Varner seeking re-election to road supervisor post

RHEA COUNTY — Incumbent Rhea County Road Supervisor Glen Varner recently declared his “unwavering commitment to serving the public for the forthcoming second term,” throwing his hat into the ring as a candidate in the upcoming Rhea County Republican Primary on March 5, 2024.

Deeply rooted in the community of Rhea County, Varner has lived in Rhea County for the past 57 years. Varner and his wife, Mable, have raised four kids in Rhea County: Angie Keylon, Carol Ballard, Bradley (Christy) Varner and Dave (Ashley) Varner, as well as nine grandchildren, Bryce (Laken) Keylon, EmmaRuth (Spencer) Robinson, Noah Varner, MaleeKate Ballard, Nate Varner, Marrick Ballard, Ava Varner, Ruby Varner & Owen Varner.

Varner said that with his roots firmly grounded, he actively supports the younger generation and his grandchildren by participating in community events such as the Rhea County Fair and supporting local athletic programs.

He said his patriotism is exemplified by his voluntary enlistment in the U.S. Army draft in 1963, serving six years, followed by an additional 26 years in the National Guard, reaching the rank of Chief Warrant Officer before retiring in 2004.

In his over 40 years of entrepreneurial endeavors, Varner has left an indelible mark on Rhea County’s landscape as a road-building contractor, contributing significantly to the construction of numerous subdivision roads totaling over 25 miles, all approved by the county.

Over the past seven years, Varner said he has taken pride in overseeing transformative improvements to the county’s road system and equipment within the road supervisor role.

Under his watch, 181 miles of county roads have been resurfaced, constituting a 40 percent of the entire network. Paving projects include Shaver Loop Road, Hutchins Road, Old Graysville Road, Rocky Springs Road, Payne Lane, Evensville Mountain Road, Back Valley Road, Smyrna Road and Eagle Lane.

Upon assuming office, Varner said he inherited a department burdened with over $1 million in debt. Through prudent fiscal management, he said his administration successfully eliminated this debt, ensuring that no additional financial burdens were placed on the taxpayers of Rhea County.

Under Varner’s supervision, the Rhea County Highway Department has expanded its operational capabilities by adding 16 pieces of equipment, including dump trucks, excavators and loaders, enhancing the department’s capacity to deliver high-quality work.

Looking ahead, Varner said he has already secured contracts for three additional paving projects with Rogers Group, namely North Wolf Creek, New Union Road and a section of Double S Road. He said that these projects, totaling $1.9 million, signify a commitment to continued infrastructure development without resorting to additional indebtedness.

In his appeal to the electorate, Varner said he humbly requests their vote and support in the The County Republican Party Primary, emphasizing his dedication to advancing the county’s road system.

Early voting is scheduled from Feb. 14 to Feb. 27, with Election Day slated for March 5.