Rogersville board honors former Mayor Jim Sells

ROGERSVILLE — Rogersville's Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting began with a moment of silence. Former Mayor Jim Sells died earlier that Tuesday. Sells served as the Rogersville mayor for 48 years — the sixth longest sitting mayor in the United States — retiring June 2025. He was also an alderman for six years. The board's meeting room bears Sells' name, and a portrait of him hangs on one of its walls. On behalf of the town, Mayor John C. Metz offered his condolences to all who knew Sells. "We are grateful for his service, his dedication and the legacy he leaves behind," Metz said. "May we honor his memory by continuing to serve our community with the same sense of beauty, respect and care that he so clearly demonstrated." Later, Metz announced the creation of the Jim Sells Scholarship Fund for high school students. He tapped Alderman Danny Brooks to chair the scholarship's committee, citing his ability to "grab the bull by the horns." At the Rogersville City School board meeting, held earlier that evening, chair Reed Matney also called for a moment of silence in Sells' honor. "It's a sad time, today," Matney said. "He meant so much to the town and this school." Other updates Metz recognized Brooks for his contribution to the town's first New Year's Eve party. Metz said the celebration was a great success, a team effort and entirely paid for through private donations. Brooks, he said, went above and beyond in the event's planning and execution. "[Brooks came] up with some phenomenal ideas that were implemented, and it was the cherry on top of the event," Metz said. "These efforts created a memorable community moment and exemplified the spirit of civic pride and cooperation that strengthens Rogersville." The board approved an ordinance to define portable versus permanent accessory buildings and establish related standards. An accessory building is supplemental to a primary, like a garage to a home. The board approved two resolutions regarding engineering services and planning committee projects like a street closure plan and traffic calming. In an out-of-order resolution, the board approved an interlocal agreement with Surgoinsville to share maintenance equipment when needed. Metz said the towns already do this, but he wanted to codify it. Surgoinsville's Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the agreement at its meeting Monday night.