Rocky Top Arbor Day
The city of Rocky Top had its fourth-annual Arbor Day ceremony on Nov. 8. Members of the local community along with Lake City Elementary School students were in attendance. Sophia Martin, Lake City Elementary School Student Council president, read the city’s proclamation of Arbor Day. Bags filled with Arbor Day memorabilia from the Arbor Day Foundation were passed out to those who attended. Nearly 20 trees were planted by the Arbor Day Foundation based on the items purchased for the event. Rocky Top Tree Committee Chairman Tim Hatmaker passed out special gifts to Tree Committee members Robert Griffith and Sharon Kinser, accounting and court clerk Allison Smiddy and City Manager Michael Foster for all of their efforts in making Rocky Top a three-time Tree City USA. Diane Warwick, state forester, presented the city with the three-year award. Council member Denise Casteel and City Recorder Kari Bates were also recognized for their contributions to the city’s tree management efforts.