County Commissioner Debra Keck enlightens us regarding the Joint Economic Community Development Board (JECDB) and their current and upcoming plans and projects. I have known Debra Keck for years as Mayor Mike Williams’ assistant, and we interacted often, especially when working together on functions of the Chamber of Commerce and as members of the JECDB. Recently, Keck and I discussed the progress being made in Union County.
The JECDB facilitates communities’ receipt of grants through Tennessee’s ThreeStar program, which is a strategic community development program that assists with community transformation projects—not only for today but for generations to come.
The board explores what would help our county through development and/or improvements in the following sectors: the Chamber of Commerce, Education, Finance, Health, and Safety. Regional stakeholders include representatives from Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB), Tennessee Economic & Community Development (TNECD), and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). These grants are available annually and require feedback showing the progress made with the dollars invested.
The JECDB meets quarterly, which was interrupted in 2020 by the COVID-19 outbreak in the spring, thus the last meeting was held on January 29, 2020.
Those present at the meeting were me (Kathy Chesney), Commissioner Keck, Superintendent, Big Ridge State Park Keith Montgomery, and Administrative Assistant to Union County Mayor Ginger Fields. The projects discussed were:
1. Reapplying for the Home Grant and the need for a county with which to partner.
2. The plan to build a permanent structure for the Farmers Market on Durham Drive in Maynardville.
3. Heather Sizemore (Executive Assistant to Mayor Bailey) has applied for a grant for a ballpark in Luttrell, which if granted will include soccer, football, and baseball fields, and a concession stand. It is foreseen as a great place to host tournaments.
4. Claytons is exploring purchasing the old Matlock building. Barriers are pricing, TVA releasing a lien, and completion of an environmental study. Benefits would be the creation of 70 new jobs, especially welders, training available through the Union County Public Schools Career & Technical Education (CTE) program.
5. Keith Montgomery shared plans to resurface the tennis courts (now completed), the possibility of adding pickleball court lines, and a study being conducted for adding an event center. The state had trimmed the 2020 budget due to rebuilding in other state parks. Montgomery was presenting budget requests to the legislature, and believes the current administration is “pro-parks.” Big Ridge Park has 19 cabins, which Montgomery expects to refurbish rather than rebuild, as these cabins have enjoyed a huge upswell in rentals after air conditioning units were added. There is no Wi-Fi available, but park visitors report good cell service, especially with US Cellular and Verizon. The park hosts five significant hikes throughout the year, the most recent being the annual First Day Hike on January 1. They also host a huge Easter Egg Hunt on the day before Easter, which has four age categories for the children. Another big hit in the community is the Bluegrass Festival on the third Friday in August. For more information about the park visit tnstateparks.com, or Big Ridge State Park at 1015 Big Ridge Park Road, Maynardville, TN 37807 Phone: 865-992-5523
Hours of park operation are April to November: Sunrise to 10 p.m.; November through April: Sunrise to sunset
Hours of park office operation are April to November: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily; November to April: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. M-F
Keck plans to continue working toward several key goals during the second half of her term:
1. Farmers Market: Move the market to a new permanent location; this program benefits young farmers, retirees, the 4H program, and the entire community with a social opportunity while providing a market for fresh produce.
2. Luttrell Ballpark: Get it completed; bring in food vendors/food trucks to boost turnouts.
3. Music! (And the beat goes on!): Perpetually included in community culture and plans is, of course, music. Keck shared that although her brother introduced her to the basics of bass guitar in her pre-teen years, she didn’t seriously pursue learning to play until about 10 years ago. Her husband finally got an answer to his annual question, “What do you want for Christmas?” She said, “A bass guitar and everything that goes with it.” They visited Woods Music and got her all set up with her guitar, amplifier and supplies, and she took lessons one hour per week for three years from Phil Davis. She now enjoys playing both in church and performing locally.
4. Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT): Bringing this educational opportunity to our county would benefit graduates as well as the existing workforce, and current or new businesses. It would help to overcome the transportation barrier which restricts a segment of our population.
5. Tourism Boost: Seeking ways to increase tourism; Keck particularly believes a bed and breakfast would do well here, especially if developed in a historic home.
6. Training: Complete state-sponsored training for county commissioners; Keck is ahead of the minimum seven hours per year requirement and is excited to take advantage of all learning opportunities to be best equipped to fulfill her role.
7. Union County Opry: Resume scheduling/holding live performances as soon as COVID-19 restrictions are no longer a hindrance.
I find Commissioner Keck’s willingness to take on new challenges and master them inspiring! Keep an eye out for future JECDB activities as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and we get back to the business of making Union County a great place to work and play.