It was a night of business and special occasions at the Carter County Commission meeting on Tuesday night inside the courthouse.

Elizabethton’s Florence “Helen” Shoopman Fetzer filled the chamber full of laughs as she addressed the county commission. The 100-year-old Fetzer was recognized by the commission for the occasion of her 100th birthday as well as for her service to the United States.

Mrs. Fetzer, who served during World War II in 1943 with the Women’s Army Corps, has been in the spotlight lately and said, “I think I have had as many honors now that I can stand.

“I appreciate it, but you don’t have to keep telling me every other meeting — I can get around like you all do,” Fetzer said with a laugh, drawing laughter from everyone in attendance at the meeting.

The commission voted unanimously a resolution celebrating her service to her country and her 100th birthday.

Russell recognized

for his heroics

On Christmas Eve morning of 2018, Chris Russell with the Stoney Creek Volunteer Fire Department, risked his own life as he rushed into a burning home to save a woman who was trapped inside.

Russell’s heroics has not gone unnoticed.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the Carter County Commission voted a resolution unanimously to honor Russell for his selfless deed.

“We appreciate what Chris Russell did,” said Chris Isaacs, Chief of the Hampton/Valley Forge Fire Department. “We have approximately 150 volunteer firefighters at all times. A volunteer firefighter is always on call. We are on call, 24 hours and seven days a week. We do not know boundaries or state lines.

“Chris Russell was close to a fire that happened in our district,” continued Isaacs. “He was there really quick, and his actions saved a life.”

Mayor Rusty Barnett presented Russell with the resolution while Isaacs gave Russell a Medal of Gallantry, which is the highest honor that can be given to a firefighter.

Commission approves lease agreement

between EMA and

Carter County 911

The creation of a new emergency operations center for the Carter County Emergency Management Agency leaped a hurdle Tuesday night.

The county commission voted 19-3 to approve a lease agreement between the EMA and the Carter County 911 Board.

The 25-year agreement will allow the EMA to house its new center at the 911  building at 525 S. Sycamore St. The center will take up half of the building or roughly 2,107 square feet.

Commissioners Robert Acuff, Sonja Culler, and Mike Hill all voted no.