After reading the latest Carter County, TN capers, I thought I should share some of the real Carter County. But this is the real deal! Life is never dull if you live in Carter County, Tennessee! This little county in upper East Tennessee has a vibrant history that they are proud of. With wonderful stories and a sense of community long gone from many towns. They still hold Town Hall meetings believe in the right to speak out and preserve their community.
Carter County is not a big town with only a population of over 60,000. The county can boast of producing several famous athletes. Paul Edward Anderson, gold medalist in weight lifting and Jason Witten, tight end for the Dallas Cowboys. Witten is admired both on and off the field. Jason has given a lot of support to many charites and is very active in several causes. Remember that Carter County raised this kid.
This latest caper in the History of Carter County Sheriffs is not the first story from here that will amuse you and it certainly wont be the last. Carter County has had several Sheriff's who have become infamous.
It is one of those counties that every state has where you hear people say "They cannot drive so they must be from Carter County."
The people of Carter County are well known for their story telling abilities, fishing, love of community and so much more. They still believe in 'Downtown' there and several times a year you will see a parade or a community event sometimes for no reason at all. There is a lovely Historical Covered Bridge right down town near a small waterfall. In one of the few parks they have they host a lot of events year round, reenactments etc. If you love to fish this is one of the best places in Tennessee for you. Close to Boone North Carolina, Western Virginia and just a few hours away from Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. All four seasons can be enjoyed greatly by photographers and sight seers alike. This is one of the now rare Small town, USA. And how many towns can boast of being near an underwater town called Butler.
But, this new story, well this " ain't nuthin!" Here are just a very few of the funny stories that can come from only a place like Carter County, Tennessee, USA.
In 2002 while eating lunch at a local family owned cafe customers still insist to this day they saw a lion. A lion was standing on a hill just looking at cars. Then the Lion just calmly walked away.
In July, 2007 several citizens became upset over a speeding officer who lost a hubcap from his cruiser. He did radio in to ask someone to get his hubcap for him.
An officer was fired for having sex with an inmate. The female officer....
In 2008 a former Miss World contestant who had dogs cloned and kidnapped a young Mormon Missionary was wanted in Carter County Tennessee. Joyce McKinney a former Miss Wyoming was wanted for an attempted robbery. She was trying to commit a robbery so she could get enough money to buy a leg for her beloved 3 legged horse.
Her attorney, David Crockett told reporters "There was a strong aroma aobut her. I told her this needed to be taken care of before I went to court with her." He later said "She is a rathar bizarre character and she loved her horse dearly."
Carter County has so many fun stories it is hard to tell them all.
But, no matter what the world thinks of Carter County and we may tease. In Tennessee we still have some pride in them. Because they still believe in an America where every person had a voice, and they don't hesitate to use their voice. To you they might be that nozy neighbor down the street. But there that same neighbor would give you the shirt off their back. If a family is in need in Carter County, the entire town would most likely have fundraisers and make sure the family was taken care of.
Carter County is one of the few places in America that still believe in Apple Pie, Grandma's on Sunday after Church. Playing ball with the kids. Classic cars, Good Clean fun, family and the Flag. They still believe in Freedom and liberty and justice for all. They still UNITE in Carter County and STAND UP for their rights and protect their votes.
It sure is a fun place to visit and a lot of rich funny history.