Rose Hill Farmer Named Expo Farmer of the Year

Here's the latest scoop - from the Middlesboro Daily News by reporter Steve Woodard --

ROSE HILL — A Rose Hill man was given a top award this past weekend for his agricultural accomplishments. Edmond Hensley of Rose Hill won the Times-News Farm Expo Farmer of the Year Award during ceremonies held at the Meadowview Convention Center in Kingsport, Tenn. Hensley received a $1,000 award, along with a Kubota jacket and plaque from Lawson’s Building Supply in Rose Hill, who was a sponsor for 2009.“I was surprised and happy for him when I was informed he had been selected to receive the Farmer of the Year award,” said Harold Jerrell, Extension Agent for Lee County.“Since I nominated him, I also had to fill out the application and ‘tell his story,’” said Jerrell. “I am not a writer and my concern was that I would not be able to put into words what Edmond has been able to accomplish during his farming career. I enjoyed visiting in his home and allowing him to answer the many questions I needed to ask.”Jerrell said that any agricultural agency may nominate a farmer for the award. He said five counties were represented in the competition from Virginia, as well as five from Tennessee. The Kingsport Times-News has sponsored the event for 12 years. Around 7,000 people attended the event.Hensley’s story as a farmer began with a single cow nearly 65 years ago.But, now, things are quite different. Hensley manages a herd of approximately 625 Angus or Angue Charolais cross steers, grows nearly a 100 acres of corn silage, and 250 acres of hay. Surprisingly, Hensley has been able to manage his operation with only the help of Teddy Ramsey, an employee of his for 22 years during harvest and feeding seasons.Not only is Hensley an accomplished farmer, but also a family man. Married to Jacinta Davis Hensley, Mr. and Mrs. Hensley are the proud parents of three children and 11 grandchildren.From all his years farming, Hensley said that he believes strongly the contributions the agricultural industry has made to the economy. He stated that farming is the backbone of our economy and that he believes it is essential that our government support the farming industry. He said that if it isn’t supported, young farmers will quit farming due to the high input costs and the uncertainty of the price of farm crops.Jerrell said he had known Edmond for about 53 years. “I was glad to see Edmond win,” said Jerrell.

Rose Hill Resident Alan Crockett Honored

Rose Hill resident Alan Crockett was recently honored by the Council of Virginia Archaeologists with the Virginia Sherman Award, recognizing his outstanding achievements toward recording and protecting Lee County archaelogical resources.

I'm reading back over various related articles, including a front page story in yesterday's Powell Valley News Weekender titled "Rose Hill Resident Alan Crockett Earns Archaelogy Award" and a Kingsport Times News feature story dated December 7, 2008 titled "Archaeologists honor Lee teacher for efforts on historical preservation" and a feature article in the Kingsport Times News from June 18, 2007 titled "Indian mound in Lee may reveal secrets of the past."

What I'm learning is that it's not just one Indian mound located near here - there must be more than one, maybe even several of these, and they must be pretty old in comparison to other Indian mounds elsewhere. Personally I have a hard time trying to imagine what life was like around here in A.D. 1000 or A.D. 1600. It appears that these mounds could have been places for "ceremonial feasting," and that The Ely Mound is a special type of "temple mound," in an area that would have been a trading post, near the gap. Sounds like you could eat, worship, and go shopping - near a mound back then?! haha! ya reckon?! I see references to The Ely Mound, the Rose-Robinson Mound, the Carter Robinson Mound. Wonder how many mounds are around here??

Tom Klatka, an archaeologist for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, nominated Alan Crockett for the award explaining, "Crockett has spent a career as an educator in the Lee County schools. Because he is reserved and humble, his efforts to promote an understanding of Lee County archaeology and site protection often go unnoticed." Klatka said that Alan Crockett has continually worked with Virginia archaeologists to promote public interpretation and protection of archaeological resources.

Alan Crockett explained, "It was surprising to get this. I've been told that no one west of Charlottesville has ever been given this award, so i was really surprised, pleased, and honored to receive it. The idea of being the most outstanding amateur archaeologist in the state was surprising to me. I never expected this at all."

Rose Hill Waterfall

This photo of the Rose Hill waterfall above Blue Springs was taken last week by Rose Hill resident Kevin W. Jerrell.

Here's excerpts from his email: "I enjoy checking out the Rose Hill website from time to time, and seeing the photos in and around Lee County. Last week, I hiked up to the waterfall above Blue Springs. With the recent rains, it was really breathtaking as it cascaded over the rocks. (I was there a couple months ago, but the falls were dry because of the lack of rain). Since I was up there I have been surprised at the number of Rose Hill residents that, like myself, had lived here for years but have never been up there. Although the hike is steep in places, it only took me about one hour and a half to make the round trip (including time out to make photos going up and coming down). Anyway, I thought you might mention this little-known attraction in your blog sometime. It is definitely worth the hike. Thanks. Kevin W. Jerrell, Rose Hill, VA"

Kevin, THANK YOU for sharing the beautiful photo and "Rose Hill ecotourist info." I've not seen those falls before, but I do have a nice new pair of hiking boots. One hour and a half round trip to a waterfall sounds like a great hike to help break in those new boots.

I know where the Blue Springs sign is (near where the 4-wheelers unload) and I've seen that creek running through there. Do you just follow that creek up the mountain to get to the waterfall?? Could it be that simple??

Again, thank you for the great photo and info!
Joan
www.rosehillvirginia.org