Here's the Keys: FC Mayor's Office Gifts Van to 4-H Club
- Terri Carter
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
On September 5th, the Franklin County Mayor’s Office officially presented the Franklin County 4-H Club with a generous donation—a 2025 GMC G2500 van—during a ceremony held at the Franklin County Annex Building. This gift not only symbolizes the county’s deep appreciation for the time, dedication, and hard work invested by 4-H members and leaders, but also ensures safe, reliable transportation to competitions, workshops, and educational events across the region.
Members of the UT Extension–Franklin County 4-H Club, joined by their director Hunter Isbell, sat proudly in the conference room of the Annex Building as Franklin County Mayor Chris Guess expressed his admiration for the group. He spoke passionately about the county’s unwavering commitment to supporting today’s youth and nurturing tomorrow’s leaders.
“I’ve always been a big advocate of education.”, said Guess. “Even when I was at the sheriff’s office, the number one concern and the number one thing when we talked about being supportive was with our youth, our young folks, and our school system. You’ve heard me say this before and you’ll hear me say it again. Our youth are not our future. Our youth are our now. And if we don’t get it right with them now, it’ll be a tough fix on the back end.”
Mayor Guess shared that he and his staff are constantly seeking meaningful ways to enhance the county and give back to the community. Speaking directly to the students, he explained what had inspired his office to support the 4-H Club and emphasized the values and steps he believes are essential to shaping their future success.
“You can take someone who is involved in the advancement of young people in whatever form that might be. Speaking, competitions or knowing how to wear a tie. It goes all over the globe but it’s all a form of education about how to go to that next step in life and how to present yourself, which is incredibly important. Don’t ever let anyone tell you it’s not.”
The mayor’s office looked for an opportunity to help with the youth of Franklin County, and Mayor Guess stated that they had recognized the effort from the 4-H Club and their leadership.
“When you have someone that’s doing a really good job and they’re going above and beyond what they’re called to do because they love what they do and they love what they’re doing it for, that is the exact kind of opportunity that I’m looking for to see if we can continue to help.”, stated Guess.
Mayor Guess explained that the idea to purchase the van stemmed from recognizing how often the 4-H Club travels as part of its programming. Understanding the need for consistent, safe transportation to and from events and competitions, he and his office made the decision to provide a reliable vehicle for the club. Prior to the donation, 4-H members relied on a patchwork of transportation options to attend scheduled activities, often coordinating their own travel arrangements.
After navigating several challenges and logistical hurdles, the county was ultimately able to secure the van through grant funding. Their efforts were supported by Fred Walker, a salesman at Russell Barnett Chevrolet, whose assistance helped bring the purchase to fruition.
“I really appreciate what Fred (Walker) did.”, stated Guess. “A lot of people would not have taken the time or extra effort the way he did to find us something that we could find for you to use. So, we are very thankful to him for that. And that is a shining example of people working together to make Franklin County a better place. That’s what it’s all about.”
After presenting the van keys to 4-H Program Director Hunter Isbell, Mayor Guess, his staff, the 4-H students, and Fred Walker of Russell Barnett Chevrolet stepped outside to admire the newest asset to the program. The gleaming 2025 GMC van stood as a symbol of what can be accomplished when community leaders invest in the potential of young people. With this gift, Franklin County’s 4-H Club is better equipped to pursue opportunities, expand horizons, and continue building the character and skills that will shape tomorrow’s leaders. It was a moment of celebration, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the future.
