Volunteer Times

News from Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne and Scott County Tennessee.

[Volunteer Times @VolunteerTimes]

Thank you for following our veterans series over 18 months in the making. Our 2nd episode will air soon. We want to remind you to share this with those you know, who may have stories yet to tell. Reach out to us at the Volunteer Times. We want to document their history.

[Myrna 𝕏 @GigaBeers]

They sure sound like the BEE GEES

[Volunteer Times @VolunteerTimes]

Candidates that have picked up petitions from December 22, 2025 thru December 31, 2025;

County Attorney
Joe Coker- Republican

County Mayor
Ann Ayers-Colvin-Republican

County Commission
M. David Adkins- 1st District- Independent
Joshua A. Etters- 1st District- Republican
Kimberly Fox- 1st District- Republican
Zachary Marlow- 1st District-Independent
Tena Violet- 1st District- Republican

Jerry Brown- 2nd District- Republican
Tyler Dumont- 2nd District- Republican
Beverly Stanfield Hall- 2nd District- Independent
Michael G. Witt- District 2- Republican

Dewayne Baird- 3rd District- Republican
Lawrence Rusty Orick- 3rd District- Independent
Anthony Terry- 3rd District- Republican

Johnny "Coach" Bruce- 4th District - Independent
Josh Parker- 4th District- Republican
Nathan Treadway- 4th District- Republican

Ferlin "Clay" Morgan- 5th District- Independent
Pauline Walden Roberts- 5th District- Republican

Circuit Court Clerk
Bobby Vann- Republican

School Board
Jeffrey Miller- 1st District- Republican

Marvin T. Rutherford- 2nd District, Democrat

Randy Heatherly- 3rd District- Republican
Jacob Perkins-3rd District, Republican

Ronnie Lasley- 4th District- Independent

Crystal Creekmore- 5th District, Independent

Constable
Barney Cox- 1st District- Republican

Don E. Farmer- 2nd District- Independent

Johnny Jones- 3rd District- Independent

Dewey Madison- 4th District- Independent

Petition Filed with Campbell County Election Commission
Bobby Vann- Circuit Court Clerk- Republican

Two picked up today, December 31, 2025;

Kimberly Fox-County Commission, 1st District-Republican
Ronnie Lasley- School Board- Independent

The Campbell County Election Commission will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026 and January 2, 2026. Our office will resume office hours next week Monday- Friday 8:00 am to 4:30pm.

[David J Harris Jr @DavidJHarrisJr]

A Louisiana prison hosted a father-daughter dance that reunited incarcerated dads with their little girls.

Hoping this becomes a turning point for every father in that room. 🙏🏽

[🌸🎵 Beautiful Melody 🎶💖 @Ducnghia16]

Incredible. She sounds even better!!!

[G-MA & G-PA @GPAIndiana]

We need more love and laughter 💕💕😆

[Volunteer Times @VolunteerTimes]

Jellico High School vs Lakewsy Christian at Carson Newman. Campbell Co Cougars to take the field later tonight.

[Volunteer Times @VolunteerTimes]

Bet you’ve seen a lot of weather reports 🌂 💭 ☀️ in your day, but we can guarantee you’ve not seen one as cute as this. Special thanks to the fourth grade classes from LaFollette Elementary School for inviting the Times up to speak Monday.
Although this is a day behind in the weather, all of it was too darn adorable not to share. Of course you know we’re going to have to do Exterior Home Solutions weekly weather this way all the time now. 😉
Talent and production provided by the amazing 4th grade! (and a few volunteer exchange students holding the green screen)
Enjoy!

[Volunteer Times @VolunteerTimes]

Johan Vanhale competes for Cougar tennis today at the Knoxville Racket Club against William Blount for Regionals…

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**Update: Vanhalle has won his first semi and will advance to the championship round at noon. Cougar Vanhalle will play an opponent from Anderson County with Campbell County ties. Vanhalle will play the grandson of a former Campbell County resident and teacher, Bill Higginbotham. Reese Russell and Johan Vanhalle face off at noon.

Campbell County High School tennis coach, Rusty Fields and Johan Vanhalle warm-up before the 9 AM semifinal regional match where today 3 Cougars are set to pounce!

Vanhalle will represent the Cougars in the semifinal singles. Vanhalle, an Exchange Student from Belgium attending CCHS is proud to carry the Cougar banner in his division this year.

If Vanhalle is successful at 9 AM, he will play at noon for the district championship which will advance to the regionals. At noon, fellow Cougars, Will Crowley and Gavin Cox will also play the semifinals for Cougar tennis in the doubles division. Stay tuned!

[Volunteer Times @VolunteerTimes]

Cougar Season Comes to Close in District Play

The Cougar Soccer squad lost to the Central Bobcats today in District Tournament Play, ending the 2025 boys season. The Cougars had a solid year, improving over their 2024 season record. The Cougars only have four seniors, which should bode well for the future with many experienced players returning for the 2026 season.

The loss closes out the Cougar career of Riddick Baird, Braidin Ivey, Nathan Massengill, and Johan Vanhalle, who was a goal scoring sensation by way of the exchange program that has been very kind to Cougar soccer the past several seasons.

[Volunteer Times @VolunteerTimes]

Owenby Named Cougar Football Coach

From CCHS:

Campbell County High School is proud to announce the hiring of Taylor Ownbey as the new Head Coach of the Cougar Football program.

Coach Ownbey brings 15 years of coaching experience and a deep understanding of the game to this role. A standout athlete in his own right, he signed with West Virginia University out of high school and finished his playing career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). His time on the field and on the sidelines has shaped him into a coach who values discipline, development, and doing things the right way—on and off the field.

Coach Ownbey has already begun building strong relationships with our student-athletes, staff, and community during his time as Interim Head Coach. He’s committed to a team-first culture that emphasizes hard work, integrity, and pride in representing Campbell County.

We believe Coach Ownbey is the right leader to guide Cougar Football into its next chapter—and we’re excited for what’s ahead. Please join us in welcoming him officially into this role and supporting our players as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Go Cougars!

[Volunteer Times @VolunteerTimes]

Campbell County High School will be hosting a World’s Fair on May 19th from 4 to 8 PM in the Campbell County High School cafeteria/commons area. There will be arts and craft areas representing over 30 countries as well as international exchange students from the local ISE organization. Authentic food samples from various countries will be showcased as well.
The Volunteer Times is a proud sponsor of the event created by Campbell County High School teacher, Brooke Goddard. Goddard is using the event to promote and teach culture to her students and wishes to pass it on to the public.
The Times encourages the community to participate in this unique event that is sure to be an evening of fun, learning and culture. This would be a wonderful showcase for children of all ages and an opportunity to gain hands on knowledge about different cultures. Also a great opportunity to meet teenagers from countries around the world. Tour the world May 19th!

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Campbell County Sheriff’s Minute…..

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Lawson Pitches No Hitter Against Hancock County

Eli Lawson achieved one of the rarest accomplishments in all of baseball.

On Friday, Lawson pitched a no Hitter against Hancock County. A no hitter is so rare that only 326 have been pitched in Major League Baseball since 1876.

During this amazing pitching performance, Lawson struck out six batters walked four during his four and two-thirds inning on the mound.

The Cougars defeated Hancock County 8-1.

[Volunteer Times @VolunteerTimes]

LaFollette Middle School Shines with Giving to Animal Shelter. Students give donations from the heart.

[Rosita Díaz @RositaDaz48]

Today, during a casual conversation, an elderly lady shared something that deeply moved me. She told me that her husband had recently passed away, but they had decided together not to have a funeral. The reason? Their family always had an excuse not to visit or even call. So, they chose not to "burden" their busy lives by making them attend a funeral.

But what truly shocked me was when she revealed that she hadn’t even notified the family of his passing. I asked how they would react when they eventually found out, and after a brief pause, she firmly said:

"If they didn’t care enough to see or speak to him while he was here, I refuse to let them see or speak about him now that he’s gone."

She explained that her husband was an excellent cook and always invited them to dinner. But the response was always the same: "I’m busy," or worse, complete silence. Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries… always ignored.

After much prayer, she made a bold decision: she sold their home and belongings, moved to a small apartment in the city, and started anew.

Then, she looked me in the eyes and said something I will never forget:

"Darling, when you realize you are no longer important to someone – even family – you have to make yourself the most important thing."

At that moment, my heart broke, but I also realized I had just met the most courageous person I have ever known.

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Part 2

[Volunteer Times @VolunteerTimes]

If you're traveling around the Towe String Road area in Jacksboro or within an hour of this post, perhaps on General Carl Stiner Highway heading east, you might be in for a sight we don't see too often these days. You should be on the lookout for a group of travelers who have decided to pursue a coast-to-coast voyage on horseback to reclaim family and a sense of adventure via our highways.

David Dossett of LaFollette reached out to the Times and submitted this video. Dossett told us that by his office on Towe String Road, the family and horses are currently taking a much-needed break. The horses and mules are taking a few minutes to eat some fresh grass by the creek until they start moving again.

Levi and Lucas White call Nevada home, but since April of 2022, the family has been traveling a stretch of country where every evening home is wherever they stop to rest. They hope to complete their 16-state, 4000-mile journey soon.

Remember, their horses are most likely bombproof as far as spooking, but please do not blow a horn to encourage them on. Simply wave a hand out the window after you've passed them by, and they will appreciate it. Be safe and be kind.

[THPKnoxville @THPKnoxville]

🚨‼️**Traffic Alert:** Troopers are assisting @myTDOT with road repairs on Interstate 75 in Campbell County. Expect delays and be prepared for slow traffic in the area. Please use caution and plan for extra travel time.
#DriveSafeTN