The Courier News

SL Tennessee donates to Chamber Foundation

August 27, 2025

SL Tennessee Operations Manager Ben Fredricks; chair of the Anderson County Chamber Foundation Joey Smith; SL Tennessee General Plant Manager David Deorto; and Chamber of Commerce President Rick Meredith stand at the SL Tennessee plant at 278 Frank L. Diggs Drive with a $50,000 check from SL Tennessee to the chamber foundation. Founded to help with the Chamber of Commerce’s new building, the foundation also funds Leadership Anderson County and Youth Leadership of Anderson County. - Ben Pounds

Norris Summer Picnic planned for 5:30-8 p.m. Sept. 12 on the Commons

August 27, 2025 by G. Chambers Williams III

Having their meal on a blanket in the grass in front of Norris Middle School during last year’s Norris Summer Picnic on the Commons are, from left, Chelsi Moran, Darla Robbins, Amelia Robbins and Becki Moran. - G. Chambers Williams III

Norris residents and friends are invited to the eighth-annual Norris Summer Picnic on the Commons from 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.

Sponsored by the Norris Recreation Commission, the event takes place on the lawn in front of Norris Middle School and in the adjacent Lions Club Pavilion.

“Bring your favorite chair or blanket and we’ll supply the rest,” the Recreation Commission said on its Facebook page.

“We are excited to welcome the Hominy Mamas back to the Norris stage” it said.

“The Norris Fire Department will ensure we have some exciting water fun for the young at heart.”

There will be food trucks, face painting, lawn games and inflatables along with the live music.

Food trucks will include Good Hombres Tacos, Tortas & More; and Southern Sips.

This is one of several events presented each year by the Norris Recreation Commission, which is part of the Norris city government.

Rep. Scarbrough, others to be speakers at Clinton Rotary

August 27, 2025

The Rotary Club of Clinton meets for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. at the Clinton Community Center.

Meetings are open to members.

The coming meeting schedule and speakers include:

• Wednesday, Aug. 27 – Tennessee Rep. Rick Scarbrough, R-District 33.

• Tuesday, Sept. 9 – Jay Knapp, U.S. Air Force Middle East cryptologic linguist.

• Tuesday, Sept. 16 – Stephen Bell, Tennessee Ready Business Program.

• Tuesday, Sept. 23 – Brittany Gulmire, Choices Resource Center.

Clinton assistant marks 80th birthday in classroom

August 27, 2025 by Ben Pounds

Pictured celebrating Clinton Elementary School teaching assistant Albert Earle’s 80th birthday are Roxie Bowles, from left, Yaretzi Lechuga, Earle, Harrison Smith, Thatcher Chitwood and Clay Deboard. - Ben Pounds

Albert Earle may be 80 years old, but he still works at Clinton Elementary School helping children with their studies.

“I am thankful to be here,” Earle said. “You have to have a purpose to get up every morning. You have to have something you enjoy doing.”

He said he loves getting to teach the children.

“Great kids; it’s just an enjoyable place,” he said.

Earle works as a teaching assistant, mostly for reading but occasionally for math at CES.

“My head still thinks I’m 19,” he said. “It feels great. I’m thankful I’ve lived this long.”

He said he retired from a job in finance six years ago.

“I can’t just sit and do nothing,” he said.

He said he has known Kelly Johnson, director of Clinton City Schools, since she was a small girl.

Johnson had been interested in Earle working at the school. He started as a substitute. These days he works four days per week, and 36 weeks per year.

He said he planned to celebrate his birthday by going out to eat with his daughter, but otherwise it was “just another day, really.”

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