, that is responsible

for collecting property taxes.

Why such a large increase?

The Assessor of Property does not have the luxury of setting property values arbitrarily. During a reappraisal year, mass appraisal techniques are used to determine appraisals, including computer programs that essentially are fed information and return values based on that information. According to the TN Comptroller’s Office, which oversees property appraisals, “an appraisal is an estimate of the most probable selling price of a property.” Therein lies the reason for the significant increase in property values. An influx of new residents since the outbreak of Covid-19, skyrocketing construction costs due to labor shortages and supply chain issues that caused building supply prices to sharply increase, and the impact of federal covid relief funds in household budgets have all combined to cause a boom in the real estate market over the past three years. That boom made it inevitable that property values would significantly increase, not just in Scott County but in many of Tennessee’s other counties that are undergoing reappraisals this year. While Scott County’s housing market has trended sharply downward in the last few months, according to information compiled by the real estate website Redfin,

 See APPRAISAL, page 22

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Appraisal Continued from page 21

it peaked in November 2022 and remained near that peak in December. County property reappraisals, under state law, are based on conditions as of January 1 of the reappraisal year. Redfin’s data shows that the average home sold in Scott County in November had a whopping price tag of more than $286,000. In November 2019, just before the onset of the pandemic, the average home in Scott County sold for $179,900. Again, it’s not limited to just Scott County. Statewide, the average selling price of a home was $355,100 in November 2022, up from $248,100 in November 2019. According to data compiled by the real estate website Zillow, the average home value in Scott County has increased from $77,361 in 2018 — the last appraisal year — to $126,496. And according to Realtor.com, the median listing price for a home in Scott County is $262,500 as of February 2023, up a whopping 50% over February 2022. These trends made the significant increase in property appraisals predictable — and, in fact, the increase was quietly predicted for several months before the reappraisal process began. In a nutshell, if you are buying a home in Scott County today, you would expect to pay significantly more for that home than you would have five years ago. Therefore, the property is worth more, and that is reflected in the reappraisals. There are more factors that go into property appraisals than just this one, but property appraisals have an almost direct correlation with the housing market. The last time the United States saw a housing market like the current one was prior to the Great Recession that began in 2007. Home prices skyrocketed in the mid 2000s, peaking in late 2007 and early 2008, resulting in “inflated and often speculative prices,” according to a 2010 paper written by Dr. Stanley Chervin and Dr. Harry A. Green for the TN Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. As a result, when Scott County’s reappraisal occurred in 2008, local property values increased substantially. The housing bubble burst soon thereafter, leading to declined home values. Tennessee counties that reappraised property in 2011, for example, saw across-the-board declines in property values.

The benefits of higher property values

Increased property values aren’t necessarily a bad thing. They reflect what you could expect to get from your home if you 22 

sold it, and there is no denying that Scott Countians are having a much easier time selling their home now than a few years ago. In 2011, 2012 and 2013, when the housing market was stagnant, it was almost impossible for home owners to sell property without taking a loss. In 2022, Scott County home owners who sold property could count on profiting nicely from the sale of their home. Increased property values are also a good thing for homeowners who need extra cash for things like home improvements, college tuition, or, unfortunately, medical bills. Lenders do not base their decisions on county property appraisals; they use state-certified private appraisers to do much more in-depth evaluations of the property. However, those private appraisals often directly correlate with the government appraisals.

this year. The resulting property tax rate is called the “certified tax rate.” According to the TN Comptroller’s Office, Scott County’s property tax levy for the fiscal year ending in June 2022 was $7.4 million. That means the certified tax rate this year must also generate $7.4 million. What does that mean? It means that the tax rate will actually decrease this year — and it will likely decrease substantially. The goal is for each taxpayer to pay roughly the same amount of taxes that they did last year, so that the sticker shock people felt when they went to their mailboxes this week and received their notice of reappraisal isn’t felt again when they receive their tax bills in the mail later this summer or early fall. The state law that requires this process is T.C.A. § 67-5-1701(a)(1).

Impacts on the tax rate

After the equalization process has taken place and the certified tax rate has been adopted by County Commission — the new budget year and tax year begins July 1, but the legislative body is sometimes later than that in completing the budgeting process — you should expect to receive a tax bill from the Trustee’s office that is similar to the tax bill you received last year. There are exceptions. If your appraisal went up more than the county-wide average — maybe because you made improvements to your land, or because you live in a desirable neighborhood where the home prices are higher — your tax bill will increase. However, in theory, at least, for every property owner who pays more taxes this year, another property owner will pay less taxes. The end result: the county will generate the same amount of property taxes that it did last year, minus new construction that is currently ongoing. An example of this is found in 2008, the last time Scott County’s property appraisals increased substantially. In 2007, Scott County’s property tax rate was $2.67. In 2008, after the reappraisal process, Scott County’s tax rate decreased to $1.96 (see tax rates through the years, below). Just the opposite would be true if property values were decreasing. For example, residents of counties that reappraised in 2011 and saw significant decreases in property values saw their tax rate go up as a result. For example, Sevier County property owners saw their property values decline in 2011. As a result, their tax rate increased from $1.54 to $1.63.

The impending tax rate is perhaps the most common misperception about the property reappraisals. It is commonly misunderstood that the rise in property appraisals will directly correlate to the upcoming tax bills. The appraisals have even commonly been called a “tax increase.” However, property reappraisals are not a property tax increase. The misconception goes like this: If you own a home appraised through the county at $100,000, you paid $615 in county property taxes last year (based on Scott County’s current tax rate of $2.46, which is higher if you live inside the Oneida Special School District). If the letter you received this week indicated that your home’s appraised value increased to $175,000, an increase of 75%, it’s a common misperception that the amount of property tax you’ll pay this year will increase to $1,076. However, that is not quite the way it works.

State Equalization Board

To prevent counties from directly profiting from property reappraisals, the state employs what is called an equalization process. Once the assessor’s office has completed the reappraisal process, it furnishes a report to County Commission, as well as to the TN Comptroller’s Office, the total assessed value of taxable property within the county. County Commission is then responsible for setting a tax rate that, according to the University of Tennessee’s County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS), “provide the same ad valorem revenue for that jurisdiction as was levied during the previous year.” In other words, whatever Scott County generated in property taxes last year — under the old appraisal — it must generate

March 30, 2023 • Independent Herald

What does that mean for each taxpayer?

Truth in taxation

If, for any reason, County Commission decides to increase the tax rate above

 See PROPERTY, page 23

Property

Continued from page 22 whatever the state-certified tax rate is for FY 2023, it must go through a process that is dictated by state law under T.C.A. § 675-1702. Essentially, the process requires County Commission to advertise its intent to exceed the certified tax rate in the newspaper, then hold a public hearing giving taxpayers an opportunity to comment in front of commissioners, then approve the tax rate by a majority vote of the legislative body. This process is known as “truth in taxation.” So while County Commission isn’t prohibited by law from raising taxes in 2023, it is a process that is more arduous than usual, which typically discourages counties from taking on capital projects that might otherwise require a tax increase during a reappraisal year. There is also a process known as “recapture.” If it turns out that the certified tax rate was reduced too much because property values were over-estimated, the State Board of Equalization can order recapture the following year, meaning the tax rate could be raised enough to generate the amount of tax revenue that was generated before the reappraisal process. This process is covered under T.C.A. § 675-1701(a)(4). Can’t taxes just increase next year? A common question from skeptical taxpayers goes something like this: “So my taxes won’t go up this year, but what stops the county from just raising them next year?” It’s true that nothing stops County Commission from raising tax rates (and capitalizing on the increased property

values) next year. However, that historically has not been the case. One thing that is true is that increased home values make tax rate increases easier to sell. For example, for the past several years in Scott County every penny on the tax rate has generated around $30,000 in revenue — give or take. If Scott County’s total appraised property value increases 75% this year (which is just an arbitrary number and not a factual amount), that same penny in property tax would generate in excess of $50,000. So, if the county needed an additional $500,000 in tax revenue to balance the budget, the tax rate increase after the appraisal would be less — on paper — than it would’ve been before the increase.

The raw numbers

Scott County’s current tax rate is $2.46. There are 21 counties in Tennessee with higher tax rates, and 73 counties in Tennessee with lower tax rates. Here is a look at Scott County’s tax rates through the years. Asterisks denote reappraisal years. 2022: $2.46 2021: $2.46 2020: $2.46 2019: $2.46 2018*: $2.46 2017: $2.46 2016: $2.37 2015: $2.37 2014: $2.25 2013*: $2.25 2012: $2.22 2011: $2.22 2010: $2.22 2009: $1.97 2008*: $1.97 2007: $2.67 2006: $2.67 2005: $2.40 2004: $2.40

2003*: $2.33 2002: $2.40 2001: $3.40 2000: $3.40 1999: $3.40 1998*: $3.57 1997: $3.29 Want to know how to calculate your tax bill yourself? It’s a simple formula. Residential real estate is assessed at 25% of its appraised value (meaning you pay taxes on 25% of the property’s worth). So, to calculate your tax bill, you divide your appraised value by four, and multiply it by the tax rate. For example, if your home’s appraised value is $100,000: $100,000/4 = $25,000/100 = 250x$2.46 = $615.

The bottom line

The TN Comptroller’s Office, under state law, requires the reappraisal process that is currently taking place in Scott County. The Scott County Assessor of Property’s Office is responsible for carrying out the reappraisal, using guidance and assistance from the Comptroller’s Office. Neither the County Mayor’s Office, or County Commission, had a say-so in the reappraisal process, and the Assessor’s Office is only following the law. The reappraisal values are largely determined by home prices in Scott County. Later this year, by or near July 1, County Commission will levy a property tax rate for the 2023 tax year. That tax rate will likely be the state-certified tax rate handed down from the State Comptroller’s Office. The Assessor of Property’s Office does not have a say-so in the setting of the tax rate. Most Scott County property owners will pay a similar amount of property tax this fall to the amount they paid last fall.

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LEETTA BOYATT/INDEPENDENT HERALD

Micah Boles slides safely into third base during Scott High’s win over Fulton on Thursday. (Left: Caleb Prewitt is safe at second during the Highlanders’ win over the Falcons.)

Scott picks up wins over Fulton, Sunbright SUNBRIGHT | For the second time in as many nights, Scott High came up on the winning side of things Friday, defeating Sunbright 11-1 in five innings on the road. The Highlanders, who had defeated Fulton on Thursday, using a six-run third inning and a very big night by Josh Byrge to secure the win over the Tigers. Byrge went three of four at the plate with a pair of doubles. He drove in five runs and scored two more, accounting for much of the Highlanders’ offense. Jesse Boles had a two-RBI day for the Highlanders, while Jonathan Terry, Caleb Prewitt and Micah Boles all added RBIs as

well. Jarome Byrd scored a pair of runs, as did Chris Lindsey. Prewitt, Terry, Hunter Bates, Dakota Strunk and Jesse Boles each scored a run. Bates got the win on the mound, pitching all five innings and striking out eight while giving up only three hits and one run. The Highlanders jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning and led 4-0 in the second inning before exploding in the third. Byrge, who had a two-run double in the second inning, added a second one in the third inning to make it 8-0, before a two-run single by Jesse Boles pushed Scott High into double figures on

the scoreboard. Sunbright scored in the bottom of the fourth, but the Highlanders added a run in the fifth when Byrge hit an RBI single to make it 11-1. Sunbright was unable to score a run in the bottom of the fifth to cut it to single digits, which forced an early end to the game because the Highlanders had a 10-run lead after the fifth.

Scott 6, Fulton 3

HUNTSVILLE | Scott High scattered seven hits across six innings here Thurs-

 See SCOTT, page 26

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Continued from page 25 day, and that was enough to get six runs across the plate and defeat Fulton, 6-3. Micah Boles had a big day for the Highlanders. He went two of three from the plate, hitting a double and a triple to drive in two runs and score another. His brother, Jesse, meanwhile, was the winning pitcher, going all seven innings and striking out 12 Fulton batters while giving up only one earned run. Fulton jumped out to an early lead with an RBI double in the first, but the Highlanders quickly answered with good baserunning from Josh Byrge. The sophomore hit a one-out double, stole third, and then scored on a two-out error to tie the game. That’s the way things stood until the bottom of the third, when the Highlanders put three runs on the board to take a 4-1 lead. Jarome Byrd had an RBI double to score Caleb Prewitt, followed by an RBI triple by Mason Boles and an RBI single by Jesse Boles. Fulton would battle back to make it a 4-3 game going into the bottom of the fifth, when Scott High’s offense struck again. Micah Boles had an RBI double to make it 5-3. The Highlanders added an insurance run in the sixth inning when Hunter Bates hit an RBI single to score Dakota Strunk. Fulton’s last opportunity saw the Falcons go three-up, three-down with a strikeout and a pair of groundouts to short.

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March 30, 2023 • Independent Herald

Todd Derek Ryon stands in at the plate for Oneida (Photo: Megan Shoemaker).

Indians sweep Rockwood ROCKWOOD, Tenn. | Oneida completed a season sweep of Rockwood here Tuesday, defeating the Tigers 14-4 on a night when the Indians’ bats came alive in a big way. Oneida scattered 12 runs across the first three innings of Tuesday’s game, grabbing a 12-2 lead. The advantage was 14-3 going into the bottom of the fifth. While the Tigers did score a run in the bottom of the fifth, it was not enough to force additional innings, as the game ended early. Oneida made the most of 10 hits in Tuesday’s game, and it was an especially big day for senior Todd Derek Ryon. Ryon got the win on the mound, pitching all five innings and giving up only two earned runs while striking out five.

At the plate, Ryon hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning to give the Indians the 14-3 advantage. He also had a triple in the game, finishing with three runs scored while going three of four at the plate. Peyton Smart also had a big offensive effort. The junior batted in four runs, going two of three at the plate. Cam Kidd had multiple RBIs, as well. Colten Daugherty scored three runs and drove in another, while Gabe Brennan scored three runs. Caden Rector scored a run and batted one in, while Aiden Frazier also had an RBI. Finally, Colby Tyra and Landon Boutwell each scored a run for the Indians. One day earlier, the Indians used a five-run first inning to launch themselves to a 6-3 win over the Tigers at Bear Creek.

In that game, Rockwood jumped out to an early 1-0 lead before the Indians took command with the big bottom half of the inning. It was a 6-1 game before Rockwood put two runs on the board in the top of the third. However, the Tigers were unable to score after that. Rector finished with two RBIs and scored a run. Daugherty, Kidd and Smart each batted in runs, as well. Brennan scored twice, while Ryon, Daugherty and Kidd each scored a run. Daugherty picked up the win in Monday’s game, giving up only three hits while striking out 11 in four innings of work. Brennan came on in relief and struck out six while allowing only one hit in three innings. indherald.com • March 30, 2023

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Colton Daugherty swings on a pitch for Oneida (Photo: Megan Shoemaker).

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SARAH DUNLAP/INDEPENDENT HERALD

Nick Gilbert dribbles the ball during Oneida’s home-opener at Jane Terry Hoffman Field.

Lessons learned in Gatlinburg for OHS Indians drop a pair of games at Smoky Mountain Cup GATLINBURG, Tenn. | “I am confident in this team because it has such good leadership in the senior and junior class. I am confident that we will apply the lessons learned this weekend verses a very good Grace Christian team at home Tuesday evening.” Those were the words of Oneida coach Derek Keeton after his team concluded play at the Smoky Mountain Cup here Saturday morning with a 6-2 loss to William Blount. Although the Indians had already fallen to Halls the previous evening, 6-4, Keeton took the pair of losses in stride, knowing they had come against higher-classification teams that will be

battling for state tournament appearances in May. The Indians actually started Saturday morning’s game with a 2-0 lead over William Blount before the Governors rallied to score six unanswered goals. “We started the game off really strong,” Keeton said of the Indians’ 2-0 lead in the first 20 minutes. “At that point, William Blount seemed to come alive and immediately answered.” Nick Gilbert scored early off an assist by Luke Barna, then Barna scored to give the Indians the 2-0 lead. But William Blount battled back to tie the game at halftime, then scored four unanswered in the second half. “Even though the score was tied at halftime verses another high-quality team I did not feel comfortable where we were at due to fatigue setting in for the second half,” Keeton said. “Sure enough, as we started the second half they scored early to make it 3-2.

“At that point you could tell we had hit a wall physically, and that being our second game in less than 12 hours and William Blount’s first game of the tournament was very evident. They began to control the time of possession and the quality of shots on goal kept increasing as the game went on.” Oneida keeper Gavin Keeton finished with 17 saves. “Even though we gave up six goals in each game, Wes Hurst, Wyatt Yancey and Gavin particularly played well this weekend on defense,” Keeton said. “On offense, Luke Barna and Nick Gilbert both played very well this weekend.” Keeton pointed out some strong play from his team’s youth, as well, including sophomores Levi James and Alex Torres, and freshmen Grady Keeton and Ben Gilbert.  See INDIANS, page 30 indherald.com • March 30, 2023

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SARAH DUNLAP/INDEPENDENT HERALD

OHS

Continued from page 31 “As a team we love to come to this tournament for good team bonding and also to be able to play the best teams in preparation for district, region and state sectional games,” Keeton said.

Halls 6, Oneida 4

GATLINBURG, Tenn. | “Shellshocked.” That’s how Oneida coach Derek Keeton described his team after the first 25 minutes of the game against Halls at the Smokey Mountain Cup here Friday night. Just 25 minutes in, the Red Devils had jumped out to a 4-0 lead. “We were shell-shocked defensively by Halls’ ability to generate offense,” Keeton said. But the rest of the game would go much, much differently. Oneida would twice battle back to cut Halls’ lead from four goals to two, leaving Keeton and his staff pleased with the team’s effort on what might have otherwise been a dismal night in the Smokies. “We felt at halftime that we missed some scoring opportunities that we left on the field,” Keeton said. The Indians were down 4-1 at that point, but had begun to even the game. Luke Barna — who finished with a hat

 See OHS, page 31

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trick — scored a goal off an assist by Nick Gilbert to get the Indians on the board. “We had generated eight shots on goal with half of those shots being high quality,” Keeton said. In addition to playing without one of their leading players in Mason Keeton, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury, the Indians were also playing one of Class AA’s best teams. Nevertheless, the early deficit didn’t daunt the Indians, who closed to within two after a penalty kick by Barna early in the second half. “At that point we felt really confident about where we were in the game,” Keeton said, “but like a very good and talented team does they answered.” Halls scored back-to-back goals to make it 6-2. “From there the boys just kept coming,” Keeton said. Barna scored his third goal off an assist by freshman Grady Keeton to make it a 6-3 game, then Reice Kennedy placed a direct kick “perfectly” off the back post from 40 yards out, allowing Keeton to score off a header to make it 6-4. Oneida had 12 shots on goal in the second half, scoring on three of those. “We felt very good about generating that many good shots while Mason is still nursing the pulled hamstring,” Keeton said. Keeper Gavin Keeton had seven saves in the first half and 10 in the second. “We got so much better as this game went on,” Keeton said. “Our coaching staff by the end of the game was extremely pleased with our growth throughout the game.”

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Oneida 5, Clinton 0 ONEIDA | The Indians defended their home pitch well Tuesday (March 21) evening, defeating Clinton 5-0 at Jane Terry Hoffman Field in the season’s home opener. The Indians jumped out to a 4-0 lead, and cruised to the 5-0 victory even without one of their top offensive weapons in junior Mason Keeton, who is nursing an injured hamstring. “The defense played fantastic and we never felt threatened,” Oneida coach Derek Keeton said. “We generated 12 shots on goal and scored on four of those. They only got three shots on goal and all three saves were pretty easy to handle because of the good defense in front of (Gavin Keeton) played by Wes Hurst, Reice Kennedy, Wyatt Yancey and Isaac Martin specifically. Nick Gilbert scored two goals in the first half, and wound up finishing with a hat trick. “Nick has worked tremendously in the offseason and it’s paying off,” Keeton said. “I’m very proud of that young man and what he’s done with his body and also his skillset.” Also scoring for Oneida were Levi James and Grady Keeton. Luke Barna assisted all five of the Indians’ goals. “Nick Gilbert getting three goals and Luke Barna getting five assists was amazing for our team this evening,” Keeton said. Clinton is an improved team, Keeton said, with a good coach (Gene Chunn) who is doing a good job of rebuilding the program.

OHS

Continued from page 30 But, on Tuesday, the Dragons were no match for the Indians. They managed just

two shots on goal in the second half. “Our defense played outstanding,” Keeton said. “I was pleased to be able to play everyone tonight and get some good quality minutes for all of the available players.” Keeton applauded the play of several first-year players, including Grady Kee-

ton, Alex Torres and Ben Gilbert. He was also pleased with the play of veterans like James, George Kline and Sam Bell. “With Mason being out with a slightly pulled hamstring, it allowed for other guys to step up and fill the void until he returns in the next week or so,” Keeton said.

SARAH DUNLAP/INDEPENDENT HERALD

Alex Torres advances the ball during Oneida’s win over Clinton. At left, Wes Hurst controls the ball during the Indians’ win over the Dragons.

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Highlanders drop a game to Carter KNOXVILLE, Tenn. | If soccer games were decided in the last 30 minutes, Scott High would have won Thursday’s non-district match at Carter going away. But soccer is an 80-minute game, and while the Highlanders dominated the last 30 minutes, it was Carter who had the upper hand for much of the first 50 minutes, riding that early advantage to a 3-2 victory. The Hornets, who were playing in the District 3-AA championship game a year ago, jumped out to a 2-0 lead at halftime and tacked on a decisive third goal early in the second half, leading 3-0 before the Highlanders finally found a spark. That spark was a penalty kick by Connor Stanley after a handball in the box. The goal came with 33:53 to play and, suddenly, the Highlanders were playing with renewed vigor. “When I get onto them at halftime and they respond, that’s great. But I’d rather have a team I don’t have to get onto,” Scott High coach Eric Henry said. “These guys are old enough, mature enough and have played enough that they should be able to recognize some of these things.” Through the first several games of the

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season, Scott High was fast enough in the back to overcome defensive mistakes. But in Thursday’s game, Carter used a decided speed advantage to exploit the Highlanders’ defense, which appeared to be caught off-guard. The Hornets broke free behind the defense on several occasions in the first half, two of which led to goals. “Defensively we have kinda rested on the fact that we’re pretty fast,” Henry said. “Tonight we were not the fastest team on the field. Those boys could fly. We talked about being fundamentally sound, stopping possession early, rotating and communicating. If you don’t do those things when you’re out-gunned, you’re going to get down a couple of goals, and that’s what happened.” Elsewhere on the field, the Highlanders struggled to put together a consistent offensive attack in the first half, and struggled to win balls in the middle of the field. That all changed in the second half, especially after Stanley’s goal. The Highlanders controlled possession, dominated shots on goal, and had numerous opportunities to score. Several near misses resulted, some of which was the result of good plays by

March 30, 2023 • Independent Herald

Carter’s fullbacks and keeper. Finally, with just under nine minutes to play, Hugo Henry scored when his corner kick caromed off a Carter defender and into the goal, cutting the deficit to 3-2. The Highlanders had opportunities to tie the game in the waning minutes, but it was not to be. “We had some good touches tonight, but it is what it is,” Henry said. “We gave up a couple of goals early. We’ll learn from it and move on.” Scott 3, Harriman 0 HARRIMAN, Tenn. | A short-handed Scott High team cruised to a 3-0 win over Harriman here Monday (March 20). The Highlanders got on the board 12 minutes into the game, when Toby Garrett scored off an assist by Aidan Roberts. Later in the first half, Leivance Weatherford scored to make it 2-0. The second half saw Roberts score off an assist by Conner Miller about halfway through, setting the final score at 3-0. While the game was not high-scoring, it was never in doubt. The Highlanders, who were playing without both their wings up front (Hugo Henry and Skye Babb), dominated possession and Harriman never had a serious opportunity to score.

NOTICE OF SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY, WINFIELD, TENNESSEE

LEETTA BOYATT/INDEPENDENT HERALD

Morgan Hooks flips a throw to home plate during Scott High’s softball game against Clinton.

Comes the Town of Winfield and submits public notice of the following property which has been declared surplus of the Town of Winfield and is hereby offered for public sale: 1.17+/- acre parcel with two multifamily buildings (Building 1: 5115b sq ft; Building 2: 5392 sq ft) with 11 apartments, located along OLD HWY 27, in the Town of Winfield, Tennessee, and more specifically identified as Map 020 Parcel 029.03. Property is being offered AS IS with no inspection(s) or survey having been performed. Parties with a Letter of Approval or Letter of Credit from a financial institution may call Winfield City Hall at (423) 569-6139 to view the property. Potential bidders must provide proof of financial backing prior to the viewing. Potential buyers may obtain a copy of the appraisal for a cost of $50 made payable to the Town of Winfield, at the Town of Winfield City Hall. Sealed bids should be accompanied by a Letter of Credit or Letter of Approval from a financial insti-tution and submitted to: Lori Phillips-Jones, 19461 Alberta Street, Suite C, Oneida TN 37841 by mail or in person, before the next regular meeting of the Town of Winfield Mayor and Board on April 11, 2023 at 4:30pm at the Winfield City Hall building. Any and all potential buyers may ap-pear at the stated meeting to amend their bid. Any potential buyer amending his/her bid should be prepared to support said price increase of their bid with a Letter of Credit or Letter of Approval supporting the amount of their bid from a financial institution. Potential buyers should be pre-pared to close within 30 days of the acceptance of their bid, or the property may be offered to the next highest bidder. indherald.com • March 30, 2023

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