70th Anniversary Family Reunion Celebrates a Legacy of Memories at Short Mountain Bible Camp

August 16, 2023
By:

Short Mountain Bible Camp, nestled in the heart of Woodbury, Tennessee, is proud to announce its 70th Anniversary Family Reunion on September 10, 2023. With seven decades of rich history, generations of campers, and countless cherished memories, the camp is gearing up for a day of celebration, reflection, and connection.

Since its inception in 1953, Short Mountain Bible Camp has been a beacon of faith, friendship, and personal growth for campers of all ages. The upcoming reunion stands as a testament to the enduring impact of this cherished institution on the lives of countless individuals.

The 70th Anniversary Family Reunion promises a day filled with activities and events that capture the essence of the camp’s history and spirit. Attendees will have the opportunity to embark on guided camp tours, exploring the nooks and crannies that have hosted decades of laughter, learning, and fellowship.
One of the highlights of the event will be a captivating panel discussion led by esteemed individuals who have been part of the camp’s journey since its early days. This insightful conversation will shed light on the evolution of Short Mountain Bible Camp over the years and the invaluable role it has played in nurturing faith and fostering lasting connections.

As the sun sets on this memorable day, attendees will join together in a heartwarming sunset singing session, creating an atmosphere of unity and nostalgia as familiar camp songs fill the air.

The pinnacle of the event will be a keynote address by the distinguished Josh Cooper, hailing from the Walter Hill church of Christ in Murfreesboro, TN. Known for his eloquent speaking and deep insights, Cooper is set to deliver a message that encapsulates the essence of the camp’s mission and the values it has upheld throughout its remarkable history.

“We are thrilled to invite camp alumni, their families, and friends to join us in celebrating 70 years of unforgettable experiences and cherished memories,” said Sara Covert, Fund Development Team Member at Short Mountain Bible Camp. “This reunion is not just a celebration of the past; it’s a testament to the enduring impact of community, faith, and growth.”

The 70th Anniversary Family Reunion at Short Mountain Bible Camp promises to be an occasion of joy, reflection, and connection. Whether you’re a past camper, a former counselor, or someone curious to experience the camp’s rich legacy firsthand, this event is an opportunity to rekindle old friendships and create new memories that will last a lifetime.

For more information about the event, registration details, and a complete schedule of activities, please visit the official Short Mountain Bible Camp 70th Anniversary website at https://givebutter.com/tiNM4S

August 15, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

A 4-year-old Cannon County child, seriously wounded in a dog attack almost a week ago is improving.

Meredith Smith, daughter of Trey and Mary Wells Smith of the Gassaway Community, was airlifted to Erlanger Children’s Trauma Center in Chattanooga last Wednesday, August 9 after being mauled by a dog which did not belong to the family.

According to the family’s GoFundMe page, Meredith “suffered extensive bite injuries to her legs, arms, back, neck, and head on both her face and her scalp. Over the next several weeks, she will need various emergency treatment followed by other long-term care. She began a first surgery on August 9 at around 7:00PM EST after being Life Flighted.”.

In a social media post Monday evening, Meredith’s mother updated her condition.

“As unspeakably grateful as we are that Meredith’s face is healing and she’s getting back to her old self, most of you have probably figured out by now they’re not keeping her here because of her face. The majority of the muscle tearing is from the waist down. We hit another major milestone today: Taking steps with a walker. Unfortunately, her wounds are so extensive she can’t yet even wear a hospital gown, so her physical therapy and — all of the things — are all still au naturale at this point. It’s hard watching your child have to re-learn how to walk (I almost lost it mid-session, to be honest), but progress is progress. Tomorrow the goal is to walk more with the walker and then figure out how we’re going to shower/bathe her in a position she can maintain and withstand. Thank you again to all for prayers, those of you coordinating meals, helping me brainstorm adaptive clothing ideas, coming to visit—it’s overwhelming”.

This fundraiser is starting at $10k but may be increased should additional needs arise. Please consider donating to this family as they face this crisis. Updates will be posted to https://www.gofundme.com/f/meredith-smiths-medical-expenses-dog-attack

August 14, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

After 14 years, the DeKalb County Election Commission has selected a new Administrator of Elections.

During a meeting Monday evening, a majority vote of the five-member commission chose Dustin Estes of Smithville to succeed Administrator Dennis Stanley, who recently announced his resignation effective at the end of the month. Stanley has served in the job since 2009.

Estes will officially take over on Tuesday, September 5.

“I am very excited. It’s an opportunity that I have been looking forward to for quite a while. I just appreciate everyone’s vote and I am looking forward to getting started. It’s a really big deal for me and my family,” said Estes after the meeting.

Estes said his first goal is to get familiar with the duties of the office.

“First, I’d like to learn the job as well as the ins and outs. That’s day one. I do have some long-term visions that I am thinking about, and I want to work with other local election administrators to get their input on what’s working for them so we can better implement those in DeKalb County,” he continued.

A lifelong resident of DeKalb County, the 33-year-old Estes is married to the former Courtney Rice and the couple has a daughter, Wyatt Estes, who is almost 15 months old, and another baby is due in February.

Estes is a graduate of DeKalb County High School, and he furthered his education at MTSU where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. He currently works at Shiroki North America where he serves as Human Resources (HR Generalist).

“They (Shiroki) have been excellent for me. I have been there for almost seven years and in Human Resources for the last couple of years,” said Estes.

Two other candidates were in the running for the election administrator position including Tina Gee, who has worked as Stanley’s deputy administrator in the office for several years, and Roger Sharp, Jr., a computer tech for the election commission and a former computer tech for the DeKalb County School District.

After Stanley announced his resignation, the election commission advertised seeking resumes from persons interested in the position and Estes, Gee, and Sharp were the only respondents.

During the meeting Monday night, all three names were placed in nomination and seconded for administrator and a roll call vote of the five commissioners determined the outcome.

Commissioners Loree Hall, Ron Sifford, and Chairman Brandon Gay voted for Estes while Commissioners Kim Luton and Yvette Carver passed. Carver initially voted for Gee but then changed her vote to pass after the result was determined.