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Gouge-Dietz sworn in as new commissioner

By Max Hrenda

After losing former Commissioner Richard Renfro to retirement in Daytona Beach, Fla., the Carter County Commission voted Tuesday to appoint Bobbie Gouge-Dietz to serve as his replacement.

Gouge-Dietz, who has spent the past few years teaching English at Happy Valley High School, said she was honored by her selection.

“I’m honored to be selected,” Gouge-Dietz said. “I hope I can make some decisions that will help us move forward and make a better county.”

A lifelong Carter County resident, Gouge-Dietz spent 35 years working in education. Most recently, she taught English at Happy Valley High School. While presenting her platform to the commission, Gouge-Dietz cited her years of experience in education as some of her qualifications for the position.

“During my time (teaching), I was president of the Carter County Education Association,” Gouge-Dietz said. “Educators from District I elected me to go to Nashville and represent them as their political action person.”

Gouge-Dietz has since retired, but has still found opportunities to continue teaching.